Athletic Training (Department of Health and Human Sciences)
Students interested in pursuing a graduate program in athletic training should major in health and human sciences. Bridgewater College offers a Master of Science in Athletic Training that can be taken as a traditional post-graduate degree or there is a 3 + 2 program that can allow the student to graduate with an undergraduate and graduate degree in five years. Contact program director, Dr. Chase Hale, LAT, ATC for more information at chale@bridgewater.edu.
Dentistry (Department of Biology and Environmental Science)
Pre-dental students are advised to pursue acceptance to dental schools in their state of residence and to review the admission requirements at their preferred school as early as possible. Students wishing to become dentists should consult with the pre-health advisor in the Department of Biology as early as possible in their college careers.
Law (Department of History and Political Science)
Students from any major can attend law school. However, history, political science, or other programs of study that emphasize critical thinking, verbal skills and writing are the most common majors for law school applicants. Students interested in law school are encouraged to combine a pre-law concentration with their chosen major or choose the pre-law track in the political science major. Pre-law students work with the pre-law advisor in the history and political science department to pick classes relevant to their specific legal interests, prepare for the LSAT, use the Law School Admission Council's Credential Assembly Service, get letters of recommendation, write a personal statement and pick schools to which they might apply.
Medicine (Department of Biology and Environmental Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry)
Medical school preparation should begin as early as possible in the undergraduate degree program. Students meet with the pre-medical advisor in the Department of Biology and Environmental Science or the Department of Chemistry to create a plan for achieving admission to the school of their choice. Numerous resources and opportunities are available through joining Bridgewater's Pre-Health Society. In addition to achieving an exceptional academic record, pre-medical students have a unique opportunity to obtain medical experience through completing their required service-learning hours at local hospitals and free clinics or through obtaining EMT certification and volunteering at a rescue squad.
Ministry (Department of Philosophy and Religion)
The minor in philosophy and religion will help prepare students for admission to a theological seminary to pursue a master of arts or a master of divinity degree.
Occupational Therapy (Department of Health and Human Sciences)
Occupational therapy (OT) students should pursue an undergraduate major of health and exercise science and talk to their advisor about courses that would best prepare them for master's level or doctoral level OT programs.
Additionally, articulation agreements exist with Mary Baldwin University that allow qualified students from Bridgewater College to be admitted into their occupational therapy programs. Contact the chair of the Department of Health and Human Sciences for more information.
Pharmacy (Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry)
Students interested in attending pharmacy school should meet with the chair of the Department of Chemistry. The chemistry department advises students with regard to courses that meet the requirements of most pharmacy schools and will work with each student to create a plan for their school of choice.
Physical Therapy (Department of Health and Human Sciences)
Students interested in physical therapy should pursue an undergraduate major of health and exercise science and talk to their advisor about courses that meet the requirements of most physical therapy schools.
Additionally, articulation agreements exist with Mary Baldwin University and Shenandoah University that allow qualified students from Bridgewater College to be admitted into their physical therapy programs. Contact the chair of the Department of Health and Human Sciences for more information.
Physician Assistant (Department of Health and Human Sciences)
Students interested in pursuing graduate school to become a physician assistant can attain that goal by majoring in any program. However, two majors, Biology or Health and Exercise Science embed prerequisite courses within their programs. Therefore, early consultation with faculty within those programs can assure you are prepared for the admissions process.
Veterinary Medicine (Department of Biology and Environmental Science)
Admission into veterinary school is highly competitive, and prospective students should consult with the pre-health advisor in the Department of Biology. Students may benefit from a dual degree program with Virginia Tech.
A student must complete all biology major and the general education requirements to apply in the junior year to Virginia Tech. If accepted, the student leaves Bridgewater after the third year for the first year of veterinary school at Virginia Tech. After satisfactory completion of the first year of vet school, the courses transfer back to Bridgewater, and the student can participate in May graduation and receive a B.S. in biology from Bridgewater.