Students interested in professional careers in medicine, dentistry, podiatry, optometry, physician assistant and veterinary medicine most frequently major in biology, chemistry or biochemistry. Further information can be found in the catalog sections for each of those departments. Recently, a growing number of students have majored in psychology, physics, mathematics, English and philosophy. A general plan for these non-science majors appears below. Specific course requirements vary somewhat from one professional school to another, but there are some common requirements:
Biology: At least one year of general biology with laboratory (BIO 101-102).
Chemistry: One year of general chemistry and one year of organic chemistry with laboratories (CHM 111-112, 227-228).
Physics: One year of introductory physics with laboratory (PHY 201-202 or 223-224).
English: One year of college English which stresses composition (ENG 101-102).
Calculus: Many of the more competitive medical schools require one year of college level calculus.
Behavioral Science: One year of either psychology or sociology.
The Dr. George E. Schreiner Pre-Medical Center has been established to enhance the quality of the undergraduate experience for students who wish to enter the various fields of medicine. Its greatest impact is in helping pre-medical students to crystallize their ideas concerning medicine as a profession and to provide them with some understanding of the unique aspects of the various medical specialties. This crystallization is accomplished with information about various medical schools, medical specialties and medical practices.
The center assists students in choosing the right medical school and helps them to prepare for entrance examinations to these institutions. Through an increasing number of scholarships, the center provides financial assistance to qualified students pursuing medical and health-related professional degrees. The Pre-Medical Center also sponsors a distinguished lecture series where nationally and internationally known speakers address significant topics in the medical field.
Students interested in medicine should contact members of the Health Science Advisory and Recommendations Committee (listed above) at their earliest opportunity.
Early Assurance Program
The Pre-Medical and Pre-Dental Early Assurance programs at Canisius are offered in conjunction with the State University of New York at Buffalo Medical School and Dental School and the State University of New York Upstate Medical School in Syracuse, New York. Since these are public institutions which are financially supported by the State of New York, they give preference to students who either are residents of the state or who attend college in the state.
Joint Degree Programs
Canisius College has a seven-year joint-degree program with a growing list of professional schools including the State University of New York at Buffalo Dental School, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and the SUNY State College of Optometry. The first three years are spent at Canisius and the last four years at the professional school. A bachelor’s degree (B.A.) will be awarded from Canisius College after completion of the first year of dental, osteopathic, optometic or podiatric medical school. The D.D.S., D.O., D.P.M., or O.D. degree will be awarded at the end of seven years. To remain in good standing, students must fulfill all requirements established by the professional school.
For further information on any of the above programs, students should consult one of the advisors listed above.
During the past ten years, Canisius graduates have enjoyed an overall acceptance rate of 92 percent, with an acceptance rate of 94 percent specifically for medical school.
Pre-Med Professional Program for Non-Science Majors:
| Fall | Spring | ||||
| Freshman Year | |||||
| FYS 101 | 3 credits | ENG 102 | 3 credits | ||
| BIO 101 | 4 credits | BIO 102 | 4 credits | ||
| CHM 101 | 4 credits | CHM 112 | 4 credits | ||
| Calculus or Statistics | 4 credits | Calculus or Statistics | 4 credits | ||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | ||
| Sophomore Year | |||||
| PHI 101 | 3 credits | RST 101 | 3 credits | ||
| CHM 227 | 5 credits | CHM 228 | 5 credits | ||
| Courses in major and/or Core |
9 -11 credits | Courses in major and/or Core |
9 -11 credits | ||
| Total | 16-18 credits | Total | 16-18 credits | ||
| Junior Year | |||||
| PHY 201 | 4 credits | PHY 202 | 4 credits | ||
| BCH 301 or BIO 203 | 3 credits | Courses in major and/or Core |
12 credits | ||
| Courses in major and/or Core |
10 credits | ||||
| Total | 17 credits | Total | 16 credits | ||
| Senior Year | |||||
| Course in major | 15 credits | Course in major | 15 credits | ||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | ||
| Total 125-129 credits | |||||
The program is flexible; it represents a model that could easily be modified to meet the requirements of most departments. Once students have decided upon a major, they must design their own curriculum with the guidance and approval of both the chair of that major and a Health Science advisor. The program must meet the requirements of the core curriculum, the particular major chosen (i.e., English, philosophy, psychology, etc.) and the requirements of the health-professional schools. In place of the core curriculum, the All-College Honors Program is highly recommended.
Note: This program satisfies both the 120-credit hour and 40-course requirements for graduation.