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Pre-Professional Programs

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Albertus Magnus College offers pre-professional programs for undergraduate students interested in continuing their studies in education, law and medicine related professional programs. These programs are not majors, but are designed to help students gain experiences, prepare for the rigors of and satisfy the requirements needed for entrance into graduate or professional school. Faculty mentors collaborate with students to develop a program of study that supports advanced study and their career interests.

Completion of pre-professional prerequisites does not guarantee admission to a graduate or professional school. Admission to these programs is highly selective.

Education and Teacher Preparation

Albertus Magnus College is licensed by the Connecticut Department of Higher Education, has approval by the Connecticut Department of Education, and is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) to offer planned programs at the undergraduate level leading to initial teacher certification. Planned programs are in place as follows:

  • Secondary Level (grades 7–12): biology; business; chemistry; general science; English; history/social studies; mathematics; Spanish
  •  Middle Level (grades 4– 8): *English; general science; history/social studies; mathematics
  • Grades pre-k–12: art

The Education and Teacher Preparation department also offers a minor in Education for students interested in licensures that are not included above. The 18 credit minor prepares students to enter a teacher preparation at the Master’s level. Currently, the college has agreements with Southern Connecticut State University and Quinnipiac University to offer pathways to Early Childhood, Elementary, Bilingual Elementary, and Special Education teacher certification.

Students considering careers in Education should make an appointment with the Director of Education Programs, education@albertus.edu.

Pre-Art Therapy

Albertus Magnus College offers Pre-Art Therapy preparation for undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing graduate study in art therapy or related mental health professions. Pre-Art Therapy is not a major or clinical training program; rather, it provides academic guidance to help students prepare for the expectations and admission requirements of master’s-level programs, including the College’s Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling (MAATC). Professional practice as an art therapist requires graduate education. Undergraduate preparation focuses on building strong foundations in studio art, psychology, ethical awareness, and interdisciplinary learning, while clearly distinguishing undergraduate study from graduate-level clinical training. Completion of pre-professional requirements does not guarantee admission to graduate school. Admission to art therapy graduate programs is competitive and selective.

Academic Preparation

Students interested in Pre-Art Therapy should work closely with their academic advisor to plan coursework that supports readiness for graduate study. Students may major in a variety of disciplines, including Psychology, Art, Human Services, Sociology, or related fields.

The coursework outlined below reflects Albertus Magnus College’s prerequisite expectations for students planning to apply to graduate programs in art therapy, including the College’s MAATC program. Prerequisite requirements may vary by graduate program and institution, and students are responsible for confirming specific admission requirements for the programs to which they plan to apply.

Studio Art (Minimum 18 credits)

Students must complete at least 18 credits in studio art, including coursework in:

AR 111 - Drawing I
AR 231 - Introduction to Ceramics
AR 311 - Painting I

Additional studio electives may include sculpture, printmaking, mixed media, digital art, or advanced studio courses. Studio coursework emphasizes hands-on artmaking and creative process rather than therapeutic application. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in each studio art course is required for graduate preparation.

Psychology (Minimum 15 credits)

Students must complete at least 15 credits in psychology, including:

PY 111 - Introduction to Psychology
PY 211 - Abnormal Psychology
PY 218 - Statistics for Behavioral Sciences

  • Developmental Psychology

Additional coursework in psychology is strongly recommended. Students must earn a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in each required psychology course.

Experiential Learning

Students are encouraged to seek non-clinical experiential learning opportunities to explore aspects of the profession and strengthen graduate school applications. Appropriate experiences may include volunteering or completing an internship in community arts programs, schools, hospitals, residential facilities, or social service organizations, as well as observing credentialed art therapists. Undergraduate experiences should stay non-clinical and not engage students in professional level art therapy practices.

Important Information

  • Pre-Art Therapy preparation does not constitute clinical training.
  • Completion of recommended coursework does not guarantee admission to the College’s Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling or any other graduate program.
  • Graduate admission requirements may vary by institution and are subject to change.

Pre-Law

Students preparing to enter law school need a strong foundation in the liberal arts. The College’s general education program, Invitation to Inquiry, is well-aligned with the skills needed to become a successful lawyer. The pre-law minor will help students develop critical thinking, critical reading, written and oral communication, and quantitative reasoning skills. Potential majors include Criminal Justice, English, Healthcare Management, History, Philosophy, Political Science, or Public Health and the minor in Pre-law.

Students considering careers in law should make an appointment with Bill Aniskovich, Dean of the Tagliatela School of Business, waaniskovich@albertus.edu.

Pre-Medical Studies

Students interested in pursuing doctoral or advanced professional degrees in medicine with the goal of becoming a physician, physician’s assistant, dentist, veterinarian, or other medical profession should consider pre-medical studies. Pre-medical is not a major or minor - it is an advising track to help students track completion of core requirements. While pre-medical studies will cover the majority of standard prerequisite courses, requirements vary by program type and school. Students must check their intended programs in advance of the application process to determine whether additional coursework is required to apply.

Students interested in pre-med will work with a faculty mentor and the Office of Career and Professional Development to plan their course of study. Students must actively pursue opportunities throughout their undergraduate years that help them gain knowledge about the healthcare field and their intended profession. These experiences include clinical work, shadowing, volunteering, research, community involvement, and leadership experiences. Students will also be expected to participate in pre-health advising workshops, research training and networking opportunities. 

Students interested in pre-med are advised to major in Biology and minor in Chemistry, Psychology or another related area, and must maintain a cumulative GPA of or above 3.2.  Application to professional school may require coursework outside of the specific major/minor courses.  

Students considering careers in the medical professions should make an appointment with Rebecca Brogan, Professor of Biology and faculty mentor for the Pre-Medical Program, rbrogan@albertus.edu.