Preparation for the Health Professions
Students preparing for careers in the health professions (medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, podiatric medicine, optometry) traditionally major in biology or chemistry. However, students may elect to major in any program provided they schedule the required science and mathematics courses to support their applications. The courses specified by the Association of American Medical Colleges for Medical School applicants are generally applicable as minimal requirements for most of the health professional school. They are:
 
General Chemistry
 8 semester hours
  Organic Chemistry 8 semester hours
  Physics 8 semester hours
  Biology 8 semester hours
  Mathematics(to Calculus) 0-6 semester hours
Most professional schools will accept these as minimal preparation, but may recommend additional courses. Students should be alert to the fact that professional schools are interested in demonstration of aptitude in science and mathematics, and the courses taken must be those normally rostered by majors in these areas, not courses offered for non-major election.
In the normal application process to health professional schools, the applicant's full undergraduate record is scrutinized. The strong liberal arts component in the La Salle curriculum will provide evidence of broad interest and rounded academic development. Evidence of leadership and active interest in associated activities will lend strong additional support to applications. Volunteer work in the particular health profession is also necessary.
Normally the competition for placement in these programs results in high acceptance standards. Grade point averages ranging from 3.4- to 4.0 are representative of levels expected in these programs. Students are encouraged to consult with their health professions advisor concerning admissions criteria at various schools.
 

Preparation for Teaching Professions
The teacher preparation program leads to eligibility for an Instructional I certificate to teach in either the elementary or secondary schools or to teach mentally and/or physically handicapped students in the elementary and secondary schools of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Education has granted program approval in the preparation of teachers of biology, chemistry, communication, earth and space science, elementary education, English, French, German, Italian, Latin, mathematics, Spanish, special education, and citizenship education. Students who satisfactorily complete the University's requirements in these areas are recommended by the Education Department faculty for a teaching certificate. Those planning to teach outside of Pennsylvania should familiarize themselves with certification requirements elsewhere.
The Education Departmental Board, consisting of faculty members from the Education Department, one faculty representative for each of the subject areas of teacher preparation, and student representatives in the teacher preparation program, makes final intradepartmental decisions on planning, conducting, and evaluating the teacher preparation program. The University's Career Services Center aids graduates in obtaining positions.
For details on specific requirements in each area of certification, please see the director of the appropriate program (elementary and special education, or secondary education).

 

Preparation for Law Professions
Law schools do not prescribe particular curricula for admissions. La Salle University, therefore, approaches the preparation for law on an individualized basis, tailoring the program of each student to individual needs and desires. Thus, students may major in English, political science, history, etc., as preparation for law.
The Pre-Law Program offers the student a coordinated approach to course selection, preparation for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), and both academic and admissions counseling. In addition, it provides many programs and panel discussions through the St. Thomas More Pre-Law Society. The Coordinator of Pre-Law Programs gathers, collects and disseminates to students appropriate information concerning legal education and the legal profession and informs students of special opportunities throughout the academic year. Pre-law advisors are available to guide students on an individualized basis with emphasis on particular needs.
 
 

Preparation for Criminal Justice Professions
Students preparing for careers in criminal justice professions pursue a curriculum which combines liberal arts with intensive coursework in the behavioral and social sciences and specialized courses in criminal justice. A major in criminal justice qualifies the student for admission to graduate programs in criminal justice and prepares the student for entry-level positions in law enforcement, judicial administration, probation, parole, and correctional administration.
 
 

Preparation for Social Work Professions
The mission of the Social Work Program is to prepare competent generalist social workers for practice in the urban community. Students develop the ability to think systematically, are grounded in social work theory, and utilize generalist practice skills in a variety of settings.
The program fosters a spirit of inquiry into matters of human diversity and social justice with an expectation that the process will stimulate an active commitment to social change. The students undertake an exploration of the self as a means of understanding and incorporating the values of the profession. Students are encouraged to acknowledge their unique gifts, and to challenge their limitations so they have conscious self-awareness in their practice as professional social workers.
Graduates earn a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), which prepares them for practice in the social services and related fields. The undergraduate degree also prepares students for graduate study. Many MSW (Master in Social Work) programs offer advanced standing to qualified BSW graduates, which reduces the time required to obtain the MSW from two years to one year.