About Our Pre-Health Programs
Tougaloo College offers preparation for students desiring to enter health professions. In recent years increasing numbers of students have entered schools of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, medical technology, nursing, public health, cytotechnology and pharmacy. There are now more than 200 health-related occupations which utilize training in sociology, psychology, art, and music as well as science. For details on any particular career, consult the Pre-Health Office.
All pre-medical or pre-dental students should endeavor to complete at least the minimum requirements for professional schools. While a student may, with careful planning, fulfill the requirements for medical or dental school within any major, we strongly suggest that students concentrate on their science and math courses and that they go beyond the minimum by enrolling in additional science coursework and shadowing medical professionals in the intended field. It is recommended that the courses below be completed at least one year before entering medical school or dental school.
Rigorous Science Foundation
Comprehensive coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics to prepare for professional health programs
Clinical Experience
Opportunities for shadowing healthcare professionals and gaining hands-on experience in medical settings
Professional School Success
Strong track record of student acceptance to medical, dental, pharmacy, and veterinary schools nationwide
Health Professions Career Paths
In recent years, increasing numbers of our students have entered prestigious health professional schools across the nation. Our graduates pursue diverse careers in healthcare, from traditional medicine and dentistry to emerging fields in biotechnology and public health.
Medical Professions
- Physician (MD/DO)
- Physician Assistant
- Medical Researcher
- Medical Technology
- Pathology
- Radiology
Specialized Healthcare
- Dentistry
- Veterinary Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Optometry
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
Health Sciences
- Nursing
- Public Health
- Cytotechnology
- Clinical Laboratory Science
- Healthcare Administration
- Biomedical Research
Suggested Courses For Pre-Med
and Pre-Dental Students
All pre-medical or pre-dental students should endeavor to complete at least the minimum requirements for professional schools. While a student may, with careful planning, fulfill the requirements for medical or dental school within any major, we strongly suggest that students concentrate on their science and math courses and that they go beyond the minimum by enrolling in additional science coursework and shadowing medical professionals in the intended field. It is recommended that the courses below be completed at least one year before entering medical school or dental school.
This four-year plan ensures students complete all prerequisite courses at least one year before entering professional school. Students should work closely with the Pre-Health Advisor to tailor their schedule to their specific career goals.
First Year Suggested Courses
Fall Semester
These are introductory courses in the principles of chemistry. Topics include the mole concept, stoichiometry, states of matter, thermodynamics, chemical bonding, equilibria, kinetics, acid-base reactions, and oxidation-reduction reactions.
CREDIT: 3 Semester Hour(s)
Prerequisite(s): Math ACT score 20 or CHE 104 with a grade of C
Corequisite(s): CHE 117, MAT 103 or MAT 104 or MAT 221
Introductory laboratory to demonstrate, clarify, and develop experimentally the principles taught in CHE 115–CHE 116. One three-hour laboratory per week.
CREDIT: 1 Semester Hour(s)
Corequisite(s): CHE 115
Comprehensive treatment of major principles of modern biology. Topics include cell structure, cell membrane, metabolism, cellular respiration, cell cycle/mitosis, Mendelian genetics, DNA structure and replication, and protein synthesis. Intended primarily for Biology majors and health-related careers. Three hours of lecture per week. One three-hour laboratory per week (BIL 111).
CREDIT: 4 Semester Hour(s)
Prerequisite(s): MAT 103
Spring Semester
These are introductory courses in the principles of chemistry. Topics include the mole concept, stoichiometry, states of matter, thermodynamics, chemical bonding, equilibria, kinetics, acid-base reactions, and oxidation-reduction reactions.
CREDIT: 3 Semester Hour(s)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 115 with grade of C
Corequisite(s): MAT 104 or MAT 221 and CHE 118
Introductory laboratory courses to demonstrate, clarify, and develop experimentally the principles taught in CHE 115–CHE 116. One three-hour laboratory per week.
CREDIT: 1 Semester Hour(s)
Corequisite(s): CHE 116
Continuation of BIO 111 with a comprehensive treatment of major principles of modern biology. Topics include evolution, photosynthesis, plant structure/growth/transport/nutrition/reproduction, and animal nutrition/digestion/circulation/gas exchange/immune system/regulation/excretion/ endocrine system/reproduction/development/nervous system. Intended primarily for Biology majors and those interested in pre-medicine. Three hours of lecture per week. One three-hour laboratory per week (BIL 112).
CREDIT: 4 Semester Hour(s)
Prerequisite(s): BIO 111
Second Year Suggested Courses
Fall Semester
These courses provide an introduction to the chemistry of carbon compounds. Organic structures and functional groups, stereochemistry and conformational analysis, kinetics, important organic reactions and their mechanisms, and their use in organic synthesis are discussed. Offered each semester. Three hours of lecture per week.
CREDIT: 3 Semester Hour(s)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 116 with C or better grade
Introductory laboratory course including techniques and methods used in synthesis, separation, and purification. IR spectroscopy, thin-layer, column, and gas chromatography methods are studied. Offered each semester.
CREDIT: 1 Semester Hour(s)
Corequisite(s): CHE 225
Physics Sequence — Select one option to begin your sequence
Basic study of the principles of physics for science majors and for non-science majors with strong math backgrounds. Topics covered without the use of calculus include space, time and motion, optics and waves, mechanics, heat, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics. Offered every fall. Three hours of lecture and problem solving per week. Three hours of laboratory per week.
CREDIT: 4 Semester Hour(s)
Corequisite(s): MAT 103, MAT 104, or MAT 105 (to replace MAT 103, MAT 104) or consent of the instructor
This one-semester course employs calculus in the study of key components of Newtonian Mechanics, including Fluid Mechanics and Gravitation. Offered every spring. Three hours of lecture and problem solving per week. Three-hour laboratory period per week.
CREDIT: 4 Semester Hour(s)
Prerequisite(s): MAT 221 or PHY 111
Spring Semester
Introduction to the chemistry of carbon compounds. Topics include organic structures and functional groups, stereochemistry and conformational analysis, kinetics, important organic reactions and their mechanisms, and their use in organic synthesis. Offered each semester. Three hours of lecture per week.
CREDIT: 3 Semester Hour(s)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 225 with C or better grade
Course discussing the theory and use of IR, NMR, and mass spectrometry; strategies of multistep synthesis; and methods of organic structure determination. Includes practical laboratory experience with multistep syntheses, organic structure determination, and the use of various instrumental techniques. Offered each semester.
CREDIT: 1 Semester Hour(s)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 227 with a grade of C or above
Corequisite(s): CHE 226
Physics II — Select the course that matches your sequence
Basic study of the principles of physics for science majors and for non-science majors with strong math backgrounds. Topics covered without the use of calculus include space, time and motion, optics and waves, mechanics, heat, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics. Offered every spring. Three hours of lecture and problem solving per week. Three hours of laboratory per week.
CREDIT: 4 Semester Hour(s)
Corequisite(s): MAT 103, MAT 104, or MAT 105 (to replace MAT 103, 104) or consent of the instructor
One-semester course employing calculus in the study of Oscillations and Waves, Electricity, and Magnetism. Offered every fall. Three hours of lecture and problem solving per week. Three-hour laboratory period per week.
CREDIT: 4 Semester Hour(s)
Prerequisite(s): MAT 222 and PHY 223
Third Year Suggested Courses
Study of the morphology and physiology of cells and cell organelles; diversity of cell types resulting from specialization; mechanisms by which cells reproduce, develop, and evolve; and the methodology by which cell physiology and morphology are studied. Three hours of lecture per week. One three-hour laboratory per week (BIL 221).
CREDIT: 4 Semester Hour(s)
Prerequisite(s): BIO 112, CHE 115 or consent of instructor
Covers the structure and functions of the living cell and the subcellular particles. Chemistry of metabolism and the biological function of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, enzymes, and coenzymes are discussed in detail. Three hours of lecture per week.
CREDIT: 3 Semester Hour(s)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 226
Corequisite(s): BIO 417
Introduction to the basic principles and concepts of sociology with examination of the elements of social structure and social behavior. Focus is placed on the fundamental structure of American society and basic changes occurring in recent years, with tentative projections into the future. This course is a prerequisite for all required courses in the Sociology major. Offered each semester.
CREDIT: 3 Semester Hour(s)
Introduction to the principles of behavior with a comprehensive overview of major applied areas in psychology. Topics include sensation and perception, motivation and emotion, personality, health, stress and coping, psychological disorders, therapies, social thinking and influence, pro-social and antisocial behavior, and applied psychology. Offered every fall and spring semester.
CREDIT: 3 Semester Hour(s)
Prerequisite(s): ENG 101
Advanced elective course in Biology. Specific topics vary by offering and may include specialized areas.Designed to provide depth in an area of biology beyond the core sequence.
CREDIT: 4 Semester Hour(S)
Advanced elective course in Biology. Specific topics vary by offering and may include specialized areas.Designed to provide depth in an area of biology beyond the core sequence.
CREDIT: 4 Semester Hour(S)
Fourth Year — Guidance Notes
Complete major and college requirements. Apply for professional school.
After the junior year, students should concentrate on developing test-taking skills for the MCAT or DAT.
Throughout their college career, students should shadow a variety of health professionals to solidify their motivation and commitment to their profession.
*It is highly recommended to take as many biology courses as possible to ensure a good foundation for matriculation into the professional school of choice. **Throughout their college career, students should shadow a variety of health professionals to solidify their motivation and commitment to their profession.
Early Identification Programs for Medicine
Tougaloo College has Early Identification agreements with Brown University, Boston University, and the University of Buffalo medical schools which allow students to be identified for admission as early as the sophomore year. The University of Mississippi’s PROMISE and Rural Physicians programs provide other pathways to medical school after the sophomore year.
Dentistry Agreement with University of Mississippi
The University of Mississippi is the only dental school in Mississippi. To support students who are interested in serving rural Mississippians through dentistry, the Mississippi Rural Dentists Scholarship Program supports highly qualified students throughout undergraduate study and at the UMMC School of Dentistry with professional development experiences, exam preparation, and financial support. Qualified students may be selected in their sophomore, junior, or senior years.
Dual Degree Program with Xavier University of Louisiana School of Pharmacy
Tougaloo College and Xavier University of Louisiana School of Pharmacy offer a dual degree in pharmacy. Students are identified for early acceptance into the Pharmacy School during their sophomore year at Tougaloo College. Admitted students must meet all program guidelines prior to transferring to Xavier after their junior year at Tougaloo. Upon successful completion of the first year of pharmacy school, Tougaloo will accept Xavier courses toward completion of a Tougaloo science major and BS degree. Students must maintain a GPA of 2.75 or above.
Dual Degree Program with Howard University School of Pharmacy
Tougaloo College and Howard University School of Pharmacy offer a dual degree in pharmacy. Students are identified for early acceptance during their sophomore year at Tougaloo. Admitted students must meet program guidelines prior to transferring after their junior year at Tougaloo. Upon successful completion of the first year of pharmacy school, Tougaloo will accept Howard pharmacy courses toward a Tougaloo science major and BS degree. Students must maintain a GPA of 2.75 or above.
Veterinary Medicine Agreement with Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine has an early identification program for Tougaloo students. Sophomore students who have completed Biology 111–112, General Chemistry 115–118, and Math 103 or above, with a GPA of 2.8 or above (3.4 in sciences) and demonstrated interest in the field, may apply. Students are accepted into the program in their junior year based on science performance and demonstrated interest and are admitted to the veterinary program in their senior year.
Pharmacy Agreement with the University of Mississippi
Tougaloo College and the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy have a Preferred Admission agreement. Interested freshmen may apply during their second semester at Tougaloo. Successful applicants will have a GPA of 3.25 or above in required pre-pharmacy courses (Biology 111, Chemistry 115/117, Math 103 or above) with no grades below C, along with evidence of volunteer experience. In successive years, identified students must continue to achieve at this level in required coursework. Seniors must have a PCAT score of 400 and a writing score of 3.0. Students meeting these benchmarks are automatically admitted to the Ole Miss School of Pharmacy.
Questions?
For further information on any of these programs—or other medical, dental, or professional school routes—please contact the Pre-Health Advisor.
Grants & Research Highlights
U.S. CMS SPRINT – A Scholars Program for Research INTernship
Program overview
The U.S. CMS SPRINT internship integrates software/instrumentation training, lectures across a broad topic range, and a structured research experience. Students attend a two-week summer program at a DOE national lab (Fermilab) and then complete eight weeks of mentored research at a U.S. university site or Fermilab. Some students continue research during the academic year in collaboration with U.S. CMS scientists. Scholars gain skills in software, computing, data science, and machine learning.
U.S. CMS Operations at the Large Hadron Collider
Program overview
Supplements DOE RENEW HEP SPRINT to provide summer internships for six undergraduates annually in USCMS high-energy physics. Experience includes two weeks of training at Fermilab followed by eight weeks of research at a USCMS institution/facility.
NASA LunaSCOPE: Lunar Structure, Composition & Processes for Exploration
Program overview
An international team led by Brown University within NASA’s SSERVI advancing knowledge of the Moon’s origin, evolution, and composition while enabling future human exploration. Researchers span 20+ institutions in the U.S. and abroad.
Louis Stokes Mississippi Alliance for Minority Participation (LS-MAMP)
Program overview
Enhances undergraduate academic and professional preparation for STEM graduate study through research experiences, speaker series, supplemental instruction, and professional development.
NSF HBCU-UP Targeted Infusion Project
Project focus
Boosts first-year persistence, retention, and research access in STEM via blended adaptive learning + POGIL in General Chemistry; a new math-chemistry bridge course; and early independent/course-based research experiences. Designed as a scalable model for HBCUs.
MS-INBRE Research Initiation: Polypeptide-based Multi-Functional Drug Carriers
Project focus
Engineers polypeptide–drug conjugates with modules for recognition, penetration, targeting, and in-vivo tracking; embeds research into biochemistry labs for hands-on, inquiry-driven learning.
NSF EPSCoR E-RISE: Mississippi Nano-bio & ImmunoEngineering Consortium (NIEC)
Consortium scope
Statewide partnership (7 institutions) advancing biomaterials research, education, and workforce development. RFAs include: (i) protein-corona engineering for nano-immuno interactions, (ii) polymer nanocarriers for nucleic acids, and (iii) pathogen-resilient bioinspired scaffolds.
MS-INBRE Project Development: In-Silico Study on SARS-CoV-2 Immune Escape
Project focus
Computational modeling of spike-RBD mutants to map impacts on viral entry and immune escape; aims include homology modeling, mutational effect analysis, and protein-protein compatibility maps.
NSF HBCU-UP Research Initiation Award
Project overview
Uses Nanopore long-read sequencing to study how DNA methylation affects RNA-velocity trajectories; delivers a toolbox for RNA-velocity estimation and a transformer-based methylation detector to advance genomic medicine.
UARC/DoD: Representational Assessment Tools for Neuroscience, Computational Modeling & AI Engineering
Project focus
Develops theory, models, and methods to characterize agents’ internal representations from EEG and related neuroscience data, bridging computational modeling and machine implementations.