About Our Pre-Health Programs
Tougaloo College offers comprehensive preparation for students desiring to enter health professions. Our Pre-Health Programs have successfully prepared students for admission to schools of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, medical technology, nursing, public health, pharmacy, and many other health-related fields.
With more than 200 health-related occupations available today that utilize training in sciences as well as sociology, psychology, art, and music, our program provides the strong academic foundation and practical experience needed for success in healthcare careers. We strongly encourage students to go beyond minimum requirements by enrolling in additional science coursework and gaining hands-on experience through shadowing and clinical experiences.
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.
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 Med-Corps Direct and Rural Physicians programs provide other pathways to medical or dental school after the sophomore year. For further information on these programs or on medical or dental school in general, contact the Pre-Health Advisor.
Veterinary Medicine Agreement with Mississippi State University
Mississippi State School of Veterinary Medicine has an early identification program for Tougaloo students. Sophomore students who have taken Biology 111-112, General Chemistry 115-118, and Math 103 or above, with GPA 2.8 or above (3.4 in sciences) and with demonstrated interest in the field, can apply to this program. They will be accepted to the program in their junior year based on their academic performance in science courses and their demonstrated interest in the field, and will be accepted to the school in their senior year.
Pharmacy Agreement with the University of Mississippi
Tougaloo College and the University of Mississippi Pharmacy School have a Preferred Admission agreement. Interested freshmen may apply to the program 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, as well as 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 who achieve at this level will be automatically admitted to the Ole Miss Pharmacy School.
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 will be identified for early acceptance into the Pharmacy School during their sophomore year at Tougaloo College. Students who are accepted will be required to meet the guidelines of the program prior to their transfer to Xavier after their junior year at Tougaloo. On successful completion of the first year of pharmacy school Tougaloo will accept Xavier courses toward the completion of a Tougaloo science major and BS degree. Students must maintain a GPA of 2.75 or above.
Pathways to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Most Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs follow the “2+2” program, where the first 2 years of prerequisite coursework are completed at the college or university of the student’s choosing. The last 2 years are finished out at a nursing school and the student graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the nursing school. This is what is known as the Traditional BSN program. Two other programs that are offered by the University of Mississippi Medical Center are the Freshman Early Entry Program and the Accelerated BSN program. Please see the Pre-nursing Brochure for more detailed information about the Traditional and Accelerated BSN program.
Freshman Early Entry (UMMC)
Through the partnership of Tougaloo College with the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), this program allows freshmen pre-nursing students to be accepted into the UMMC nursing school as a freshman, securing a spot and avoiding the competitive selection process as a sophomore/junior. This is offered annually to outstanding high school seniors and freshmen.
Minimum Criteria
- ACT score of 25
- Cumulative high school GPA of 3.5
- College GPA of 3.0 when accepted into the program and completion of all prerequisites with a grade of “C” or higher
Grants & Research Highlights
Dr. Caixia Chen
Topic: Numerical Study on Fluid Dynamics of Swallowing Process
Read full description
This project is to understand the human swallowing process and help guide more reasonable treatments on dysphagia and the design of novel, physically rational treatment equipment for dysphagia. The goal of this project is to understand the mechanisms of the liquid food flow in the human swallowing process and determine the parameters which impacts flow significantly. The methods presented in this study, as well as the resulting numerical solutions and mathematical model, can pave the way for a mechanical model of human swallowing followed by principles to test in the clinic. Total awarded amount $110,000.
Dr. Rajashekkhar Kanchanapally
Topic: Development of cell penetrating peptide-expressing autologous exosomes for efficient delivery of Paclitaxel to breast cancer cells and overcome drug resistance
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MS-INBRE program helps to build research infrastructure in the colleges and universities of Mississippi. The program funded our lab, $300,000 for three years, for a project titled “Development of cell penetrating peptide-expressing autologous exosomes for efficient delivery of Paclitaxel to breast cancer cells and overcome drug resistance”. Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality among African-American women. Inefficient drug deliver is a major cause of therapeutic failure. As part of this project we aim to develop a drug-delivery strategy for delivering cancer therapeutics at the target site, without causing any harm to normal cells. The project also aims to train underrepresented minorities in STEM field.
Research Initiation Award (RIA)
PI: Dr. Lianna Li • Title: Molecular Mechanisms for DCLK1 Tumorigenesis Revealed by Pathway Analysis using RNA Sequencing Data
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The award period of performance starts from 09/01/2021 and ends at 08/31/2024. The total award amount is $299,997. For this NSF-funded project, my research is focused on the elucidation of association of individual doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) isoform with tumorigenesis and chemoresistance of colorectal cancer. DCLK1 has 5 isoforms. Currently, which isoform of DCLK1 is more closely related to tumorigensis and chemoresistance and the underlying molecular mechanism are unclear. My overall research goal is to develop a more effective therapeutic strategy by targeting DCLK1 for cancer treatment. Currently, my research goals are: 1) reveal and compare association of different DCLK1 isoforms with stemness of cancer cells; and 2) discover molecular mechanisms of different DCLK1 isoforms in tumorigenesis and chemoresistance.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities – Undergraduate Program
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The HBCU-UP at Tougaloo College presents a multilayered approach to broaden opportunities for African-American students to succeed in STEM majors. This project will engage students from the pre-college level, during the first year, and up until graduation by using holistic strategies to identify, inform, motivate, and support students for success. These intervention strategies are anticipated to increased enrollment in STEM disciplines, higher success rates in gatekeeper courses, increased retention of freshmen, and increased students entering into the graduate school and STEM workforce. The program receives $1.3M support from the National Science Foundation.
Goals & Objectives: 1) Increase recruitment and retention of STEM majors by revamping the summer bridge program and developing an interdisciplinary freshman curriculum; 2) Provide students with the opportunity to see the value of STEM through research; 3) Revitalize faculty with a learning community focused on student-centered pedagogy.
The Sherman Fairchild Foundation’s Scientific Equipment Program (SEP)
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The Sherman Fairchild Foundation began a program of grants to liberal arts colleges in 1983 with the purpose of providing scientific equipment for student laboratories. Through 14 grant phases resulting in 64 awards, the Foundation’s Scientific Equipment Program (SEP) has evolved to support not only modern laboratory and field equipment for college science departments, but also technical and facilities support for the SEP equipment. Tougaloo College is awarded $500,000 for SEP Phase XV. Funds have been used to upgrade basic equipment in introductory labs, for highly sophisticated equipment used in capstone courses and senior theses, and for everything in between; including staffing and training to maximize impact.
Programs & Research
Cybersecurity
The Tougaloo College Cybersecurity program provides education, research, outreach and workforce development that produces highly-trained students for Cyber careers, and provides solutions to our nation’s technical and complex problems through partnerships and direct connections to government and industry. The program is supported by the NCAE-C Cybersecurity Education Diversity Initiative (CEDI) $300K Grant.
Cybersecurity Goals and Objectives
Our mission is to build a robust Cyber infrastructure to serve national defense interest, produce skilled students ready to enter the demanding and ever changing field of Cybersecurity and Privacy, establish collaborative partners to ensure deliverance of relevant and up-to-date teaching and research, and support workforce demands through certificates, degree programs and continuing education.
Data Science
The Data Science Program at Tougaloo College will prepare students for data-related graduate programs and the emerging and high-growth fields of digital information and big data. The long-term goals of this project are to increase the pool of highly skilled data science students and enhance the quality of overall preparation of undergraduates who will become leaders in those fields. The program receives support from the Sherman Fairchild Foundation and Title III.
Data Science Goals and Objectives
- The Data Science program 1) collaborates with local high schools, provides innovative programs, research opportunities, and mentorship to stimulate and nurture students' interest in data science
- 2) strengthens the base of participating faculty and students' knowledge of data science
- 3) encourages students to pursue further training for future data science careers.
Research Spotlight: Numerical Study on Fluid Dynamics of Swallowing Process
This project is to understand the human swallowing process and help guide more reasonable treatments on dysphagia and the design of novel, physically rational treatment equipment for dysphagia. The goal of this project is to understand the mechanisms of the liquid food flow in the human swallowing process and determine the parameters which impact flow significantly. The methods presented in this study, as well as the resulting numerical solutions and mathematical model, can pave the way for a mechanical model of human swallowing followed by principles to test in the clinic. The project receives $110K support from MS-INBRE.