What are pre-professional programs?

How do I prep for medical school? What should I major in for law school?

The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is renowned for delivering a rewarding educational experience that prepares students for a successful future. With one of our more than 70 majors, you will have countless opportunities to connect what you learn in the classroom to your life beyond it.

Before you can achieve amazing things, you need to lay a strong foundation. Pre-professional programs are where you can begin this journey. But what are pre-professional programs? This guide will explore pre-professional programs, what they entail, and the numerous benefits of enrolling in one.

What does pre-professional mean?

Pre-professional programs provide a foundational education that equips students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experiences to pursue professional degrees and careers. Pre-professional—meaning a category of academic programs and courses—prepares students for advanced study in professional fields such as law, medicine, business, and more. Pre-professional programs are also known as pre-med, pre-health, pre-law, and more.

What are pre-professional programs?

Pre-professional programs in a college context are specialized tracks designed to prepare students for entry into specific professional careers or schools. Unlike standard academic tracks, which may lead to a wide range of potential careers, these programs offer a tailored approach that includes targeted coursework that equips students with the particular skill set required to excel in a specific field.

What is a pre-professional major?

What is a pre-professional program in college, and is it the same as a major? There is a common misconception that pre-professional tracks are majors themselves. In reality, there is no pre-professional major, but rather pathways that complement a student's chosen major. In fact, various majors can fall under a pre-professional program, meaning that you can have the flexibility to pursue diverse academic interests while preparing for life after obtaining your undergraduate degree.

A biology major works in a lab on campus
If you want to go into the medical field, majors like biology, biochemistry, chemistry, and psychology are excellent choices. 

For example, students aspiring to attend medical school often major in biology, while students practicing pre-law often major in political science. However, a student could instead major in gender and women’s studies and still fulfill the necessary requirements for medical school or law school by taking additional science courses. This flexibility gives students the ability to pursue their academic passions while staying on track for their professional goals.

Illinois offers the following pre-professional and ROTC programs:

  • Dentistry
  • Law (Pre-law)
  • Medicine (Pre-med)
  • Nursing
  • Occupational therapy
  • Optometry
  • Pharmacy
  • Physical therapy
  • Physician assistant
  • ROTC programs
  • Veterinary medicine

Benefits of pre-professional degrees

A pre-professional degree offers numerous advantages for students aspiring to enter advanced fields such as law, medicine, health, and pharmacy. Here are some key benefits.

  • Pre-professional programs provide insight into the specific demands and expectations of your intended career, helping you to better understand what it takes to succeed.
  • These programs lay a strong groundwork that supports your academic and professional development throughout your undergraduate years and beyond.
  • Pre-professional tracks equip you with the targeted skills and knowledge needed to stand out as a strong candidate for graduate school. This is especially important in extremely competitive fields like medicine and law, where graduate programs seek the best-prepared students.
  • Throughout your pre-professional journey, you will have the opportunity to connect with professionals and mentors in your field. These relationships are invaluable when it comes time to request letters of recommendation for graduate school.
  • Pre-professional programs often provide access to specialized opportunities and resources, such as research projects, internships, and career-relevant registered student organizations (RSOs). These experiences not only enrich your education but also make your graduate school application more impressive.
A student on the Main Quad. He is wearing a nice suit.
Humanities majors—like English, history, and philosophy—are often popular choices for students on the pre-law track.

How to enroll in a pre-professional program

Illinois offers students the opportunity to pursue pre-professional goals in several areas, including dentistry, law, medicine, and more. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you seek out a pre-professional program within the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences:

Step 1: Choose your intended major

Understand your major and how it aligns with a pre-professional track: Educational goals in pre-professional areas are not majors themselves. You will need to select an intended major for your application to the University of Illinois. Your major can be closely related to your pre-professional goals (e.g., biology for pre-med) or in a different field as long as you complete the required coursework for your pre-professional interest.

Step 2: Apply to and enroll at the University of Illinois

  • Complete the application: When applying to the College of LAS, you will specify your intended major. During this process, you can also indicate your pre-professional interest, especially through personal statements and essays.
  • Submit required documents: Ensure you provide all necessary documents, such as transcripts, test scores, and any other materials required by the admissions office.
  • After enrollment: If you decide on your pre-professional path after being admitted, you can declare your pre-professional interest by meeting with an advisor and updating your educational goals.

Step 3: Meet with pre-professional advisors

  • Access specialized advising: Upon declaring your pre-professional interest, you will have access to specialized advisors in addition to the advisors within your specific major. These advisors will help answer questions like, “What is pre-professional program coursework like?” and explain the experiences required for your chosen track.
  • Plan your coursework: All your advisors will assist you in planning your academic schedule to ensure you complete all necessary prerequisites and gain relevant experience for your intended professional field. If you ask "what classes should I be taking to prepare for medical school?," for example, your advisor can put you on the right track! 
A student on graduation day poses by the Alma Mater
No matter what major you choose, through the College of LAS you'll be prepared to achieve all your professional and career goals.

Step 4: Complete necessary coursework and extracurricular activities

  • Follow the curriculum: Throughout your undergraduate career, make sure to complete the identified coursework necessary for your pre-professional interest.
  • Engage in relevant activities: Participate in RSOs, internships, and undergraduate student research that align with your pre-professional goals. These experiences will enhance your application for professional schools.

Step 5: Prepare for professional school applications

  • Gather recommendations: Build strong relationships with professors and mentors who would be willing to write letters of recommendation for your professional school applications.
  • Prepare for entrance exams: As you approach your senior year in undergrad, depending on your pre-professional track, you may need to take entrance exams such as the MCAT, LSAT, or GRE. Avoid procrastination and begin preparing for these exams well in advance.

Enroll in a pre-professional program in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

In this guide, we've outlined the essential steps to understanding what pre-professional programs are at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. We've discussed the importance of choosing your intended major, declaring your pre-professional interest, accessing specialized advising, completing necessary coursework, and engaging in relevant extracurricular activities.

The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences is committed to providing a rewarding educational experience that prepares students for a successful future. By enrolling in a pre-professional degree track, you gain access to the support and resources needed to excel in your chosen field.

Ready to begin? Explore liberal arts and science majors, learn more about the available pre-professional programs, and apply to LAS.