University Catalog 2023-2024

Pre-Professional Programs

Pre-Law Advising

Law schools neither prescribe nor recommend a particular undergraduate curriculum for prospective candidates. A student may prepare for law school within any of the majors offered by the nine undergraduate colleges. Pre-Law Services at NC State are offered through the Career Development Center. Through Pre-Law Services, students receive guidance on preparing for law school, taking the LSAT, and applying to law school. Students have the opportunity to learn and network through experiential learning programs, internships, seminars and workshops, and the annual Law School Fair.

The Pre-Law Advisors also works with the Pre-Law Students' Association (PLSA), which is open to all interested students. During the year the PLSA provides programs that have included: NC State Law School Fair, local attorneys, panel of Law School students, Law School Directors of Admission, information on the admissions process. For more information, visit prelaw.dasa.ncsu.edu

Health Professions Advising

Many NC State undergraduate students are planning a career in the health professions and will apply to attend medical, dental, optometry or other health care graduate schools after graduation. Health Professions Advising at NC State University offers guidance, information, and support to students interested in attending health professional school. The Health Professions Advisor can assist you with:

  • Prerequisite course selection
  • Becoming a competitive candidate
  • Selecting potential health professions schools
  • Application materials & timelines
  • Personal statement assistance
  • Interview tips & preparation

Health professional schools do not require students to obtain a designated “Pre-Health” degree. Instead, they seek students who have demonstrated academic success and who also have excelled in other areas including clinical and service experience as well as social development. Like most schools, NC State does not offer a dedicated “Pre-Health” curriculum. Instead, we recommend that students interested in health professions select the academic major that is of greatest interest to them while ensuring that they select courses that provide a strong foundation in the natural sciences required by most professional programs for admission. These include biology, chemistry, physics, and calculus along with recommended courses like genetics and biochemistry. It is also recommended that students select courses that improve communication and writing skills as well as provide a strong foundation in the humanities, psychology and ethics.

For more information on Health Professions Advising, visit the Health Professions Advising website.

Veterinary Professions Advising Center (VetPAC)

The Veterinary Professions Advising Center (VetPAC) aims to provide NC State students and alumni the guidance, resources and experience necessary to become uniquely competitive veterinary school applicants. While there is no formal "pre-veterinary" program or degree at NC State, many students interested in pursuing veterinary school often declare majors in the following disciplines: Animal Science, Zoology, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Poultry Science. 

VetPAC is housed within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. For more information on pre-veterinary advising, visit the VetPAC website.