Although the curriculum of Greenville is not organized for specialized technical or professional training and maintains the liberal arts ideal throughout, provision is made for pre-professional study and limited dual degree specialization in numerous fields. Information concerning dual degree and pre-professional work in engineering, law, medicine, veterinary science, social work, human services, teaching, and theology, may be obtained from the appropriate academic departments.
Students taking advantage of dual degree (3/2 or 3/3) programs in which two bachelor degrees are earned, one from Greenville University and one from a cooperative school, must notify the Registrar of their intent to graduate from Greenville University before transferring. Notification should be in the form of a graduation application.
Pre-Chiropractic Curriculum
Greenville University students interested in obtaining chiropractic licensure may participate in a 3/3 program with Logan University. Greenville University students will complete a minimum of 90 semester hours in coursework leading toward a bachelor of arts degree with a major in biology. Coursework at GU must include all general education requirements as stated in the catalog (EXPF 320 should be taken during the junior year), and the following courses:
Students must apply to Logan University one year in advance of their desired entrance date and must complete all required application procedures including submission of a recommendation and a satisfactory interview. Upon completion of the first two 15 weeks trimesters at Logan University with C’s or better a maximum of 34 credits may be transferred to GU toward the completion of the bachelor of arts degree at Greenville University.
The acceptance of transfer credits or testing toward completion of bachelor degree requirements shall be governed by current policies of Greenville University. However, no more than 20 credits of required courses and none of the science credits required for admission to Logan University may be earned via examination or transfer from another school. Students who earn less than a 3.25 GPA, but at least a 2.50 GPA at Greenville University will be eligible for admission to Logan University, and will receive appropriate consideration in the admission process for having completed the GU Pre-Chiropractic Program, but will not receive the assurance of a seat reserved for students earning a 3.25 or higher GPA.
Pre-Engineering
Students wanting to complete a major in engineering have several options. Students interested in a general engineering program may complete their B.S.E. degree and major requirements at Greenville University. A student interested in a specific area of Engineering may choose to seek two degrees: a B.A. from Greenville University and B.S.E. from the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois or with Washington University. Information on this dual degree option can be found in the Physics and Engineering section.
Pre-Medical Curriculum
Students considering medicine follow a program for the B.A. degree and usually select a major from one of the natural sciences. A high GPA and high scores on the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) are necessary to gain admission to medical school. A student should take those courses that will provide proficiency in biology, chemistry, and physics. Students should include additional courses as recommended by the medical school(s) to which they plan to apply. High school preparation should include a strong background in science and math.
Recommended Courses
Additional Courses
For those students who plan to seek admission to a school in a medical-related field such as dentistry, physical therapy, or optometry, the same basic curriculum would be followed. Adjustments in accordance with special admissions requirements for these schools can be made.
Pre-Nursing Curriculum
Greenville University students interested in completing a major in nursing have a few options to complete a BSN degree with St. John's College of Nursing in Springfield, Illinois.
Students first option is to complete a minimum of two years study on the Greenville campus before transferring for a final two-year period for the clinical training at St. John's College of Nursing. Graduates receive a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree from St. John's College. A three-two plan is also available in which the student completes Greenville’s general education requirements along with the pre-nursing curriculum before transferring to St. John’s College of Nursing. In this second option, the student transfers back enough credits from St. John's College of Nursing to graduate from Greenville with a biology major. The student in five years then is awarded the BSN degree from St. John’s College of Nursing and the BA degree with a major in biology from Greenville University.
Starting fall of 2022, Greenville University and St. John’s College of Nursing entered into a partnership that gives students a four-year path to a bachelor of science in nursing degree on Greenville University's campus. Nursing students enter Greenville University and complete pre-nursing courses at GU, then enter the St. John’s College of Nursing program on GU’s campus. Clinical experiences take place at HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville and at other HSHS hospitals in the southern region of Illinois. Students will earn their BSN degree from St. John’s College of Nursing. In this partnership, students have the option of earning a single degree (BSN) from St. John's College of Nursing, or earning both a BSN from St. John's College of Nursing and a bachelor's degree from Greenville University. Dual degree seeking students will be required to take both GU and SJC coursework concurrently beginning the second semester of the sophomore year and take online coursework in the summer.
Students interested in any of these options with St. John's College of Nursing must maintain a GPA of 2.75 or higher and must have a C or better in all pre-requisite coursework. Greenville University will make available housing and meal plans for students enrolled in nursing courses. Students are also encourage to participate in the vibrant community life including chapel, bible studies, student activities, clubs, and volunteer opportunities.
After passing the national examination, graduates of the BSN program are eligible to apply for licensure as registered professional nurses in all 50 states and the U.S. territories and will be able to practice in acute care or community-based care. Nurses could also work in a hospital, for a school, the local health department, a specialty or general doctor’s clinic, an insurance company, or work in informatics. St. John's College of Nursing has a 100% job placement rate for licensed graduates.
St. John's College of Nursing is accredited by both the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
Pre-Nursing with St. John's College
Pre-Osteopathic Early Acceptance Program
A.T. Still University (ATSU) comprising of the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCOM) located in Kirksville, MO, offers doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.), master of Biomedical sciences (M.S.), or a dual degree D.O./M.S. A.T. Still Scholars, Pre-Osteopathic Program is designed to provide early admission to outstanding sophomore level students who have as their goal to become Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine. The advantage for those students accepted after completing their sophomore year at Greenville University is to have a reserved seat in KCOM’s entering class upon graduation. After acceptance to the program, students can spend the last two years at Greenville University meeting graduation major/minor requirements, taking electives, fulfilling internship and/or service opportunities, and otherwise broadening his/her life experiences. Scholars will be awarded an academic scholarship for ATSU, KCOM.
Students may enroll in any major at Greenville University, provided the KCOM entry requirements are met by the designated year of enrollment. Students will apply for admissions to this program after completing three semesters (approximately 45 credit hours). Applications will be available in the spring of their sophomore year, and must be submitted to KCOM by June 1st. Applicants will interview during the summer following their sophomore year. Selected students will be awarded reserved admissions to KCOM at the beginning of the junior year.
Pre-Veterinarian Curriculum
Students interested in veterinarian science need to be proficient in biology, chemistry, and physics. Veterinarian program prerequisites vary by school, so students will need to be aware of prospective school's requirements and work with their advisor to make sure courses are selected in the proper sequence. Most veterinary schools require strong college GPA's and high scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Some schools also require the Biology GRE. The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is also accepted by some schools in place of the GRE, so be sure to know which test is required. Students interested in the pre-veterinary program should complete a B.A. degree in one of the natural sciences at Greenville University.
Working with animals in any way while enrolled at Greenville University will help prepare students for veterinarian school. Students can choose to be a part of GU's equine program. Opportunities to volunteer or work at a local farm, animal shelter/rescue, or veterinarian office are also available to students.
The courses listed below are typical prerequisites for a pre-veterinarian program.