Undergraduate Programs
Are you considering Pre-Med or Pre-Law?
Pre-Med
Geography's attention to cultural, environmental, and global issues makes it especially suitable as a background for practitioners of medicine in the twenty-first century.
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, prospective medical students, regardless of major, should complete 1 year of Biology, 1 year of Physics, 2 years of Chemistry, and one year of English. (This is easily accomplished alongside a Geography major). Pre-med students should consider volunteering in a local hospital, and pursue a well rounded sample of extra-curricular or work experiences. The Medical College Admission Test should also be taken.
Students at UT can (and should!) take advantage of the advising services of the Health Professions Office conveniently located on the main (second) floor of the Geography Building. Our undergraduate advisor is also eager to help. Students may take courses in Medical Geography from Prof. Diana Davis, who holds a doctor of veterinary medicine degree.
Although many students and parents think first of biological science or psychology as appropriate pre-medical majors, Geography (and other liberal arts and sciences) are also very appropriate, as demonstrated by high success rates in admission to medical schools. For example, in 1998-1999, liberal arts majors were more successful than other students in gaining admission to medical school, as indicated in the following table:
| 1998-1999 entering class nationwide | Applicants | Accepted | Success Rate |
| Biological Science | 19,101 | 7,616 | 40% |
| Other Science and Engineering | 7,167 | 3,273 | 46% |
| Psychology | 2,355 | 971 | 41% |
| Liberal Arts, other than Psychology | 2,830 | 1,378 | 49% |
| Other (dual, interdisciplinary) | 9,551 | 4,141 | 44% |
| TOTAL | 41,004 | 17379 | 42% |
Pre-Law
According to the Law School Admission Council, "All [law] schools require a bachelor's degree for admission." Beyond that, law schools want students who can think critically and write well, and who have some understanding of the forces that have shaped the human experience. These attributes can be acquired in any number of college courses, whether in the arts and humanities, the social sciences, or the natural sciences. An undergraduate career that is narrowly based or vocationally oriented may not be the best preparation for law school. As long as you receive an education including critical analysis, logical reasoning, and written and oral expression, the range of acceptable college majors is very broad. What counts is the intensity and depth of your undergraduate program and your capacity to perform well at an academically rigorous level."
Geography is highly suitable as a pre-law major, since it develops critical thinking in the context of dealing with global, cultural, and environmental issues. Majors in our department have had excellent success in gaining admission to law school, especially in the area of environmental law.
Prospective lawyers should take the LSAT and have demonstrated commitment to public service, and good work experience, leadership experience, and extracurricular or community activities.
Students at UT can (and should!) take advantage of the advising services of Pre-Law Services of the Liberal Arts Career Service Center in the Gebauer Building (GEB 1.308), a couple of minutes walk south from the Geography Building. They sponsor one of the largest Law Fairs in the nation every Fall. The Geography undergraduate advisor is also happy to help pre-law students.