The University of Hartford offers pre-professional programs in law, medicine and pharmacy that help you prepare for entry into a graduate or medical school program.
Each pre-professional program is structured to provide you with a solid foundation, hands-on experience, and guidance to pursue your career goals.
Our Programs
The Pre-Law Program provides advising and resources to help students prepare for law school and a future career in law. Pre-Law is not a degree or major; students can select any major while working with faculty advisors to build the skills and experiences that support preparation for law school.
Throughout your undergraduate experience, pre-law advisors can help you explore areas of law, select relevant coursework, develop skills in critical thinking, research, writing, and communication, and gain experience through opportunities such as internships and connections with attorneys and law students. As you prepare to apply, you'll also receive guidance on the LSAT, selecting law schools, and the application process.
For more information or questions about Pre-Law Advising, contact Anthony Smith or Julie Sochacki.
The Pre-Medical Professions Advising Program (PMAP) provides personalized advising and resources to help students prepare for medical or other health-professional schools. PMAP is not a degree or major; students can select any major as long as they complete the courses required for their intended career path.
Through the program, students explore health professions, gain clinical, research, shadowing, and other experiences, and prepare for the application process with support from advisors and PMAP resources.
Students complete three Pre-Professional Advising Seminars (PPS) during their time at UHart:
- Year One—PPS 100: Explore careers in the health professions, connect with PMAP resources, and begin building a strong academic foundation and gaining relevant experience.
- Year Two—PPS 200: Develop a résumé, explore programs for your intended career, learn about entrance exams, and continue building clinical, research, shadowing, and other experiences.
- Year Three—PPS 300: Prepare for the application process through a mock interview, school selection, application timeline, application essay, and application budget. Work with your advisor to determine when you are ready to apply.
- Year Four and Beyond: Complete your remaining academic requirements, continue strengthening your experiences, and finalize your application timeline. Students may apply for direct entry after graduation or take one or more growth years before applying.
For more information or if you have questions, please contact Claudia Oakes or Lisa Rastede.
Professions We Support
Pre-professional advising supports students on their journey toward a range of health professions, including:
- Allopathic Medicine (MD)
- Chiropractic
- Dentistry
- Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
- Optometry
- Pharmacy
- Physician Assistant (PA)
- Podiatry
In conjunction with the University of Saint Joseph Pharmacy School, located just three miles from UHart, we offer two paths to earn both a Bachelor's degree in either Biology or Chemistry and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in six years.
If you wish to transition from the BS in Biology or BA in Chemistry to the Doctor of Pharmacy Program at the University of Saint Joseph, you should discuss this option with your advisor and the chair of either the biology or chemistry department before registering for classes. There are particular courses you must complete to be eligible to attend the University of Saint Joseph.
If eligible, you must apply for admission to the University of Saint Joseph’s pharmacy program during the summer before your junior year. Once accepted into the pharmacy program, you complete the requirements for the BS in biology or the BA in chemistry at Saint Joseph’s during your senior year to being your pharmacy coursework. The BS or BA degree is awarded after the first completed year at the University of Saint Joseph.
Learn more:
UHart also offers a BS in Health Science with Pre-Pharmacy Option within the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions.
The combined Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Pharmacy (BS/PharmD) program between the University of Hartford and the Notre Dame of Maryland University School of Pharmacy provides a unique opportunity for students with career goals in pharmacy. The accelerated program typically allows for the completion of the BS/PharmD degrees in a seven-year period.
Learn more:
If interested in any of these programs, contact Elizabeth Rastede, PhD, or Claudia Oakes, PhD, for advice in planning your academic program.
Gabriella Silva
Economics, International Studies , '20
Gabriella Silva is attending Fordham University School of Law focusing on public interest law. She says her UHart professors have contributed enormously to her academic growth and ultimately helped her in deciding to attend law school at Fordham.When looking back on her faculty mentors, Silva points to Associate Professor of Economics Jane Horvath, who oversees UHart’s pre-law advising program, as being instrumental in helping her attend law school.
From day one, she made sure that I took courses that would help me with the LSAT and helped me maintain the proper timeline to be in law school immediately after graduation.