Post Baccalaureate
Post Baccalaureate programs are designed for students who have completed their bachelor’s degree, and who desire to take more coursework for their desired Pre-Health fields while gaining more experience. These programs can be ideal for students who changed majors during their undergraduate career and do not have the correct prerequisites, those who need more experiential learning or time to shadow.
Careers
Post Baccalaureate programs can focus in a variety of areas such as covering missing prerequisites or helping students raise a mediocre GPA. Some programs may be specific to those wishing to enter a medical field, whereas others may be more general for a variety of career options. Your research of particular program will help you determine if a program is the right fit for you. A list of Post-bacc programs are available on the Association of American Medical Colleges website.
Programs at a Glance
Post-bacc programs typically run for one or two years, depending on the structure of the curriculum. They can be full or part time.
Level of degree - Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health Sciences
Does KU have a program?
Yes. The KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park offers a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health Sciences. This program requires students to have completed a bachelor’s degree, and all of the lower-level science classes such as Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physics. They also required a minimum 3.2 GPA.
There are two tracks to the Edwards program. One is for students who have not taken any or just a few upper-level Biology courses. The second track offers Biotechnology courses for those wishing to gain lab and research experience. The program can be completed in one year with full-time attendance. Students do not have to be full-time. Graduates of the Edwards certificate program may apply to professional health programs or graduate science programs.
Admission Requirements
Requirements for KU's Program
Admission requirements for the KU Edwards Post-Baccalaureate program include:
- a completed bachelor’s degree
- all lower-level course requirements
- a 3.2 overall GPA
- 2 letters of reference
- a personal statement on why you are pursuing the program
- official transcripts
- a completed application
- the application fee
Quick Tip: If you need assistance with your application resume and/or personal statement, schedule an appointment at the KU Writing Center and/or University Career Center!