Pre-Professional

Wherever you intend to go in your career, HCU’s Pre-Professional Programs will help you get there.

The Pre-Professional Programs at HCU’s College of Science and Engineering prepare students for success in advanced professional education and careers in high-demand fields. These specialized tracks provide tailored preparation with foundational coursework, hands-on experiences, and personalized guidance for students pursuing careers in healthcare, engineering, and other professional disciplines.

Learn more about the Pre-Professional program.

Career Opportunities

Graduates from our pre-professional programs are well-positioned for further education and diverse career paths, including:

• Medical and dental professionals
• Physician assistants and healthcare providers
• Pharmacists and pharmaceutical researchers
• Engineers and technical specialists
• Optometrists and vision care professionals
• Physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists
• Chiropractors and alternative medicine practitioners

Distinctive Learning Experience

Students in pre-professional programs benefit from dedicated faculty who provide personalized attention through one-on-one interactions. The curriculum combines rigorous academic preparation with hands-on experiences, including laboratory work, research opportunities, and practical applications. Students participate in pre-professional student organizations, service projects, field trips to professional schools, and specialized workshops offered through the Health Professions Office. Summer internships and research programs at partner universities and institutions provide additional preparation for advanced studies.

Program Options

HCU offers a comprehensive range of pre-professional programs designed to meet specific career goals:

• Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental: Prepares students for entry into medical or dental schools with specialized coursework and professional development activities
• Pre-Physician Assistant: Provides preparation for highly in-demand PA programs with coursework in math, sciences, and healthcare prerequisites
• Pre-Physical Therapy: Offers foundational preparation for physical therapy programs with specialized classes in physiology, advanced anatomy, and related fields
• Pre-Pharmacy: Delivers academic preparation for careers as pharmacists, clinical specialists, professors, and pharmaceutical industry professionals
• Pre-Engineering: Provides two years of preliminary study introducing core components of engineering fields, preparing students for specialized engineering divisions
• Pre-Optometry: Covers foundational prerequisites for optometry school while exposing students to professional practice through HCU’s Pre-Optometry Professional Society
• Pre-Chiropractic: Prepares students for entrance into chiropractic colleges with foundational subjects in human physiology and related sciences
• Pre-Health Post-Baccalaureate Coursework: Offers academic preparation for various health profession schools for students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree

Advanced Opportunities

Students in pre-professional programs can enhance their educational experience by combining their studies with the university’s Honors College. The Health Professions Office provides additional support through workshops, advising, and professional development opportunities. With the only BS degrees in engineering-based programs in the Houston metro area, HCU distinguishes itself by offering unique preparation for students pursuing advanced professional education in a faith-based environment.