Preparation for Graduate and Professional Schools

Students planning to enter a graduate or professional school should consult published information from the relevant advising programs or offices at advising.duke.edu/preprofessional-advising.

For specific information regarding courses and curriculum choices, students should seek input from their faculty advisors and pregraduate or preprofessional advisors where appropriate. Information specific to particular graduate and professional schools can be obtained from the website of each school. Graduate and professional schools require standardized tests for students seeking admission. Information on the tests can be obtained from the appropriate preprofessional school or pregraduate school advisor in Trinity College of Arts & Sciences.

Graduate Schools of Arts and Sciences

Students interested in obtaining a master of science, master of arts, or doctor of philosophy degree should discuss their plans as early as possible with faculty in the proposed field of advanced study. As undergraduates, they should become involved in research which may involve laboratory work, advanced seminars, or independent study. Graduate schools look favorably upon evidence that a student has conducted mentored research such as an honors thesis, leading to Graduation with Distinction. Many graduate schools require a reading knowledge of a foreign language. A research mentor, faculty advisor, and the director of graduate studies in the major department are the best resources for advice about graduate school in the arts and sciences.

Graduate Schools of Engineering

Students interested in graduate work in engineering should consult the associate dean of Pratt School of Engineering or the director of graduate studies in one of the engineering departments. Most engineering graduate schools require that a candidate have the equivalent of a bachelor of science in engineering degree; however, students in the natural and social sciences may obtain conditional admission if they have a sufficient background in mathematics.

Graduate Business Schools

Students seeking information about graduate business schools should consult the Graduate Business Advisor in Trinity College. In preparing for graduate business school, students should gain a good liberal arts background, by choosing courses that will help them develop communication skills and an understanding of human nature. Students should sharpen their analytical and quantitative skills. Most often this is done through courses in calculus, statistics, microeconomics, accounting, and computer science. Calculus, however, is the course of choice. Students should seek to develop their leadership skills through participation in classroom projects and by becoming active in any student organization of their choice.

Medical and Dental Schools

Students planning to enter schools of medicine and dentistry can prepare for admission by taking the courses required by the professional schools of their choice. Health professions schools place a priority on well-rounded achievement. Medical schools and most dental and veterinary schools require two semesters each of inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, and physics (each with corresponding labs), and English. Some schools also require or recommend biochemistry, math, and/or statistics, or additional biology courses. The MCAT requires students to have, in addition to the above courses, a background in biochemistry, statistics, psychology, and sociology.

For a complete listing of course requirements set by each school, consult the Medical School Admissions Requirements, published by the Association of American Medical Colleges, or the Official Guide to Dental Schools, published by the American Dental Education Association. Students should discuss their programs of study with their major advisors, academic deans, and an advisor for the health professions from the Office of Health Professions Advising.

Graduate Programs in the Health Professions

Students interested in careers as physical therapists, health administrators, or others of the allied health professions should prepare with coursework in the natural sciences and behavioral sciences within a liberal arts curriculum. Up-to-date information on allied health professions and programs is best accessed through the Internet. An advisor in the Office of Health Professions Advising is available to meet with students interested in allied health professions.

Law Schools

Students who plan to prepare for law school and a career in law should seek breadth in their undergraduate courses. They may choose to major in any field. Students should select courses that encourage thinking analytically and synthetically, as well as courses that strengthen oral and written communication skills. For a fuller discussion of undergraduate preparation for the study of law, students should refer to the Duke Pre-Law Handbook or the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).

Theological Study and Professional Religious Work

Students interested in studying theology are encouraged to enroll in a Duke Divinity School course to explore topics of interest and engage with faculty members and other administrative staff about possibilities for further study.

Preparation for graduate theological study often prioritizes a strong background in the humanities with broad knowledge in the areas of biblical and modern languages, religion, English, history, and philosophy. Most theological schools do not require languages for admission at the master degree level; however, doctoral programs in theological fields ordinarily require proficiency in two modern languages prior to completing the program. Additionally, doctoral programs in biblical studies ordinarily require biblical language skills in Greek and Hebrew as a prerequisite for admission.

While theological degrees have most often been sought by persons desiring training for ordained ministry or other professional religious roles, theological degrees are also pursued by persons in other disciplines such as medicine, nursing, law, business, public policy, education, environmental studies, and social work to complement their studies and training.

More detailed information about theological study may be obtained from the Duke Divinity Office of Admissions by calling (919) 660-3436, sending an email to admissions@div.duke.edu, or visiting divinity.duke.edu.