Pre-Professional Programs

McMurry University’s Athletic Training apprenticeship prepares students for careers in sports medicine and health professions through hands-on experience and academic training. Approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the program provides pre-licensure preparation in athletic training.

Students gain real-world experience working with McMurry’s 20 NCAA Division III athletic teams in a clinical lab setting, developing skills in injury evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation. The program emphasizes competency-based learning to prepare students for state licensure or admission into a Master’s-level Athletic Training program.

As part of the Kinesiology and Health Fitness department, students can also benefit from opportunities like the Brady Cox Endowment, which supports professional development through funding for conferences and educational travel.

Students interested in the program can apply here: Apprenticeship Athletic Training Program Form

McMurry University’s Studio Art with a Pre-Professional Art Therapy track (BA) prepares students for careers in art therapy and related helping professions. The program combines a strong foundation in studio art with coursework in psychology and human development, equipping students with both creative and clinical insight.

Students develop technical skills across multiple artistic disciplines while gaining an understanding of therapeutic practices and emotional expression through art. This interdisciplinary approach prepares graduates for entry into master’s-level art therapy programs and careers supporting mental health and well-being.

THIS DEGREE INCLUDES A MINOR IN PSYCHOLOGY

Catalog Information

Students interested in pursuing a career in engineering at McMurry University can follow several academic pathways, including the Engineering Physics major, the Physics major with a Pre-Electrical Engineering focus, or the Chemistry major for those interested in Chemical Engineering.

Students may choose to participate in a dual-degree engineering program with the University of North Dakota (UND), earning two bachelor’s degrees, or complete a McMurry degree and then pursue graduate study or enter the engineering workforce directly. Elective coursework can be tailored based on the student’s specific engineering interests.

For detailed program requirements and advising, visit the Physics Department.

McMurry University prepares students for a wide range of rewarding careers in the health professions beyond traditional fields like medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, and veterinary medicine. Students can explore pathways in areas such as respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, optometry, radiologic imaging, and other in-demand health careers.

Because admission requirements vary by field, students are encouraged to work closely with a pre-allied health advisor to customize their coursework and stay on track for their professional goals.

Learn more through the Human Health Science department.

Students can also enhance their academic and professional experience through opportunities such as the Brady Cox Endowment, which provides funding for conference attendance and educational travel related to health professions.

McMurry University prepares students for dental school through a strong pre-dentistry pathway grounded in biology, chemistry, physics, and communication skills. Students apply to Texas dental schools through the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS), typically during the summer before their senior year, with interviews in the fall and admissions decisions in the spring.

Pre-dental students complete required coursework in biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, and English composition, with some programs also recommending biochemistry. A minimum of 90 undergraduate hours is required for admission, though most successful applicants earn a bachelor’s degree.

McMurry offers additional opportunities, such as the 3+4 Dental Early Acceptance Program (DEAP), which allows qualified students to earn both a BS in Biology and a DDS degree in as few as 7 years through a partnership with UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry. Students must maintain a strong GPA and competitive DAT scores to remain eligible.

Students are encouraged to work closely with a pre-dentistry advisor for course planning and preparation for the Dental Admission Test (DAT). Learn more through the Biology Department.

Schools vary slightly in requirements, with specifics

Get more information at the American Dental Association.

Additional professional development support is available through the Brady Cox Endowment, which funds conferences and educational experiences related to health professions.

McMurry University prepares students for medical school through a comprehensive pre-medicine pathway built on a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, physics, and quantitative skills. Most Texas medical schools use the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS), with applications submitted the summer before senior year, followed by interviews in the fall.

Pre-med students complete required coursework in biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, calculus or statistics, and English composition. Some programs also require biochemistry. A minimum of 90 undergraduate hours is required for admission, though most successful applicants complete a bachelor’s degree.

Students work closely with a pre-med advisor to plan coursework and prepare for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Those applying outside Texas may also use the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).

Learn more through the Biology Department.

Students can further enhance their preparation through opportunities like the Brady Cox Endowment, which provides funding for conferences and educational experiences in the health professions.

McMurry University prepares students for careers in occupational therapy by providing the prerequisite coursework needed for admission into accredited B.S. and M.S. Occupational Therapy programs. With multiple programs available across Texas, students can build a strong academic foundation tailored to their chosen path.

Coursework typically includes biology, psychology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, sociology, and core subjects such as English, history, and government. Because requirements vary by program, students are encouraged to work closely with an occupational therapy advisor to develop a personalized plan of study.

Through the Kinesiology and Health Fitness department, students gain a well-rounded background that supports success in graduate-level occupational therapy programs and related health professions.

Students can also enhance their preparation through opportunities like the Brady Cox Endowment, which provides funding for conferences and educational experiences related to health professions.

McMurry University prepares students for pharmacy school through a strong foundation in chemistry, biochemistry, and related sciences. The pre-pharmacy pathway equips students with the coursework and academic preparation needed to apply to Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) programs or pursue advanced study in pharmaceutical sciences.

While some pharmacy schools offer early entry options, most prefer applicants who have completed a Bachelor of Science degree. Admission requirements typically include prerequisite coursework, a competitive GPA, and Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) scores.

Through the Chemistry and Biochemistry department, students develop the scientific knowledge and analytical skills necessary for success in pharmacy and research careers.

Students can also enhance their academic experience through opportunities like the Brady Cox Endowment, which provides funding for conferences and educational experiences related to health professions.

McMurry University prepares students for admission into physical therapy programs through a strong pre-physical therapy pathway grounded in kinesiology and health sciences. All physical therapy programs in Texas require completion of a bachelor’s degree before admission, leading to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or master’s-level degree.

Students complete prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, mathematics, and core subjects such as English, history, and government. Because requirements vary by program, students are encouraged to work closely with a physical therapy advisor to develop a personalized academic plan.

Through the Kinesiology and Health Fitness department, students gain the academic foundation and applied knowledge needed for success in graduate-level physical therapy programs. Articulation agreements may also provide streamlined pathways into select programs.

Students can further enhance their preparation through opportunities such as the Brady Cox Endowment, which supports conference attendance and educational experiences in the health professions.

McMurry University prepares students for admission to veterinary school through a flexible pre-veterinary pathway that can be integrated into a variety of majors, including biology. Students complete at least 64 semester hours of prerequisite coursework while building a strong academic foundation for application to programs such as the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine.

In addition to coursework, competitive applicants gain hands-on animal and veterinary experience, as well as leadership involvement and extracurricular activities. Admissions decisions are based on GPA, academic rigor, experience, faculty evaluations, and Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores.

Students are encouraged to select a major aligned with their interests and career goals and to work closely with an advisor to ensure they meet all requirements. For more information, visit the Biology Department.

McMurry University prepares students for law school through a strong liberal arts foundation that emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills. Students may choose any major, though programs like political science provide excellent preparation for developing reasoning, writing, and speaking abilities essential for legal careers.

Law schools value applicants who pursue academically rigorous coursework and demonstrate intellectual curiosity across disciplines. A broad liberal arts education helps students build an understanding of society, human behavior, and complex issues—key components of success in law school.

Students are encouraged to select challenging courses and work closely with advisors to prepare for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and the law school application process.

Learn more through the Political Science Department.

McMurry University prepares students for graduate-level theological seminaries and careers in Christian ministry through a strong pre-ministry pathway rooted in Religion and liberal arts. Students are encouraged to major or minor in Religion and complete foundational coursework, including two years of Greek, to support advanced theological study.

The program emphasizes broad intellectual development through courses in philosophy, English, history, and psychology, helping students build critical thinking, communication, and cultural understanding. Students interested in Christian counseling may also benefit from a psychology major or minor.

Hands-on experience is an essential component of preparation, with opportunities for internships, part-time ministry roles, and involvement in campus organizations such as Kappa Delta Sigma and the Office of Religious Life. Students should also consult their denominational requirements to ensure alignment with ministerial standards.

Learn more through the Religion and Philosophy Department.