Michael J. Quinn, PhD, Dean
Jean Jacoby, PhD, Associate Dean
Katie Kuder, PhD, Associate Dean
Mara Rempe, PhD, Associate Dean
Jennifer Coogan, MA, MEd, Assistant Dean
Rooted in the Jesuit tradition, the Seattle University College of Science and Engineering is dedicated to providing challenging and engaging educational opportunities while fostering an enduring pursuit of intellectual, professional and personal growth in our students, staff, and faculty.
To be a nationally recognized student-centered STEM community, expanding knowledge, developing new technologies, valuing the natural environment, and making a positive difference in our local community and the world.
Individual programs within the college are accredited by the following professional bodies:
- Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET (civil engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering) http://www.abet.org.
- In addition the Chemistry Department is approved by the American Chemical Society to grant ACS certified BS degrees with majors in chemistry and biochemistry. See departmental listing for requirements.
Freshmen applicants for admission to the College of Science and Engineering must have completed at least four years of high school mathematics, including the equivalent of pre-calculus, except for Pre-Science. At least two years of laboratory science for all majors except mathematics and computer science. Laboratory biology and chemistry are required for BS major in biology, and laboratory chemistry is required and physics is highly recommended for all engineering programs.
Transfer applicants will be considered when their overall college grade point average is at least 2.50 on a 4.00 scale and when their cumulative grade point average in all engineering, mathematics, or science courses is also at least 2.50. A history of withdrawals, incompletes, and repeated courses lessens the chances for admission. To be accepted for transfer credit, required engineering, mathematics, or science courses must be graded C (2.00) or above. No technology courses will be accepted as transfer credit.
College of Science and Engineering Requirements
Students seeking the bachelor’s degree in the College of Science and Engineering must complete a minimum of 180 credits, including the university core curriculum requirements. A bachelor of science with a major in civil engineering or in civil engineering with a specialization in environmental engineering requires 192 credits. Students transferring courses from another institution and pursuing a degree in the College of Science and Engineering must complete at least 25 credits of upper division major program requirements, including any Senior Synthesis/Research/ Design coursework required by their major at Seattle University. For all of the engineering programs, for all degrees in computer science, and for the bachelor of science major in mathematics with pure or applied mathematics specializations, the student’s cumulative grade point average for graduation must be at least 2.50. In addition, for these programs, the minimum Seattle University grade point average for all courses applied to major and major department requirements is 2.50.
Specific Core requirements are described in the individual departmental sections of this Catalog. Students also must complete the specific departmental requirements for their particular degree.
A maximum of 15 credits taken by an undergraduate non-matriculated student may be applied toward a baccalaureate degree in the College of Science and Engineering. For post-baccalaureate students taking courses in preparation for graduate health professional programs, any pre-professional courses taken in non-matriculated status may be applied toward a second bachelor’s degree in the College of Science and Engineering.
No course may be taken without the indicated prerequisites. Only the dean may waive this policy.
Pre-Science and Pre-Engineering
Many students come to Seattle University interested in science or engineering but unsure of the focus of their studies.
Pre-Science offers the opportunity to explore the different science programs while being a part of the College of Science and Engineering. Certain courses are common to all science programs, so there is time to learn about the degree programs available. Advisors help direct students toward a major that fits their interests and talents.
Science and Engineering Advising Center
Phone (206) 296-2500
Pre-Engineering provides an opportunity to get started in an engineering program while learning about the different branches of engineering. Initially the curriculum consists of common classes for all engineering disciplines, giving students time to choose the best program for them. Advisors help direct students toward a major that fits their interests and talents.
Science and Engineering Advising Center
Phone (206) 296-2500
Rebecca K. Pazdral, MA, DEd, Academic and Pre-Health Advising Supervisor
Seattle University students who are interested in pursuing a career in the health professions are encouraged to utilize the many resources and activities available for pre-health students. These students are pursuing careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, physical therapy, pharmacy, occupational therapy, public health and biomedical research, among others.
Although many pre-health students major in the sciences (biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics), a student can be any academic major and still be considered “pre-health.” Students should explore their options, considering academic strengths and professional goals, when considering major and minor options.
Resources and Opportunities for Pre-Health Students
Pre-Health advising is available for students to help with discernment, academic planning and applying for health professions graduate schools. Advising is available through information sessions, workshops, one-on-one meetings and a variety of web-based resources. Pre-Health Advising offers information about career exploration, professional school essay review, practice for professional school interviews, and feedback on application materials. Students are encouraged to meet with Pre-Health advising at least once a year to discuss their career goals, pre-requisites and timeline for degree completion.
A series of workshops are provided to help students prepare to apply for health professions graduate schools. Additionally, each spring, we hold the Health Professions Expo, which is an opportunity for students to meet with admissions representatives in various healthcare fields from around the country. Students who are applying to medical or dental school have the option to go through the Health Professions Evaluation process and work with the Health Professions Advising Committee in spring and summer prior to starting the application process for medical or dental school. The evaluation process helps prepare applicants as well as evaluating them. Each student who completes the process receives a customized committee evaluation letter and material packet sent to the schools to which they are applying. These letters assist the schools in choosing which students to interview.
General Requirements and Timing
Competition is strong for entrance into professional and graduate school programs in healthcare. Schools look for evidence of intellectual ability, understanding of the profession based on direct shadowing and clinical experience, a commitment to service, and personal qualities appropriate to the profession. Since required academic course work is challenging and professional demands are high, it is important for students to regularly assess their original career goals.
Students pursuing most clinical health professions, including medicine and dentistry, should expect to complete the following science sequences, at a minimum:
- A full year of General Chemistry with labs
- A full year of General Biology with labs, plus at least 2 additional quarters of advanced Biology
- Two to three quarters of Organic Chemistry with labs depending on professional school goal
- At least one quarter of Biochemistry
- A full year of introductory Physics with lab (either algebra or calculus based)
To understand required and recommended course pre-requisites, students should consult the catalogs and websites of their intended professional and graduate programs. Although most medical, dental, optometry, pharmacy, and veterinary schools typically require the same basic science sequences, many recommend or require additional coursework, which may include anatomy, calculus, microbiology, physiology, psychology, sociology, and statistics. Requirements vary more significantly in other health professions like physician assistant studies, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, for example. Students should consult regularly with their major academic advisor and the Pre-Health Advisor to create an academic plan which incorporates the appropriate pre-requisite coursework.
Pre-Health students can expect to start the application process for health professions graduate school at least a year in advance of anticipated matriculation. Most schools require nationally standardized exams that draw on your academic background and analytical skills. These exams are often taken over a year in advance of the time you expect to enroll in professional school in the health sciences, so planning the timing of required science courses is important. The required standardized tests such as the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), Dental Admission Test (DAT), Graduate Record Exam (GRE), Optometry Admission Test (OAT), and Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT)are administered by appointment with an outside professional testing service. When students apply, health professions schools will ask students to provide transcripts, a personal statement outlining motivations, a list of professional experiences, and individual letters of recommendation, in addition to the standardized test scores.
Pre-Health Advising Contact Information
To learn more about pre-health advising and resources for Seattle University students, please contact the Pre-Health Advisor at the information below.
Rebecca K. Pazdral, MA, DEd
Science and Engineering Advising Center: 300 Engineering