The basic curriculum of the College is designed to give the student a broad general education in four essential areas-the arts, the humanities, the natural sciences, and the social sciences-with a concentration in one discipline. The curriculum is also designed to permit a student to plan a program of studies leading to any one of a variety of careers. Some of these programs are essentially preparation for advanced work in professional schools: e.g., seminary, law, dentistry, medicine. Others prepare the student for immediate entry into a profession: e.g., accounting, business, chemistry, geology, medical technology, elementary and secondary teaching. Creditable work in a field of major concentration is, of course, the accepted program of preparation for entry into the academic departments of all graduate schools for professional training in college teaching and research.

In consultation with a faculty advisor, a student may work out any one of a large variety of such career programs suitable to his or her interests. A few suggestions of types of career programs available at the College appear below.

Business

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Sue A. Blanshan, Advisor

Graduate schools of accounting, economics, or business administration vary in the criteria for admission to programs of study. In general, admission is based on the candidate's undergraduate grade point average, test scores (especially the Graduate Management Admissions Test, although the Graduate Record Examination is also used), and personal references from both undergraduate professors and employers, supervisors, or business acquaintances.

Admission to graduate study in these three areas is not ordinarily dependent on the student having an undergraduate major in the field. However, the structure and duration of graduate programs are based upon the specific course work and credits completed at the undergraduate level. For example, an undergraduate accounting major ordinarily exempts the student from some accounting course requirements in an MBA or MAC program. Students considering graduate school in economics should take additional math courses beyond the major requirements, including linear algebra and further courses in calculus and statistics. Likewise, students interested in graduate study in business administration should take calculus.

To facilitate transition from Birmingham-Southern to graduate schools of business, accounting, or economics, interested students should identify themselves to their advisor and the Director of the Division of Business and Graduate Programs as early as possible. The student will be assigned an advisor who will assist in planning an appropriate program of study to expedite progress toward the graduate degree.

An undergraduate degree in accounting from Birmingham Southern functions to prepare students for careers as professional accountants in financial institutions, industry, government, not for profit organizations, and public practice. Public practice, however, often entails certification, which requires additional coursework beyond the undergraduate level. Generally, 150 hours of college level courses are required to sit for the Certified Public Accountant's examination. Birmingham Southern addresses this additional demand by tracking the accounting student's educational program and by offering courses that meet certification requirements. Further, the academic structure of Birmingham Southern allows the student to attain examination qualification within a minimum amount of time and additional coursework.

Church-Related Vocations
Roy D. Wells, Advisor

A broadly diversified liberal arts education is basic to a career in the pastoral ministry, missions, Christian education, and other specialized ministries. Students planning careers in any of these areas will complete their preparation in a theological seminary or graduate school. In anticipation of advanced theological training, a major in religion and philosophy is recommended. Such a major leaves sufficient freedom for students to choose from a wide range of elective courses according to their own particular interests.

A faculty advisor assists each student in working out a four-year program of studies to fit his or her individual needs. Coursework in religion is usually begun in the first year with RE 201 Introduction to Christianity; and RE 205 the Old Testament or RE 215 the New Testament. In other years advanced courses in Biblical studies and theology, and courses in religion and society should be taken. The sequence of courses in history of philosophy is also helpful in preparation for seminary. Electives should be chosen from the following areas: history, English, psychology, sociology, political science, language, science, and the fine arts

Health-Related Vocations
Jeannette Runquist, Chair, Health Professions Advisory Committee

Students planning careers in the health professions should inform their academic advisors and the pre-health advisor as soon as possible. The pre-health advisor will provide students information about the pre-health advising system. Although their courses of study will be under the general direction of the pre-health advisor, their particular programs will be determined through consultation with their specific academic advisor. Admission tests, such as the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or Dental Admission Test (DAT), should be taken during the spring of the junior year.

A review and evaluation of each student's undergraduate record is made by the Health Professions Advisory Committee during the student's junior year. This evaluation is sent to the professional schools to which the student applies for admission.

Undergraduate requirements for admission to various medical programs differ according to the program and to the professional school. Students should be familiar with the requirements before applying for admission.

Any questions concerning pre-health career programs should be referred to the Chair or the other members of the Health Professions Advisory Committee.

Law
Mark Lester, Advisor

Admission to a law school is normally based on personal and scholastic records and on the results of a student's score on the national legal aptitude test rather than on a prescribed undergraduate course of study. The prospective law candidate should seek to acquire from undergraduate studies skill in the written and oral use of the English language, understanding of Western political, social, and economic institutions, and an ability to think concisely and independently.