Pre-Professional Programs
Wheaton actively encourages students to continue their education in professional and graduate programs. Information and advice about graduate schools and undergraduate preparation for graduate study is available in the advising center and the Filene Center for Work and Learning, as well as through graduate school symposia for juniors and seniors each semester. Wheaton also offers graduate and professional school test-preparation courses at no charge.
Dual-degree programs
Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College (B.S. Engineering)
Clark University Graduate School of Management (M.B.A.)
Emerson College (M.A. Mass Communications and Communications Studies)
Graduate School of Management, University of Rochester (M.B.A.)
George Washington University (B.S. Engineering)
School of the Museum of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (B.S. Engineering)
Andover-Newton Theological School (M.A. Religion)
The New England College of Optometry (Doctor of Optometry)
Pre-med and other health professions
Students interested in postgraduate work in medicine, dentistry and other health professions should consult one of the pre-med advisors early in their first year to plan a program of study that will ensure their eligibility as a medical or professional school applicant by their senior year. Medical and dental schools normally require a minimum of two semesters of biology, two years of chemistry (including one year of organic chemistry), two semesters of physics and two semesters of English. Some schools have additional requirements and all admit students who have completed majors outside of the sciences if their record in science courses is strong.
Law
Because law schools recognize the value of traditional liberal arts education, there are no set courses making up a pre-law program. An interested student should select courses that will develop an ability to write, to argue persuasively and to analyze critically the arguments of others. Students considering a career in law should consult one of the pre-law advisors about their academic program and to prepare for law school admissions. Wheaton does offer a legal studies minor, but this minor is not a prerequisite for law school.
Architecture and related fields
Students interested in architecture and art-related fields such as architectural restoration, city planning, landscape design or urban design may enroll in advanced degree programs at other institutions after completing their Wheaton A.B. Their Wheaton program should include at least one year of calculus and physics, as well as courses in drawing, art and architectural history and design.
Communications
In addition to the Emerson College program, students may prepare for journalism or media careers in any of several graduate schools of journalism or communications. Students may prepare by completing the writing/literature program in the English department, the studio art major (with an emphasis on graphic design or photography), or the sociology major (with an emphasis in documentary sociology or media and society). They are encouraged to meet with members of the relevant departments or the dean of academic advising about their interests.
Teaching
Students may earn a Massachusetts certification for early childhood, elementary and secondary school teaching through the education department. Observation and practical teaching experience through supervised student teaching is available at local private and public schools, as well as at the nursery school run by the college. Students considering teaching careers may major in any liberal arts field, but should meet with members of the education department to plan courses leading to certification. Further information may be found under the Education Department listing of courses.
Management
Preparation for post graduate education in management requires no prescribed undergraduate curriculum; most schools offering the Master of Business Administration degree are concerned with the overall quality of an applicant's undergraduate work, and many prefer students who have completed majors in traditional liberal arts fields. Some work, however, in mathematics, economics and/or the behavioral sciences is relevant for M.B.A. programs.
Graduate school