SWU program ranked among Best Affordable Pre-Med Degree Programs
Southern Wesleyan University’s bachelor of science in biology-pre medicine or pre-dentistry is ranked number 22 among 40 Best Affordable Pre Med Degree Programs (Bachelor’s) for 2020.
The ranking came from the Affordable Schools website (affordableschools.net) and is based on the average cost of attendance, four year graduation rates and student: faculty ratio, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The 120-credit, SACSCOC accredited program is partnered with the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine for early admission and guaranteed interviews to any of their campuses.
“We are pleased but not surprised that our program has been recognized in this ranking,” said Dr. Staci N. Johnson, coordinator of the pre-medial/ pre-dental program. “It is a testimony to the investment that each faculty member makes in the lives and education of our students. We strive to provide supportive and caring environment while challenging all of our students to achieve great things.”
The program has turned out many medical professionals over the years, preparing them to excel in medical school and beyond with an academically rigorous science curriculum through the lens of a Christian worldview, but free from indoctrination with a narrow political or theological perspective. Currently, recent graduates are studying at medical schools in five states and three countries.
Dr. David Fipps, a 2011 graduate, is a psychiatric resident at Prisma Health in Greenville and recently received a fellowship from Mayo Clinic – an honor given just one individual in the country annually through a highly-competitive process. Fipps believes that attending Southern Wesleyan put him ahead of his medical school classmates because Southern Wesleyan went beyond providing just the basic science prerequisites.
“My undergraduate knowledge of cell biology, biochemistry and genetics was similar to my fellow first year medical students who did a masters before medical school. SWU instilled in me a work ethic and scientific rigor that served as a core component of what made me a competitive applicant for medical school, residency, and now my subspecialty fellowship at Mayo Clinic.”
The course requirements in the program at Southern Wesleyan include all prerequisites for acceptance to medical schools within the southeastern United States. Students have numerous internship opportunities at area hospitals, as well as on-campus seminars and webinars on topics ranging from MCAT preparation to introduction to medical careers. The Eta Delta Beta Chapter of Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society provides students with opportunities for recognition and networking, as well. They also have opportunities for service and mentorship of elementary and middle school students during the South Carolina Region 1 Science Fair, held annually on the Central campus.
“To me, the best part about being a Pre Med major at Southern Wesleyan is the faculty. They really try their best to help us, not only academically, but spiritually as well,” said Emily Floyd, a current Pre Med major who came to Central from Edmond, Okla. Floyd is actively involved in the Region 1 Science Fair and Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society.
For details about the Pre Med program at Southern Wesleyan University, visit swu.edu/academics/division-of-science/pre-medicine-or-pre-dentistry.
Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused learning community devoted to transforming lives by challenging students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ. For details about degree programs, go online to swu.edu.
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