Pre-Major Information

Normandale offers lower division and pre-major courses that four-year colleges and universities will accept for full credit.

Proper selection of these courses enables the student to complete the freshman and sophomore requirements for most four-year degree programs. These courses may be applied to an associate degree at Normandale and to a bachelor's degree at a four-year college or university.

Admission requirements for junior year status at four year institutions vary. In planning the first two years of a four-year program, students should be guided by the program requirements of the university or college to which they plan to transfer. Counselors and advisors will assist in planning courses that meet the four year college's lower division requirements.

The courses included in these curricula are typical of the course patterns recommended or required by four-year colleges that offer these programs and should thus be regarded only as guidelines. Students are encouraged to consult a counselor or advisor and the website of the college to which they plan to transfer for specific information concerning course requirements.

Each semester, representatives from four-year colleges and universities visit the campus to answer questions in person. Visit the Mahendra Nath Career and Academic Planning Center for information about their visits.

Pre-Biological Sciences

Normandale offers coursework required for majors in biology; biochemistry; ecology, evolution and behavior; genetics and cell biology; microbiology; neuroscience; and plant biology. All of these majors typically require the following core courses:

BIOL 1105

General Biology: Cells to Organisms (4)

BIOL 1106

General Biology: Ecology/Evolution (4)

CHEM 1061

Principles of Chemistry 1 (5)

CHEM 1062

Principles of Chemistry 2 (5)

CHEM 2061

Organic Chemistry 1 (5)

CHEM 2062

Organic Chemistry 2 (5)

MATH 1510

Calculus 1 (5)

MATH 1520

Calculus 2 (5)

PHYS 1201/1202

Physics with Biomedical App 1, 2 (8)

or PHYS 1121/1122

Physics -Calculus 1, 2 (10)

  • Begin specific liberal arts classes for the intended transfer institution or complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and/or the Associate of Arts degree.
  • Consult the current transfer guide in the Mahendra Nath Career and Academic Planning Center.

Pre-Business Administration-Accounting

Normandale offers courses that satisfy the core courses in business, marketing, finance, accounting, and other related business majors. Some four-year colleges will require pre-major courses.

Recommended:

ACCT 2251

Principles of Accounting 1 (4)

ACCT 2252

Principles of Accounting 2 (4)

BUSN 2220

Statistics for Bus/Econ (4)

or MATH 1080

Introduction to Statistics (4)

ECON 2201

Principles of Microeconomics (3)

ECON 2202

Principles of Macroeconomics (3)

MATH 1100

College Algebra - Probability (4)

MATH 1400

Survey of Calculus (4)

  • Begin specific liberal arts classes for the intended transfer institution or complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and/or the Associate of Arts degree.
  • Consult the current transfer guide in the Mahendra Nath Career and Academic Planning Center.

Pre-Chemistry

Students considering majoring in chemistry should complete the following curriculum:

CHEM 1061

Principles of Chemistry 1 (5)

CHEM 1062

Principles of Chemistry 2 (5)

CHEM 2041

Quantitative Analysis (4)

CHEM 2061

Organic Chemistry 1 (5)

CHEM 2062

Organic Chemistry 2 (5)

MATH 1510

Calculus 1 (5)

MATH 1520

Calculus 2 (5)

MATH 2510

Calc 3: Multivariable Calculus (5)

MATH 2520

Calc 4: Differential Equations (5)

PHYS 1121

Physics with Calculus 1 (5)

PHYS 1122

Physics with Calculus 2 (5)

  • Begin specific liberal arts classes for the intended transfer institution or complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and/or the Associate of Arts degree.
  • Consult the current transfer guide in the Mahendra Nath Career and Academic Planning Center.

Pre-Chiropractic

Pre-chiropractic is a three-year program that may be started at Normandale and applied toward a baccalaureate degree. Ninety cumulative semester credits are required for admission to most regional chiropractic schools. Additional science, communication and humanities courses are recommended for electives. The courses below are required for Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, MN.

All required courses must be completed with a grade of C (2.00) or higher. Student must also earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50.

Complete two biology courses:

BIOL 1105

General Biology: Cells to Organisms (4)

BIOL 1141

Human Anatomy (4)

BIOL 1142

Human Physiology (4)

BIOL 2202

Zoology (4)

BIOL 2204

Microbiology (4)

Complete the following courses:

CHEM 1061

Principles of Chemistry 1 (5)

CHEM 1062

Principles of Chemistry 2 (5)

CHEM 2058/2059

Organic Chem Essentials 1, 2 (8)

or CHEM 2061/2062

Organic Chemistry 1, 2 (10

CHEM 2921

Biochemistry (3)

PHYS 1110

College Physics 1 (4)

or PHYS 1201

Physics w/Biomedical App (4)

PSYC 1110

General Psychology (4)

Complete one of the following courses:

PHYS 1111

College Physics 2 (4)

PHYS 1202

Physics w/Biomedical App 2 (4)

EXSC 2300

Intro to Exercise Science (3)

EXSC 2305

Exercise Physiology (3)

MATH 1080

Introduction to Statistics (4)

Additional requirements:

English composition, literature or communication (6 cr)

Social science and humanities (15 cr)

  • Begin specific liberal arts classes for the intended transfer institution or complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and/or the Associate of Arts degree.
  • Consult the current transfer guide in the Mahendra Nath Career and Academic Planning Center.

Pre-Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Clinical laboratory sciences involves tests and procedures used in disease diagnosis and treatment in hospitals, clinics and medical labs.

BIOL 1105

General Biology: Cells to Organisms (4)

BIOL 1141

Human Anatomy (4)

BIOL 1142

Human Physiology (4)

CHEM 1061

Principles of Chemistry 1 (5)

CHEM 1062

Principles of Chemistry 2 (5)

CHEM 2061

Organic Chemistry 1 (5)

CHEM 2062

Organic Chemistry 2 (5)

MATH 1080

Introduction to Statistics (4)

MATH 1500

Pre-Calculus (5)

MATH 1510

Calculus 1 (5)

  • Begin specific liberal arts classes for the intended transfer institution or complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and/or the Associate of Arts degree.
  • Consult the current transfer guide in the Mahendra Nath Career and Academic Planning Center.

Pre-Computer Science

The following courses are recommended for students majoring in computer science:

CSCI 2001

Structure of Computer Prog 1 (4)

CSCI 2002

Structure of Computer Prog 2 (4)

CSCI 2011

Discrete Structures-Comp Sci (4)

CSCI 2021

Machine Architecture/Org (4)

CSCI 2033

Elementary Computational Linear Algebra (4)

MATH 1510

Calculus 1 (5)

MATH 1520

Calculus 2 (5)

MATH 2400

Probability/Stats-Engineer/Sci (4)

MATH 2520

Calc 4: Differential Equations (5)

PHYS 1121

Physics with Calculus 1 (5)

PHYS 1122

or CHEM 1061

Physics with Calculus 2 (5)

Principles of Chemistry 1 (5)

  • Begin specific liberal arts classes for the intended transfer institution or complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and/or the Associate of Science degree.
  • Consult the current transfer guide in the Mahendra Nath Career and Academic Planning Center.

Pre-Dental

Prior to entering dental school, most students complete a bachelor's degree, which includes general education and major requirements along with pre-dentistry course requirements.

BIOL 1105

General Biology: Cells to Organisms (4)

BIOL 1106

General Biology: Ecology/Evolution (4)

CHEM 1061

Principles of Chemistry 1 (5)

CHEM 1062

Principles of Chemistry 2 (5)

CHEM 2061

Organic Chemistry 1 (5)

CHEM 2062

Organic Chemistry 2 (5)

COMM 1101

Fundamentals-Public Speaking (3)

ENGC 1101

Freshman Composition (4)

ENGC 2000

Advanced Writing (3)

or ENGL 1130-2171

Literature (3 or 4)

MATH 1080

Introduction to Statistics (4)

or MATH 1100

College Algebra-Probability (4)

or MATH 1500

Pre-Calculus (5)

PHYS 1110, 1111

College Physics 1, 2 (8)

or PHYS 1201/1202

Physics with Biomed App 1,2 (8)

PSYC 1110

General Psychology (4)

  • Begin specific liberal arts classes for the intended transfer institution or complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and/or the Associate of Arts degree.
  • Consult the current transfer guide in the Mahendra Nath Career and Academic Planning Center

Pre-Design

The University of Minnesota offers the following majors in the College of Design. Refer to the University of Minnesota's College of Design transfer guide for specific pre-major courses and transfer timelines.

The College of Design offers the following majors:

  • Architecture
  • Clothing Design
  • Environmental Design
  • Graphic Design
  • Housing Studies
  • Interior Design
  • Retail Merchandising
  • Begin specific liberal arts classes for the intended transfer institution or complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and/or the Associate of Arts degree.
  • Consult the current transfer guide in the Mahendra Nath Career and Academic Planning Center.

Pre-Economics

A four-year degree in economics or applied economics is useful training for a career in business or government. It is also good preparation for graduate study in economics, business administration, public administration, public policy or law school.

The supporting coursework prepares students to successfully complete upper division coursework in economics. Courses in mathematics, statistics, computer science programming and accounting will give students the most options. Colleges and universities vary in their requirements, so students should consult with counselors/advisors about specific requirements.

BUSN 2220

Statistics-Business/Economics (4)

or MATH 1080

Introduction to Statistics (4)

ECON 2201

Principles of Microeconomics (3)

ECON 2202

Principles of Macroeconomics (3)

MATH 1400

Survey of Calculus (4)

or MATH 1510

Calculus 1 (5)

  • Begin specific liberal arts classes for the intended transfer institution or complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and/or the Associate of Arts degree.
  • Consult the current transfer guide in the Mahendra Nath Career and Academic Planning Center.

Pre-Education

Education programs have varying requirements at different colleges and universities. Most programs require that students complete the MnTC, maintain at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA, and complete the MTLE for admissions. Students should consult the Education Training Academy (EdTrAc) Office in C3040 for information about specific education programs and/or counselors/advisors for specific pre-major requirements.

Elementary Education

In addition to Normandale's Associate of Science degree in Elementary Education, students can earn licensure and a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education through a joint program with Minnesota State University, Mankato. Mankato offers the BA degree in Elementary Education in the southwest metro area. Acceptance to this program is competitive.

Secondary Education

Students should complete general education requirements plus pre-major requirements. Students should consult the EdTrAc office in C3040 or counselors at their intended transfer institution regarding specific course work applicable toward their major.

Special Education

Students can earn an A.S degree in Special Education Foundations at Normandale. This degree can prepare students to transfer to Minnesota State University, Mankato's special education program, or to programs at other colleges and universities. In addition, it is excellent preparation for students who wish to work as paraprofessionals or education assistants in a special education classroom. Refer to the AS degree in Special Education Foundations for degree requirements.

Pre-Engineering

Refer to the Associate of Science degree in Engineering Foundations.

Pre-Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resources

The University of Minnesota has the following majors in the College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS). Refer to the University of Minnesota CFANS transfer guide for specific pre-major courses.

  • Agricultural Education
  • Agricultural and Food Business Management
  • Agricultural Industries and Marketing
  • Animal Science
  • Applied Economics
  • Applied Plant Sciences
  • Bioproducts Marketing and Managment
  • Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering
  • Environmental Science, Policy/Management
  • Fisheries and Wildlife
  • Food Science
  • Forest Resources
  • Nutrition
  • Recreation Resource Management
  • Begin specific liberal arts classes for the intended transfer institution or complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and/or the Associate of Arts degree.
  • onsult the current transfer guide in the Mahendra Nath Career and Academic Planning Center.

Pre-Nutrition/Dietetics

Students majoring in Nutrition/Dietetics should consider the following courses to prepare for a major in Nutrition or Dietetics.

For dietetic majors:

ENGC 1101

Freshman Composition (4)

BIOL 1105

General Biology: Cells to Organisms (4)

BIOL 1141

Human Anatomy (4)

BIOL 1142

Human Physiology (4)

BIOL 2204

Microbiology (4)

CHEM 1061

Principles of Chemistry 1 (5)

CHEM 2061

Organic Chemistry 1 (5)

CHEM 2921

Biochemistry (3)

COMM 1101

Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3)

DIET 1110

Life Cycle Nutrition (3)

DIET 2270

Community Nutrition: Political/Cultural Concerns (2)

HLTH 1107

Principles of Nutrition (3)

MATH 1080

Introduction to Statistics (4)

MATH 1100

College Algebra and Probability (4)

For nutrition majors, the above coursework plus the following:

BIOL 2205

Genetics (4)

CHEM 2062

Organic Chemistry 2 (5)

PHYS 1201

Physics with Biomedical Applications (4)

PHYS 1202

Physics with Biomedical Applications 2 (4)

Pre-Geology/Geophysics

Students majoring in geology or geophysics should consider the following curriculum:

CHEM 1061

Principles of Chemistry 1 (5)

CHEM 1062

Principles of Chemistry 2 (5)

GEOL 1101

Physical Geology (4)

GEOL 1050

Historical Geology (4)

GEOL 1110

Environmental Geology (3)

GEOL 1111

Environmental Geology Lab (1)

GEOL 1120

Oceanography (3)

MATH 1510

Calculus 1 (5)

MATH 1520

Calculus 2 (5)

MATH 2520

Calculus 4: Differential Equations (5)

PHYS 1121

Physics with Calculus 1 (5)

PHYS 1122

Physics with Calculus 2 (5)

Recommended geophysics majors add:

MATH 2510

Calculus 3: Multivariable Calculus (5)

PHYS 2250

Modern Physics (4)

  • Begin specific liberal arts classes for the intended transfer institution or complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and/or the Associate of Arts degree.
  • Consult the current transfer guide in the Mahendra Nath Career and Academic Planning Center.

Pre-Law

A pre-law student should design a broad liberal arts curriculum in consultation with a counselor/advisor. A bachelor's degree is generally required for admission into law school. Majors may be in many fields such as history, political science, literature, speech, economics and accounting. Courses in composition, speech and logic are highly recommended.

Pre-Mathematics

Students majoring in math should consider the following curriculum:

MATH 1510

Calculus 1 (5)

MATH 1520

Calculus 2 (5)

MATH 2510

Calculus 3: Multivariable Calculus (5)

MATH 2520

Calculus 4: Differential Equations (5)

MATH 2700

Fundamentals of Math Proof (4)

CSCI 1111

Intro to Programming in C (4)

or CSCI 1113

Intro to Program in C++ (3)

or CSCI 1203

Intro to Program in Java (4)

PHYS 1121

Physics with Calculus I (5)

PHYS 1122

Physics with Calculus 2 (5)

PHYS 2250

Modern Physics (4)

  • Begin specific liberal arts classes for the intended transfer institution or complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and/or the Associate of Arts degree.
  • Consult the current transfer guide in the Mahendra Nath Career and Academic Planning Center.

Pre-Medicine

Students admitted to the University of Minnesota Medical School must complete a baccalaureate degree before beginning medical study.

"Pre-med" is a core of courses taken, not a major.

The following courses should be included within the baccalaureate degree plan.

ENGC 1101

Freshman Composition (4)

BIOL 1105*

General Biology: Cells to Organisms (4)

BIOL 1141*

Human Anatomy (4)

Life Sciences

Four courses, two at the upper division level (consult transfer guide)

BIOL 2205*

Genetics (4)

CHEM 1061*

Principles of Chemistry 1 (5)

CHEM 2921*

Biochemistry (3)

MATH 1080*

Introduction to Statistics (4)

MATH 2400*

Probability and Statistics w/Calculus (4)

PHIL 1103*

Ethics (3)

PSYC 1110*

General Psychology (4)

* Recommended courses.

A course in physiology is helpful for preparation for MCAT.

  • Begin specific liberal arts classes for the intended transfer institution or complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and/or the Associate of Arts degree.
  • Consult the current transfer guide in the Mahendra Nath Career and Academic Planning Center.

Pre-Music/Music Education/Music Management

Normandale offers a complete two year core curriculum for music students entering the areas of music theory, composition, musicology, ethnomusicology, conducting, church music, performance, education, therapy and management. This curriculum provides courses recommended in the first two years of BA, BS or BMA, BM and BME degrees. Students interested in private teaching, piano tuning and arts management are also encouraged to select classes from this core curriculum.

Students who begin a music major at Normandale begin with concurrent registration in:

Music students also:

It is expected that students entering as music majors have had prior training in music, including private lessons and participation in high school music ensembles.

Students with no prior experience in music are encouraged to take Fundamentals of Music (MUSC 1120) and piano lessons before beginning the music theory and ear training sequences.

Private teachers interested in becoming members of the Minnesota Music Teachers Association are encouraged to take:

Students interested in a music management program are encouraged to take:

Music education majors take:

Refer to the Music section of this catalog for more information about the Associate of Arts degree with Emphasis in Music and the Associate of Fine Arts degree in Music. Students are also encouraged to consult the current transfer guide in the Mahendra Nath Career and Academic Planning Center.

Pre-Nursing

Each college or university offering a four-year degree in nursing has different requirements. In order to prepare an education plan, students are encouraged to meet with a counselor or advisor.

  • Begin specific liberal arts classes for the intended transfer institution or complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and/or the Associate of Arts degree.
  • Consult the current transfer guide in the Mahendra Nath Career and Academic Planning Center.

Pre-Occupational Therapy

Students considering an occupational therapy program must have completed some successful employment in a health care or related facility. They should be prepared to deal with people who are sick, have physical disabilities or psychosocial dysfunctions. Volunteer experience in a related field is strongly recommended.

Minnesota's accredited graduate programs in occupational therapy are offered at the College of St. Catherine, the College of St. Scholastica and the University of Minnesota. Students should complete a bachelor's degree (no preferred major) to be considered for admission.

Some suggested pre-major courses are:

BIOL 1141

Human Anatomy (4)

BIOL 1142

Human Physiology (4)

MATH 1080

Introduction to Statistics (4)

PSYC 1110

General Psychology (4)

PSYC 2200

Abnormal Psychology (3)

PSYC 2210

Developmental Psy: Life-Span (4)

SOC 1104

Introduction to Sociology (3)

See transfer guides for additional requirements.

Pre-Pharmacy

Two years of pre-pharmacy courses are required for admission to a four-year program of professional study in the College of Pharmacy at the University of Minnesota. A sample of requirements follows:

Must obtain a grade of C or higher in:

BIOL 1105

General Biology: Cells to Organisms (4)

BIOL 1141

Human Anatomy (4)

BIOL 1142

Human Physiology (4)

BIOL 2204

Microbiology (4)

CHEM 1061

Principles of Chemistry 1 (5)

CHEM 1062

Principles of Chemistry 2 (5)

CHEM 2061

Organic Chemistry 1 (5)

CHEM 2062

Organic Chemistry 2 (5)

COMM 1101

Fundamentals-Public Speaking (3)

ENGC 1101

Freshman Composition (4)

ECON 2201

Principles of Microeconomics (3)

or ECON 2202

Principles - Macroeconomics (3)

MATH 1080

Introduction to Statistics (4)

MATH 1510

Calculus 1 (5)

PHYS 1110/1111

College Physics 1, 2 (8)

or PHYS 1121/1122

Physics w/Calculus 1, 2 (10)

or PHYS 1201/1202

Physics with Biomed App 1, 2 (8)

Advanced composition course (3-4): ENGC 2000, Advanced Writing, is recommended.

Behavioral science (sociology/psychology (6-8)

Strongly recommended: Volunteer experience in a related field.

  • Begin specific liberal arts classes for the intended transfer institution or complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and/or the Associate of Arts degree.
  • Consult the current transfer guide in the Mahendra Nath Career and Academic Planning Center.

Pre-Physical Therapy

Students planning to enter a physical therapy program should be prepared to deal with the challenges associated with working closely with people and their physical problems. Previous experience in health care, whether acquired through employment or career/volunteerism, is essential.

Minnesota's accredited graduate programs in physical therapy are offered at the Mayo Medical School, the College of St. Catherine, the College of St. Scholastica and the University of Minnesota. Students should complete a bachelor's degree (no preferred major) to be considered for admission. Consult with a counselor/advisor or transfer guides for pre-major course requirements.

Suggested pre-major courses are:

BIOL 1105

General Biology: Cells to Organisms (4)

BIOL Elective

BIOL 1102, 1106, 2202, 2204 or 2205 (4)

BIOL 1141

Human Anatomy (4)

BIOL 1142

Human Physiology (4)

CHEM 1061

Principles of Chemistry 1 (5)

CHEM 1062

Principles of Chemistry 2 (5)

MATH 1080

Introduction to Statistics (4)

MATH 1400

Survey of Calculus (4)

or MATH 1510

Calculus 1 (5)

PHYS 1110/1111

College Physics 1, 2 (8)

or PHYS 1121/1122

Physics w/Calculus 1, 2 (10)

or PHYS 1201/1202

Physics with Biomed App 1, 2 (8)

PSYC 1110

General Psychology (4)

PSYC 2200

Abnormal Psychology (3)

  • Begin specific liberal arts classes for the intended transfer institution or complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and/or the Associate of Arts degree.
  • Consult the current transfer guide in the Mahendra Nath Career and Academic Planning Center.

Pre-Physics

Students considering transferring to the Institute of Technology at the University of Minnesota should complete the following curriculum:

MATH 1510

Calculus 1 (5)

MATH 1520

Calculus 2 (5)

MATH 2510

Calc 3: Multivariable Calculus (5)

MATH 2520

Calc 4: Differential Equations (5)

PHYS 1121

Physics with Calculus 1 (5)

PHYS 1122

Physics with Calculus 2 (5)

PHYS 2250

Modern Physics (4)

  • Begin specific liberal arts classes for the intended transfer institution or the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and/or the Associate of Arts degree.
  • Consult the current transfer guide in the Mahendra Nath Career and Academic Planning Center.

Pre-Social Work

Each college or university offering a four-year degree in social work has different requirements. The following is a list of common courses for pre-social work. Students planning to complete a major in social work should speak with a counselor or advisor about additional courses, foreign language requirements and specific admission requirements.

BIOL 1102

Human Biology (4)

PSYC 1110

General Psychology (4)

SOC 1104

Introduction to Sociology (3)

SOC 2110

American Minority Relations (3)

Strongly recommended: Volunteer experience in a related field.

  • Begin specific liberal arts classes for the intended transfer institution or complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and/or the Associate of Arts degree.
  • Consult the current transfer guide in the Mahendra Nath Career and Academic Planning Center

Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Students who plan to apply to the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota should allow at least three years to complete all courses required for admission. Students entering the College must fulfill the distribution requirements before admission unless they have already completed a bachelor's degree.

BIOL 1105

General Biology: Cells to Organisms (4)

or BIOL 2203

Botany (4)

BIOL 2202

Zoology (4)

BIOL 2204

Microbiology (4)

BIOL 2205

Genetics (4)

CHEM 1061

Principles of Chemistry 1 (5)

CHEM 1062

Principles of Chemistry 2 (5)

CHEM 2061

Organic Chemistry 1 (5)

ENGC 1101

Freshman Composition (4)

ENGC 1102

Technical Writing (3)

MATH 1100

College Algebra - Probability (4)

or higher-level mathematics course (4-5)

PHYS 1110/1111

College Physics 1, 2 (8)

or PHYS 1121/1122

Physics - Calculus 1, 2 (8

Social Science (6-9)

Humanities (6-9)

Strongly recommended: Volunteer experience in a related field.

  • Begin specific liberal arts classes for the intended transfer institution or complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and/or the Associate of Arts degree.
  • Consult the current transfer guide in the Mahendra Nath Career and Academic Planning Center.