Special Note for Students interested in Health Sciences
Each year, approximately 300 first‐year students enter UNCW stating intent to pursue a health
science major and/or a career in the health professions after completing their undergraduate
studies. Health science majors and pre‐health professions can include, but are not limited to,
the following:
Admission to post‐graduate professional schools of health is highly competitive and the
academic and personal preparation required to be a successful applicant is both rigorous and
challenging. Students interested in science majors and completing pre‐health pre‐requisites will
be required to take more than one science course during a majority of your semesters at
UNCW. Students are NOT required to take two science courses in their first semester, but
taking two science courses IS HIGHLY RECCOMENDED in their first semester because it will
prepare them for future study. The following courses are highly encouraged for students who
interested in pre‐health or the sciences to take within their first‐year:
BIO 201: Principles of Biology, with Lab
CHM 101: General Chemistry I, with Lab
PHY 101: Elementary College Physics I, with Lab
MAT 111: College Algebra (many degrees require a higher level)
PSY 105: Introduction to Psychology
UNI 101: First‐Year Seminar (See Learning Communities for Pre‐Health and Science Majors)
Note: Students may need to take different courses than the suggested schedule due to
placement exams,
AP/IP/CLEP test scores, or previous college credit.
Tips for Specific Interest Areas: Athletic Training (ATR, B.A.) ‐ Students need to contact an
ATR advisor before they register for classes for the Spring. Application into the program occurs
during the spring semester of the freshman year. To be considered for full admission to the
Athletic Training Education Program, applicants must meet the minimum requirements as
outlined in the undergraduate catalogue. Students must complete CHM 101, BIO 201 and PSY
105 within their first year.
Nursing, (NSG, B.S.) – 50 students are admitted to UNCW’s School of Nursing program each
semester. While a 2.7 is required for an evaluation, the average for the incoming class is often a
3.5 or higher. In addition to university studies requirements, students interested in nursing
must complete CHM 101, PSY 105, one biology course, one math/statistic course and a
designated prerequisite (SOC 105, ECN 125, or ECN 221) prior to applying for the program.