Prerequisite Coursework

Prerequisite courses prepare you for admissions tests and help you establish a foundation you can build your professional skills and knowledge on.

After identifying your career path, you should identify common courses and application requirements that are needed for admission into the programs you're interested in. Admission requirements may vary by program. Your pre-professional advisor and your assigned academic advisor can help you with incorporating these courses and requirements into your plan of study. 

Common prerequisites for professional programs can be viewed in PlanMyDegree, online at PlanMyDegree.

Review these one-pagers for UMKC professional programs, which outline prerequisites and recommended courses to take.

• • Pre-law
  • Pre-med
  • Pre-pharmacy
  • Pre-PA
  • Pre-AA
  • Pre-OT
  • Pre-dental
  • Pre-dental hygiene

We encourage you to meet with your assigned academic advisor and your pre-professional advisor to develop an academic plan. This ensures you can complete your declared UMKC program, as well as the courses required for application to your chosen program in time for your anticipated graduation date.

Course Load

Programs consider both the amount and difficulty of each term, along with your GPA in the admissions process. Generally, it is recommended that you enroll in 15 hours each Fall and Spring Semester. Summer courses are not encouraged, unless you need to catch up on your planned application timeline. If you're not taking courses in the summer, you can take advantage of summer enrichment activities to enhance your application. See our beyond the classroom page for more information about gaining experience and opportunities to build your resume.