Further Education
Options for pre-professional studies (and more!) at Augustana
Why Augustana?
Small class sizes mean your professors will know you. Knowing your professors means it’s easier to find strong, personalized academic references, which most professional and graduate programs require for admission.
Our innovative curriculum and core program will help students develop the skillset needed to succeed on any path they choose! Augustana students have amazing access to undergraduate research and volunteer opportunities that will set them apart from other applicants. At Augustana, you can shape your degree to match your interests in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Planning Your Career Journey
We encourage students to connect with a member of the Student Academic Services team to discuss pathways and scheduling before registering for courses at Augustana.
Professional Programs
Below we detail common careers that require an individual to complete professional degree programs. Many of these programs require at least one year of post-secondary (pre-professional) study to gain entry, along with other criteria. For each career/program listed, find information about what Augustana programs can help prepare you for the career and professional program you’re interested in.
Chiropractor
Doctor of Chiropractic - DC
This program is available at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. Online admission interviews are granted to select qualified applicants.
Recommended Augustana programs to prepare you for this professional program:
Dental Hygienist
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene - BScDH
This program offers an admission pathway for Indigenous applicants
The BScDH is a three-year full-time program. Applicants must complete at least one year of university-level coursework before admission.
Recommended Augustana programs to prepare you for this professional program:
Dentist
Doctor of Dental Surgery - DDS
This program offers an admission pathway for Indigenous applicants
Applicants to the DDS program must complete at least two years of university-level coursework (with a course load of 30 units each year) before admission. All academic requirements must be completed or in progress (registered) at the time of application.
Recommended Augustana programs to prepare you for this professional program:
Doctor
Medical Degree - MD
This program offers an admission pathway for Indigenous applicants
In the 2024-2025 admissions cycle for the U of A MD program, 30 positions are available for qualified rural applicants. These positions are to encourage applicants who come from and have an understanding of rural, remote or northern communities who may have the goal of returning to practice in these communities.
Recommended Augustana programs to prepare you for this professional program:
Lawyer
Juris Doctor - JD
This program offers an admission pathway for Indigenous applicants
Admission to the U of A JD program is based on an applicant’s pre-law academic record and Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score. The Admissions Committee adjusts the weighting of these scores annually in order to provide the best prediction of success in law school.
Recommended Augustana programs to prepare you for this professional program:
Medical Laboratory Technologist
Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science - BScMLS
This program offers an admission pathway for Indigenous applicants
It is recommended that any students considering this program complete English Language Arts 30-1; Biology 30; Chemistry 30; Mathematics 30-1 (or equivalents) before applying.
Recommended Augustana programs to prepare you for this professional program:
Occupational Therapist
Master of Science in Rehabilitation Science (Occupational Therapy) - MScRS(OT)
This program offers an admission pathway for Indigenous applicants
Offered on Augustana Campus. Completion of a four-year bachelor’s degree or its academic equivalent in any field of study is required.
Recommended Augustana programs to prepare you for this professional program:
Optometrist
Doctor of Optometry - OD
This program is available at the University of Waterloo (information for Indigenous applicants) and the Université de Montréal. For admission to Université de Montréal, the candidate must demonstrate knowledge of the French language in accordance with the university's standards.
Recommended Augustana programs to prepare you for this professional program:
Pharmacist
Doctor of Pharmacy - PharmD
This program offers an admission pathway for Indigenous applicants
The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences reserves ten places each year for applicants from rural communities who meet the minimum admission requirements. Applicants must complete 60 units of university transferable course work including the prerequisite courses.
Recommended Augustana programs to prepare you for this professional program:
Physical Therapist
Master of Science in Rehabilitation Science (Physical Therapy) - MScRS(PT)
This program offers an admission pathway for Indigenous applicants
Offered at Augustana Campus. Completion of a four-year bachelor’s degree or its academic equivalent in any field of study is required.
Recommended Augustana programs to prepare you for this professional program:
Radiation Therapist
Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy - BScRT
It is recommended that any students considering this program complete English Language Arts 30-1; Biology 30; Chemistry 30; Mathematics 30-1; Physics 30 (or equivalents) before applying.
Recommended Augustana programs to prepare you for this professional program:
Senior/Executive Manager
Master of Business Administration - MBA
A Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score is required for admission in most cases.
Recommended Augustana programs to prepare you for this professional program:
Speech-Language Pathologist
Master of Science in Rehabilitation Science (Speech-Language Pathology) - MScRS(SLP)
This program offers an admission pathway for Indigenous applicants
Offered at Augustana Campus. For the above program, online admission interviews are granted to select qualified applicants.
Recommended Augustana programs to prepare you for this professional program:
Social Worker
Master of Social Work - MSW
This program is offered at the University of Calgary. Applicants for this program must complete the equivalent of two years of full-time paid work or a minimum of 3,000 hours of paid and/or volunteer work in the human services field by the application deadline.
Recommended Augustana programs to prepare you for this professional program:
Veterinarian
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine - DVM
This program is available at the University of Calgary (information for Indigenous applicants). Applicants must have been enrolled in a full-time courseload over the last four terms of undergraduate study. “Full time” is defined as a minimum of four (4) ‘first-attempt’ courses per term (semester), taken between the months of September – December (Fall term) and January – April (Winter term) for a total of 16 half-course equivalents.
Recommended Augustana programs to prepare you for this professional program:
Graduate Programs
Graduate degrees build upon your undergraduate studies while focusing on specialized knowledge and research within a particular discipline. Engage in in-depth coursework, research projects, and a thesis or capstone project. You’ll be prepared for specialized careers or further academic endeavours.
Thesis-Based
Thesis-based master's programs empower students to conduct methodical, systematic, theory-based and collaborative research alongside esteemed peers and in cutting-edge facilities. In today's dynamic job market, a thesis-based master's equips individuals with the expertise to tackle challenges across various sectors, meeting the evolving demands of local and global industries.
Course-Based
Course-based master's degrees are increasingly valued in today’s global economy. At the University of Alberta, these programs are often comprised of more courses than thesis-based programs, providing focused and leading-edge learning, alongside research and practicum placement components. They cater to the demand for highly trained professionals capable of providing focused and structured solutions through their knowledge.
After Degree Programs
An after degree program from a university is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree and wish to pursue a second undergraduate degree in a different or complementary field. These programs typically take two years of full-time study to complete.
Already completed a degree at Augustana (or elsewhere)? Complete a second undergraduate degree at Augustana in as little as 2 years!
Note: The total number of required units of course weight in after degree programs will vary depending on the degree held and the program sought. A minimum of 60 units will always be required. In some cases, more than 60 units may be required depending on the number and applicability of arts and science courses completed as part of the first degree.
Arts
Bachelor of Arts - BA
Any of Augustana’s undergraduate programs, excluding bachelor of arts programs, are well suited to prepare students for this program.
Offered programs (Augustana Campus):
Education
Bachelor of Education (elementary or secondary) - BEd
Any of Augustana’s undergraduate programs are well suited to prepare students for this program.
Note: All applicants applying to the bachelor of education after degree programs at the University of Alberta are required to complete the Casper test as part of their application.
Offered program (North Campus):
Management
Bachelor of Management - BMgt
Any of Augustana’s undergraduate programs, excluding the bachelor of management program, are well suited to prepare students for this program.
Offered program (Augustana Campus):
Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - BScN
Any of Augustana’s undergraduate programs — particularly integrative biology and physical education — are well suited to prepare students for this program.
Offered program (North Campus):
Science
Bachelor of Science - BSc
Any of Augustana’s undergraduate programs, excluding bachelor of science programs, are well suited to prepare students for this program.
Offered programs (Augustana Campus):
Contact Us
Questions about preparing for further education and how an Augustana education can help? Contact the Augustana Student Academic Services office.