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Pre-Professional Studies
Members of the medical professions committee, the professional school advisor, the vice president for
academic affairs, and academic advisors have copies of possible paradigms (including these requirements)
for your use. It must be emphasized that each professional school may have additional course
requirements. A catalog containing the requirements is available in the office of the chair of the medical
professions committee. It is imperative that students consult frequently with their academic advisors.
Pre-Law
Lawrence Price, J.D., J.C.L., Advisor
The successful study and practice of law requires both language mastery and the ability to understand
abstract concepts. There is no pre-law major per se, but students interested in studying law are
encouraged to take those courses which promote complex analysis and clarity of communication.
Traditional pre-law courses are usually language intensive, such as courses in English, philosophy, or
history. Political science and business administration courses are also helpful because these subjects
often provide the context for many legal issues. Furthermore, courses which stress technical mastery
such as math and science courses can also be beneficial. In general, students should take courses which
require extensive written work and promote the development of clear analysis. Admission to law school
requires early application and the taking of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) by February of the
student’s senior year at the latest. For students with a serious interest in the study of law, there is the
possibility of an independent study course or an internship. Please contact the pre-law advisor if there
are other questions.
Pre-Theology
Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary
Very Rev. Andrew Beerman, Rector, Advisor
The Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary is owned and operated by the Diocese of Winona as a college
level priestly formation program adjacent to the campus of Saint Mary’s University.
The seminary program embraces the graduation requirements of Saint Mary’s University, as well as
the academic directives of The Program of Priestly Formation. Philosophy remains the most highly
recommended area of concentration for a student preparing for theology school. If, however, he chooses
some other appropriate major, he is still required to complete philosophical studies equivalent to thirty
semester hours of course work; please see the IHM philosophy major listing in the philosophy department.
These philosophy courses meet the requirements of the Bishop’s Committee on Priestly Formation. The
philosophy department established this course sequence in consultation with the seminary.
The seminary also requires the following theology courses:
TH115 Mystery of Salvation
TH210 Introduction to Old Testament
TH220 Introduction to New Testament
One elective theology course
Two semesters of elementary Latin are required of all seminarians who have not had at least two years
of high school Latin or who still demonstrate a deficiency in the level of Latin expected by theology
schools. Seminarians who plan to enter masters programs at the theology level should plan on taking
Greek and Hebrew if their schedules allow for it and if the courses are offered.
Most seminarians spend four years at Saint Mary’s University completing their baccalaureate degree.
However, a number of seminarians who already possess a baccalaureate degree come to Immaculate
Heart of Mary. These men generally are in residence for two years, during which time they complete
their philosophy and theology requirements.
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