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general overview

Coker College offers a major in biology with concentrations in ecology, molecular biology, and pre-medical. A major in biology is a stepping stone to many careers including medical doctor, pharmacist, medical technologist, animal researcher, veterinarian, pharmaceutical salesperson, physical therapy or environmental specialist. Housed in the William Chambers Coker Science Building, the biology program gives students access to fully equipped labs and research-quality instruments that include: a 300 MHz multinuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer; mass, infrared, and ultraviolet/visible spectrometers; and gas, liquid and ion chromatographs. As a biology major you will have 24-hour access to a computer lab with 24 PCs and wireless internet access.

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general overview

Coker College offers a major in business administration that will prepare you for a career that requires leadership, confidence, decision-making skills, and a strong foundation in business principles from sales and marketing to accounting and management. Whether you want a career in the corporate world or want to own your own business, our program will provide you with an in-depth, first-hand understanding of how and why businesses succeed. Coker College’s strong liberal arts component provides students with a foundation from which to evaluate the business firm’s ethical, social and moral responsibilities as they develop a personal philosophy of business.

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general overview

Coker College offers a major in chemistry that can open up a wide range of career fields including laboratory science, industrial management, government and teaching. Many interdisciplinary careers are also open to chemistry graduates. Housed in the William Chambers Coker Science Building, the chemistry program gives students access to fully equipped labs and research-quality instruments that include: a 300 MHz multinuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer; mass, infrared, and ultraviolet/visible spectrometers; and gas, liquid and ion chromatographs. You will also have 24-hour access to a computer lab with 24 PCs and wireless internet access.

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general overview

Coker College offers a major in communication. Whether you seek a career in advertising or public relations, or want to use your language skills to pursue a role in international business, journalism or teaching, our goal is to provide you with an academic and personal foundation for success. When you major in communication, you will be well-prepared for a career that requires confidence, creativity, and the ability to express yourself both orally and in writing. A communication degree will give you the essential tools for succeeding in a complex and rapidly growing world.

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general overview

Coker College offers a major in computer science, which studies the theoretical and practical aspects of algorithm software and hardware design. A degree in computer science provides students with the foundational aspects of computing theory, creative problem-solving skills, and the skills needed to communicate algorithmic solutions to problems. Typical career paths of computer science majors include software engineering, networking, systems design, entertainment programming, and computer graphics. As a computer science major at Coker, you will have access to the computer labs in the William Chambers Coker Science Building and the Charles W. and Joan S. Coker Library-Information Technology Center, in addition to  wireless internet access on campus.

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general overview

Coker College offers a major in criminology — the study of crime that includes theories of causation and responses by law enforcement, legal adjudication, and corrections. A criminology degree prepares students for employment in the criminal justice field or for graduate study in criminology, law, criminal justice, or sociology.

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general overview

Coker College offers a major in dance with three concentrations to provide students with the opportunity to pursue a track of study best suited for their individual career goal. These concentrations are performance/choreography, movement analysis, dance therapies, and dance education. Coker dance majors are prepared for performance-related work and for additional study at the graduate level. As a dance major, you will have access to the Elizabeth Boatwright Coker Performing Arts Center, which includes two dance studios and the Watson Theater (a 466-seat proscenium theater). The performing arts center also houses and the versatile 80-seat Black Box Theater, a rehearsal studio, scene and costume shops, and Coker’s fine arts collection in the Stein Gallery.

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general overview

Coker College offers majors in elementary, early childhood, and secondary education. Whatever grade level you want to teach, our program will provide you with the opportunities and support needed to develop your talents to the fullest. While deepening your commitment and compassion to education, you will work with many academic departments building strong content knowledge for all areas of concentration. In addition, you will receive a solid foundation in teaching methodologies which will prepare you to be successful in the region, state, and nation. In fact, Coker’s unique internship program allows you to observe and assist experienced teachers beginning in your freshman year. All it takes is careful planning, a desire to succeed, and guidance from our faculty. We will set high standards for your personal and professional development and work with you to become the best teacher you can be.

Department of Education Website

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general overview

Coker College offers a Spanish major and a Spanish minor. Knowing more than one language enhances opportunities for employment in government, business, health care, teaching, technology, the military, communications and social service. Learning a language is not just learning grammar and vocabulary — it is learning how to function in another culture. A person who knows another language can work successfully with many more people in many more places. An employer will see you as a bridge to new opportunities. No matter what career you choose, if you have learned a second language, you have an advantage. Coker’s foreign language program enables the serious student to attain a useful fluency in a language and a broad understanding of that language’s culture, civilization and literature.

Spanish Program Website

Chinese Website

general overview

Coker College offers a major in history that provides you with an in-depth understanding of the past and how these teachings apply to the present and future. The study of history at Coker College offers intellectual stimulation, wide ranging career opportunities, and a sense of personal satisfaction. History majors graduate from Coker with a firm foundation to pursue successful careers in many professions, including teaching, government service, publishing, museum and library administration, law, and business. Equally important they achieve a much richer understanding of the world around them and develop intellectual skills that will enhance the quality of their lives. At Coker, history students receive far more personal attention than is typical elsewhere.

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general overview

Coker College offers a major in mathematics — one of the oldest areas of human knowledge and the foundation of all aspects of science and technology. The mathematics program focuses on quantitative thought and analytical reasoning using pure and applied mathematics. This type of penetrating and detailed analysis is highly valued in the medical and legal professions and provides enormous career versatility. Typical career areas for math majors include computer science, engineering, physics, meteorology, finance, and intelligence. As a mathematics major at Coker College, you will have access to the computer labs in the William Chambers Coker Science Building and the Charles W. and Joan S. Coker Library-Information Technology Center in addition to  wireless internet access on campus.

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general overview

Coker College offers a major in medical technology through a cooperative program with McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence, SC. Three years of the program are spent on Coker College’s campus. The fourth year is a 52-week program integrating classroom lectures and practical experience at McLeod Regional Medical Center, one of the nation’s top hospitals. The medical technology program gives students access to fully equipped labs and research quality instruments that include: a 300 MHz multinuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer; mass, infrared, and ultraviolet/visible spectrometers; and gas, liquid and ion chromatographs. You will also have 24-hour access to a computer lab with 24 PCs and wireless internet access.

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general overview

Coker College offers a major in political science — the study of politics, government, and the use of power. Coker’s political science program, which also offers a specialization in pre-law, will prepare you for success in a variety of fields. Some recent graduates have completed advanced degrees and are working in universities and in state and local governments. Many have completed law degrees and are attorneys in both government and private practice; others have gone into business either for themselves or for large corporations; several are working for non-profit organizations.

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For students interested in becoming medical doctors Coker College offers a Pre-Medical concentration. This concentration is designed for students wishing to attend Medical School (MD, DO or DPM), Dental School, or Veterinary School after receiving their bachelor’s degree.

Pre-Medical Concentration

Although Medical schools generally accept students with degrees in a variety of majors, all medical school applicants must take certain prerequisite courses. These courses prepare the student to take the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) and DAT (Dental Admissions Test) and to also maximize their chances for success in medical school. Coker College offers a pre-medical concentration that includes those courses that are generally required of all Medical Schools to ensure that general prerequisites are met and the student is well prepared. This concentration is embedded within the Biology major and the requirements are listed below.

Requirements:

A biology major with a Pre-Medical concentration requires 35 semester hours in biology including the following biology courses:

• BIO110L - Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory (1 semester hour)
• BIO111 + BIO111L - Core Principles of Organismal Biology and the associated laboratory (3 semester hours + 1 semester hour)
• BIO210 - Core Principles of Ecology and Evolution (4 semester hours)
• BIO211 - Core Principles of Genetics (4 semester hours)
• Either BIO227* and BIO228 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II (8 semester hours) or BIO326 and BIO462 - Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology (9 semester hours)
• BIO330 - Microbiology (4 semester hours)
• BIO491 - Biology Seminar III (1 semester hour)

30 semester hours of Biology must be at or above the 200 level.

* BIO227 does not provide credit toward the 35 hours of biology courses required for the major.

Students must also fulfill the following chemistry, math and physics requirements:

• CHE101, 101L, 102 and 102L- General Chemistry I and II (8 semester hours)
• CHE351, 351L, 352 and 352L- Organic Chemistry I and II (8 semester hours)
• MAT222 - Calculus (4 semester hours)
• PHY203, 203L, 204, 204L-Calculus Physics I and II (8 semester hours)

Recommended but not required courses are:

• BIO410 - Advanced Cellular and Molecular Biology (4 semester hours)
• BIO/CHE461 - Introduction to Biochemistry (3 semester hours)

A checklist is available to download and keep track of your biology major courses: Pre-Medical Concentration checklist

What do I need to do other than classes?

Today’s applicant to medical school not only excels in the classroom, but also volunteers, shadows physicians or appropriate medical professionals and conducts research. Depending on the applicants’ school of choice the degree of involvement in each of these areas varies, however, all schools require a shadowing experience. Coker College’s pre-medical concentration therefore, also requires participation in a shadowing experience. Please contact Dr. Bailey (pbailey@coker.edu) for specifics to satisfy this requirement.

Timelines: What should I do each semester to ensure I am on the correct path?

The following is a timeline for non-coursework activities:

1st year, 1st semester:

• Meet with your Pre-Allied Health Advisor (Dr. Bailey)

1st year, 2nd semester:

• Meet with Dr. Bailey
• Investigate schools of interest especially regarding pre-requisite courses
• Explore summer opportunities for volunteering and shadowing

Summer between 1st and 2nd year:

• Volunteer (keep a list of all volunteering activities)
• Shadow an appropriate medical profession (keep a daily journal)

2nd year, 1st semester:

• Meet with Dr. Bailey

2nd year, 2nd semester:

• Meet with Dr. Bailey
• Explore summer opportunities for volunteering, shadowing, and research internships

Summer between 2nd and 3rd year:

• Volunteer (keep a list of all your volunteering)
• Shadow an appropriate medical profession (keep a daily journal)
• Participate in a research internship

3rd year, 1st semester:

• Meet with Dr. Bailey
• Investigate schools of interest especially regarding application deadlines
• Prepare to take the MCAT, DAT, OAT or GRE

3rd year, 2nd semester:

• Meet with Dr. Bailey
• Prepare to take the MCAT, DAT, OAT or GRE
• Take the MCAT, DAT, OAT or GRE

Summer between 3rd and 4th year:

• Apply to medical school- the earlier the better!
• Volunteer (keep a list of all volunteering activities)
• Shadow an appropriate medical profession (keep a daily journal)

4th year, 1st semester:

• Meet with Dr. Bailey
• Complete secondary applications
• Interview

4th year, 2nd semester:

• Make decision about what school you are going to attend and confirm
• Notify schools you will not be attending
• SMILE!

The following is an “ideal” schedule for the pre-medical student to follow. Remember, not all students are coming in at the same level, so this may need to be altered to fit you specifically. Additionally only those courses specifically required or recommended of the pre-medicine concentration are listed. You will need to also take your LASP courses and the additional biology courses to meet your 35 semester hour requirement (at least 120 semester hours total).

 

Year	Fall	Spring
1st Year	BIO110 BIO110L CHE101 CHE101L MAT210	BIO111 BIO111L CHE102 CHE102L MAT222
2nd Year	BIO210 CHE351 CHE351L PHY 203 PHY203L	BIO211 CHE352 CHE352L PHY204 PHY204L
3rd Year	BIO227 BIO410	BIO228 BIO330
4th Year	BIO461 BIO491

Students interested in pursuing a career in pharmacy are best suited majoring in either Biology or Chemistry. By choosing one of these majors the student is most likely to get all needed prerequisite courses. However to ensure you have completed all pre-requisites for your school of choice, the pharmacy school’s individual criteria should be checked carefully.

Prerequisite

If the student chooses to major in Biology they should take the following courses:

• BIO110 - Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology (3 semester hours in LASP)
• BIO110L - Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory (1 semester hour)
• BIO111 - Core Principles of Organismal Biology (3 semester hours)
• BIO111L - Core Principles of Organismal Biology (1 semester hour)
• BIO210 - Core Principles of Ecology and Evolution (4 semester hours)
• BIO211 - Core Principles of Genetics (4 semester hours)
• BIO227 and BIO228- Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II (8 semester hours)
• BIO330 - Microbiology (4 semester hours)
• BIO491 - Biology Seminar III (1 semester hour)

A total of 35 semester hours must be taken in Biology with 30 semester hours of Biology at or above the 200 level.

Students must also fulfill the following chemistry, math, business, and physics requirements:

• CHE101, 101L, 102 and 102L - General Chemistry I and II (8 semester hours)
• CHE351, 351L, 352 and 352L - Organic Chemistry I and II (8 semester hours)
• MAT203 - Elementary Statistics (3 semester hours)
• MAT222 - Calculus (4 semester hours)
• BA222 - Macroeconomic Concepts (3 semester hours)
• PHY201, 201L, 202, 202L - General Physics I and II (8 semester hours) or PHY203, 203L, 204, 204L - Calculus Physics I and II (8 semester hours)

 

Admission Test and Application Service

A student wishing to apply to pharmacy school will take the PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test) and apply most likely through PharmCAS (the Pharmacy College Application Service); most schools (92 out of the 129 schools) use PharmCAS.

The PCAT consists of 6 sections:

• verbal
• biology
• chemistry
• reading comprehension
• quantitative reasoning
• a written essay

Useful Websites:

• Pharmacy career information: www.aacp.org/pharmacycareers
• For an excellent description of this career visit: www.explorehealthcareers.org
• PCAT information: http://www.pearsonassessments.com/haiweb/Cultures/en-US/site/Community/PostSecondary/Products/pcat/pcathome.htm
• PharmCAS information: http://www.pharmcas.org/

Students interested in becoming physical therapists are best suited majoring in either Biology or Exercise Science. By choosing one of these majors the student is most likely to get all needed prerequisite courses.

Prerequisites

The prerequisites required for entrance into most physical therapy programs are:

Chemistry:

• CHE101, 101L, 102 and 102L- General Chemistry I and II (8 semester hour)

 

General Biology:

• BIO110 and BIO110L- Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology and laboratory (3 semester hours in LASP + 1 semester hour)
• BIO111 and BIO111L- Core Principles of Organismal Biology and laboratory (3 semester hours + 1 semester hour) or BIO101 and BIO101L- Principles of Biology and laboratory (3 semester hours in LASP + 1 semester hour)
• BIO102 and BIO102L- General Biology of Whole Organisms and laboratory (3 semester hours + 1 semester hour)

 

Human Anatomy and Physiology:

• BIO227 and BIO228- Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II (8 semester hours)

 

Physics:

• PHY201, 201L, 202 and 202L- General Physics I and II (8 semester hours) or PHY203, 203L, 204, 204L-Calculus Physics I and II (8 semester hours)

 

Statistics:

• MAT203- Elementary Statistics (3 semester hours)

 

These courses are the basic prerequisites for most physical therapy programs. Schools vary in their prerequisites therefore, to ensure you have taken everything required investigate your school of choice. Keep in mind many schools require specific psychology and/or sociology courses.

What do I need to do other than classes?

Physical therapy programs also want their students to be familiar with the field of physical therapy. Therefore, most schools require volunteer work in the area of physical therapy. Investigate your school of choice for the volunteer hour requirement.

Admission Test

A student wishing to apply to physical therapy schools will take the GRE (Graduate Record Examination).

Useful Websites:

• American Physical Therapy Association: www.apta.org
• For an excellent description of this career visit www.explorehealthcareers.org
• GRE information: www.ets.org/gre/

Students interested in becoming physician assistants are best suited majoring in either Biology or Chemistry. By choosing one of these majors the student is most likely to get all needed prerequisite courses.

Prerequisites

The prerequisites required for entrance into most physician assistant programs are:

Chemistry:

• CHE101, 101L, 102 and 102L- General Chemistry I and II (8 semester hours)
• CHE351, 351L, 352 and 352L- Organic Chemistry I and II (8 semester hours)
• CHE/BIO 461- Introduction to Biochemistry (3 semester hours)

 

General Biology:

• BIO110 and BIO110L- Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology and laboratory (3 semester hours in LASP + 1 semester hour)
• BIO111 and BIO111L- Core Principles of Organismal Biology and laboratory (3 semester hours + 1 semester hour) or BIO101 and BIO101L- Principles of Biology and laboratory (3 semester hours in LASP + 1 semester hour)
• BIO102 and BIO102L- General Biology of Whole Organisms and laboratory (3 semester hours + 1 semester hour)

 

Human Anatomy and Physiology:

• BIO227 and BIO228- Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II (8 semester hours)

 

Microbiology:

• BIO330- Microbiology (4 semester hours)

 

Statistics:

• MAT203- Elementary Statistics (3 semester hours)

 

Psychology:

• PSY101- General Psychology (3 semester hours)

 

Recommended, but not required:

Genetics:

• BIO211- Core Principles of Genetics (4 semester hours)

 

These courses are the basic prerequisites for most physician assistant programs. Schools vary in their prerequisites therefore, to ensure you have taken everything required investigate your school of choice.

What do I need to do other than classes?

Almost all physician assistant programs require health care experience prior to admission. Investigate your school of choice for the exact requirement.

Admission Test and Application

A student wishing to apply to physician assistant programs will likely take the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and apply through CASPA (Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants).

Useful Websites:

• American Academy of Physician Assistants: www.aapa.org
• Physician Assistant Education Association: www.paeaonline.org
• CASPA information: www.caspaonline.org
• For an excellent description of this career visit: www.explorehealthcareers.org
• GRE information: www.ets.org/gre/

general overview

Coker College offers a major in psychology — the systematic attempt to understand the causes and meaning of human behavior. A variety of career opportunities are available to students in psychology including careers in education and teaching, health related services, and research and development. The psychology major also allows you to use your insight into the human psyche in other career areas such as advertising, business, law or medicine. Internships are an integral part of a psychology major’s professional development. Coker College psychology majors are well-prepared for professional success or graduate studies.

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general overview

Coker College offers a major in theater with concentrations in performance or technical theater. A concentration in musical theater is offered in the College’s music program. As a theater major, you will have access to the Elizabeth Boatwright Coker Performing Arts Center, which includes the Watson Theater (a 466-seat proscenium theater) and the versatile 80-seat Black Box Theater. The performing arts center also houses two dance studios, a rehearsal studio, scene and costume shops, and Coker’s fine arts collection in the Stein Gallery.

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general overview

Coker College offers a major in English with a concentration in Professional Writing and Education. The student majoring in English at Coker College is prepared for a wide range of professional or graduate studies. English can be the foundation for careers in fields such as advertising, public relations, technical writing, publishing, journalism, government, or social services. It is also a solid basis for the graduate studies in fields as varied as medicine, education, library science, journalism, creative writing, business and law. English majors practice critical reading skills and develop their ability to synthesize information and ideas easily and to express themselves effectively. CEOs rank communication and critical thinking at the top of their requirements for prospective employees. English majors at Coker College develop these skills.

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general overview

Coker College offers a major in music with a concentration in piano, voice, or musical theater, as well as a Bachelor in Music Education. A liberal arts degree in music requires the utmost dedication and perseverance but the rewards are many. Students combine practical and theoretical studies that develop musical skills but also life skills such as independence, self-confidence, self-motivation, interpersonal and communication skills, research and writing skills, critical and creative thinking, the ability to work in a team, and leadership potential. Possible career options include: elementary and secondary school music education, church music direction, musical direction of an ensemble, performer, accompanist, college or university professor, concert management, private studio teacher, and arts administrator.

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general overview

Coker College offers a Spanish major. Knowing more than one language enhances opportunities for employment in government, business, health care, teaching, technology, the military, communications and social service. Learning a language is not just learning grammar and vocabulary — it is learning how to function in another culture. A person who knows another language can work successfully with many more people in many more places. An employer will see you as a bridge to new opportunities. No matter what career you choose, if you have learned a second language, you have an advantage. Coker’s foreign language program enables the serious student to attain a useful fluency in a language and a broad understanding of that language’s culture, civilization and literature.

Spanish Program Website

Chinese Website (Other Information)

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general overview

Coker College offers a major in physical education with concentrations in exercise science, physical fitness programming, sport communication, sports management, and teacher education. Whether you want a career in coaching, teaching, fitness programming or professional sports, our goal is to provide you with in-depth, first-hand understanding of physical education and the very diverse opportunities that this degree affords. No matter what career path you choose, a major in physical education and sport studies builds your leadership, confidence, and decision-making skills and gives you a strong foundation in physiology and education.

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general overview

Coker College offers a major in social work for students interested in working with public and private social service agencies. Successful completion of the program is accepted by the S.C. Board of Social Work Examiners and qualifies you to take the state’s social work licensing exam. Internships with social service agencies are required. Studying Social Work at Coker College enables graduates to integrate and apply the knowledge, values, and skills of the social work profession in order to become competent baccalaureate generalist practitioners. Coker College’s social work department is a member of the South Carolina Professional Development Consortium, a statewide collaboration between the Department of Social Services and other select colleges and universities.

Coker College’s Social Work Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

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