Undergraduate Degrees
Accelerated B.S. in Biological Sciences/D.O. in Osteopathic Medicine (offered in collaboration with the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine):The program requires admission both to SUNY College at Old Westbury and NYCOM. Students accepted into the program are assured admission to the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine provided that they maintain a minimum 3.50 grade point average, provide adequate scores on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and receive approval from NYCOM faculty following an interview to be conducted during the third year of the program. Students must also complete the regular pre-medical science courses within the first three years. Matriculation at NYCOM will occur in the fourth post-high school year. Students in the program will receive their B.S. after one year in medical school and their D.O. after completing the normal 4-year medical school curriculum. The regular premedical course requirements, in addition to major program requirements and general education requirements, include courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, English and physics. The program is designed for students entering SUNY College at Old Westbury from high school. However, transfer into the program within the freshman year is possible if openings exist and applicants meet the initial continuing requirements. Information on careers in osteopathic medicine can be found using the following links:
B.S. in Biology or B.A. in Biology: These degree programs offer the basic courses for students whose career plans include the biological sciences, premedical and pre-professional training and secondary education (B.S. in Biology), and public policy or environmental studies (B.A. in Biology). The Biological Sciences Department incorporates an innovative, multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving in biology. It combines a strong research orientation in the basic sciences with a concern for community health and environmental problems. It offers excellent preparation for professional and research careers as well as training for community health workers concerned with the educational needs of the entire Long Island community.
B.S. in Health and Society: Health and Society majors at Old Westbury examine health and healthcare from the perspective of the social and behavioral, as well as, the biological sciences. Emphasis is placed on the importance of relating theoretical knowledge to community experience. Therefore, each student's learning process integrate classroom study with community service and field work. Housed within the Biological Sciences Department, the degree is designed for those who wish to pursue careers in:
- Public health
- Health education
- Health administration
- Occupational health
- Social work
Further, the major has a long tradition of success among those already working in the health professions (e.g., registered nurses and dental hygienists, etc.). While the Health and Society degree does not prepare students for a specific credential or position, graduates of the program will be qualified to enter graduate programs in health or social work to achieve the additional professional training required of many positions in the health field
Other Courses of Study
Premedical and Pre-Health Professions Studies
Old Westbury offers all of the courses required for admission into medical school and other schools in the health professions (dentistry, podiatry, optometry, osteopathic medicine, etc.). While there is no degree program (major) in premedical studies, the college offers a system of advisement in which students intending to pursue a career in the health professions are guided to prepare them academically and holistically to be competitive for admission into health professional schools. Guidance is also provided in the professional school application process.
Premedical students may generally major in any field including, but not limited to, the natural sciences. Regardless of the major all premedical students must complete the minimum requirements for admission, which generally are college level chemistry with laboratory (2 years), college level biology with laboratory (1 year), college level physics with laboratory (1 year), English composition (1 year) and mathematics through calculus I. Individual health professional schools may have additional requirements. Listed below are specific courses that meet the minimum requirements as well some strongly recommended courses that add strength to the premedical student's application.
Old Westbury has established a solid record of successfully preparing students for admission into some of the nation's best medical and health professional schools, and many of the college's graduates are now practicing physicians, dentists and other health professionals. Students interested in premedical and pre-health professional studies are strongly urged to consult one of the pre-health professions advisors as soon as a decision is reached to pursue a health career.
Minors
Environmental Studies and Ecology: For students interested in the environment and ecology, the Biological Sciences Department offers a minor in Environmental Studies. A B.S. degree with this emphasis will prepare a student for advanced laboratory research in environmental biology while a B.A. degree with this emphasis is designed for students more interested in administering environmental programs. Direct participation in environmental agencies and organizations on Long Island or independent laboratory research on an environmental problem is an important aspect of this emphasis.
