Summer Session

Each year the summer session offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses. The summer session serves the needs of undergraduate and graduate students from the University and the region. It also serves as a bridge for high school graduates who wish to begin their college work before the fall semester.

High school juniors who meet the advanced placement standards of their high schools may enroll in summer courses. Upon successful completion of these courses, they will be awarded regular university credit.

Preparation for Graduate and Professional Studies

Graduate School

Many of the undergraduate programs at Wheeling Jesuit University are foundations for graduate study; some majors are designed specifically to fulfill the prerequisites of graduate schools in the arts, sciences and social sciences. When a student’s needs cannot be fulfilled by an existing program, the independent major, along with faculty guidance and consultation with the director of the proposed graduate program, may be appropriate. Students should consult the appropriate graduate program director for information about graduate programs, procedures for applications and scholarship opportunities. Also, the career library has directories and a large collection of the catalogs of graduate schools around the country.

Law School

Various concentrations and majors can serve as preparation for law school. However, the majority of the American Bar Association approved law schools grant or deny admission based on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and undergraduate GPA, with the LSAT score as the most important criterion. Students who are interested in law school are encouraged to contact the Pre-Law Academic Advisor, Thomas Michaud, Ph.D. (Philosophy Department), as early as possible in their academic careers.

Health Pre-Professional Programs

WJU offers a well-rounded science and liberal arts education for students seeking careers in health pre-professional disciplines or related fields of study. Areas of study include, but are not restricted to, pre-medical, pre-veterinary, pre-pharmaceutical and pre-dental programs. Students typically major in biology or chemistry; however, with appropriate prerequisites in the sciences met, alternative programs may be developed. WJU has also established a Health Pre-Professional Committee, consisting of four faculty members. The Committee guides students with program planning so that they will have completed the appropriate courses required by their choice of professional school.

The Health Pre-Professional Committee will also provide professional institutions with additional information relevant to the expected success rate of our students. One of the Committee’s functions is, upon the request of a student, to write a collective letter of assessment for the student applying to professional school. The assessment includes not only G.P.A. and scores on pre-professional examination, but also the consideration of the strengths and weaknesses of the student as observed by his or her professors. All of these materials are then considered in the context of the likelihood that the student possesses the ability and initiative to successfully complete an educational program at the professional level. Because the Committee’s recommendations are taken seriously, WJU’s well-prepared and motivated students hold an excellent record for acceptance into professional schools.

Physical Therapy
Pre-Physical Therapy Preparation

Wheeling Jesuit University offers a pre-physical therapy concentration to students interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy. It is designed to prepare students for entry into the professional program. As freshmen, students will pursue a baccalaureate degree in a major of their choosing in addition to completing the prerequisite courses in biology, anatomy/physiology, chemistry, physics, statistics, math and psychology. Although students are advised by faculty members in their chosen majors, information and guidance is provided by the Department of Physical Therapy. The Physical Therapy Club offers students an avenue to learn more about the profession, to meet with the current graduate students and to prepare for the transition to the graduate program. A WJU student receives priority in the admissions process provided that the student maintains the minimal GPA (3.0), completes required courses, successfully completes the interview process and meets the WJU application deadlines.

The professional program consists of two years of intensive course work and clinical assignments spanning six consecutive terms. The graduate earns a master of science degree in physical therapy. The physical therapy curriculum utilizes Problem-Based Learning rather than the traditional lecture method of presentation. Students are assigned to small study groups and guided by a faculty tutor toward independent learning. This curricular design prepares the student exceptionally well to enter the clinical setting as a creative, reflective and flexible problem solver. This is verified by our students’ high ratings by clinical instructors and our graduates attaining exceptionally high passage rate on the licensure examination.

Admission Process for the Physical Therapy Program

Cohort classes begin each Fall and Spring on a rolling admission basis. Applications are reviewed beginning in February for a Fall class and in June for a Spring class. Personal interviews are scheduled for eligible candidates. This process continues until the class is filled. Applicants are notified in writing of their status regardng acceptance into the program. The status could be either full or conditional acceptance, placement on an alternative list or rejection of the application. The following are the admission requirements.

Admission Requirements

1. A baccalaureate degree in any field.
2. Candidates must earn at least a 3.0 GPA in requisite courses for the selected major including the Liberal Arts Core. In addition, candidates must complete the courses listed below with a 3.0 and with no grades below “C” in the science and math courses (shown with an asterisk*).

Course	Credits	WJU Equivalent
*Biology	8	BIO 115, 120, 121, 122
*Chemistry	8	CHE 110, 120, 121, 122
*Human Anatomy & Physiology	7	BIO 127, 128, 129
*Physics	8	PHY 110, 120, 121, 122
*Statistics	3	PSY 115
*Psychology	9	PSY 110, 212 Developmental (in addition to PSY 115 above)
*Other Core	39	Requirements in completion of Liberal Arts Core

3. Interview Process: The interview is used to evaluate the student’s verbal/nonverbal communication, the understanding of the profession of physical therapy and group interaction skills. These are important abilities in the Problem-Based Learning professional program. A sample writing exercise is done during the interview process which is used to evaluate the writing ability. References are another method used to determine a student’s preparation for the graduate Physical Therapy Program. Three letters of reference are required.
4. Direct observation of physical therapists working in a variety of settings is recommended.
5. Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores will be considered in the admission process. A full description of the graduate physical therapy program is available in the Wheeling Jesuit University Graduate catalog. Brochures and application packages are available from the Department of Physical Therapy, call 866-243-2068 toll free or email wjupt@wju.edu.

Adult Education

Wheeling Jesuit University offers degree and degree completion programs during evening hours which are designed to meet the special needs of the adult learner and working public. These programs include a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with majors in accounting, management and marketing; a Bachelor of Liberal Arts; a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Administration; a Bachelor of Science in Nursing for registered nurses with an RN to MSN track (also available on-line); a Bachelor of Arts in Administration of Justice and a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Development. Each degree is a self-contained unit whereby all course requirements can be completed by attending evening classes. All degree programs are approved for veterans’ benefits.

The Division of Adult and Continuing Education also offers
professional certificate programs and other continuing education. For additional and more specific information consult the Adult Student catalog or contact the Office of Adult and Continuing Education, 304-243-2250 or 1-800-873-7665.
Graduate Programs Wheeling Jesuit University offers an M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration) and M.S.A. (Master of Science in Accountancy) program. Both programs are professional in nature and attempt to integrate the traditional liberal arts with a modern career-oriented curriculum.

Wheeling Jesuit University offers the Master of Arts degree in Applied Theology, with concentrations in religious education, pastoral theology and spirituality. Another program leads to the Master of Science in Nursing with focuses on either nursing administration or family nurse practitioner. These graduate programs are designed for the convenience of working adults.

The Master of Arts in Science and Mathematics Education Program is designed for current science and mathematics teachers of students in grades 6-12. The program is completed in seven semesters: three summers of on-campus classes, two fall and two spring semesters via distance learning.

Wheeling Jesuit University offers a Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy. This degree involves two full calendar years of work and uses a “problem-based approach” as its curricular organizing principle. The degree is envisaged primarily as a two year program building on a solid four years of undergraduate preparation at Wheeling Jesuit. Transfer students will be considered only if spaces remain after all Wheeling Jesuit applicants have been evaluated. The program is CAPTE accredited.

For more information, consult the Graduate catalog or contact the Division of Adult and Continuing Education, 1-800-873-7665.