Pre-Professional Scholars Program

An Enhanced Path to Professional School

Many Creighton students come in with a goal of advancing to medical, dental, law, pharmacy or other professional school. Through pre-professional advising, all students receive the guidance and support to prepare for that next step.

Students in the Pre-Professional Scholars Program (CPPSP) build on that foundation with enhanced advising, defined benchmarks and, in select pathways, guaranteed consideration or admittance to Creighton’s professional programs when requirements are met. Designed for highly motivated students, CPPSP offers early assurances, while still giving you the flexibility to explore your interests within a values-centered education.

Application Process

The first step to being admitted to CPPSP is to apply to Creighton. To be considered for CPPSP, your Application for Undergraduate Admission must be submitted by December 1 of your senior year. A separate CPPSP application is required, with a deadline of January 10, and must include all required materials as determined by each program. Each program has individual consideration criteria (outlined below.)

CPPSP Applications will become available in the Student Portal of eligible students after their undergraduate application is approved.

An interview with a member of the selection committee will be scheduled for finalists.

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Creighton mall in early morning lighting.

Guaranteed Admission | $4,000 Scholarship

Benefits for Selected Pre-professional Dental Scholars

Eligible students must apply and be accepted to CPPSP to take advantage of these benefits. 

  • Guaranteed admission to Creighton’s School of Dentistry, upon meeting the requirements for admission listed below 
  • Minimum $4,000 ($1,000 annually) dental school scholarship to Creighton’s School of Dentistry if you meet eligibility criteria
  • Networking with dental faculty, alumni and admissions
  • Early clinical exposure and shadowing at Creighton's dental clinic beginning freshman year

Pre-professional Dental Scholar Admission Criteria

  • Minimum high school GPA of 3.8 on 4.0 scale
  • No grade lower than a C in high school math or science courses
  • Engage in meaningful volunteer and shadowing experiences to gain exposure to the dental field
  • Leadership experiences in school and community

To be considered for CPPSP, your Application for Undergraduate Admission must be submitted by December 1 of your senior year. CPPSP Applications will become available in the Student Portal of eligible students after their undergraduate application is approved. You must complete this application by January 10 and include:

  • An essay explaining your interest in the dental field
  • A resume outlining experience and extra-curricular involvements
  • A letter of recommendation from a dental professional
  • An interview with a member of the selection committee will be scheduled for select finalists

To Remain Eligible

In order to receive CPPSP benefits assured acceptance and scholarship, you must meet the following requirements.

  • Earn a Creighton Bachelor’s degree.
  • Advanced Placement (AP credit) is acceptable for all non-science prerequisite courses. AP credit is not acceptable for the following science prerequisites: 2 semesters of Biology, 2 semesters of General Chemistry, and 2 semesters of Organic Chemistry. The only science pre-requisite that AP credit can satisfy is Physics.
  • Completion of all prerequisite courses listed on the School of Dentistry web page. These courses are subject to change, but you will be guided by your pre-health advisor. All prerequisite science courses must be completed at Creighton University prior to dental school matriculation.
  • By October 1 of the calendar year prior to intended dental school matriculation, students are required to attain the following minimum sub-scores on the Dental Admission Test (DAT):
    • Academic Average (AA): 420
    • Perceptual Ability (PAT): 430
    • Total Science (SNS): 430
  • Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.60 as a Creighton undergraduate student at the time of application and matriculation to the Dental School.
  • Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.6 for Creighton pre-dental science courses as a Creighton undergraduate student at the time of application and matriculation to the Dental School.
  • Students are required to complete a minimum of 75 hours of shadowing as a Creighton undergraduate.
  • A completed dental school application must be received by the Creighton University School of Dentistry’s Admission Office by October 1st of the calendar year prior to intended dental school matriculation.

An interview may be required.

Conditional Admission

Benefits for Pre-professional Medicine Scholars

Eligible students must apply and be accepted to CPPSP to take advantage of these benefits. 

  • Conditional admission* to the Creighton University School of Medicine (CUSOM) for scholars meeting the criteria. 
  • Networking events over the course of undergraduate study, including with:
    • Admissions professionals 
    • Medical school faculty and physicians 
    • Current medical students 

*Acceptance into the Creighton University School of Medicine is contingent upon review and acceptance by the CUSOM Admissions Committee. CPPSP Medicine Scholars must fulfill all admissions criteria outlined in the policies and procedures for admission into the School of Medicine medical education program.  

Pre-professional Medical Scholar Admission Criteria

  • Minimum 30 ACT or 1360 SAT
  • Minimum high school GPA of 3.8 on a 4.0 scale
  • No grade lower than a B in high school math or science courses
  • Engage in meaningful volunteer and shadowing experiences to gain exposure to the medical field and leadership experiences in school and community

To be considered for CPPSP, your Application for Undergraduate Admission must be submitted by December 1 of your senior year. CPPSP Applications will become available in the Student Portal of eligible students after their undergraduate application is approved. You must complete this application by January 10 and include:

  • An essay explaining interest in the medical field
  • Resume outlining your experience and extra-curricular involvements
  • A letter of recommendation from a medical professional
  • An interview with a member of the selection committee will be scheduled prior to your enrollment

To Remain Eligible

In order to receive CPPSP benefits and conditional* admission to the Creighton University School of Medicine, you must meet the following requirements. 

  • Creighton Bachelor’s degree, including a minimum 28 credit hours each academic year (with a letter grade).
  • Advanced Placement (AP credit) is only acceptable for non-science coursework excluding Statistics.
  • Completion of all prerequisite courses as advised by the Center for Advising Resources.
  • Students must have a minimum of 45 hours in math and science courses at Creighton with a science and math cumulative GPA of 3.6 or higher at the time of application and matriculation to the School of Medicine.
  • No grade lower than a B- in required science or math courses (BCPM). (Any withdrawal from a math or science course will be reviewed in your annual progression review by the School of Medicine Admissions committee.)
  • Minimum 70th percentile MCAT in each category and minimum 80th percentile MCAT overall score (no more than 2 MCAT attempts, more recent score will be used).
  • 100 hours medical experience as an undergraduate student.
  • 80 hours direct, non-medical service (20 hours annually).
  • Students must fully participate in Creighton's Center for Advising Resources and Support Pre-Health Learning Communities and specific programming for CPPSP.
  • A favorable Creighton Committee Letter.
  • A favorable School of Medicine Admissions interview
  • Any behavioral, professional or criminal infraction on the part of a student in CPPSP may be grounds for dismissal from the program, subject to review by the School of Medicine Admissions Committee.
  • A maximum of one gap year permitted.
  • The School of Medicine Admissions committee will review CPPSP students annually to monitor academic and professional progress.

*Admission is conditional upon review and acceptance by Creighton School of Medicine Admissions Committee

Guaranteed Admission | $15,000 Scholarship

Benefits for Pre-Occupational Therapy Scholars

  • Assurance of acceptance to the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, provided certain criteria for admission and progression into the OTD program after a minimum of two years undergraduate study is met, including a successful completion of a progression interview. 
  • A minimum of a $15,000 scholarship ($5,000 annually) to Creighton’s Occupational Therapy Program if a B average is maintained while enrolled in the OTD program. During years 1 and 2 of the program, the student’s undergraduate merit scholarships would apply as well. 
  • Networking event(s) each semester with admissions representatives and/or alumni from Creighton School of Pharmacy and Health Professions. 
  • Streamlined OTCAS application process.

Pre-professional Occupational Therapy Scholar Admission Criteria

  • Minimum high school GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale

To be considered for CPPSP, your Application for Undergraduate Admission must be submitted by December 1 of your senior year. CPPSP Applications will become available in the Student Portal of eligible students after their undergraduate application is approved. You must complete this application by January 10 and include:

  • An essay explaining your interest in occupational therapy
  • Resume outlining experience and extra-curricular involvements
  • An interview with a member of the selection committee will be scheduled for select finalists and will be conducted in January prior to your enrollment

To Remain Eligible 

In order to receive CPPSP benefits assured acceptance and scholarship, you must meet the following requirements. Students can complete these requirements in as few as 2 years of undergraduate study at Creighton.  

  • Take all occupational therapy prerequisite coursework at Creighton University.  
    • College credit/advanced placement prior to high school graduation can be acceptable for some courses; all college coursework after high school graduation must be completed at Creighton.  
    • Students must earn at least 60 credits of undergraduate coursework including at least four semesters of full-time undergraduate study  
  • Maintain minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher  
  • No grade lower than a C in any prerequisite course as a Creighton undergrad  
  • Any withdrawal from a prerequisite course may impact a candidate’s ability to remain a Pre-Professional Occupational Therapy Scholar. Consult the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions prior to withdrawing from any prerequisite coursework.  
  • Complete the pre-professional learning communities offered by the Center for Advising Resources and Support
  • Complete at least 30 hours of work or shadowing in an occupational therapy setting as an undergrad student
  • Students must submit an OTCAS application by November 1 of the year prior to matriculation to the OTD professional curriculum at Creighton
  • Students must successfully complete a progression interview, demonstrating growth in knowledge of the profession and strong communication/interpersonal skills
  • Students are required to pass a criminal background check prior to official matriculation in the professional program
  • Students must review and sign compliance of the technical standards to complete the occupational therapy curriculum 

Guaranteed Admission | $20,000 Scholarship

Benefits for Pre-Pharmacy Scholars

  • Assurance of acceptance to the Doctor of Pharmacy program, provided certain criteria for admission and progression into the PharmD program is met, including a successful completion of a progression interview. 
  • A minimum of a $20,000 scholarship ($5,000 annually) to Creighton’s Pharmacy Program if a B average is maintained while enrolled in the Pharmacy program. During years 1 and 2 of the program, the student’s undergraduate merit scholarships would apply as well. 
  • Networking event(s) each semester with admissions representatives and/or alumni from Creighton School of Pharmacy and Health Professions. 
  • Simplified, discounted PharmCAS application process.

Pre-professional Pharmacy Scholar Admission Criteria

  • Minimum high school GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale
  • Completion of one year of high school Chemistry with a B average

In order to be considered for CPPSP, your Application for Undergraduate Admission must be submitted by December 1 of your senior year. CPPSP Applications will become available in the Student Portal of eligible students after their undergraduate application is approved. You must complete this application by January 10 and include:

  • An essay explaining your interest in pharmacy
  • Resume outlining experience and extra-curricular involvements
  • An interview with a member of the selection committee will be scheduled for select finalists and will be conducted in January prior to your enrollment

To Remain Eligible

In order to receive CPPSP benefits assured acceptance and scholarship, you must meet the following requirements. Students can complete these requirements in as few as 2 years of undergraduate study at Creighton. Students who need extra chemistry preparation will need to take summer classes to be on a 2-year undergrad path or take a third undergraduate year. 

  • Take all Doctor of Pharmacy prerequisite coursework at Creighton University
    • College credit/advanced placement prior to high school graduation can be acceptable for some courses; all college coursework after high school graduation must be completed at Creighton.  
    • Students must earn at least 63 credits of undergraduate coursework including at least four semesters of full-time undergraduate study
  • Maintain minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and prerequisite math/science GPA of 2.9 or higher
  • No grade lower than a C in any prerequisite course as a Creighton undergrad  
  • Any withdrawal from a prerequisite course may impact a candidate’s ability to remain a Pre-Professional Pharmacy Scholar. Consult the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions prior to withdrawing from any prerequisite coursework.  
  • Complete the pre-professional learning communities offered by the Center for Advising Resources and Support
  • Complete at least 40 hours of work or shadowing in a pharmacy setting as an undergrad student
  • Students must submit an PharmCAS application by November 1 of the year prior to matriculation to the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum at Creighton
  • Students must successfully complete a progression interview, demonstrating growth in knowledge of the profession and strong communication/interpersonal skills
  • Students are required to pass a criminal background check prior to official matriculation in the professional program
  • Students must review and sign compliance of the technical standards to complete the doctor of pharmacy curriculum 

Guaranteed Admission | $15,000 Scholarship

Benefits for Pre-Physical Therapy Scholars

  • Assurance of acceptance to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, provided certain criteria for admission and progression into the DPT program after a minimum of three years undergraduate study is met, including a successful completion of a progression interview. 
  • A minimum of a $15,000 scholarship ($5,000 annually) to Creighton’s Physical Therapy Program if a B average is maintained while enrolled in the DPT program. During year 1 of the program, the student’s undergraduate merit scholarships would apply as well. 
  • Networking event(s) each semester with admissions representatives and/or alumni from Creighton School of Pharmacy and Health Professions. 
  • Minimum $15,000 scholarship during the professional phase
  • Simplified PTCAS application

Pre-professional Physical Therapy Scholar Admission Criteria

  • Minimum high school GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale

In order to be considered for CPPSP, your Application for Undergraduate Admission must be submitted by December 1 of your senior year. CPPSP Applications will become available in the Student Portal of eligible students after their undergraduate application is approved. You must complete this application by January 10 and include:

  • An essay explaining your interest in physical therapy
  • Resume outlining experience and extra-curricular involvements
  • An interview with a member of the selection committee will be scheduled for select finalists and will be conducted in January prior to your enrollment

To Remain Eligible

In order to receive CPPSP benefits assured acceptance and scholarship, you must meet the following requirements. Students can complete these requirements in as few as 3 years of undergraduate study at Creighton.  

  • Take all physical therapy prerequisite coursework at Creighton University.  
    • College credit/advanced placement prior to high school graduation can be acceptable for some courses; all college coursework after high school graduation must be completed at Creighton.  
    • Students must earn at least 90 credits of undergraduate coursework including at least six semesters of full-time undergraduate study  
  • Maintain minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher and a prerequisite science GPA of 3.1 or higher
  • No grade lower than a C in any prerequisite course as a Creighton undergrad  
  • Any withdrawal from a prerequisite course may impact a candidate’s ability to remain a Pre-Professional Physical Therapy Scholar. Consult the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions prior to withdrawing from any prerequisite coursework.  
  • Complete the pre-professional learning communities offered by the Center for Advising Resources and Support
  • Complete at least 60 hours of work or shadowing in a physical therapy setting between high school graduation and August 1 of the summer after sophomore year.
  • Students must submit an PTCAS application by October 1 of the year prior to matriculation to the DPT professional curriculum at Creighton
  • Students must successfully complete a progression interview, demonstrating growth in knowledge of the profession and strong communication/interpersonal skills
  • Students are required to pass a criminal background check prior to official matriculation in the professional program
  • Students must review and sign compliance of the technical standards to complete the physical therapy curriculum 

Pre-Health Scholar Benefits and Requirements

Pre-Professional Law Scholars

Benefits

  • Guaranteed admission to Creighton School of Law when criteria are satisfied.
  • $12,000 scholarship ($4,000 annually) to Creighton School of Law, if criteria are met. Additional scholarship funds are also available. 
  • Networking with admissions representatives and/or alumni from Creighton School of Law.

To Remain Eligible

In order to receive CPPSP benefits assured acceptance and scholarship, you must meet the following requirements.

  • Complete Bachelor’s degree at Creighton (or meet 3+3 enrollment requirements).
  • Any major is acceptable, but students must display how they have built skills in critical thinking, analytical reasoning, reading comprehension, and oral and written communication.
  • Minimum score of 153 on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT).
  • Minimum GPA of 3.25 or higher as a Creighton undergraduate at the time of application and matriculation to the Law School. 
  • Shadow, observe or meet with at least two attorneys prior to Law School application.  
  • Attend at least two events each year held by the Law School.  
  • A satisfactory review of the applicant’s character and fitness to practice law by the Law Admission Office. The applicant must satisfy the law school’s standards for character and fitness.  
  • A completed application must be received by the Creighton University School of Law’s Admission Office by March 31 of the calendar year of intended law school matriculation.  
  • An interview may be required.  

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between pre-professional advising and the Pre-Professional Scholars Program (CPPSP)?

All Creighton students have access to comprehensive pre-professional advising, including personalized guidance, application preparation and support. CPPSP is a selective program that builds on that foundation, offering additional structure, mentorship and, in some pathways, guaranteed consideration or admission when specific requirements are met.

Do I need to be in CPPSP to get into professional school?

No. Many Creighton students gain admission to professional programs each year with the support of pre-professional advising alone. CPPSP is designed for students who want a more structured pathway and access to additional opportunities, but it is not required for professional school admission.

Who is eligible for CPPSP?

CPPSP is designed for highly motivated students who are confident in their professional goals when they apply to Creighton. Admission to the program is selective and based on academic performance and demonstrated commitment to a professional pathway. Admission to the individual pathways is outline above. 

If I’m not in CPPSP, will I still have access to advising and resources?

Yes. Every Creighton student interested in a professional career has access to robust advising, application support, experiential learning opportunities and preparation resources through the Center for Advising Resources and Support.

Contact Us

admissions@creighton.edu 
402.280.2703 
1.800.282.5835