Thinking about a career in healthcare? Pre-Health Programs is here to support you!
Pre-Health Programs works with Auburn students who are interested in becoming doctors, dentists, optometrists, physician assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, anesthesiologist assistants, pharmacists, and veterinarians. We provide students the foundational knowledge and professional guidance necessary to explore their options, prepare for professional school, and – when they are ready – apply. Our goal is to make sure that Auburn students have everything they need in order to become exceptional healthcare professionals.
Comprehensive Preparation
Pre-Health Programs provides the foundation for a successful professional healthcare career. We offer opportunities to learn and grow professionally such as:
individualized counseling
workshops
mock interviews
school fairs
test prep
internships
and more!
We help students develop an academic plan covering the required coursework for their intended professional school, pursue experiential learning opportunities, and communicate the core competencies they gain along the way.
Proven Path to Success
Through tailored advising, we empower students to reach their individual goals. Pre-Health Programs has a track record of success. Each year we assist over one hundred students as they apply to professional school. Students who regularly engage with our office and complete PPAC (our application course) are consistently accepted to professional school at a rate much higher than the national average. This past year, 84% of students who participated in PPAC were accepted into professional school!
Supportive Environment
Navigating the path to professional school can be challenging, but Pre-Health Programs offers specialized, personal guidance from day one. We are committed to helping students navigate their path to professional school. Our friendly staff can’t wait to get to know you. Come see us!
Visit our website or email us at pre-health@auburn.edu to discover more about Pre-Health Programs at Auburn University.
The new Public and One Health (PAOH) undergraduate degree program in the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine is a unique public health curriculum that utilizes One Health as its guiding principle. This holistic approach prepares graduates to proactively devise and implement solutions to pressing local and global health issues, preparing undergraduate students for entry into public health positions, as well as graduate or professional programs.
By highlighting the One Health concept throughout the curriculum, students will obtain a comprehensive public health education that emphasizes the interconnectedness and mutual interdependency of humans, animals and the environment, recognizing that human health can only be improved if the health of animals and the ecosystem are concurrently addressed.
Diverse faculty from multiple scientific fields across the Auburn University campus will provide expert instruction to foster deeper insight into organismal and environmental health, and how various systems coexist and change together. The Public and One Health undergraduate degree program will educate future health professionals to take a transdisciplinary approach that establishes a conceptual framework of the complex web of factors affecting health.
There is a strong demand for professionals with bachelor’s-level public health training and this employment demand is projected to increase both regionally and nationally. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected change in job placement opportunities for public health professionals over the next decade is expected to grow faster than the national average for other professional fields.
PAOH students may choose various electives depending on interests and career goals. Program graduates may begin working in entry-level careers in public, animal or environmental health. Or if interested in attending medical, veterinary, or other professional or graduate programs, all prerequisite academic requirements for those programs can be completed within the credit hours required for this major.
Public and One Health also offers a Minor in Public Health open to all majors as well as an Honors Minor in Public Health. When offering advice to prospective students, Kynslie Barnett, said this of the Public and One Health programs:
“I would tell any student that was thinking about pursuing either of these degrees to try out the first class and I promise they will be immediately pulled in and intrigued! Once you take your first Public Health class, you start to see public health in every single thing you do because it truly applies to everything in the world around us. I encourage every student that is curious to just go for it and they will be so happy they did! The knowledge and skills you will learn through this degree are applicable to everything you do in your life from now on.”
At Auburn University, every individual student is valued, and their voices are prioritized. The Auburn Student Government Association (SGA) exists to enrich each student’s experience by serving and advocating for them, and aiming to unify all aspects of the Auburn community. Through every decision and goal we make, we strive to uphold our mission of “Serving and promoting the individual student, unifying all that is Auburn.”
SGA comprises of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches, and all SGA teams work diligently throughout the year to fulfill its mission. As we transition into the spring term, our new SGA team for the 2024-2025 school year is enthusiastic about formulating our goals to serve the student body while enhancing the Auburn experience and fostering a sense of family.
In late summer, our Freshman Forum applications are available to incoming first-year students to get plugged in to SGA as they are stepping foot on campus. Freshman Forum serves as representatives of the freshman class, with their main objective to gather feedback from peers and ensure their concerns and experiences are heard. Members of the Freshmen Forum participate in a mentorship program alongside Cabinet members, acquire various aspects of professional development, and collaborate on projects dedicated to enhancing the freshman experience.
Additionally, students are encouraged to apply for the Lobby Board, which serves as a crucial link between the University and governmental entities. Lobby Board members play a pivotal role in advocating for positive change at Auburn University, fostering relationships with local, state, and federal representatives, and educating one another on contemporary issues affecting our community, state, and nation.
Everything SGA works to do lies in the efforts of wanting to amplify the voices of Auburn students and improve the student experience for each individual. We have established Auburn Answers (aub.ie/auburnanswers) as a platform where students can voice their concerns, suggestions, and feedback. All Auburn Answers submissions are reviewed by members of SGA and taken to upper administration.
In the upcoming year, we are dedicated to expanding upon these initiatives and strengthening our outreach efforts to better serve the Auburn community.
Architecture Camp is offered for 3 sessions over the summer to rising 11th and 12th grade students. The one-week program teaches students the basic concepts of architecture and is highly intensive. Students receive hands-on experience working in the studios under the instruction of Auburn University professors. Registration is open!
Pharmacy Camp is available to rising 11th and 12th grade students as well as rising college freshmen. Partnered with the Harrison School of Pharmacy, students learn various skills through hands-on experience, including compounding labs. Students also have the opportunity to visit local pharmacies and healthcare facilities. This camp is a great opportunity for students to see if the pharmacy profession is the right career path. Check back in December 2024 for information about Summer 2025!
Musical Theatre Camp
During Musical Theatre Camp at Auburn University, students get to develop their skills through masterclasses, private lessons, workshops, and rehearsals with the faculty and staff of the Department of Theatre. This immersive camp is for an entire week and gives students interested in music, dance, show choir, and theatre the opportunity to practice on stage. Registration is open!
This will be the 5th summer of Auburn Wheelchair Basketball Camp. The camp is focused on developing individual fundamental skills and is open to males and females, ages 12-19, with a permanent disability of the lower extremity. During camp, students will participate in controlled scrimmages and develop their skills through drills and games taught by the trained staff. Campers will leave with new skills and new friends from around the country. Registration is open!
Sr. PoultryU is a poultry science camp offered to students ages 14-18. Auburn also offers Jr. PoultryU for students ages 9-13. This partnership with the Department of Poultry Sciences allows campers to gain hands-on experience related to the poultry industry, including nutrition, breeding, animal welfare, and product development. Registration is open!
Our Office of Professional & Continuing Education helps students find their passion, strengthen their skills, and shape their future through our summer youth programs. Learn more here, and consider registering for one of our summer programs soon!
Founded in 1885, the Harrison College of Pharmacy (HCOP) has a rich history of dedication to advancing pharmaceutical education and research. The institution is named after the visionary leader, James I. Harrison, whose legacy continues to inspire students and faculty alike. The college’s mission revolves around cultivating well-rounded pharmacy professionals who are not only adept in scientific knowledge but are also committed to serving their communities.
Walker Building- Auburn University Campus
Operating from two campuses, one situated in Auburn, Alabama, on the grounds of Auburn University, and the other in Mobile, Alabama, nestled within the University of South Alabama Campus, we offer an unparalleled educational experience to our students. Whether you seek the intimacy of a smaller setting or the dynamic engagement of a medium-sized classroom, the Harrison College of Pharmacy seamlessly combines the best of both worlds.
Mobile Campus – University of South Alabama
The Harrison College of Pharmacy boasts state-of-the-art facilities that enhance the learning experience for students. Modern classrooms, fully equipped laboratories, and a specialized pharmacy practice center contribute to a dynamic and interactive educational environment. The commitment to providing students with hands-on experience reflects the college’s dedication to preparing graduates for the challenges of the evolving healthcare landscape.
Are you interested in getting an early start on your path to pharmacy school? For high school seniors aspiring to pursue Pre-Pharmacy at Auburn University, our Early Assurance Program (EAP) is a remarkable opportunity. This exclusive initiative allows students to undergo interviews and secure conditional acceptance to the Harrison College of Pharmacy during their senior year of high school. Meeting the specified criteria enables students to be interviewed now and reserve their pharmacy school seat for up to four years. By successfully completing the required prerequisites during their undergraduate studies, EAP students can streamline the pharmacy school application process and promptly secure their seat.
To explore the offerings of the Harrison College of Pharmacy or arrange a visit with our admissions team, please click on the link provided below. You can always reach us at apply_hcop@auburn.edu.
The Exploration Center in Career Discovery and Success is here to help! We support students in exploring the 150+ majors offered at Auburn to find the right one. Incoming first-year students may enroll as an Exploratory major and spend up to two semesters discovering the ideal major for their academic and professional goals.
The Center’s academic advisors and career counselors provide intensive and personalized support, including serving as the instructors for our two-credit course specifically designed for all new Exploratory majors. In the course, students work through an intentional exploring process, including the following elements:
Goal Setting
Career Assessments
Practice utilizing research tools for exploring
Introduction to the colleges and programs available
Exploring insights from people in the majors and different career fields
While exploring, students receive academic advising and career counseling outside of class. Advising focuses on helping students craft schedules strategically so they will still graduate from their degree-granting major on time. Career counseling appointments are an opportunity to dig deeper into identifying occupations and fields that fit a student’s interests and skills. Having both within our office ensures students get the support they need when they need it.
We know it is hard to start college, find the right major, and take classes strategically, and students deserve support in the process. Our goal is to ensure that you confidently choose a major while progressing toward your degree. To learn more, please email us at explore@auburn.edu or call the office at 334-844-7277. We are located in 101 Mary Martin Hall, so if you are on campus, we’d love to meet you and answer any questions you may have.
What was the most significant experience you had as an EXPL student?
I highly recommend the Exploratory program to anyone who is even slightly unsure of what they want to do because it not only allowed me to learn about every single major Auburn offers but also taught me about decision-making skills I use every day in college. I was fully confident in my abilities to navigate Auburn academically, professionally, and socially by the end of my first semester. Through the program, you will be able to discover the type of careers that you can do with certain majors, and that exposure was really when I started to figure out what I could see myself doing in the future. With an open mind, active engagement, and a positive attitude in the EXPL class, I truly believe you will not regret taking the time to discover what you are passionate about and turning that into your major!
What was one highlight of the EXPL major course when you were an EXPL student? (Was there a specific assignment or component of the class that had a lasting positive impact?) One aspect of the EXPL major course that I found most impactful was the exploring experiences I participated in. The goal of exploring experiences was to connect my interests to an event, a faculty member, or a student involved in the area I was curious about. These experiences not only helped me understand from a first-hand perspective what a particular college, major, class, or organization was about, but they also encouraged me to make various connections across campus. This skill was beneficial to learn as a freshman and I have continued to learn and grow from those experiences as a senior finishing up my degree.
What advice would you give an exploring student? As an incoming freshman, it can be very intimidating to start your college experience and have to decide on a major so early. Choosing to be a part of the EXPL major not only gives you time to learn more about your interests and options, but it also allows you to surround yourself with people who also feel the same way early on in your college career. As an out-of-state freshman, it was very comforting to know it was okay to not know what I wanted to do yet, and I had access to a support system of advisors as well as peers in the exact same spot I was!
Name: Charlie Fleury Major: Public Relations (Minor: Business) Year: Senior
What was the most significant experience you had as an EXPL student? I think the exploring experiences that I was able to take advantage of were some of the most significant experiences I had in this program. Whether I was interested in the career field being discussed or not, I tried to be very intentional about attending as many as possible as this is how I was able to truly identify what was best for me from a major standpoint and a career standpoint. Not only are these experiences helpful when trying to declare your major, but they are also very inspiring. So much valuable insight is shared during these experiences in an effort to help the students, so make the most of these experiences by taking in all of the information and asking questions.
What was one highlight of the EXPL major course when you were an EXPL student? (Was there a specific assignment or component of the class that had a lasting positive impact?) I found the work we did on O*NET and the Occupational Outlook Handbook [online resources for information about occupations] to be very helpful and valuable. Through conversations with my EXPL instructor and friends in the majors I was interested in, I got a great understanding of what to expect in those majors. However, the assignments on O*NET and OOH were able to further my knowledge and understanding of the fields of interest from a career standpoint. Being able to identify the roles and responsibilities in addition to traits of people in that field/occupation really helped me determine what field was best for me.
What advice would you give an exploring student? Don’t put pressure on yourself to figure everything out right now. It’s so easy to feel pressure to create a life plan when declaring a major as a freshman, but in reality, that can be very unrealistic for many students. With that in mind, during your time in college and in the Exploratory program, take advantage of your instructors and advisors. They have a wealth of knowledge and a strong desire to help each of their students find success, so lean on them as a resource. I also believe it’s important to say yes to any and all opportunities that will give you experience in your fields of interest. Whether that be an involvement position on campus or a job off campus, those experiences are truly what will help you identify where you’re meant to be!
What was the most significant experience you had as an EXPL student?
The exploratory program was the best thing I have done as an Auburn Student. Coming into college, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. It felt that everyone I talked to had their entire life planned out, and I didn’t even know what classes I had to take. The exploratory program eased my anxiety and clarified that it’s normal not to know what you want to do at 18. I was given an immediate support system surrounded by students in the same situation as me and my advisor, who got to know me personally through class and individual meetings. I was given multiple resources on choosing a major and a career that best fit my work style and interests. I was also given resources on navigating Auburn as well as the help available to me as a student. I was taught how to work Tigerschedule, Handshake, Advise Assist, AUInvolve, and more. The knowledge I gained from the exploratory program will follow me throughout the rest of my college career and beyond.
What was one highlight of the EXPL major course when you were an EXPL student? (Was there a specific assignment or component that had a lasting positive impact?)
My favorite assignment that I did in the exploratory program was the Strong Interest Inventory Profile. When I received my results from the test, I was very thankful for how comprehensive the information I received was. Many career aptitude tests will only give students one area of interest, or one specific major that they should inquire about – that’s it. So, imagine my surprise when I receive an email with a 14-page document not only going over my results, but giving details as to why this career path would or wouldn’t be a good fit for me based on my personality, work style, and hobbies. Looking over my general occupational themes, my top five interest areas and strong occupations list reaffirmed that I was on the right track, and gave me other careers that I wouldn’t have even thought to consider. Even though I am no longer an exploratory student, I still refer to my SII results and encourage any student considering multiple majors to take this assessment.
What advice would you give an exploring student?
I would advise an exploring student to talk to students and adults currently working in the career paths they are exploring. Interacting with students studying the majors I was considering gave me an inside look into the classes I would be required to take, how much the workload was, and if they enjoyed what they were learning. I also had the opportunity to interview adults who were currently working in the career paths I was interested in. I was able to ask questions about their everyday tasks, the flexibility of their workplace, what they would consider to be the pros and cons of their career, and so much more. The conversations I had with students, faculty, and current workers was the most influential and informative experiences I had when it came time for me to choose a major.
Summer is over, and another application cycle has begun. The Fall 2024 application is officially open on our website and on the Common Application, and the first deadline is approaching. With September 15th right around the corner, we wanted to share some useful information and hopefully answer questions about the Fall 2024 admissions process.
1. When should I apply?
For Fall 2024, admission decisions will be released in rounds. There are 4 Early Action (EA) rounds this year. For scholarship consideration, you must apply and be accepted in one of the EA rounds. EA decisions are non-binding. This means that you do not have to commit to Auburn if you are accepted in an EA round. The Regular Decision deadline is February 1st. To have a complete application file, all required materials must also be received by the deadline.
Decision Rounds
Decision Type
Required Materials Received By
Decision Released
EA Round 1
September 15, 2023
Mid-October
EA Round 2
October 15, 2023
Mid-November
EA Round 3
November 15, 2023
Mid-December
EA Round 4
December 1, 2023
Early February
Regular Decision
February 1, 2024
Early March
2. What are we looking for in an application?
Admission to Auburn University is competitive. When you apply to Auburn, the Admissions staff carefully reviews your academic achievement, and each application is given personal consideration. As a land-grant institution, we understand and embrace our responsibility to serve the citizens of the state of Alabama. We focus on successful applicants who demonstrate the greatest potential for success and can live up to the Auburn Creed.
Middle 50% The ideal candidate will have achieved an academic GPA at or above our middle 50% GPA, demonstrated academic excellence and participated in challenging coursework during high school. As a guideline, the middle 50% profile for students enrolling in Fall 2022 was:
ACT: 23-30 (Alabama Resident)
ACT: 27-31 (Non-Resident)
SAT: 1160-1370 (Alabama Resident)
SAT: 1240-1370 (Non-Resident)
GPA: 3.85-4.31
Early Action – Preliminary Academic Review We select our freshman class through an evaluation that includes a preliminary academic review of an applicant’s academic performance. Our initial review focuses on the rigor of classes, GPA, and test scores as well as a deeper dive into a whole student. We consider the mix of in-state and out-of-state students. As a land-grant institution, our mission is to serve Alabama residents. Academic factors in our review include:
ACT or SAT test scores for students applying with a test score.
Your 9th-11th grade point average including weighted and unweighted.
Grades earned in core curriculum courses.
Planned 12th-grade courses.
Pattern of grades over time. Marked improvement in academic performance as demonstrated by academic GPA and the quality of coursework completed or in progress.
The number of college preparatory, Advanced, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), honors, gifted, and transferable college courses completed and achievement in those courses.
Academic performance relative to other applicants at their high school and the learning opportunities available in their high school.
Outstanding performance in one or more specific subject areas.
Academic area of interest.
3. Do I need to send my ACT or SAT scores?
Auburn University is a test-preferred institution; we recommend that students take and submit official ACT and SAT scores for admissions. Freshman admission is based mainly on your high school courses, grades, and academic rigor. While we encourage students to submit standardized test scores, they are not required to be considered for admission or scholarships.
If you are applying with test scores, official test scores are required for a completed application. Official test scores must be submitted directly from the testing agency.
Auburn University School codes are:
ACT: 0011
SAT: 1005
Applicants with at least a 3.6 GPA and unable to test will be reviewed holistically through our test-optional pathway.
Uploaded copy of your high school transcript(s). We will accept an official or unofficial copy.
*Students are eligible for an application fee waiver if certain criteria is met.
**Starting Fall 2024, Auburn University will accept the ACT Superscore Report. Auburn will calculate a superscore for the SAT and any individual score reports from ACT. Only your best testing result will be used for admissions and scholarship consideration.
***If your GPA is not on a 4-point weighted scale or on a 100 pt scale, Auburn will recalculate your GPA. If the recalculated GPA is less than a 3.6 GPA, official test scores will be required to receive an admissions decision.
5. Should I apply through the Auburn website or Common App?
You can submit your admissions application online at auburn.edu/admissions or through the Common Application. Choose the application you’re most comfortable with; there’s no preference given to either application. The same information will be reviewed whether you apply through our website or through Common App. We highly encourage you to submit the application you start, as filling out both applications may delay your application from being processed. A completed application file includes a submitted admissions application, an application fee or fee waiver, your high school transcript and official ACT/SAT scores if applicable.
6. What if I still have questions?
You can find more information about the Fall 2024 admissions process here. You might find our FAQ page to be useful also. If you still have questions, reach out to your admissions advisor. You can search for your advisor here. We are here to help you on your path to Auburn!
In the College of Education, we are building better futures for all! We do this through outstanding teaching, innovative and impactful research, and meaningful outreach in four departments: Curriculum & Teaching; Educational Foundations, Leadership, and Technology; Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Counseling; and the School of Kinesiology.
Our students are at the heart of everything we do. They are future educators, trainers, health professionals and leaders who will have an impact in schools, medical facilities, industry and society as a whole.
Maddy Messick, president of the college’s Student Ambassadors, is a junior majoring in elementary education. Originally from Fairhope, Alabama, Maddy plans to return to Baldwin County to teach elementary school students after graduating in 2025.
Maddy Messick, junior majoring in Elementary Education
Why Auburn?
I’ve always loved Auburn. Every year I would go to the Auburn homecoming football game and every year I would reassure myself that it was the school for me. Auburn is so welcoming and everyone here is just so supportive.
What is your favorite thing about the college and your department?
I love how big Auburn is, but how small it feels. It can be overwhelming at first because there’s a big difference between a college campus and high school. The College of Education makes the student experience so welcoming. By this I mean that you aren’t necessarily in the huge classes you would expect. Once you get accepted into the college, you are broken up into cohorts and you will stay with that cohort until graduation. Not only will you graduate with your classmates, but you will also graduate with supportive, lasting friends who have watched you develop throughout all four years.
What is your favorite class? How big are your classes?
I absolutely love all the elementary math classes. It’s so cool relearning all the material in ways that will help you teach in the future. My classes are not big at all. When you take your basics, you’ll most likely have a lot of people in your class, but once you get into your curriculum, your classes usually have 25-30 students each.
Do you get any kind of real-world experience in the College of Education?
Yes! One of my favorite things about the College of Education is that you are required to have five consecutive days of teaching before you can even apply to the college. This will help you see if it’s something you really want to do in the future. You will also have lots of other required times to be in a classroom.
What are some perks to being a College of Education student?
I love being a College of Education student because of the smaller classes. I love getting to know everyone around me and hearing about what ideas they have for their future classrooms. I also love our college because there are so many ways to be involved. I am currently a Student Ambassador and I have met so many amazing alumni through this experience.
Goals after graduation?
My goal after graduation is to be the best teacher I can be. I want to make a difference in the lives of every child who comes through my classroom. Not only do I want to be a great teacher, but I also want to make sure each child feels welcomed and loved.
Through instruction, research, outreach and service, Auburn’s College of Education is transforming health and education as we equip students like Maddy to have an impact in our communities and the world.
Want to know more? Visit our website or contact our recruiter for more information at edurec@auburn.edu.
The College of Sciences & Mathematics (COSAM) offers degrees across five departments, including Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Geosciences, Mathematics and Statistics, and Physics. COSAM also houses the majors for Biomedical Sciences. The college has approximately 2,800 students, including more than 2,400 undergraduate students and more than 400 graduate students, along with over 150 faculty and 40 staff members. In addition, the college is home to research clusters in biophysics and discipline-based education research, and averages more than $18 million in research funding annually, including multiple NSF CAREER Awards each of the last several years. The College of Science & Mathematics educates a significant number of undergraduate and graduate students while also playing a critical role in the core curriculum across the entire university. The college is second among all colleges in the number of student credit hours taught, with nearly 154,000 in the 2021-22 academic year.
COSAM students continually receive accolades and awards. COSAM students have been recognized as USA Today Academic All Stars, Gates and Goldwater Scholars and many more. With more than 70 percent of our students as Biomedical Sciences majors, our college prepares students to pursue their dreams of helping others through the medical profession:
COSAM students are consistently accepted into professional schools at a rate of more than 30 percentage points higher than the national average
Approximately 98 percent of COSAM graduates in professional school programs reported that they are better prepared than their peers, regardless of where the others went to school
Biomedical Sciences applicants who used the Pre-Professional Application Course (PPAC) earned an average MCAT score of 512, which is in the 85th percentile and 11 points higher than the national average
COSAM has a long-standing commitment to enhancing diversity in STEM fields – its original Office of Multicultural Affairs was created more than 20 years ago and continues through the current work of the college’s Office of Inclusion, Equity and Diversity. While the college has made great strides through these efforts, there are departments that continue to be underrepresented in the number of faculty who are female and people of color. The next dean must bring a deep commitment to ensuring an environment that fosters inclusion, equity and a sense of belonging for all faculty, staff and students. This individual should have an understanding of the historical challenges of diversity in STEM fields and strategies and initiatives for advancing diversity.
Amya LaGrand Mathematics Columbus, GA
Professional Goal:
To become a Math professor
How would you describe your COSAM experience?
I am currently a senior here at Auburn University and I am majoring in Mathematics. I transferred to Auburn as a Sophomore from a local community college. My experience in COSAM has been eye-opening. COSAM offers opportunities for professional and academic growth for all students in the college. I wished since the time I stepped foot on campus 3 years ago until now that I would have gotten more involved with extra curriculars than I am now. I have enjoyed my time in COSAM so much that I have decided to continue my education here at Auburn with a master’s degree. Every instructor I have had throughout my major has always been helpful and willing to meet with me outside of class hours to better help me understand the material, whether it has been through attending meetings in their office or Zoom calls. These interactions have allowed me to build relationships with professors and grant me the opportunity in the future for referrals and letters of recommendation. Another great thing about COSAM is the free tutoring sessions offered to undergraduate students for courses in COSAM. Students have access to several resources to succeed in their classes. For my final year in my undergraduate degree, I have worked as a Peer Advisor for COSAM. I have had the chance to work with the academic advisors and see the work and dedication they put into student involvement. They are always hosting events for students to join and learn more about the opportunities that are beneficial for them during and after their 4 years of school.
What advice would you give an incoming student?
My advice for future students is to make friends quickly with people in similar majors. I learned that classes are more enjoyable with people you have a great relationship with. It makes it easier to create study groups too. I have seen an improvement in my grade this past year.
Manie Castagneto Senior majoring in Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, with a concentration in Pre-Physician Assistant & a minor in Leadership Huntsville, AL
Professional/academic goals:
A professional goal of mine is to help the younger generation understand all the resources available to them and I plan to achieve this through my leadership roles and my academic goals of graduating from Auburn and then pursuing a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies.
What have you enjoyed about your student leadership role?
During my time in my leadership role as a peer advisor, I have enjoyed getting to know other competitive professional school candidates. I transferred to Auburn my junior year, so many of my class sizes were large, and it made it harder to interact on a more personal level with my peers.
What surprised you about COSAM?
The amount of support from the academic advisors in COSAM has surprised me. I knew to be successful at Auburn I would need the support from my academic advisors, but the amount of support they pour into the students astonishes me. Working alongside the advisors now, it’s clear that we are not just students passing through college to them, we are the future, and they make sure we are accounted for.
Kamden Coleman Chemistry ’26 Atlanta, GA
Professional Goals:
To be determined
What do you like about your COSAM experience?
I really enjoyed the COSAM Summer Bridge STEM Program. This program allowed me to learn about the campus, understand expectations from COSAM and Auburn, and feel a sense of comfort about Auburn. I was able to meet some classmates and instructors in small group settings prior to starting fall classes. Additionally, my COSAM instructors have been very strong, and I am learning a lot. The instructors are knowledgeable and caring. COSAM offers lots of events to help you think about and shape your career pathway. I feel like this will be very helpful in my future. There also appears to be a lot of support readily available for students.
What is your favorite Auburn University tradition?
I enjoy hanging out in the COSAM study area, the cafe, and playing intramural basketball. If I had to pick one, intramural basketball is my favorite. I have played organized basketball for as long as I can remember, so playing here at Auburn feels second nature. Playing basketball makes me feel relaxed and welcome. Not only do I enjoy the workout, but the game forces me out of my shell to meet new people who share a similar interest of basketball. I am glad this is an option for students at Auburn. You can find me every Thursday playing intramural basketball at the rec center!
Owen Harris Biomedical Sciences: Pre-Medicine with a minor in Business Auburn, AL
Professional goals/next step:
To attend the UAB Heersink School of Medicine
What has been the most rewarding/challenging course?
Biochemistry I and II were the most challenging courses I participated in at Auburn. They were detail-oriented and required students to develop a deep understanding of the material. I spent countless hours writing out pathways and working hard to strengthen my knowledge. The subject matter expanded on familiar concepts more than ever, and much of the material was new. Managing the demanding coursework alongside a job, research, and involvement proved to be an additional challenge. Although a formidable set of courses, they provided numerous benefits. The depth of my knowledge translated to subsequent classes and made me feel extremely confident preparing for the MCAT. Beyond an academic standpoint, studying for these courses with my peers allowed us to build strong friendships that have stayed with me.
What are the benefits/perks of being a COSAM student?
The community within COSAM is unlike any other on campus. As a student, you are surrounded by peers who are working toward similar goals as you. We strive to support each other and ensure that we can all succeed. Friendships you make as a COSAM student will persist through the challenging and exciting times that make up your time as an Auburn student. The professional staff further ensures your success by providing students with numerous academic, leadership, and social opportunities. From the drop-in study sessions in the Office of Inclusion and Diversity to the welcome week events put forth by the department, there are plenty of ways to feel at home and supported by COSAM. My calling was to work in COSAM’s Office of Student Services. Each day, I have the opportunity to impact students while strengthening my relationships with our incredible staff.
Ashtyn Phillippi Microbiology Pre-Med Lafayette, LA
Next Steps:
I am going to be attending LSU Shreveport School of Medicine in the fall.
What are you involved in outside of classes?
Outside of class, I am a COSAM Leader, Peer Advisor, and Diamond Doll. I am also involved with Project Uplift and the Auburn Wesley Foundation as the missions chair.
How would you describe your COSAM experience?
My COSAM experience has been beyond rewarding. Every single professor that I have had in COSAM was constantly willing to go the extra mile to help their students feel comfortable with the material. I also have loved being able to give back to the college by guiding students to find what they are passionate about and supporting them in their times of need.
Nursing is a calling to serve others! As a new cohort of students begins classes this semester, current students are preparing for graduation and beginning the next phase of their careers as registered nurses, doctors of nursing practice, faculty members and nurse scientists.
For Kylie Snyder, a native of Pelham, Ala., Auburn University felt like home the minute she stepped on campus. “Not only do I feel supported by my friends and my school, but even the surrounding community has a genuine love for the students in this town.”
Why Nursing?
Becoming a nurse has been a dream of mine for years, and every opportunity I’ve had that exposed me to this field has further shown me that this is the career to be in. It allows me to cultivate skills such as kindness, communication, and leadership. I’ll always be able to financially support myself with endless opportunities in a high-demand profession.
Since the first day, AUCON has provided me with an even better experience than I ever imagined. Nursing school is a whirlwind, and even as a second semester student, I can tell it’s going by fast. Although the days are often long and filled with hard work, I love every single minute of it.
Class size:
My cohort is about 82 people, and it’s a great size! The lecture halls in the school are equipped with microphones for the professors, and I’ve always been able to clearly see and hear them. We usually have about 4-5 students per instructor for technical and hands-on skills, giving us an opportunity to ask questions and to practice our skills in a safe and enriching environment.
Favorite Part of Nursing?
My clinical experiences! Connecting what I’ve learned in class and in lab to a real patient has been immensely rewarding, and I love that what I’ve learned in school has allowed me to directly make a difference in my patients’ lives!
Campus Activities:
As secretary and incoming vice president of the Pediatric and NICU Club, as well as a member of Student Nurses Association, I have had the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the surrounding community, and I cannot think of anything more rewarding than that. Being a part of these clubs has helped me develop leadership skills, gain a community of fellow students with common interests and has allowed me an outlet to be creative in the work I do.
Future Plans:
While I’m trying to keep an open mind to all the possibilities, there is just something about working with a pediatric population that gives me “heart sparkles!” I love being around kids, their families, and creating relationships I can cultivate with this specialty. I hope to be a travel nurse for a few years after graduation and then would like to get another degree either as a nurse practitioner or a nurse anesthetist. Whatever I do, I know that Auburn will have prepared me and helped shape me into the best nurse possible.
Axel Moreno, from Phenix City, Ala., remembers telling his parents, teachers and friends about where he wanted to go to college even as a little kid — Auburn University! “It is a renowned institution and is committed to helping students succeed. Becoming an Auburn student is one of the best decisions I have made.”
Why Nursing?
I chose nursing because it is a career that is centered around helping, serving, and caring for others. It is not simply a job but a calling for those who want to shine a light of hope on patients who are going through challenging times. My passion to serve others sparked a desire in me to pursue nursing at Auburn University.
Classes in the program:
The classes here are amazing and instructors make learning captivating and interesting. I have learned many nursing skills and have grown so much as a person and student. Like all nursing students, I have faced challenges and struggles throughout my time in nursing school, but if you are willing to put in the time and effort, you will be successful.
Class sizes vary. There are a little more than 100 students in our lecture classes. However, our faculty make time for each of their students by holding open office hours and answering any questions students have during or after class. In the simulation lab, the class size is close to 20 students and the instructors work closely with us when we practice nursing skills.
Clinical experience is what I have enjoyed most about the program. Our clinicals can range from educating elementary students on the importance of oral hygiene to starting IV lines. Clinicals are designed to give us confidence in our practice. We get incredible hands-on experience and the ability to apply our knowledge and practice nursing skills on patients.
Campus activities:
I serve as the treasurer for the Auburn chapter of American Association for Men in Nursing. This organization focuses on providing a framework for all nurses, students, and other key members to meet, discuss and influence factors that affect men in nursing and men’s health. As an orientation counselor, I help guide students as they begin their first semester in nursing school.
Future Plans:
After passing the NCLEX, I plan to work in an ICU to care for critically ill patients, because caring for these patients with complex conditions is fulfilling to me. After I have gained a few years of nursing experience, I plan to return to school to receive a doctoral degree in nursing practice. I hope to become a critical care nurse practitioner and continue my practice in the ICU.
Kaitlyn Gallaspy, a Madison, Ala. native, fell in love with Auburn University when she spent much of her growing years watching Auburn football games with family. When it came time to apply to college, she sought a university that would challenge her academically yet would still feel like home.
“Auburn University has an incredible community of the most encouraging and loving people that I have ever met. As a concurrent degree student pursuing bachelor’s degrees in both Spanish and Nursing, Auburn University could not have been more ideal!”
Inspiration:
My grandmother was my biggest inspiration to pursue a nursing career. She is the embodiment of an inclusive nurse, consistently going above and beyond to care for all people, not just her patients. Healthcare settings can be incredibly intimidating for anyone, and it is important to acknowledge how societal prejudices can impact patients negatively. I recognize my privileges, and I want to be a nurse to actively combat against these injustices to help all patients feel comfortable, cared for, and heard during a vulnerable time. Learning Spanish during my time as a student has allowed me to communicate with so many more patients in the clinical setting.
AUCON experience:
My experience at the Auburn University College of Nursing has been a dream come true. Starting nursing school can be intimidating, but the faculty makes an incredible effort to make all students feel welcome and support them during their time in college.
The class size of each cohort allows for so many special friendships. It is large enough that you can be with new people in each clinical group, but small enough that the cohort feels like a family. The AUCON community is my favorite thing about the program. Nursing school is an exciting time, but it is no secret that it is very challenging as well. Having a support system is critical because you can build relationships with people who understand exactly what you are going through.
Campus Activities:
I am involved in many organizations such as the Social Media Chair of AUCON Student Wellness Committee, PR/Communications of Auburn Student Nursing Christian Fellowship, Member of Pediatric and NICU Club, Member of Student Nurses’ Association, Member of Initiative for Representation in Nursing, Counselor of Summer Transition into Excellence Program, Member of Sigma Theta Tau (International Honor Society of Nursing), and Member of Sigma Delta Pi (National Honor Society of Spanish).
Future Plans:
After I graduate, I plan to move to Birmingham and work as a Registered Nurse in a critical care setting. I also plan to become a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) as well as a Certified Medical Interpreter in Spanish.
Spencer Gilland from Dothan, Ala., grew up in a house divided between Auburn and Tennessee fans. He was pretty sure that he wanted to go to Knoxville as he had visited the city several times, but his mom convinced him to tour Auburn. “I am so glad she did because the Auburn community and campus were so welcoming and inclusive, truly making it feel like a second home.”
His Inspiration:
I chose nursing because when I was younger, I spent a lot of time with my grandma, who was a nurse. She worked in hospice on the weekends and used to take me with her. I met so many nice people and saw the difference she made in people’s lives, and I wanted to do the same.
AUCON experience:
Nursing school has completely changed my life in so many ways. It is by far the most challenging but rewarding experience of my life. I have made lifelong friends and had amazing clinical experiences. I have also met staff that has your back and wants you to succeed. Each semester in the program I have grown not only in my knowledge but also as a person.
Our class size is perfect! It is large enough to not feel like you are in a bubble but small enough to get to know a lot of people closely. I have definitely enjoyed the opportunity to meet amazing people including instructors, peers, employees and patients.
Campus Activities:
I am currently the president of the Auburn Chapter of the American Association of Men in Nursing (AAMN) as well as a member of the Student Nursing Association (SNA). I also competed with my team and won the Dean’s Fitness Challenge last semester.
Future Plans:
I am interested in either working with the pediatric or psychiatric populations.
Kennedy Mason, from Dallas, Texas, is the first person in her family to attend Auburn.
“As a junior in high school, I came to Auburn with my mom for a college tour and absolutely fell in love with the city’s charm! I felt a sense of belonging and knew this was the place for me. I was also lucky enough to convince a few close hometown friends to tag along to attend college with me all the way in Alabama!”
Why nursing?
I am fascinated by science and human anatomy. I have always been interested in working in the medical field, and throughout high school I debated over whether I wanted to attend medical school, PA school or nursing school. A combination of shadowing experiences, volunteering at hospitals, and a nurse who greatly impacted me and my family (after the loss of a loved one) influenced my choice to become a nurse. I strongly value the community and “human touch” aspect of nursing, establishing rapport with patients, and having the opportunity to impact patients beyond just treating their medical diagnosis.
AUCON experience:
The past two years have been full of incredible amounts of personal growth, exciting opportunities, and challenges as well. I am so thankful for all the knowledge I have gained as well as challenges I have faced in nursing school because I have learned so much about myself in the process and feel confident going into the work world as a new nurse.
What have you enjoyed most about the program?
My cohort is around 85 people, the perfect size! Small enough to where we are all familiar with one another but still big enough to have the opportunity to branch out and make new friends.
I have loved the community, family feeling AUCON provides. Whether it’s spending 12-hour clinical days together, late night studying, or even hosting your clinical group at your family’s home for out-of-town clinical, the feeling of comradery is indisputable. I have formed relationships with classmates and instructors (I may never have met outside of AUCON) which I believe is truly unique and special.
Campus Activities:
I’m a member of SNA (student nurses association), Pediatric and NICU Club and IRN (Initiative for Representation in Nursing). As Vice President of Outreach for IRN, I reach out to organizations in the Auburn/Opelika area to coordinate events such as community health fairs. As a student employee on the Diversity Education and Engagement team in Auburn’s Office of Inclusion and Diversity, I work on a team (of students and staff) to develop and lead diversity training sessions and luncheons for student organizations.
Future Plans:
I graduate from Auburn in May 2023, and I hope to find a nursing position at a children’s hospital in either the ICU, ER or hematology/oncology.
