General Science
Singleton, Administrative Coordinator.
The major is of particular value to students who desire preprofessional preparation in medicine and related fields, as well as those planning to teach in natural science areas at the secondary level. Pre-engineering students frequently use this concentration in 3-2 plans. A student majoring in General Science must complete satisfactorily:
- A minimum of 13 course credits in the natural science areas of biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. At least seven of these 13 course credits must be above the introductory level and at least two course credits must be in biology.
- Six course credits in one of the four natural science areas.
- Five course credits in a second natural science field (or mathematics through Linear Algebra (MTH-265)).
- Two course credits in a third natural science field.
- Students must meet comprehensive requirements in each of the major areas.
Students earning more than one major in the natural sciences or a major and a minor in the natural sciences are not eligible for the general science major. Students earning a collateral major in the natural sciences or neuroscience are not eligible for the general science major.
Students interested in a major in this area should see the administrative coordinator.
The General Science degree allows students to become familiar with both the theory and the practice of science. General Science can be appropriate for students interested in a variety of health-related careers including medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, and veterinary science. Pre-engineering students have used the major to gain a broader scientific background than that provided in traditional pre-engineering programs in chemistry or physics. Additionally, students interested in a 3-2 plan in engineering frequently choose this major.
General Science may be particularly useful to students whose scientific interests do not fit well within a single discipline. The pharmaceutical, neurosciences, biophysical, and agricultural sciences are examples of such cross-disciplinary areas.
Combined with a major in English or a collateral major in Writing, General Science is excellent preparation for a writing career in science or technology.
General Science is especially appropriate for students who intend to teach science at the secondary school level. When combined with other majors or minors, a degree in General Science can be excellent preparation for careers in law, business, and public relations.
General Science can be appropriate for transfer and non-traditional students with previous college credit seeking to complete their bachelor's degree.
The basic requirements for the General Science major are:
- 13 course credits in the natural science areas of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
- Six courses in one of the four natural science areas.
- Five courses in second natural science field.
- Two courses in a third natural science field.
The General Science program is unique among the science departments in that it has no faculty. Rather, the program is overseen by the General Science administrative coordinator who is ready to assist students seeking this degree.
