School of Natural and Social SciencesDr. Robert T. Kasper, Dean

– Natural Sciences: Biology, Chemistry/Physical Science– Social Sciences: Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice– Mathematics and Computer Science Pre-Medical program prepare for health professions

– dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine,occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistants

prepare to teach science or math at high school level

Main questions for this session

1. Where could you go as an MVNU graduate with a major in the sciences?

2. What should you expect to be successful– as a college student?– with a major in the sciences?

3. How will your courses be scheduled and who will be your academic advisor?

• Bachelor of Science in Biology– Environmental track– General track– Graduate School/Industry track– Pre-Occupational Therapy– Pre-Physician Assistant– Pre-Physical Therapy– Pre-Medical tracks

• Bachelor of Science in Life Science Education

prepare to teach biologyat high school level

Natural Science Programs• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

– Graduate School/ Industry track– Forensic Science track – Biochemistry/Molecular Biology

(Pre-Medical track)

• Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology

• Bachelor of Science in Physical Science Education

prepare to teach chemistry or physics at high school level

Pre-Medical program• Medical schools allow any major• All pre-medical students must complete a

common core of science courses (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics)

• Most major in Biology or Chemistry• Pre-medical mentoring group available for

students in any major

• Professions requiring similar preparation: Physician (M.D. and D.O.), Dentist (D.D.S.), Optometrist (O.D.), Veterinarian (D.V.M.),Pharmacist (Pharm.D.), Podiatrist (D.P.M.), Chiropractor (D.C.)

Dr. Jim Radcliffe (MVNU 1976) surgeon at the Nazarene Hospital in Kudjip,Papua New Guinea since 1985

Social Science Programs

• Criminal Justice Prepare for careers in law enforcement,

corrections, investigations, security …• Psychology

Prepare for careers in counseling, human resources, mental health services, public relations, …

• Sociology Prepare for careers in public policy,

human resources, urban planning, community development,demographic research, …

Laurie Wells, J.D. (MVNU 1992)attorney since 2005,served as probation officer and mediator

Mathematicsand Computer Science

Integrated Mathematics Education prepare to teach mathematics

at high school level Mathematics

prepare for careers as an actuary, statistician, business /systems analyst, college professor …

Computer Science prepare for careers as a software

engineer, network designer, systems administrator, systems analyst …

Todd Manion (MVNU 2001)Program Manager for Collaboration Technologies, Microsoft, Corp.

University level learning is different from high school– Less reliance on memorizing facts and more emphasis on analysis,

synthesis, application and evaluation of information– More self-directed learning is expected

• High School: about 30 hours/week in class 10-15 hours outside class

• College: about 15 hours/week in class 30 hours expected outside class

– At least two hours of study expected for each hour in class– You will be more responsible for your own learning.

Professors are here to guide you in what and how to learn each subject,but you will gain the most when you invest yourself in the process.

Working with Professors

Build relationships with your professors!– We are here to help you learn.– We are interested in discussing your plans.– We are available to help you evaluate which professional

opportunities are right for you.

Faculty Advisors• Later today you will schedule courses for Fall and January term

with a professor who is familiar with your expected major.• After orientation, you will be assigned a faculty advisor, and

meet during the fall semester to discuss your goals and schedule courses for spring.

• Contact your faculty advisor whenever you need to change your courses or discuss your plans.

• If you change majors, you will be assigned a new advisor in that academic area.

Scheduling Courses• Minimum credit hours to graduate with a bachelors degree: 124• General Education courses (43-44 hours)

– provide a foundation to become a well informed citizen in the 21st century– explore how to learn and think about important issues– develop a Christian worldview

• Major (40-80 hours)• Minor (18-22 hours)

– Some majors require certain cognate courses instead of a minor.– You may complete a second major instead of a minor.

• Elective courses– Schedule when time permits according to your goals and interests.

Consult the MVNU Academic Catalog for details:http://www.mvnu.edu/catalog/

Scheduling Courses

• Fall and Spring semesters– full time students take 12-16 credit hours– need to average about 14 credit hours per semester to graduate in 4

years– most courses are 3 or 4 credit hours

• January term– full time students take 3-4 credit hours– One or two courses for only 3 ½ weeks– many off-campus course options for sophomore-senior years

GENERAL EDUCATION COURSESGreen = options for freshman

Develop Skills and Values HumanitiesIntro to Christian Liberal Arts History and Faith of the BibleExpository Writing Art or Music in Western World Research Writing Foreign Lang or CommunicationPrinciples of Health & Fitness Literature (choices)Senior Colloquium Philosophy

Christian Beliefs

Natural Sciences Social SciencesBiology or Physical Science with lab History (choices)Math, Computer Science Psychology, Sociology, or Economics

or second science with lab

• What does it take to do well in the natural and social sciences at MVNU?

– a desire to explore and understand how things work– some hard work– consistent effort– a commitment to be the best you can be in preparation for life

and service to God and others.