College of Science

Contacts: Dr. Wesley Stites, Dean; Dr. Anna Mummert, Associate Dean
Website: http://www.marshall.edu/cos/

The College of Science was established in 1976 and is composed of five departments: Biological Sciences; Chemistry; Criminal Justice, Criminology, and Forensic Sciences; Mathematics and Physics; and Natural Resources and Earth Sciences. While the College of Science Dean’s Office is located in Science Building 270, the college operates out of several buildings including the Science Building, Morrow Library, Smith Hall, the Weisberg Applied Engineering Complex, and the Forensic Science Center.

Mission of the College

To transform lives through scientific excellence, discovery, and education.

Scientific and technologically trained people are essential to our nation’s health and prosperity in a rapidly expanding global economy. A degree in science or mathematics from the College of Science equips students with critical thinking and analytical skills opening the door to a diverse array of exciting careers. The College of Science offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate majors for those passionate about everything from molecular structures and environmental science to the universe, the protection of society, information, and natural resources, or with a penchant for numbers. Undergraduates, including first-year students, collaborate in research alongside graduate students and professors.

For those interested in healthcare, majors in Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry have higher admission rates into medical, dental, and other professional healthcare schools. These majors cover key topics such as human physiology, molecular genetics, and neurobiology, crucial for excelling in post-graduate medical studies and exams such as Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Additionally, these programs offer opportunities for laboratory research, giving students practical experience and a competitive edge in pre-professional applications.

The college boasts several unique opportunities. Our nationally ranked programs in forensics and cyber forensics prepare students to collect, preserve, and examine physical or digital evidence necessary in the investigation of crime. Cyber Forensics and Security students work closely with the Institute for Cyber Security on real projects aimed at protecting our digital information. Forensic Science students apply their skills with real evidence in an accredited DNA laboratory, one of only two such labs found on a college campus. The college offers the opportunity to have a double major in both Natural Resources and Recreation Management and Criminal Justice, a perfect pairing for those wishing to become state or national park rangers or wildlife officers.

For non-science majors, departments in the College of Science offer a series of courses that focus on enhancing science literacy through instruction in integrated science and practical applications of mathematics.

Biological Sciences - Dr. Brian Antonsen, Chair

The Department of Biological Sciences is committed to teaching students about the science of life from the molecular level to entire ecosystems. The department offers a diversity of courses in areas such as physiology and anatomy, cell biology, molecular biology and genetics, forensic biology, ecology and organismal biology, and evolutionary biology. Students are actively engaged in research with faculty mentors, often publishing and presenting their work at national meetings. Biology degrees have been designed to prepare students to obtain workforce positions in the life sciences; or, for those who seek further training, to enter either graduate school to pursue a Master’s or PhD or professional health care programs for degrees such as MD, DO, DDS, DMD, DVM, OD, PA, and so forth.

Alumni of these programs have chosen diverse career paths and are now working as health professionals, teaching at all educational levels, serving as environmental researchers and regulators, conducting biomedical and pharmaceutical research, and operating bioscience and consulting businesses that help grow and diversify the West Virginia economy.

Chemistry - Dr. Derrick Kolling, Chair

The Department of Chemistry offers courses with expert faculty complemented by hands-on experiences in a research laboratory. Research opportunities for students of Chemistry range from glycation of proteins to determining cannabinoid levels in commercial products; these experiences allow many of our majors the opportunity to be co-authors on publications in highly visible peer-reviewed scientific journals. Class sizes and student-to-faculty ratios are small, providing some of the best educational experiences available anywhere. An ACS-certified chemistry, chemical sciences, biochemistry, environmental chemistry, or forensic chemistry major provides students with preparation to work in the chemical industry, pursue graduate studies in chemistry, or apply to professional schools in many health-related fields. All majors who conduct research within the Department can expect to attend at least one national chemistry-related scientific conference.

Criminal Justice, Criminology, and Forensic Sciences - Dr. Dhruba Bora, Chair

The Department of Criminal Justice, Criminology, and Forensic Sciences at Marshall University offers a unique and dynamic educational experience for students who are passionate about exploring the complexities of crime and justice. The department is renowned for its commitment to excellence in education, research, and service, and our faculty members are experts in their respective fields.

The department offers programs in Criminal Justice and Criminology, Cyber Forensics and Security, and Forensic Science. The criminal justice undergraduate program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the theories and practices of law enforcement, justice, and corrections, while the graduate program offers advanced courses that prepare students for leadership roles in their fields.

Cyber Forensics and Security undergraduate and graduate programs are particularly innovative, providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to combat cybercrime, train law enforcement in digital evidence recovery, and protect sensitive information.

The Forensic Science program is nationally recognized as the foremost master's program in the field. Students in this program have access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technologies, and are taught by experts in the field who have extensive experience in forensic analysis. The program covers a broad range of topics, including DNA analysis, ballistics, and forensic toxicology, and prepares students for careers in crime labs, law enforcement agencies, and other organizations that require expertise in forensic science.

Mathematics and Physics - Dr. Alfred Akinsete, Chair

The Department of Mathematics and Physics is home to a vibrant community of scholars who are passionate about exploring the fascinating intersection among mathematics, statistics and physics. The department prides itself on its diverse and quality of award-winning faculty who are experts in their fields. We offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including majors in Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, and Physical and Applied Sciences, as well as advanced degrees in Mathematics, including an Area of Emphasis in Statistics, and Physics.

At the undergraduate level, we offer a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the core concepts and principles of mathematics, statistics and physics, from calculus and probability to quantum mechanics and thermodynamics, taught by experienced faculty members who are dedicated to providing engaging and intellectually challenging instruction.

Our graduate programs in Mathematics and Physics are designed for students who are looking to take their knowledge and skills to the next level. Graduate students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty members on cutting-edge research projects, and many go on to successful careers in academia, industry, and government.

Natural Resources and Earth Sciences - Dr. Mindy Yeager-Armstead, Chair

The Department of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences integrates scientific theory and application in an active learning environment to facilitate understanding of earth’s history and current conditions and focus on a sustainable future. Bringing together geologists, biologists, chemists, and social scientists, we use a hands-on curriculum to investigate real world issues and seek solutions for the challenges of our day. In our undergraduate programs in Geology, Natural Resources & Recreation Management, Environmental Science, and Specialty Agriculture students learn by applying knowledge and critical thinking strategies to complex issues surrounding environmental protection, regulation and remediation, natural resource management, and sustainable agriculture. Our students are prepared to shape the future through restoration of historic impacts, leading regulatory efforts, becoming resource managers, developing and implementing sustainable food strategies.

At the graduate level, Master of Science programs in Geology and Natural Resources & the Environment provide platforms for students to pursue cutting-edge research and innovation to safeguard our planet’s resources. Our faculty members are actively engaged in research on a range of topics including human impacts on aquatic ecosystems, management and sustainable development of terrestrial ecosystems, implementation of sustainable agricultural strategies, and remediation of resource extraction in our area. Graduate students have access to state of-the-art research facilities including a remote sensing lab, a GIS lab, an aquatics lab, and a range of equipment and technologies. Graduates of our program are well-prepared to pursue careers in academia, regulatory and government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.

Course offerings by all departments within the college are available to science majors and to students in other disciplines who are interested in broadening their skills and knowledge in basic science, mathematics, and computers.

Departments

Admission Requirements

Regular admission to the university constitutes admission to the College of Science for students entering as first-year students and as transfers from other institutions. There is no separate admissions process.

The College of Science will accept inter-college and college transfers.

Students with a minimum ACT mathematics score of 21 and a minimum ACT composite score of 21, or a minimum SAT math score of 530 and a minimum SAT composite score of 1060, are academically best prepared to start a major in the College of Science and graduate in four years. Student with lower scores will require additional preparatory coursework that may delay their graduation.

Academic Policies

For students transferring from another institution to Marshall, the College of Science will accept transfer credits approved by the university to meet general education requirements. To satisfy upper division requirements, the coursework must have been completed at institutions accredited to offer junior and senior level courses.

Degree Requirements

In addition to satisfying the requirements for a specific major, students must meet the college requirements outlined below and the university requirements as described in this catalog.

General College Requirements for Graduation

1. Core Curriculum: All students must complete all Marshall University’s Core Curriculum requirements as defined in this catalog.

2. Grade Point Averages: All students must have a Grade Point Average of 2.0 or higher on all work attempted at Marshall University, and must have an average of 2.0 or higher in their major. Quality point deficiencies in the major cannot be reduced by taking lower division (100/200 level) courses within the major department, except as provided for by the D/F Repeat Rule; exceptions may be allowed by the department chair with the concurrence of the dean.

3. Credit Hours: A minimum of 120 semester hours of credit is required for graduation. Forty (40) hours must be earned in upper division courses, courses numbered 300-499. Courses taken more than once will only count one time for graduation hours. Courses transferred from two-year or community colleges cannot be used to satisfy the upper division requirement.

4. Credit / No Credit Grading: The CR/NC option cannot be used:

a. for any course taken to meet the specific requirements for a B.A. or B.S. degree (see below);
b. for any course taken to fulfill the requirements for a departmental major; or
c. for any course taken to fulfill the requirements for a minor.

5. Junior and Senior Degree Evaluation: Juniors and seniors are required to meet with an advisor in the Dean’s Office to review an evaluation to determine if they are making satisfactory progress toward graduation.

6. Application for Graduation: Candidates for graduation must apply for graduation through the office of the dean.