cos@marshall.edu
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. The College of Science Dean’s Office is located in Science Building 270, and 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. 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, to data and quantitative analysis. 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 the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Additionally, these programs offer opportunities for laboratory research, giving students meaningful practical experience and a competitive edge in pre-professional applications.
The college boasts several unique opportunities. Our nationally ranked programs in forensic science 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 to real evidence in an accredited DNA laboratory, one of only two such labs found on a college campus. The college offers 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, the College of Science offers courses that focus on enhancing science literacy through hands-on laboratory experiences and application of the scientific method. The College also offers mathematics and statistics courses that develop quantitative thinking and support quantitative literacy and technically oriented pathways.
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 diverse range 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 prepare students for workforce positions in the life sciences. They also prepare students who seek further training to enter graduate school to pursue a master’s or PhD or professional health care programs for degrees such as MD, DO, DDS, DMD, DVM, OD, and PA.
Alumni of these programs have pursued 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. Laura McCunn-Jordan, Chair
The Department of Chemistry offers courses with expert faculty complemented by hands-on research laboratory experiences. Research opportunities for students of Chemistry range from glycation of proteins to determining cannabinoid levels in commercial products. These experiences allow students the opportunity to be co-authors on publications in highly visible peer-reviewed scientific journals. All majors who conduct research within the Department can expect to attend at least one national chemistry-related scientific conference. Class sizes and student-to-faculty ratios are small, providing high-quality educational experiences. An ACS-certified chemistry, chemical sciences, biochemistry, environmental chemistry, or forensic chemistry major prepares students to work in the chemical industry, pursue graduate studies in chemistry, or apply to professional schools in many health-related fields.
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 committed 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 provides students with a strong foundation in the theories and practices of law enforcement, justice, and corrections, and the graduate program prepares students for doctoral-level work and leadership roles in their fields.
The Cyber Forensics and Security undergraduate program provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to combat cybercrime, support law enforcement in digital evidence recovery, and protect sensitive information.
The Forensic Science graduate 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 are taught by experts with extensive experience in forensic analysis. The program covers a broad range of topics, including DNA analysis, ballistics, and forensic toxicology. Students graduate prepared for careers in crime labs and law enforcement agencies.
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 mathematics, statistics, and physics. The department has a diverse, award-winning faculty with expertise across these fields. The department offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, Physics, and Physics for Teachers.
The department offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide students with a strong foundation in core concepts across mathematics, statistics, and physics, including areas such as calculus, algebra, probability, and theoretical and applied physics. Courses are taught by experienced faculty dedicated to providing engaging and intellectually challenging instruction. Undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty on research projects. Alumni pursue careers in academia, industry, and government, and continue to PhD programs.
Natural Resources and Earth Sciences - Dr. Mindy Yeager-Armstead, Chair
The Department of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences integrates scientific theory and application to facilitate understanding of earth’s history and current conditions, with a focus on a sustainable future. The department uses an active, hands-on curriculum that brings together geologists, biologists, chemists, and social scientists to investigate real-world issues and develop solutions to current environmental challenges. In our undergraduate and graduate programs in Geology, Natural Resources & Recreation Management, and Environmental Science, students analyze and address complex issues related to environmental protection, regulation and remediation, natural resource management, and geological systems and processes.
Field-based experiences are integrated into all programs, ranging from course-based field trips to study abroad opportunities. Students have opportunities to pursue advanced research on the management and use of natural resources and environmental systems using geospatial tools and specialized field and laboratory equipment. Faculty are engaged in research on topics including human impacts on aquatic ecosystems, management and development of terrestrial ecosystems, and remediation of resource extraction. Alumni restore impacted environments, lead regulatory efforts, manage natural resources, and analyze geological systems and processes, working in academia, regulatory and government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.
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.
College of Science Requirements for the B.A. and B.S. Degrees
(Requirements vary for some programs. See major-specific requirements for details.)
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Credit Hours |
| 11 |
| 3-5 |
| Total Credit Hours | 14-16 |
