Division of Natural Science

J. Beers, Blume, Ellenbarger, Funk, Greuel (chair), Hahn, Michael, Newton, Swearingen, Varner, Wakefield, Wang

The Division of Natural Science, consisting of the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, General Science, Mathematics, and Physics, is equipped to give students excellent training in the indicated fields. Majors are offered in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Mathematics; a minor field may be selected in any of the departments. The Division collaborates with the College of Business and the Department of Graduate Teacher Education at JBU to offer Graduate School Pathways leading to a Bachelor’s degree in any of these majors combined with a Master’s degree in Business Administration (M.B.A.) or Teaching (M.A.T.), respectively. Other degree options that prepare students for professional careers include an undergraduate Teacher Education Program in Mathematics, and pre-professional programs leading to occupations in health-related fields, industry, scientific research, college teaching, and government service.

Students with high achievement are encouraged to consider graduate study and to participate with faculty in various undergraduate research projects. Besides introductory and advanced courses for science-related majors, the Division offers Core Curriculum courses that provide a breadth of practical scientific knowledge to students throughout the university. In each area of the curricula, the Division desires to provide an understanding of the natural world that can help our students to become established as Christian thinkers, prepared for God-honoring careers and service.

Preparation for Medical School and Other Professional Study

“Pre-medicine” is not a major at John Brown University. At most institutions of higher learning, a curriculum termed “pre-medicine” means simply that a student is meeting requirements for admission to medical school and, therefore, in addition to working toward a baccalaureate degree in some discipline, the student is satisfying these specific requirements. JBU has a Pre-Health Professions Program (PHPP) for students preparing for training as a physician, dentist, optometrist, veterinarian, pharmacist, or a career in one of the allied health professions, such as a physician assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist, and public health administrator, among others. While students in any major may participate in the PHPP, majors in Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry provide particularly good preparation for careers in the health professions. All students in the PHPP must fulfill certain course and internship requirements under the guidance of the Health Professions Advisory Committee that are largely determined by the professional schools of interest to the student.