Natural Science

This Is Science Without Boundaries 

In small classes, you’ll work side-by-side with scientists whose top priority is quality teaching. Through a wide-ranging curriculum that embraces biology, chemistry, environmental science, geology and physics, you’ll gain a big-picture perspective on science and the world. You’ll find a comfortable new home in Parmer Hall, with 16 laboratories and state-of-the-art scientific equipment. This major is excellent preparation for a variety of fields, including medical technology, public health, forensic science, and education at all levels. You can focus your studies directly on your professional goals by completing an academic concentration.

Choose a Track to Best Meet Your Career Goals

As part of each concentration, you’ll expand your experience by completing research, an internship or independent study in the field. Dominican offers concentrations in two high-demand areas:

• Health Science: Includes coursework that prepares students for multiple programs in allied health careers.
• Environmental Studies: This interdisciplinary option examines how human beings interact with the environment, and includes a consideration of public policy. 

Prepare for an Intellectually Compelling Career

A survey of U.S. employers by Hart Research Associates found that 93% of bosses say that “a job candidate’s demonstrated capacity to think critically, solve complex problems and communicate effectively” is the most important factor in hiring decisions. That is the essential skill set of our natural science graduates. This major is ideal for students who are flexible and curious—who like to use their minds in different ways. The curriculum prepares you for lifelong intellectual and professional competence. In the workplace, our natural science graduates know what they’re doing. They’re informed, thoughtful, open to new ideas, proficient with laboratory procedures and technologies, and able to adapt and thrive. They have earned their way into leadership positions in the professions of their choice.

International Students

For international students (F-1), this program is a STEM-designated program, which can qualify you to extend your post-graduation stay in the United States.

Discover Something New

Undergraduate research is a Dominican trademark. You won’t have to wait until graduate school to work side-by-side with a talented faculty scholar. Our annual research expo in April will give you a chance to practice your presentation skills and show your stuff. Topics of recent student projects include behavior genetics, bacterial genetics and neurobiology of learning and memory. Natural science majors who wish to teach elementary or high school students can combine their major with the Secondary and K-12 Education program. Offered by our excellent School of Education, the program includes a semester of student teaching.