Bachelor of Arts: Natural Science
Are you interested in using science to help those in need—perhaps by becoming a doctor, nurse, dentist, pharmacist or veterinarian? Are you interested in using science to work with and help those in need? Is graduate school part of your future plans?
The Natural Science program at Concordia University Chicago is a package of courses designed for the student whose academic or professional plans require a broad base of science courses.
If you’re interested in pre-professional studies, particularly in the health sciences, you may decide to choose this undergraduate major, as most medical, dental and veterinary schools do not require specific majors in biology and chemistry.
Program Overview
Because natural science is a combination of other sciences like chemistry and biology, our faculty come from a variety of backgrounds. A degree in natural science provides a foundation to pursue veterinary, dental, medical or pharmacy school paths, in addition to positions in research and development, laboratory testing, instruction, production, and quality control.
At CUC, the classroom extends to the metro Chicago area, with classes regularly taking field trips to places such as the Morton Arboretum, Chicago Botanical Garden, the Field Museum of Natural History, the Brookfield Zoo, the Shedd Aquarium, the Museum of Science and Industry, and many more.
General Course Information
In the College of Arts and Sciences at Concordia University Chicago, students can choose to earn a bachelor of arts degree in natural science by taking a selection of biology and physical science courses, as well as choosing to concentrate in two areas among biology, chemistry, earth science and physics.
Students specifically interested in medical school or other professional health schools are encouraged to consider majoring in natural science, biology or chemistry. Also recommended are selected courses in physics, English, psychology, sociology, the humanities and mathematics. Prospective professional schools should be consulted for their specific requirements.
For details about required courses and course descriptions, please visit our online catalog pages.
Opportunities
A range of unique opportunities is available to natural science students. “Life in the Biosphere” is a May Term travel course that takes students to unusual locations to explore flora and fauna, and study biogeochemical processes. The class has traveled to Arizona to work in Biosphere II, the famed 3.14-acre center for research, outreach, teaching and lifelong learning about Earth.
Students can also take part in opportunities such as Aqualytica, part of the Concordia University Chicago Student Operated Undergraduate Laboratory (SOUL) program. Aqualytica is a community outreach water testing laboratory that provides analysis of local water samples to area residents while giving students real-world experience.
Along with departmental offerings, Concordia science students participate in consortium-type seminars and special topics courses through the Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area (ACCA), a partnership of 15 liberal arts universities and government laboratories.