Individual STEM departments have detailed guidance for first-year students and prospective majors: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics and Statistics, and Physics/Astronomy. Additionally, students should always be encouraged to reach out to department chairs and associate chairs if they have questions.
For first-year students thinking about majoring in one of the natural sciences, the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Geology, and Physics/Astronomy offer the following suggestions:
- Considering how often interests change upon encounter with different subjects at the college level, first-year students should strive for variety and exploration both within the science/math area and in the other distribution groups. All of our students benefit from a strong foundation in the liberal arts, ensuring a well-rounded and rigorous academic preparation.
- Mathematics and Statistics is an important tool for all the sciences. Students who are interested in the physical sciences should begin the calculus sequence during the first year; those interested in Physics or Chemistry and who have no calculus advanced placement are encouraged to take two terms of calculus during the first year.
- All of the natural science majors have some flexibility. In each department, it is possible to delay the start of a major to the sophomore year. It is important to note that this may limit some curricular options. Advisers should encourage students to reach out to the specific department chair with their questions.
- With proper advance planning, any science majors or pre-med students can also participate in off-campus study.
- Department chairs are always happy to talk to students who have any questions, concerns, or unusual circumstances.