The Natural Science Area option allows students to meet their individual education needs by developing a
major based on courses from several departments within the Natural Sciences Division. The selection of
courses should reflect a theme or program that is developed in consultation with the faculty adviser. The
plan for a Natural Science Area major should be approved by the Division Chair for the Natural Sciences
and a copy placed in the student’s permanent record.

Core Requirements 12 courses – 36 credits
To satisfy the requirements for a Natural Sciences Area major, students select one department in which
they take five to six courses (15-18 credits) and two other departments in which they take three to four
courses (8-12 credits) each for a minimum total of 36 credits. An example program of studies for a
student who chose Computer Science as the major department and Mathematics and Physics as the
minor departments is shown below.

Computer Science
Programming Using C++
Advanced Programming with C++
Introduction to Information Structures
Algorithm Implementation
Computer Organization and Assembly Language

Mathematics
Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1
Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2
Discrete Math

Physics
Basic Physics for Science and Engineering 1
Basic Physics for Science and Engineering 2

Additional Requirements 1 course – 3 credits
After earning 90 credits, all Natural Science Area majors must take the two-semester capstone sequence
offered in Biology or Mathematics.

Students must earn at least a C grade in all courses used to fulfill the requirements of the major.