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College of Natural and Applied Sciences

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Natural & Applied Sciences Degrees

The College of Natural and Applied Sciences at Southwest Baptist University cultivates a culture of academic excellence within a Christian community, where students are encouraged to develop strong communication skills, foster creativity, gain an appreciation for the sciences, and embrace scientific awareness.

Three divisions exist within the College of Natural & Applied Sciences:

Division of Natural Sciences

Area of Biology

Biology programs at SBU allow students to thrive in small class and lab sizes, allowing our faculty who all have Ph.D. degrees to provide a more personalized learning experience. This area offers three undergraduate biology majors:

  • Associate of Applied Science in Agriculture
  • Bachelor of Arts or Science in Biology
  • Bachelor of Science in Biology - Biomedical Science Concentration
  • Bachelor of Science in Biology - Environmental Biology Concentration
  • Bachelor of Science in Biology - Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration
  • Bachelor of Science in Biology Education
  • Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology
  • Agriculture Minor
  • Biology Minor

SBU biology students have the unique opportunity to participate in the SBU Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program. This summer research program allows undergraduate students the beneficial opportunity of conducting research with a faculty member while getting paid for the work. 

Area of Chemistry & Physics

Whether you are looking to pursue a career as a chemist, go to graduate school, earn an engineering degree or teach chemistry, SBU has a degree program that will work for you. This area offers undergraduate degrees in:

  • Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
    • Optional/Unofficial Track: Pre-Health
  • Bachelor of Arts or Science in Chemistry
  • Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Education
  • Bachelor of Science in Physics
  • Bachelor of Science in - 3/2 Pre-Engineering Concentration
  • Chemistry Minor
  • Physics Minor

In addition to the small class sizes, knowledgeable faculty, and one-on-one advising for all students, these programs lead students in their spiritual journeys to discover how their work in the chemistry and physics fields can inform their faith.

Pre-Health

If you are pursuing a career in medicine or another allied health field, faculty will work with you individually to provide pre-health advisement to help set you up for success. As you pursue your undergraduate degree in biology and/or chemistry, faculty will help you apply to graduate school, study for the MCAT (medical school acceptance exam), write reference letters for you and provide the guidance and support you need to be equipped for your career goals.

The Darrell R. Strait Center for the Integration of Science and Christian Faith

The Darrell R. Strait Center for the Integration of Science and Christian Faith (CISCF) pursues excellence and seeks to honor God by offering an interdisciplinary program of study in the integration of science and Christian faith. This program incorporates appropriate scientific and Biblical principles, grounded in the Old and New Testaments, and consistent with the Christian faith, Christian worldview, Biblical values and Baptist heritage of the University.

Division of Kinesiology

Area of Exercise Science

Receiving a bachelor's degree in exercise science at SBU will prepare you to pursue any allied health career as you learn how to deal with people who need injury rehabilitation. A combination of coursework in sciences and human development will equip you with the skills needed for a variety of professions.

  • Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
  • Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science - Rehabilitative Science Concentration
    • Optional/Unofficial Track: Pre-Athletic Training/Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Chiropractic, Pre-Physical Therapy

The exercise science major is designed for students interested in a career in personal training, biomechanics, or those students who intend to pursue post-graduate schooling/certification in physical therapy, athletic training, or exercise physiology.

Area of Sports Management

Are you interested in a sports-related career? SBU has a unique sport management degree that is an interdisciplinary program with two concentration options. When you major in sport management at SBU, you will open the door to a wide variety of career options or the ability to further your education with an MBA or other graduate degree.

  • Bachelor of Science in Sport Management - Business Concentration
  • Bachelor of Science in Sport Management - Fitness and Wellness Administration Concentration
  • Bachelor of Science in Sport Management - Sports Administration
  • Sport Management Minor

Doctor of Physical Therapy

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at SBU prepares you for your career through the development of knowledge and skills needed for patient management, education, consultation and clinical research.

You will become a dynamic healthcare professional serving to improve the lives of the people you touch. The program builds upon a strong liberal arts background and highlights Christian values and behavior to mold you into a well-rounded professional.

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