Liberal Studies Program

B.A. in Liberal Studies: Integrated Math and Science

Dr. Karen A. Swanson, Program Coordinator

swansonk@wpunj.edu

The liberal studies program is a comprehensive B. A. degree program dealing with a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines. The program was originally designed for students interested in elementary education, but it also has applications for the student who is interested in the sciences, but who has not yet decided just where his or her primary interest lies.

The program is structured so that the student gains a holistic perspective of the physical sciences, and is organized into four tracks or concentrations: biology, chemistry, environmental science, and mathematics. Students in all four tracks take a set of core courses, including introductory-level courses in astronomy, biology, chemistry, environmental science, physics, and math, as well as courses which may fulfill upper level GE requirements, and then pursue advanced studies in their chosen track. With advisement, they are able to tailor their studies in their track to suit their career goals, and independent research projects are encouraged. All students take the program’s capstone course, Seminar in Integrated Science, which brings together students in all four tracks to investigate the areas of interaction among the specific disciplines they have studied previously.

With a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with the certification option, a student is prepared for teaching K-8. Students who do not choose the certification option are prepared for entry-level positions in research, manufacturing, sales, and management. Potential employers include governmental agencies, private consulting firms, and industry. Students are also prepared to continue their education at the post-baccalaureate level.

Students in the program have full access to all the analytical equipment that the College of Science and health has to offer. State-of-the-art microcomputer-networked facilities are conveniently located in the Science Complex; more powerful mainframe and super-computer facilities are available to authorized users through high-speed telecommunications lines.

Biology Track

Chemistry Track

Environmental Science Track

Mathematics Track