College of Natural and Health Sciences
The College of Natural and Health Sciences is subdivided into four administrative
units: the Departments of Biological Science, Mathematics, Nursing, and Physical
Science. These departments offer a variety of major programs leading to
baccalaureate and associate degrees. The College also serves a special role in
providing the principal curricular needs of students seeking to enter professional
schools of medicine, dentistry, medical technology, optometry, pharmacy,
chiropractic, and others. A secondary service is that of contributing to the general
education of those students majoring outside of the College of Natural and Health
Sciences.
Dr. Jeff W. Robertson, Dean
McEver Hall,
Room 104-A
(479) 964-0548
jrobertson@atu.edu
Fax: (479) 964-0837
Students earning degrees in the College of Natural and Health Sciences are in a particularly enviable position. Their
undergraduate education makes them eligible to compete for employment in a variety of professional positions or for entry
into graduate school. The College of Natural and Health Sciences offers programs of study leading to baccalaureate and
associate degrees as listed below:
Bachelor of Science
Biology with options in:
General
Biomedical
Environmental
Chemistry with options in:
A.C.S. approved General
Professional
Environmental
Biochemistry
Engineering Physics
Fisheries and Wildlife Science
Geology with options in:
Professional
Petroleum
Environmental
Health Information Management
Life Science and Earth Science Education
Mathematics
Mathematics Education
Medical Technology
Nuclear Physics
Physical Science
Physical Science and Earth Science Education
Physics
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Nursing
Associate of Applied Science
Medical Assistant
Environmental Science Options
Three environmental science degree options are available as follows: B.S. in biology-environmental option, B.S. in
chemistry-environmental option, and B.S. in geology-environmental option. The student interested in environmental
science should choose the program that best suits his or her interest based on background, competencies, and career
objectives. Arkansas Tech University’s location in the Arkansas River Valley between the Ouachita and Ozark mountains
is ideally suited to environmental programs. With the diversity of ecosystems and geological formations found, the area
serves as an outdoor laboratory encompassing habitats that range from wetland and riparian ecosystems to upland
coniferous and mountaintop deciduous forests. Swamps, streams, rivers, and lakes dot the landscape. Geological
formations ranging in age from Ordovician to Pennsylvanian are within easy field trip distance from the University. Crop
farming, hog and poultry production, a nuclear-powered electricity generating plant, coal strip mining, urban centers, and a
multi-use national forest provide ample opportunities for studying the impact of modern society on ecosystems and the
natural environment.
The employment opportunities in environmental science are projected to continue to increase. Graduates may find
employment with environmental consulting companies, local, state, or federal governmental agencies, and private
companies that have significant environmental impact. Environmental scientists are involved in the following types of
studies: environmental impact analysis, pollution assessment and control, solid waste landfill location and management,
ecosystem analysis, surface and groundwater resources, air quality, and many others. The student interested in a specific
environmental science curriculum should refer to the appropriate section of this book. For example, the B.S. in biologyenvironmental science option is listed with the other biology curricula.
Pre-Professional Options
Arkansas Tech University offers complete pre-professional education for students interested in medicine, dentistry,
physical therapy, and pharmacy. Students who study at Arkansas Tech University are very successful at gaining entrance
into these professional schools. Although the entrance requirements for medical schools reserve the ability to accept
students meeting the minimum core courses, in practice students gaining admission will usually have completed a B.S.
degree. Most of these students major either in biology or chemistry, but any field is acceptable as long as they complete
specific courses required by their chosen professional school. The Biochemical Option of the Chemistry major and the
Biomedical Option of the Biology major were specifically developed to serve these "Pre-med"students in addition to others
with plans for post-graduate education. Faculty advisors in chemistry and biology are also available to guide students
targeting a wide variety of other allied health sciences including optometry, radiology, dental hygiene, dental pharmacy,
pharmacy technician, and others. Course schedules can be customized to meet pre-requisites specified by schools of the
student's choice.
Transfer Students
Applicability of transfer credit to meet specific degree requirements depends on the major selected by the transfer student.
The transfer student should review the Transfer Credit policy in the Admission section of this catalog and meet with their
academic advisor to determine final transfer credit eligibility for the selected program of study.