College of Natural and Health Sciences
Dr. Richard Cohoon,
Dean
McEver Hall,
Room 45
(479) 968-0498
rcohoon@atu.edu
Fax: (479) 964-0837
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.
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 General, Environmental and Biomedical options
Chemistry with A.C.S. approved General, Professional, Environmental, and Biochemistry options
Engineering Physics
Fisheries and Wildlife Science
Geology with Professional, Petroleum, and Environmental options
Health Information Management
Mathematics
Medical Technology
Physical Science with General, Physics, and Nuclear Physics options
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 chemistryenvironmental 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 biology-environmental 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.
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Russellville, Arkansas 72801 USA | For general information call 479-968-0389
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