Degree Plans

School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering


BIOLOGY (BIOL)

Biology is the science that deals with the study of living systems. Modern biological science incorporates a broad range of research areas, from bio-chemistry-molecular biology, which focuses on the fundamentals of genetics, development and metabolism, to ecology, which explores how organisms, populations and communities interact with their environment. Students prepare for careers in biology, medicine, dentistry, teaching, and research. Biology faculty at the University are involved in research activities with students in the biomedical, environmental, and teaching areas.

CHEMISTRY (CHEM)

Chemistry is the science that deals with the properties, composition and structure of matter; with the changes that occur in matter; and with energy relationships involved in these changes. The Chemistry program at the University is designed to give the undergraduate student a sound background in chemistry as a whole, thereby providing preparation for work or further study in any of the large number of specialized areas that may be entered after graduation. Some students enter medical and dental programs after graduation. Faculty are involved in four areas of chemical education and research: analytical, organic, physical, and biochemistry.

EARTH SCIENCE (EASC)

Earth Science is a multidisciplinary science that includes the study of the Earth's lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. The solid Earth is explored through a survey of physical and historical geology. The Earth's place in the solar system and universe is investigated through a review of astronomy. Non-science majors will discover why the Earth we live on is so unique compared to all other planets in our solar system, and learn about the fragile and complex biosphere we live in.

ENGINEERING (ENGR)

The Engineering Management program at the University is committed to educational excellence and innovation. The broad based program is designed to prepare students for careers in Civil Engineering as well as fosters problem solving skills, critical thinking, and team approaches. The curriculum is based on practical applications of engineering fundamentals and promotes student understanding of responsibility and impact on the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (ENSC)

The mission of the Environmental Science program is to provide students a comprehensive environmental science education for the purpose of research into and management of Earth's natural resources, and for promotion of environmental protection of these resources for public health and welfare. The interdisciplinary nature of the Environmental Science program provides essential academic training, field and work experience necessary for a student to understand the complex, interconnected problems related to appraisal, restoration, and conservation of natural resources. The program offers the student a comprehensive liberal arts education with a unique core curriculum that is connected to a broad-based and in-depth education in biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. The spirit of Christian service is promoted by providing the student the intellectual tools necessary for making sound scientific decisions and ethical judgments and thus become enlightened citizens in society. Experiences in research activities through course work, seminars, and internships also promote within each student self-realization and spiritual guidance acquired through independent work, volunteered endeavors, and cooperative learning. The faculty in the Sciences is committed to providing intellectual challenges and personal guidance to students not only through course work but through cooperative research and educational experiences.

Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students to enter a wide variety of professional careers as well as graduate programs in pollution abatement, conservation, environmental assessment and education. Government, industry and private research groups all provide entry-level positions for environmental scientists. Faculty members are active in environmental research throughout Texas, Mexico, and Central America. The science faculty at University of the Incarnate Word offers unique opportunities for students to become involved in environmental research as undergraduates.

GEOLOGY (GEOL)

Geology is a science involving the study of the Earthís origin, evolution, and continued development through time. Knowledge of the Earth requires understanding the physical, chemical, and biological processes that shape the Earthís surface, and the physical and chemical processes that operate beneath the Earthís surface. The uniqueness of life on this planet is explored through the study of the origin and evolution of life on Earth.

MATHEMATICS (MATH)

The liberal arts curriculum is designed to increase the mathematical power of students. The mathematics program emphasizes concepts, procedures, and connections. All courses develop reasoning abilities along with skills in precise communication of concepts. Problem solving is addressed throughout the program. Mathematics majors are well prepared for jobs requiring expertise in quantitative analysis and problem solving, and for a wide variety of graduate and professional programs.

METEOROLOGY (METR)

The Meteorology degree program is designed for students who wish to receive a comprehensive education for the purpose of research into the dynamics of the Earth's atmosphere, weather analysis, and weather forecasting. This science includes a study of the impact of air pollution on people and the environment, the threat of changing climate due to global warming, severe weather, and world climates. Meteorology is an interdisciplinary program which prepares students for entering a wide variety of professional careers as well as graduate programs in weather modeling and forecasting, air pollution studies, broadcast meteorology, hydrology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications in meteorology, and education. Government, industry, and private research groups may also provide entry-level positions for meteorologists. Students are strongly encouraged to minor in mathematics or physics if planning to attend graduate school or seek careers in meteorology research.

NUTRITION (NUTR)

Students study nutrition, biology, chemistry, behavioral sciences, business, and communication. Graduates of the Nutrition and Dietetics (A) option complete the didactic requirements of the American Dietetic Association and are eligible for a dietetic internship or an approved Preprofessional Practice Program. Graduates of the Nutrition Science (B) option may fulfill prerequisite requirements for medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, etc. and are prepared for graduate studies in Nutrition Science and related fields of study. This well-rounded training will enable qualified graduates to maximize their potential and take full advantage of the wide range of opportunities available to them.

A career in nutrition can include nutrition education, provision of nutrition care to both healthy and ill individuals, food service management, and participation in research. Employment opportunities are found in community health centers, governmental agencies, hospitals, private practice, food industries, restaurants, the military, schools, universities, and communications.

PHYSICS (PHYS)

Physics is the fundamental science that deals with study of matter and energy and their interactions in the fields of mechanics, heat, fluids, sound, electricity, magnetism, light, optics, radiation, atomic structure, and nuclear phenomena. Physics is an experimental science that involves the continued development of physical theories and models through observations, measurement, and testing. The theoretical and applied concepts of physics are the foundation for the sciences, engineering, and technology.