The universe is a mystery — a vast, sweeping, unending stream of questions. It is up to the scientists and the mathematicians to pursue the answers. At UWA, we’ll help you join the inquiry. We’ll complement your passion for knowledge with the skills and experiences you need to pursue your love of science and math to the limits.
“Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.”
— Dr. Carl Sagan
Choose a natural sciences or mathematics degree that meets your needs and your schedule. Choose from a range of Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees — on campus or online — all of which are designed to give you the tools and skills you need to succeed in a variety of related fields.
The mission of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics is to elevate academic achievement and quality of life through higher education, research and outreach.
Assistant Professor of Biology
“I chose UWA because it offered me the opportunity to be involved in many different areas of student life, while still being able to receive a great education. After touring the campus, I saw that the staff truly cares about each student as an individual and works to help them succeed. I wanted to be a part of the close-knit environment between students and their professors. So many professors have made an impact on my education here at UWA. One professor who stands out is Dr. Mustafa Morsy. Although I have not taken his classes yet, I reached out to him for advice on applying to medical school. Since then, he has helped me tremendously in many professional areas and has also helped align me with research opportunities to broaden my experience. My favorite part about my major is that it offers many research opportunities and other ways to get hands-on experience. I feel like it will prepare me academically before I take steps to apply to medical school after graduation. I would recommend my major to any prospective student! The professors in our department are great to work with. UWA has many alumni scholarships and departmental scholarships to offer. My favorite scholarship has come from the Phi Mu Fraternity chapter on campus. This spring, I received the Bethany Joyce Harris Memorial Scholarship. I am so honored to be chosen as the recipient, as UWA and Phi Mu have a big place in my heart. To anyone interested in attending UWA, you will not regret your decision to come here. It is unbelievable what you can achieve in such a short amount of time. The quality of people who attend and work at UWA makes this place something special.”
Leah Stewart, Greensboro, AL, Cell and Molecular Biology
One of the things that you’ll hear about UWA quite often is, “There’s something about this place.” Come visit us at the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM), and you’ll get a sense of what that means. NSM contains the Departments of Biological and Environmental Sciences, the Department of Physical Sciences, and the Department of Mathematics. In 2017, the College was also pleased to add under its umbrella the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance, which contains the Department of Kinesiology. The more than 50 faculty in the College oversee almost 20 majors covering the full spectrum of basic sciences, applied health training and mathematics. These STEM fields, of course, are critical to the future. A strong preparation in these areas goes a long way toward ensuring a productive career.
The opportunities in NSM are rich and varied. Our program in Cell and Molecular Biology prepares students for entry into medical, veterinary and other professional schools, as well as providing outstanding preparation for entry into graduate study at UWA or another institution. Similarly, the Conservation and Field Biology program provides a firm foundation for those biologists who wish to work with the natural resources so abundant in the Southeast. This program also serves as a solid foundation through which students can move into UWA’s Master of Science program in Conservation Biology, one of the few of its kind anywhere.
Other students may opt for our program in Environmental Science and its associated internships, which provide an excellent gateway into employment. NSM’s program in Marine Biology and its association with the Dauphin Island Sea Lab has a long, rich history, and many of the graduates of that program currently work with their feet wet around the world.
In the Physical Sciences, our programs in Chemistry allow students to choose a variety of pathways. Perhaps the most popular, and successful, in the Pre-Pharmacy Chemistry track. Students successfully completing this program have had great success moving on into schools of pharmacy and joining this highly rewarding occupation. Our programs in Exercise Science and Health Sciences feature the opportunity to work with some of the nation’s finest professors and athletic trainers. The College provides opportunities for teacher certification in biology, general science, mathematics and physical education and UWA’s long history of teacher preparation has established a tremendous reputation with educational institutions in the region.
In NSM, we believe strongly in learning by doing. Our classes are inquiry-based with a hands-on approach. Undergraduate research is a major focus and our Academic Research Conference has developed into one of the best in the region. We try to provide opportunities that go beyond the classroom. Our students have interned at Yale University, done research on Siberia’s Lake Baikal and studied at the University of Western Australia. Outreach and involvement also play a major role in NSM, and the College has long-sponsored events such as Science Saturdays, Elementary Science Olympiads and Regional Sciences Fairs. Our students typically play a major role in these events.
All in all, we believe that the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics is the perfect place to put UWA’s other motto into action: Do something that matters!
Jeffery Merida, PhD
Dean
(205) 652-3414
jmerida@uwa.edu
The University of West Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate’s, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist and doctoral degrees.
The University of West Alabama’s Athletic Training baccalaureate program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
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