We emphasize hands-on learning in laboratory and field settings in a wide variety of specialty areas including ecology, molecular biology, microbiology, physiology, evolution, developmental biology, cell biology, and systematics.
At SOU, all courses and labs for biology majors are taught by fully accredited faculty members, in contrast to some schools that rely heavily on teaching assistants. As a biology major, you will have the opportunity to interact with all our faculty members, beginning in the introductory sequence. Students find faculty to be readily accessible and approachable.
We also make all of our research facilities available to undergraduates, including the new state-of-the-art Biotechnology Center, the second-largest insect collection in Oregon, a four-room greenhouse, a herbarium, a Vertebrate Natural History Museum, and a cadaver lab. Many of our faculty also involve undergraduates in field research in ecology and environmental science.
SOU is located in one of the most interesting biologic regions in North America, at the junction of the Siskiyou and Cascade Mountain ranges, where plants and animals from several distinctive bioregions come together. Many Biology courses incorporate field trips to study the unique natural and biological resources in this area. Close to home, we venture to the Rogue River, the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, and Mount Ashland. Farther afield, we roam as far as the Pacific Ocean, Crater Lake, the Klamath-Tule marshes, the redwood forests, and the Oregon high desert.
Department of Biology Mission, Vision and Goals
Biology Major
Interested in Studying Biology?
Biologists work on a broad spectrum of questions related to living organisms and life processes. They investigate the physical and chemical bases of life, the structure and function of organisms and their parts, the interaction between organisms and their environments, and the evolution of organisms. The biology major not only offers a thorough introduction to the principal areas of biology, but it also gives students the freedom to specialize.
The bachelor’s degree in biology prepares students for employment in diverse fields related to the life sciences. It is also excellent training for graduate and professional programs leading to degrees in such areas as agriculture, dentistry, environmental science, forestry, medical technology, medicine, optometry, veterinary medicine, and wildlife biology.
Because upper division courses in biology build on prerequisites, students should seek advising as soon as they consider majoring in biology. Early advising is especially important for those planning to go on to graduate or professional schools, and interested students should contact the Student Success Coordinator for STEM.
Pre-Professional Programs
Pre-Professional Opportunities
Southern Oregon University offers a number of programs, which are designed to be ideal for professional schools both in and out of Oregon. These programs are meant to serve the student by providing necessary prerequisite coursework for their desired professional or vocational goals, but offer the flexibility to change some coursework to suite a preferred professional or vocational schools. In some cases, it is advisable for a student to complete a full baccalaureate degree prior to transfering to a professional school, such as in medicine, pharmaceutical, and veterinary medicine programs; however, some programs will not require a completed baccalaureate prior to transferring to a professional or vocational program in fields such as dental hygeine.
Though pre-professional programs are a core set of recommended coursework, they are not majors themselves, but to be completed in addition to standard degree programs. Some programs, such as Biology and Chemistry naturally incorporate many of these courses into the major program requirements, and serve as a common path for students, but are not the only paths. Students may complete courses for pre-professional programs in partnership with any degree program offered at SOU, and if a student intends on pursuing a degree program outside of the STEM Divison (Biology/Chemistry mainly), they should work with the major advisor in their respective department(s) in addition to the STEM Division Student Success Coordinator.
For more information, check out our Pre-Professional Programs page, or our first-year advising templates.
Teacher Licensing
Interested in Teaching?
Students who would like to teach biology at the middle school or high school level in Oregon public schools must complete the prerequisite courses to qualify for the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at SOU. It is not necessary to complete all prerequisites before applying to the program, but the prerequisites must be completed before a student begins the program. Interested students should consult the STEM Division office for an advisor and the School of Education regarding admission requirements for the MAT program.
Students must prepare in advance to increase their chances of acceptance into this competitive program. Applicants are required to gain experience working with children in public schools through practica, internships, and volunteer service before applying to the program.
For more information,check out our Middle School (Integrated Sciences) page.
For more information, check out our Secondary Education (Biology) Endorsement page.
Students majoring in chemistry typically enter positions in private, academic, or government laboratories, or they enroll in graduate or professional schools. There are outstanding opportunities for graduate study in chemistry. A bachelor’s degree in chemistry is also excellent preparation for graduate study in a number of other fields, including business, dentistry, engineering, environmental studies, forensic science, law, medical technology, medicine, oceanography, pharmacology, teaching, and veterinary medicine.
The Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society (ACS) has approved the chemistry program’s curricular offerings, faculty, and facilities. Students who complete the approved program are certified by the American Chemical Society and become eligible for full membership in the society upon graduation. The ACS certified degree options are strongly encouraged for students planning to attend graduate school or seeking employment in industrial or research positions.
The degree option in forensic chemistry is designed on the recommendations of the National Institute of Justice and is excellent preparation for students seeking employment as a forensic laboratory technician. The bachelor of arts in chemistry is specifically designed for students with career aspirations related to health care, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician’s assistant, and veterinary medicine. The required courses are based on the recommendations of the Association of American Medical Colleges and the top health care graduate programs in the United States.
Chemistry Major
Want to know more about Chemistry?
The Chemistry Department at Southern Oregon University provides outstanding undergraduate education in chemistry in a supportive, friendly environment. The Department offers American Chemical Society-accredited B.S. or B.A. degrees in Chemistry with Biochemistry emphasis, and B.S. or B.A. degree options in Forensic Science. The Department also offers a B.A. degree specifically tailored for students interested in medical school. Interdisciplinary degrees include B.S. or B.A. degrees in Business-Chemistry. Small class sizes and one-on-one interactions with faculty are hallmarks of a chemistry education at Southern Oregon. SOU chemistry students have access to a wide array of modern chemical instrumentation in both their courses and their research. Students have the opportunity to engage in faculty-directed research in diverse areas ranging from anodic stripping voltammetry to gold nanoparticles to biochemical protein studies to quantum chemistry. Interdisciplinary studies with geology, biology, and physics allow chemistry students to make contributions to related areas of science. Internship opportunities with local companies, as well as the U.S Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory, allow chemistry students to expand their education beyond the classroom and laboratory. A chemistry or biochemistry degree from Southern Oregon University puts students on the fast track to entering graduate/professional programs or exciting careers in one of many chemically related disciplines.
Students are strongly encouraged to make this decision as early as possible to ensure their degree may be completed in four years. It is generally not possible to complete the degree in four years without taking chemistry courses every year. It is also necessary to begin taking mathematics courses in the first year. Freshmen considering a chemistry major should talk to a chemistry professor immediately.
To a large extent, the degree program you choose is determined by your future plans. If you are unsure about what you want to do after leaving SOU, please talk to a chemistry faculty member.
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry Concentrations
Bachelor of Science Options
Students should plan on meeting with a Chemistry faculty member prior to deciding on a preferred concentration area, but the Chemistry program at SOU requires student to select a concentration inside of their chemistry program in one of three areas:
ACS Chemistry
ACS Biochemistry
Forensic Chemistry
Students interested in continuing on to advanced (master’s or doctoral) studies in chemistry or biochemistry/molecular biology are strongly urged to pursue an ACS-approved degree in one of these fields of study. The ACS-approved degree programs offer the most thorough preparation in all areas of chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics, and are designed to prepare students for advanced study.
A degree option in forensic chemistry is also available. Results of a 1999 survey published in the Journal of Forensic Science showed that the American Academy of Forensic Science and the Association of American Crime Lab Directors prefer forensic technician applicants to have B.S. degrees in chemistry or biochemistry with substantial laboratory experience at the undergraduate level. This degree option will prepare students for immediate placement in the field or graduate study in forensic chemistry.
Learn more about the concentration areas here.
Bachelor of Arts - Chemistry - Pre-Professional Programs
Pre-Professional Opportunities
Southern Oregon University offers a number of programs, which are designed to be ideal for professional schools both in and out of Oregon. These programs are meant to serve the student by providing necessary prerequisite coursework for their desired professional or vocational goals, but offer the flexibility to change some coursework to suite a preferred professional or vocational schools. In some cases, it is advisable for a student to complete a full baccalaureate degree prior to transfering to a professional school, such as in medicine, pharmaceutical, and veterinary medicine programs; however, some programs will not require a completed baccalaureate prior to transferring to a professional or vocational program in fields such as dental hygeine.
Though pre-professional programs are a core set of recommended coursework, they are not majors themselves, but to be completed in addition to standard degree programs. Some programs, such as Biology and Chemistry naturally incorporate many of these courses into the major program requirements, and serve as a common path for students, but are not the only paths. Students may complete courses for pre-professional programs in partnership with any degree program offered at SOU, and if a student intends on pursuing a degree program outside of the STEM Divison (Biology/Chemistry mainly), they should work with the major advisor in their respective department(s) in addition to the STEM Division Student Success Coordinator.
The Department strongly encourages students interested in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and other related healthcare careers to ask us about our Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry. This degree option is designed on the recommendations of the Association of American Medical Colleges and some of the best pre-medical programs in the United States. It is rich in the natural science and humanities courses that make students attractive applicants to medical schools and related programs. The Department of Chemistry is proud of our record when it comes to healthcare-related training in the last ten years: 82% of our medical school applicants have been accepted as have greater than 90% of our pharmacy school students. Please see our Pre-Med FAQ page for more information about this degree.
BA in Chemistry Courses
For more information, check out our Pre-Professional Programs page, or our first-year advising templates.
At SOU our primary focus is undergraduate education, rather than research. Class sizes are small. Even in our introductory Computer Science classes, you will never sit in an auditorium. Every one of our classes is taught by a dedicated team of faculty members, never teaching assistants. Our diverse real-world backgrounds enrich the classroom experience. Our faculty members pride themselves on being approachable and accessible to our students outside of class.
The SOU Computer Science program prepares students for careers in the rapidly-changing world of computing. Our software-oriented program emphasizes the applied aspects of computer science. Intensive coursework provides students with a firm foundation in the full range of computer science core knowledge and skills, as well as opportunities to apply that foundation and explore advanced topics of interest.
Computer Science Major
Interested in Computer Science?
The BA/BS in Computer Science is a software-oriented program providing a solid foundation in the breadth of core computer science knowledge and skills, such as software engineering, networks, and data structures. Upper division electives build upon this foundation and allow students to explore advanced topics of interest. The program culminates in our year-long Capstone Sequence. Students work in teams to design and implement software solutions for real-world clients, providing them with important resume-building experience.
If you enjoy computing and wish to develop your logical thinking and problem solving skills, you are a perfect fit for this program. Lower division math classes and our introductory Computer Science sequence provide students a firm foundation in complex problem solving and computer programming. Upper division core courses explore the range of computing theory and practice. Electives allow students to focus on advanced topics of interest.In their final year, students complete the Capstone Sequence. Student teams are paired with real-world clients in need of a software solution. Our students design and implement software to solve the client’s problem.
Below are some degree templates for propsective Computer Science students
2-Year Transfer Template (Oregon Community College transfers)
Standard Four-Year Template for First-Year Students
Partner Up! Add Diversity with these Program Partners
Partnering Programs
Being on a computer, or mobile device, right now, you can imagine how widely variant your job opportunities as a computer science student are. Computers have become a part of every aspect of the modern age, and computer scientists help frame the future everyday. Since nearly all industries use a piece technology, computer scientists can work in almost any discipline, from engineering, programming and development to the medical field, education, and the environment. What makes a computer science degree even better? Partnering up with another related major to add strong diversity to your academic profile.
Common prgorams that our students partner up with are:
Emerging Media and Digital Art (Minor/Major)- Graphics Design, Website Development, Video Game Design, 3-D Animation, etc.
Business (Interactive Marketing and E-Commerce Certificate) - Marketing Design, Online Commerce, Web Development, Web Management
Mathematics-Computer Science Degree (Major) - Data Science, Forensic Scientist, Numerical Modeling, Engineering, Computation
How We Stay Competitive
How We Stay Competitive
We regularly ask hiring businesses what skills and attributes they want when hiring technical employees. They consistently state they require excellent technical skills as well as training and experience in business, marketing, and accounting as well solid people and communication skills. Technical staff, in any organization or industry, do not work in a vacuum and are required to solve business problems related to other departments. At SOU, students are required to complete studies throughout their program in: communication, humanities, social science, citizenship and social responsibility, and diversity and global awareness. SOU also offers a wide variety of minors for students interested in broadening their technical studies: business administration, emerging media and digital arts, math, psychology, sociology, military science, education, women's studies, and more.
At SOU "real-world applied learning" is key. All SOU Computer Science majors complete a three-term capstone sequence that requires a hands-on, real-world project, often in the community, to better prepare themselves for success in future job assignments. Additionally, CS majors are strongly encouraged to complete at least one 4-credit internship at a business or industry site performing technical projects as assigned to them. Internships are a key way to gain applied learning skills and industry experience.
In addition, SOU faculty stay in touch with the local business and technology community, creating a synergy between connecting students with local career opportunities and business leaders speaking to students in a variety of classroom and non-classroom settings.
Mathematics, one of the most challenging academic subjects, is also unarguably one of the most rewarding -- not just for intellectual growth but also for the competitive advantage needed in today's technical workplace. Mathematics challenges you to think critically, analytically, abstractly and innovatively. Applied to life skills -- both personal and professional -- mathematics can provide the needed edge, not just on your resume but for self enrichment as well.
Take a moment and think about the environment around you, and imagine how much mathematical knowledge was required to bring it into fruition. Although, being a math teacher or mathematician come to mind as being simple career fields for students who study mathematics, keep this in mind: since mathematics is everywhere, so are its job opportunities.
Mathematics Major
"Mathematician" may not be a common job title, but looking at the technologically based careers available today, it becomes apparent that math skills underlie many opportunities in the modern job market. Equally important, mathematics provides career flexibility, timelessly spanning numerous fields. Career changes are readily achievable to those whose core training encompasses solid mathematical skills.
All mathematics courses are designed to improve students’ abilities to think, analyze, and communicate, and, in particular, to use mathematics to express, define, and answer questions about the world. The bachelor’s degree program nurtures these abilities while building a solid base in mathematics-a combination highly valued by business, government, industry, and graduate programs in a variety of fields. The department’s primary focus is the development of each student’s confidence in using mathematical ideas, approaches, and methods of exposition. Key coursework hones the learner’s abilities to critically understand and use mathematics.
Teaching Licensure
Students who would like to teach math at the middle school or high school level in Oregon public schools must complete specific course requirements in mathematics before applying for admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at SOU. Interested students should consult the department chair regarding mathematics requirements and the assignment of an advisor, and the School of Education regarding admission requirements for the MAT program.
Students must prepare in advance to increase their chances of acceptance into this competitive program. Practica, internships, and/or volunteer experiences working with students in the public schools are required prior to application to the MAT program.
Students who wish to teach mathematics at the high school level in Oregon public schools need an Advanced Mathematics Endorsement. The specific course requirements in mathematics are roughly equivalent to the mathematics major at SOU, with three 300-level courses and four 400-level courses. These courses should be completed before applying for admission to the MAT program at SOU. Contact the Mathematics Department chair to obtain the current course listing and a mathematics advisor. All SOU mathematics majors meet these requirements, provided they select the MTH 481 courses for their applied area.
Students who would like to teach mathematics at the middle school level in Oregon public schools should pursue an Advanced Mathematics Endorsement (described above) or a Basic Mathematics Endorsement. The specific course requirements for the Basic Mathematics Endorsement include 27 credits in mathematics and coursework applicable to both intermediate and middle school teaching. The elementary/middle school licensure requires 12 of these credits (MTH 211 , 212 , and 213 ). The SOU Basic Mathematics Endorsement requires an additional 15 credits (MTH 481 /581 courses). These courses should be completed before applying for admission to the MAT program. Students completing these courses as part of the undergraduate degree at SOU are eligible for a minor in mathematics education. Contact the Mathematics Department chair to obtain the current course listing and a mathematics advisor.
Related Programs
Students who study mathematics open the door to a variety of different academic partnerships, through majors, minors, or even certificates. Below are some of the common academic programs that Mathematics students pursue with their major:
Financial Mathematics Degree (Major) - Quantitative Finance, Financial Analyst, Computational Finance, Market Analyst, Financial Advisor
Mathematics-Computer Science Degree (Major) - Data Science, Forensic Scientist, Numerical Modeling, Engineering, Computation
Math Education (Minor) - For Elementary, Middle School, or Secondary Education
Applied Statistics (Minor) - Data Science, Forensic Anaylsis, Insurance, Actuarial Studies, Health Information/Bioinformatics
