About ISAT

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Integrated Science and Technology is a new and exciting degree program that is an alternative to traditional programs in science, technology, and engineering. We have brought together faculty and subject matter from engineering, physics, biological science, computer and information science, mathematics, communication studies and management to create an integrated degree program that meets the needs of today's employers. As you progress through the program and specialize in an area, you will learn key scientific and technical skills that address critical demands for the 21st century. The Integrated Science and Technology Department includes a major in Computer and Information Technology or students can specialize in either Biotechnology or Environmental Studies.

Career Focused Program

Your study in college should prepare you for a career. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Integrated Science and Technology was designed to prepare for the changing nature of science and technology fields. You will have a broad background in science and mathematics, strong applied computer skills and understand the impact of science and technology on society.

To be ready for today's competitive job market, The National Science Foundation has found that you need to be able to work in a team, be a capable written and oral communicator, have strong problem solving skills and be adaptable to learning new things in a rapidly changing environment.

Because traditional single-discipline majors in science and technology do not always provide these additional skills, Marshall University offers a B.S. degree in Integrated Science and Technology.

Admission Standards

First-time full-time freshman entering a four year baccalaureate degree at Marshall University must have a H.S. diploma, minimum 2.00 GPA, composite ACT score of 19 (910 SAT) and completion of 2003 HEPC requirements (4 yrs English, 3 yrs Social Studies, 3 yrs Math, 3 yrs Science) for unconditional admission.

Admission to the College of Science and the Integrated Science and Technology Department requires a composite ACT score of 21 (1000 SAT) and an ACT mathematics score of 21 (500 SAT) for admission.

Program Componenets

The Integrated Science and Technology program has five general components which are different from other degree programs in the College of Science. The components are:

  • A 40 credit hour General Education component that includes communication courses that combine writing and speaking skills, "connections" courses that examine the relationships between science and society, courses in literature, art and the humanities, work in a modern foreign language, social science courses, and public service.
  • A 26 credit hour Core that consists of analytical methods (mathematics), instrumentation courses with Visual Basic, and two science "Issues" courses that include work in living systems (biology), and energy (physics).
  • 24 credit hours in Strategic Sectors, taken in the junior year, which provide background for specialization in particular areas.
  • 21-24 hour emphasis in Biotechnology, Environmental Studies, or Computer and Information Technology.
  • 12-15 hours in science or technical electives.
The total credit hours required for the IST degree is 128.

ISAT Degree Options

Biotechnology

Preparation for industrial, bimedical, or enviornmental applications of biotechnology. Students can learn to apply modern DNA and protien techniques to identify criminals or develop pharmaceuticals and diagnostic tests of the future.

Computer and Information Technology

Preparation for contributing to computing in the areas of designing and building network infrastructures, building or customizing software systems, designing and building user interfaces for a corporate Intranet/Internet presence, and managing an organization's data assets.

Environmental Assessment and Policy

Preparation to take advantage of the widespread opportunities provided by our society's preservation and regulatory interests. Environmental students have the opportunity to use Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to map features of ecosystems ranging from forests to wetlands.

Environmental Science

A Bachelor of Science degree that involves science course work as well as major components of the traditional science cirriculum.