{"id":12,"date":"2015-11-09T16:08:16","date_gmt":"2015-11-09T21:08:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/cob-dev\/?page_id=12"},"modified":"2026-03-03T13:35:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T18:35:33","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/cos\/about\/","title":{"rendered":"About the College of Science"},"content":{"rendered":"

The College of Science was established in 1976<\/strong> and is composed of five academic departments: Department of Biological Sciences; Department of Chemistry; Department of Criminal Justice, Criminology, & Forensic Sciences; Department of Mathematics & Physics; and Department of Natural Resources & Earth Sciences. While the College of Science Dean\u2019s Office is located in Science Building suite 270, the college operates out of several buildings including Science Building, Smith Hall, Morrow Library, and the Forensic Science Center. In addition, some lecture and laboratory classes and faculty offices are in the Robert C. Byrd Biotechnology Science Center and the Weisberg Applied Engineering Complex.<\/p>\n

What the College of Science Offers<\/h2>\n

Marshall University’s College of Science offers 16 undergraduate degree programs<\/strong> and 9 graduate degree programs<\/strong><\/a> that prepare graduates for vast opportunities in exciting, successful careers of making discoveries and creating solutions<\/strong>. Our programs explore everything from cybersecurity to environmental and agricultural challenges, from cells to the outer reaches of the universe. Furthermore, the College of Science also offers an interdisciplinary minor in Pre-Professional Health Care Studies<\/strong><\/a>, a program to help students prepare for a professional career in health care, including pathways to medical school, veterinary school, optometry school, physician’s assistant programs, dental school, pharmacy school, and more.<\/p>\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\t

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Our college, across all programs, is committed to offering an enriching academic experience through our dedicated faculty<\/a>, cutting edge curriculum<\/a>, and affordable tuition<\/a>. Our outstanding faculty includes award-winning professors<\/a> and accomplished scholars<\/a> devoted to academic excellence. Among thousands of our esteemed graduates are leaders in medicine, business, research, public service, and academia. We provide the very best learning and laboratory facilities, and we focus on providing students with career choice information<\/a> and academic advising<\/a> to ensure each student graduates with their degree in four years. To sum it up, whether you\u2019re an incoming freshman or pursuing a doctoral degree, the College of Science can help you find success in all you do.<\/p>\n

Meet the Moment \u2014 Find Your Voice<\/h2>\n

Nestled amongst the vibrant Marshall campus, the College of Science stands as a testament to the pursuit of academic excellence<\/strong> and\u00a0nurturing collaborative growth<\/strong>. As you wander through our halls, you\u2019ll encounter diverse voices<\/strong> \u2014 voices that resonate with stories of personal triumphs, unexpected friendships, and profound discoveries. These narratives paint a vivid portrait of the transformative journey that is education at our institution. With every step taken, every idea shared, and every challenge conquered, our students breathe life into the very essence of our academic community. Their experiences illuminate the path ahead<\/strong>, revealing a profound tapestry of learning, support, and opportunity that defines the heart and soul of our college.<\/p>\n

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“Marshall has not only provided me with ample resources for a career in medicine, but it has molded me into an active citizen, a confident leader, and an inclusive friend.”<\/em><\/p>\n

Clay Williams<\/strong>
\nBiological Sciences, Class of 2021<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t

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“Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to be successful or not when coming back to school. But here, I’ve found professors who are first and foremost wonderful people \u2014 teachers who care about their students’ success. I’m so grateful for what I’ve found here at Marshall.”<\/em><\/p>\n

Ryan Jarrell<\/strong>
\nMathematics and Statistics, Class of 2020<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t

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“Marshall not only brought me great friends, but has brought me into a bright community with great faculty, teammates, coaches, and classmates. I am proud to forever be a part of this family.”<\/em><\/p>\n

Macie Majoy<\/strong>
\nCriminal Justice, Class of 2021<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n

Students from the College of Science are the curious critical-thinkers<\/strong> and problem-solvers<\/strong> who will graduate and change the world in their own unique way. We look forward to helping you find your passion and make a difference.<\/p>\n

Mission Statement<\/h2>\n

Scientific and technologically trained people are essential to our nation\u2019s health and prosperity in a rapidly expanding global economy. Students majoring in baccalaureate degree programs in the College of Science receive a broad education conducive to pursuing a wide range of career options. Course requirements include solid grounding in the student\u2019s chosen area of scientific interest along with studies in humanities and the social sciences. Students receive instruction in a learning environment that encourages competency in written and oral communication skills along with the ability to work in groups. Special emphasis is placed on experiential learning through participation in activities such as undergraduate research and internships. For non-science majors, departments in the College of Science offer a series of courses which focus on enhancing science literacy through instruction in integrated science and practical applications of mathematics.<\/p>\n

Mission Methods<\/h2>\n
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Planning for Our Future<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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The College of Science is busy taking steps to make sure that we live up to our mission and to the needs and expectations of our students. In alignment with the university’s strategic plan, Marshall for All, Marshall Forever<\/a>, we are focusing on developing an excellent environment for scientific and personal development through five priorities: support student success, strategic enrollment growth, support faculty and staff, excellence in research, and financial stewardship.<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\tView our Plan-on-a-Page<\/span>\n\t<\/a>\n\t\n

Department Plans: <\/strong>Biological Sciences<\/a>; Chemistry<\/a>; Criminal Justice, Criminology, & Forensic Sciences<\/a>; Mathematics & Physics<\/a>; Natural Resources & Environmental Science<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t

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The recent West Virginia Forward study<\/a> identified cybersecurity as one of the biggest opportunities for economic growth and development. The College of Science\u2019s undergraduate program in Cyber Forensics & Security and the Cybersecurity program offered by CECS align perfectly with this growing field. Our students’ achievements, ranking 14th at the National Cyber League competition and participating in international exercises like Locked Shields, demonstrate our commitment to hands-on learning. The WV State Police Digital Forensics Lab at Marshall University was recently expanded, creating ample internship opportunities for students to help ensure they are well-prepared for successful careers in this dynamic field. Additionally, the state has just invested $45 million to establish a state-of-the-art Institute for Cyber Security at Marshall, positioning the university at the forefront of cyber defense and research.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t

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Active in Research<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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College of Science faculty are active in research<\/a>, empowering students to explore the boundaries of scientific knowledge. During the 2024-2025 academic year, our faculty have helped secure substantial grants furthering research and supporting our mission. Two Biological Sciences faculty earned prestigious\u00a0Career Development awards from the National Science Foundation totaling nearly $1.8 million<\/a> to support their groundbreaking research and the development and training of students. Practical applications abound thanks to a $360,000 NSF award to understand and develop mitigations for flooding in Appalachian streams and headwaters<\/a> that is part of a $77.8 million effort to build climate resiliency. The National Science Foundation also awarded Marshall University nearly $340,000 to acquire an X-ray diffraction system<\/a>, helping put cutting edge research tools in the hands of faculty and students.\u00a0 Enhancements to our Specialty Agriculture program and Department of Natural Resources & Earth Sciences are being fueled by a $150,000 grant from the US Department of Agriculture<\/a>. Join us and unlock your potential in science with top-notch education, hands-on experiences, and impactful research opportunities!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t

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Investing in the next generation of scientists<\/a> is at the heart of our mission. Our faculty actively engage in outreach events, including the National Youth Science Camp, Health Sciences & Technology Academy, WV GEAR UP Expo, and Zoo Camp, inspiring young minds to pursue science-related fields. Our Academic Advisors’ expertise, with certifications like Certified Appreciative Adviser and membership in the National Academic Advising Association, ensures personalized guidance for every student<\/a>. Faculty and staff recognition by Marshall’s Center for Student Success, based on student nominations, underlines our dedication to student success.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n

Cost of Attendance & Financial Assistance<\/h2>\n

The Office of Student Financial Assistance<\/a> is committed to assisting you in planning for and meeting your educational costs. Marshall University is already one of the most affordable universities in America; students in the College of Science also have many scholarships<\/a> available at the college<\/a> and departmental<\/a> levels to help defray the cost of their education.<\/p>\n

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Contact the College of Science<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Have a question about the College of Science?<\/strong> You can reach us at cos@marshall.edu<\/a> or 304-696-2372<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

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Prospective and current students seeking academic information<\/strong> may wish to contact the advisors at the college’s Office of Student Services<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

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If you have questions pertaining to a particular department<\/strong> within the college, you may wish to contact the appropriate department office<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

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COS Dean’s Office Staff<\/h3>\n

Administration<\/h4>\n
\"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/cos\/files\/stites-2-200x300.jpg\"<\/div>
Wesley Stites<\/a><\/strong>
College of Science Dean
Location: Science Building 270
Telephone: 304-696-2424<\/a>
E-mail: stites@marshall.edu<\/a><\/div>
Contact Wesley Stites for:<\/strong>