For non-science majors, Jones Science Center is a frightening place that should be avoided as much as possible. However, for the hundreds of students that major in biology, chemistry, physics, math, computer science, dietetics or communication sciences and disorders, it’s like a second home—a place where they spend countless hours putting in the necessary work to achieve their lifelong dreams.
The J.D. Patterson School of Natural Sciences is the largest school on campus with more than 400 students. The School is broken up into departments of biology, chemistry, mathematics and computer science, dietetics and physics.
Biology is one of the most popular majors amongst students, with over 200 students currently enrolled as biology majors.
“Discovery is why I’m a biology major,” Jordan Malatesta, junior biology major from Whitehall said. Whether it’s growing algae or researching cancer lines, I am constantly being pushed to learn something new and challenge myself to better mankind.”
Most biology majors, along with chemistry majors, are seeking admittance into a health related graduate program such as medical school, pharmacy school, nursing school or dental school, among others. Over 90 percent of Ouachita graduates are accepted into such programs.
The second-most popular major in the J.D. Patterson School of Natural Sciences is the communication sciences and disorders program, more commonly referred to as speech pathology or “speechie.” Students majoring in this program are required to complete an internship with a master’s degree after graduation. Approximately 95 percent of Ouachita students gain acceptance into such programs.
Many physics majors, much like their counterparts in biology and chemistry, are seeking acceptance into graduate schools as well, specifically in engineering. Those who decide against more education go straight into the work force, with many becoming teachers, especially those who major in math. Half of the math majors at Ouachita are also education majors.
“Math is always changing, it’s not the boring ‘this is how you do it in an English class or this is the date such and such was founded in history class,’” Richard Resnick, junior math major from Celina, Texas, said. Math is entertaining to me and I want to show the generation below me that math really isn’t that hard once you get the hang of it.”
Computer science is one of the only majors in the J.D. Patterson School of Natural Sciences where most students aren’t looking to advance into a graduate program. Most instead choose to go straight into work because there are numerous lucrative opportunities that require only a bachelor’s degree.
Research is an important aspect for many students in the J.D. Patterson School of Natural Sciences. It is required of all students who are seeking a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, chemistry or physics. There is a wide range of research interests among the faculty in these programs.
“I really enjoyed spending my summer doing research here in Arkadelphia. My favorite part was getting the opportunity to present my research at UAMS,” Malatesta said.
For any students that have yet to declare a major, the faculty of the J.D. Patterson School of Natural Sciences recommend considering a science major. One of the most common misconceptions is that all science majors must go on to medical school, but there are so many other opportunities for students who decide to pursue a degree in one of the many departments. Dr. Tim Knight, Dean of the Patterson School of Natural Sciences, offered a word of advice for those who may be considering such a venture.
“They have to take two science classes for the core anyway so they could take a course in one of these areas and replace that core class and just test the waters by putting their feet in the shallow end of the pool to see if they like it before deciding,” Knight said.
For more information about the Patterson School of Natural Sciences, contact Knight at knight@obu.edu.
By Zach Parker
