St. Mary’s College of Maryland will offer six Bachelor of Science degrees (B.S.) this fall 2016 semester for students, in the following disciplines: biology, biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, physics and psychology. All degrees were formerly Bachelor of Arts degrees.
The recommendation was made by the Academic Affairs Committee and was approved by the Board of Trustees. According to Michael Wick, provost/dean of faculty, the change in degree programs will “augment curricular offerings for current students and enhance job opportunities for graduates. The degrees will also broaden the appeal of these majors to potential new students.”
Two additional curricular proposals were also approved for the fall: a new minor in Materials Science and an archaeology concentration for the anthropology major.
Materials Science is a cross-disciplinary study area between physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. The field of basic and applied study will give students the tools to apply their knowledge to the challenges facing humanity today such as energy, health, and the environment.
The creation of the archaeology concentration will enable students interested in pursuing archaeology as a career to demonstrate to future employers and institutions of higher learning that they have completed a curriculum designed to prepare them for these career choices.