Natural Science

The B.S. in Natural Science prepares students for a broad range of careers in the sciences. With a combination of foundational courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, students will also complete upper-level courses in the life sciences. This degree is broader than standard discipline-specific degrees such as biology.

Graduates will be adept in the scientific process and scientific reasoning. Students will be able to use appropriate technology. The B.S. in Natural Science pairs well with minors such as environmental communication, business, and geographic information systems (GIS).

The job market in this area is diverse and rapidly growing, especially in the for-profit sector. Our graduates are suited to enter a wide selection of fields including but not limited to research/laboratory technician, consulting, state or federal government agencies (U.S. Geological Survey or National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration). They may work in jobs that require them to apply scientific knowledge to other disciplines, such as journalism, advocacy, or law. Students may pursue graduate school or additional certificates to become science teachers. They may also choose to complete requirements for graduate school in physical therapy or law or for traditional master’s or doctorate in research.

Sample Career Options

Lab technician (for ex, microbiology technician, genetics technician)
Medical laboratory technician
Agricultural research technician
Laboratory analyst
Forensic technician
Research tech for pharmacology
Technical writer
Federal agencies – from the U.S. Geological Survey to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Ready to pursue Master’s and Doctorate in science
Law school
Dental/physical therapy school

“Studying Natural Sciences at Paul Smith’s College creates a foundational knowledge of nature to be built upon across a student’s lifetime. This knowledge spans all size scales of life, including both visible and microscopic organisms and biological processes. It is a foundation that opens a broad range of career possibilities across the life sciences.”

Dr. Scott Chimileski, microbiologist and PSC Assistant Professor of Biology

Key Facts

B.S. degree
120 credits (minimum) required
- 40 credits must be in 300/400 level courses

Pairs well with the following minors:

Courses and objectives

At the end of the program students will be able to:

Acquire scientific knowledge and inquiry skills required to the study of physical and biological phenomenon.
Access and synthesize scientific literature related to the life sciences and physical sciences.
Evaluate the role of proper research design among different study types (e.g., field studies vs experiments) aimed at gaining reliable knowledge.
Develop technological skills applicable to the study of natural phenomenon.
Develop and defend feasible projects or applications that integrate scientific literature, research design, technical skills, and critical thinking.
Develop a comprehensive knowledge of physical and biological phenomena.
Acquire knowledge of the life sciences, chemistry, physics, basic math and statistical skills and apply to problem solving in sciences.
Integrate scientific inquiry and knowledge into problem-solving approaches.
Effectively collaborate with professionals to affect positive changes (e.g., social scientists, non-scientists, scientific and social community, quest of new knowledge, sharing knowledge, applying knowledge).
Devise ways to share reliable knowledge with the public (e.g., outreach and education, storytelling, art).
Effectively communicate scientific information among professionals.

More program information and a full course list can be found in the College Catalog.

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Natural Sciences Faculty

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