This document summarizes degree options, requirements, career opportunities, and resources in natural sciences and mathematics at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). It outlines concentrations in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and pre-health professions. Requirements include minimum GPAs to declare majors and be admitted to teaching certification programs. Career paths in each field are also listed along with tutoring resources and contact information.

1. Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Breakout Session
Presented by:
Brandi Hudson, Carol Garrison
and Sha’Donna Woods
siue.edu

2. Degree Options at SIUE
in Natural Sciences and Mathematics
siue.edu
Biology
Chemistry
Earth/Space Sciences
Mathematics
Physics

3. Ecology, Evolution & Environment (BIOE)
Genetics and Cellular BIOL (BIOG)
Integrative BIOL (BIOI)
Medical Sciences (BIOM)
Biological Sciences Education (BIOL)
Medical Technology (BIOT)
Biology Minor = 19 hours
Biology Concentrations at SIUE
siue.edu

4. You should have an interest in the natural sciences and mathematics
2.0 GPA requirement to declare a biology major
2.5 GPA requirement for admittance into the School of Education
teacher certification program
3.0 GPA and completion of PHYS 132 & 132L are prerequisites for
BIOL 340 (Physiology), within the Medical Science concentration
All core biology courses require a C grade or better (150, 151, 220)
No more than 4 hours of a D may be counted in the 38 hours required
for the major
All biology concentrations require a total of 38 major credit hours
Biology Requirements
siue.edu

5. Biology Career Opportunities
Botany Dentistry Zoology
Ecology Education Forestry
Environmental Fishery Government
Genetics Immunology Chiropractic
Medicine Medical Tech. Pharmacy
Microbiology Molecular Research
Physiology Wildlife Optometry
Veterinary Podiatry Osteopathic
Nutrition Occupational/Physical Therapy
siue.edu

6. Chemistry Concentrations at SIUE
Chemistry (BA/BS)
ACS* Chemistry (BS)
Biochemistry (BA)
ACS* Biochemistry (BS)
Chemistry Education (BS)
Medical Sciences (BA)
Forensic Sciences (BA/BS)
Chemistry Minor = 24 hours
* American Chemical Society Certified
siue.edu

7. Chemistry Requirements
2.5 GPA to declare a chemistry major (if an SIUE student)
2.5 GPA requirement for admittance into the School of
Education teacher certification program
3+2 Program: Earning your B.S. and M.S. in chemistry in 5
years (must have exceptional academic credentials).
All chemistry concentrations require a total of 42-44 major
credit hours
siue.edu

8. Chemistry Career Opportunities
Agriculture Analytical
Biochemistry Biotechnology
Catalysis Education
Engineering Sales
Environmental Food/Flavor
Hazardous Waste Mgmt. Medicine
Oil/Petroleum Physical
Pulp/Paper Research
siue.edu

9. Mathematics Concentrations at SIUE
Actuarial Science
Applied Mathematics
Mathematics – Secondary Education
Statistics
Mathematical Sciences
Mathematics Minor = 19 hours
Statistics Minor = 19 hours
Mathematics Education Minor = 20 hours
siue.edu

10. Mathematics Requirements
2.0 GPA is required to declare a mathematics
major
2.5 GPA is required for admittance into the
School of Education teacher certification
program
All mathematics concentrations require
32 major hours
siue.edu

11. Mathematics Career Opportunities
Mathematician Numerical Analysis
Actuarial Government
Computer Science Research
Statistician Education
Business
siue.edu

12. Physics Concentrations at SIUE
PHYSICS (BS)
Earth Space Science Education (BS)
Physics Minor = 20 hours
siue.edu

13. Physics Requirements
2.0 GPA is required to declare a
Physics major
2.5 GPA requirement for admittance
into the School of Education teacher
certification program
siue.edu

14. Physics Career Opportunities
Physicist Electro-optics
Radiation Damage Astronomy
Research Education
Medicine
Industrial/National Laboratories
siue.edu

15. University Requirements
To earn a degree at SIUE, a minimum of 124
credit hours must be earned.
60 hours must be completed at a 4-year
institution
30 hours must be completed at SIUE
Students typically take an average of 15
credit hours/semester to graduate in 4 years.
siue.edu

16. Pre-Health Professions at SIUE
Pre-health professional students can major in any area
of study. Students must complete the prerequisites
required for the specific professional program.
You will work closely with your academic advisor to
prepare you for entry into your specific professional
program.
It is highly recommended that pre-health students
complete their prerequisite biology, chemistry, physics
and math courses at a 4-year institution.
Other recommendations: shadowing, volunteering,
practice tests, mock interviewing, internships, etc.
siue.edu

17. Pre-Health Professions
Average GPA = 3.6
Average hours/semester = >15
Average National Test Scores for Accepted Students:
 DAT = 19
 MCAT = 30
 PCAT = 78, Writing Subtest mean = 3.84
 Pre-Health students are highly encouraged to take recommended/additional course
work for their specific program (microbiology, immunology, anatomy & physiology,
virology, etc.)
 Your advisor will help you choose general education courses that are related to your
major.
 Get involved in student organizations: Pre-Medical Club, Pre-Dental Club,
Pre-Pharmacy Club, Biology Club, Chemistry Club, Biolist, URCA
siue.edu

18. Tutoring Opportunities
The Chemistry Department offers tutoring for all levels of
chemistry. Contact the Department at (618) 650-2042 for details.
The Biology Department offers supplemental instruction for
many sections of biology. Please call the Deptartment at (618)
650-3927 for details.
Instructional Services offers tutoring in their Math Lab, SSC
1256. More information is available at siue.edu/IS.
SOAR students may have additional tutoring options; please
contact Dr. Earleen Patterson at (618) 650-3790 for details.
siue.edu

19. Contact Information
College of Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Advising
Peck Hall 1315
(618) 650-5525
casadvising@siue.edu
siue.edu/artsandsciences/advisement
Brandi Hudson, Academic Advisor: bhudson@siue.edu
Carol Garrison, Academic Advisor: cgarris@siue.edu
Sha’Donna Woods, Academic Advisor: shadwoo@siue.edu
siue.edu