Natural Sciences are the branches of study that explore natural phenomena using data and other evidence from observations and experiments to understand the world, and it includes both life and physical sciences. In order the understand the natural science field (and many others), quantitative approaches using statistical, computational, or mathematical methods are often utilized. The DAE for Natural and Quantitative Sciences (NQS) is Dr. Jessica Harrell, a cell and developmental biologist by training. She can help students with interests in the various NQS disciplines to plan majors, minors, and certificates and develop four-year plans of study. Dr. Harrell can also help you explore research and other co-curricular opportunities and can coach you through finding and approaching faculty to obtain a research position that fits your interests. Dr. Harrell offers NQS advising appointments to students of any class year, at any time of the year, at this link.

The social sciences explore the patterns of human behavior, and researchers in these disciplines study a wide array of topics from the intricacies of complex social structures to the grand mechanisms of intercultural exchange. With such a vast scope of study, the social sciences make use of several methodological approaches and analyze both qualitative and quantitative data sets. Our Social Sciences DAE, Dr. Michael Domeracki, a comparative religiousist by training, advises students as they explore majors, minors, and certificates, research, and experiential opportunities within the broad umbrella of social scientific inquiry. He has spent his career helping students compose competitive applications for undergraduate research, co-curricular experiences, and post-baccalaureate options like fellowships or graduate school. Dr. Domeracki offers majors discernment and general social sciences advising appointments to students of any class year, at any time of the year, at this link.

Certificate programs offer students an opportunity to pursue a subject they are passionate about and gain skills and training. Students take six courses to earn a certificate and the courses often span multiple disciplines or departments.