1.  Kinesiology

This program provides a foundation in the physiological and mechanical aspects of the human body. Hands-on coursework and close interaction with faculty members will give you the freedom and guidance to become a well-versed, independent learner. In this track, you will:

• Explore the fundamentals of kinesiology such as musculoskeletal anatomy, biomechanics and fitness
• Study the prevention and treatment of athletic injuries
• Design and implement fitness programs
• Participate in a supervised internship

Most students select this degree with the goal of helping individuals in the area of fitness or sports.

Major Requirements: The Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology requires 47 hours of Kinesiology major courses, including supporting courses in Biology.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for our Kinesiology major (PDF).

2.  Kinesiology – Pre-Athletic Training Emphasis

Athletic trainers motivate others to fulfill athletic goals while practicing principles of injury prevention and rehabilitation. In this track, you will:

• Study all aspects of human anatomy, physiology and movement
• Work with SEU athletic teams
• Participate in a supervised internship

To be licensed as an athletic trainer in Texas, you must pass the licensure test administered by the Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers through the Texas Department of State Health Services. Close interaction with faculty at St. Edward’s — and time spent in classes, advising sessions and learning in the field — fully prepares you for your supervised athletic-training internship and state certification exams.

Major Requirements: The Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology, Athletic Training Emphasis requires 57 hours of Kinesiology major courses, including supporting courses in subjects such as Biology and Chemistry.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for Kinesiology with Pre-Athletic Training Emphasis (PDF).

3.  Kinesiology – Pre-Occupational Therapy Emphasis

Occupational therapy is a health profession whose primary purpose is to help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). In this track, you will:

• Experience how movements are learned and how the capacity for movement changes over the lifespan
• Learn how to design and implement appropriate activities for individuals with special needs and limitations
• Explore the principles and techniques to plan, implement, document and evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic exercise

Major Requirements: The BA in Kinesiology, Pre-Occupational Therapy Emphasis requires 68 hours of Kinesiology major courses, including supporting courses in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Psychology.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for Kinesiology with Pre-Occupational Therapy Emphasis (PDF).

4.  Kinesiology – Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis

Physical therapists optimize health and function through the assessment, identification and correction of acute or prolonged movement dysfunction. In this track, you will:

• Identify, prevent and correct movement dysfunction
• Study scientific topics as they relate to the human body, exercise and rehabilitation
• Learn how to motivate individuals through fitness and wellness plans
• Participate in supervised internship

This track is often taken by students pursuing physical therapy, medical or occupational therapy schools, as well as other medical-based fields.

Major Requirements: The BA in Kinesiology, Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis requires 74 hours of Kinesiology major courses, including supporting courses in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Psychology.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for Kinesiology with Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis (PDF).

5.  Kinesiology – Sports Management Emphasis

This track prepares you for a diversity of roles in the areas of sports marketing, facility management and planning, human resources, strategic planning, sports finance, and facility design. In this track, you will:

• Learn about the science and management of kinesiology in relation to sport programs
• Develop a fundamental understanding of business administration
• Study the management of kinesiology and sports programs

Students on this track are required to complete a minor in Business Administration as part of the degree plan.

Major Requirements: The BA in Kinesiology, Sport Management Emphasis requires 43 hours of Kinesiology major courses, including supporting courses in Biology.

Required Business Administration Minor: Requires 18 hours of business or management courses, for a total of 61 total major and minor hours.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for Kinesiology with Sports Management Emphasis (PDF).

6.  Kinesiology – Exercise Science Emphasis

This track prepares you for a multitude of careers, including exercise physiologist, cardiac rehabilitation and exercise stress testing. Upon completion of this program, you will be able to:

• Apply physiological principles of exercise.
• Interpret biomechanical principles.
• Apply knowledge of sports nutrition.
• Administer and interpret pre-participation exercise screening, conduct and interpret fitness assessments, and implement and prescribe exercise.

Major Requirements: The BA in Kinesiology, Exercise Science Emphasis requires 40 hours of Kinesiology major courses, including supporting courses in subjects such as biology and math.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for Kinesiology with Exercise Science Emphasis (PDF).

Experiential Learning

Your classes will teach you about hands-on applications of kinesiology in different settings and help you discover more career options. For example:

• In Taping, Bandaging and First Aid, you’ll complete 200 hours of service under the supervision of a St. Edward’s athletic trainer.
• In Safety and First Aid, you’ll complete important training you can use in your career and in any emergency situation. Successful completion of the course will result in American Red Cross certification.
• In Physical Activity, Recreation and Sports for Special Populations, you’ll work one-on-one with a person or people with special needs in a physically active setting. For example, students have worked with the GO Project and Austin Adventurers, organizations that help young adults with special needs develop independent living skills.

Internships

As a Kinesiology major, you’ll have at least one internship or practicum, but the program will encourage you to complete several “mini-internships” so you can get experience in different settings. St. Edward’s students have recently interned at the following organizations:

• Austin Independent School District Athletic Office
• KidTherapy pediatric physical therapy in Austin
• Texas Physical Therapy Specialists
• Lonestar Soccer
• YMCA
• St. Theresa’s Catholic School
• St. Edward’s University RecWell (Recreation and Wellness)
• Austin ISD Food and Nutrition Services
• Round Rock Express Minor League Baseball Team

Students have also done volunteer work at physical therapy clinics and in hospitals to gain experience and give back to their community.

Student Organizations 

Learn about professional opportunities and meet students who share your interests through the Physical Therapy Organization. Many Kinesiology students also participate in Recreation and Wellness programs.

Students who are interested in the kinesiology field can complete a minor in Kinesiology to establish baseline knowledge and experience within the subject. This is especially helpful for individuals who are interested in pursuing careers where knowledge of kinesiology enhances their job applicant profile.

1. Minor in Kinesiology

Students interested in studying the anatomy, physiology and movement of the human body can pursue a minor in Kinesiology.

Required Courses:

• Introduction to Kinesiology and Sport Sciences
• Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries
• Concepts of Physical Fitness and Wellness
• Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Biomechanics
• Measurement and Evaluation in Kinesiology and Sports
• Kinesiology Elective

2. Minor in Kinesiology – Coaching Emphasis

Students can add a minor in Kinesiology with a Coaching Emphasis to strengthen their candidate profile for sports and fitness-related jobs.

Required Courses:

• Instructional Topics: Strength Training and Cardiovascular Conditioning
• Safety and First Aid
• Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries
• Exercise Physiology
• Coaching Theory and Practice
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports and Kinesiology
• Internship in Kinesiology and Sports

3. Minor in Kinesiology – Fitness and Conditioning

What type of fitness training is best? What exercises yield the biggest benefits? How do you help someone build strength, endurance or athletic skill and prevent injury?

The Fitness and Conditioning minor will give you the foundation to work in community recreation programs, work one-on-one with individuals to improve their fitness or pursue a career in the health sciences. Students who earn the Fitness and Conditioning minor can go on to a variety of careers, including coaching, personal training or teaching. 

Required Courses:

• Concepts of Physical Fitness and Wellness
• Practical Training for the Fitness Professional
• Sports Nutrition
• Exercise Physiology
• Strength Training and Conditioning
• Internship in Kinesiology and Sports

4. Minor in Kinesiology – Recreation Management

The Recreation Management minor prepares students for professional positions in sports, community recreation and outdoor recreation. The courses build skills in program development, marketing and organizational behavior.

Students who minor in Recreation Management will have the knowledge and skills for entry-level program management roles at collegiate recreation programs, YMCA and YWCA programs, after-school programs, and outdoor recreation areas, such as Wild Basin Creative Research Center.

Required Courses:

• Physical Activity, Recreation and Sports for Special Populations
• Sport Marketing
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports and Kinesiology
• Organizational Behavior/Leading Teams and Organizations
• Internship in Kinesiology and Sports

Plus one of the following courses:

• Safety and First Aid
• Social and Psychological Issues of Kinesiology and Sports
• Coaching Theory and Practice
• Facility Design and Facility/Event Management

Are you a current student? Contact your advisor for the next steps in declaring your major or minor.

At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Kinesiology webpage.

The Health Systems and Administration program is flexible, with a relatively small number of required courses, allowing room for electives, a minor or even a second major.

Major Requirements: The Bachelor of Arts in Health Systems and Administration requires a total of 36–38 hours of major courses, which include seven core courses and five electives.

Required Courses: Students complete these seven required courses totaling 21 hours:

• Current Issues in Healthcare
• Health Communication
• Issues in Global Public Health
• Data Analysis for Health Professionals
• Special Topics in Management (Health Care Management)
• Medical Ethics
• Health Systems and Administration Internship/Practicum 

Required Electives: Students choose at least 15 hours from select courses in five areas. Courses can be chosen from one or more of these areas:

• Statistics, computing and data analysis
• Business, leadership and management
• Communication
• Science, health and wellness
• Ethics, social issues and policy

Credits Accepted:

• Up to the allowable 66 credits of the associate's degree for a health sciences program may transfer into the Health Systems and Administration program.
• Workforce courses will count for general elective credit
• Candidates must still complete the entire major and general education requirements, even if doing so would put them above the 120 credits required for the degree.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for This Degree?

Working professionals in healthcare fields, particularly those with associate degrees or prior healthcare training are best suited for this major. The Health Systems and Administration major requirements will be completed through a blend of online, hybrid and face-to-face class modalities. 

NOTE: This major is not intended to prepare students for graduate or professional school in health fields. Please see an advisor at St. Edward’s if you are considering a career in health care that requires postgraduate education, as other majors (for example, biology or kinesiology) may be more appropriate options.

Earn Two Degrees in Five Years

Complete your BA in Health Systems Administration and master's degree in Organizational Leadership with our pathway to receive two degrees in five years.

Success Coaches and Academic Advisors guide students through undergraduate and graduate courses to maximize benefits.

What You Will Learn and Skills You Will Gain

The BA in Health Systems and Administration program is highly interdisciplinary and benefits from faculty expertise across the university. Students develop practical skills in data analysis, communication, management and more. 

The program builds on core courses such as Data Analysis for Health Professionals, Health Communication, Global Public Health, Health Care Management and Medical Ethics that establish a solid foundation for health services leadership. Students will also gain hands-on experience by participating in an internship directly related to their studies.

Required elective courses allow students to tailor their degree by choosing from classes in business, communications, leadership, social and natural sciences, and statistics and computing. The interdisciplinary design of this degree equips graduates for management in health care organizations that are continually changing and evolving to meet the challenges of health care services in the 21st century.

Major Requirements: The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry requires 69 hours of major courses, which include a combination of introductory coursework, developmental chemistry, labs and research methods.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for our Forensic Chemistry major (PDF).

A few examples of courses students in this major take:

• Crime Scene Investigation – Examine, learn, understand and employ the techniques of crime scene investigation. The objective is to teach the fundamentals of crime scene investigation.
  Students should be able to assess any crime scene and determine proper procedures
• Instrumental Analysis – A study of some of the modern instrumental methods including
  atomic and molecular spectroscopy, analytical separations, mass spectrometry, magnetic resonance spectrometry and other salient techniques.
• Forensic Chemistry – Major facets of forensic analytical chemistry will be covered, including drug analysis, forensic toxicology, trace analysis, and arson and DNA typing. The use of Bayesian probability in the evaluation of guilt and innocence will also be covered. Real-world case studies will be used to illustrate the application of these principles.

The Department of Chemistry also offers BS degrees in Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Chemistry.

What You Will Learn

Forensic Chemistry courses include a combination of introductory coursework, developmental chemistry, labs and research methods, and support courses in criminal justice. 

• Through classroom studies, lab work, field experiences and research, you’ll develop an understanding of how to collect, organize and interpret chemical data.
• Learn the fundamentals of crime scene investigation, and analyze blood and tissue samples to identify DNA or run toxicology screens.
• Understand how to verify the chemical composition of drugs taken as evidence and how to detect chemicals associated with explosives, firearms or toxic substances. 

Skills You Will Gain

As a Forensic Chemistry major, you’ll cultivate a range of skills that prepare you to excel in the workplace. You’ll be able to:

• Search, access, contextualize and effectively summarize readings of discipline-specific literature.
• Apply appropriate experimental techniques and instruments in the context of designing and executing an experiment.
• Use quantitative tools for data collection and analysis.
• Explain the purpose of general laboratory safety guidelines and their implementation in various lab settings.
• Communicate the findings of independent research in a manner appropriate to the audience, including oral presentations and the writing of experiments, research manuscripts, poster presentations and research proposals.
• Demonstrate an ability to collaboratively arrive at a common goal within a team. 

Research

You’ll perform research with cutting-edge instrumentation — St. Edward’s is proud to be considered one of the best-equipped and best-funded small college chemistry departments in the country. We’ve been highly successful in securing external funding in support of an advanced curriculum, modern laboratory instrumentation and undergraduate research. 

Departmental and Research Funding
In addition to an ongoing research grant from the Robert A. Welch Foundation, the Department of Chemistry has secured curricular and equipment grants from the National Science Foundation, the Keck Foundation and the Educational Advancement Foundation. 

The Chemistry department is grateful for the ongoing gift of the Lewis fund, which supports student research. Given in memory of Dr. JD Lewis, longtime faculty member in the Chemistry department, this fund provides support for summer six-week and eight-week student research experiences

Scholarships

• In addition to performing research over the academic year in one of the faculty-led research groups, students may apply for participation in the Chemistry Department’s full-time summer research program. The summer program is fully funded and successful applicants receive competitive student stipends.
• Students in chemistry-related majors at St. Edward’s may apply for Welch Foundation undergraduate research scholarships or Lewis scholarships — including a summer scholarship that provides a six-week or eight-week stipend to conduct research.
• Apply for a summer research experience for undergraduates [REU] at local and national universities where you can gain experience studying different subfields of chemistry and focus on your career direction. 

Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) include:

• The University of Texas at Austin
• Texas State University
• Baylor University
• University of Texas at San Antonio
• University of North Carolina
• Michigan State University
• University of Nebraska
• University of Michigan
• University of Mississippi
• North Carolina State University
• Boston University

Conferences and Presentations

• Students are encouraged to present their results at professional meetings, such as regional and national meetings of the American Chemical Society and the Texas Academy of Science.
• Students also have the opportunity to present their research at the annual Lucian Symposium [fall semester] and SOURCE Symposium [spring semester] on the St. Edward's campus.

At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Chemistry webpage.

Major Requirements: The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Chemistry requires 78 to 79 hours of major courses, which include a combination of environmental science, chemistry, philosophy, biology, math, and physics. 

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for our Environmental Chemistry major (PDF).

A few examples of courses students in this major take:             

• Environmental Politics and Policy – Explore new demands worldwide for dealing with the risks of climate change, population growth, loss of biological diversity and terrorism, which will force governments everywhere to rethink policy strategies and find new ways to reconcile environmental and economic goals.
• Environmental Chemistry – Examine the behavior and interactions of chemicals in natural and anthropogenic systems; their distribution, transport and fate.  
• Environmental Ethics – Delve into moral concerns and ethical decision-making concerning the environment. Topics include individual, corporate, and state freedoms and responsibilities, permissible uses of animals, and comparison of strategies for protecting natural resources, as well as case studies regarding equity, justice, and individual and community rights to environmental resources.
• Biochemistry – Survey of the fundamentals of biochemistry. Topics include the structure of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates, catalysis, kinetics, bioenergetics and metabolism, and information pathways.

The Department of Chemistry also offers degrees in Chemistry, Biochemistry and Forensic Chemistry.

What You Will Learn

Some of the most critical and challenging issues that must be addressed in this century are environmental in nature. Finding good policy solutions to address these issues will require an understanding of the underlying processes that drive environmental changes. Many of these processes are chemical in nature and must be studied using the techniques of chemistry. 

The professional tools needed to address these problems are extensive expertise in the field of chemistry and a general knowledge of the field of environmental science. The BS degree program in Environmental Chemistry is designed to prepare college graduates with this type of expertise. A degree in Environmental Chemistry provides professional preparation for students interested in applying a rigorous scientific degree to careers in the environmental field. 

Graduates with this degree have a background appropriate for attending graduate school in chemistry or environmental science, or for professional employment in environmental analysis and environmental remediation positions with corporations, research labs and governmental agencies. Graduates of this program would also be well qualified to pursue a professional career in other areas of chemistry.

Skills You Will Gain

As an Environmental Chemistry major, you’ll cultivate a range of skills that prepare you to excel in the workplace. You’ll be able to:

• Search, access, contextualize and effectively summarize readings of discipline-specific literature.
• Apply appropriate experimental techniques and instruments in the context of designing and executing an experiment.
• Use quantitative tools for data collection and analysis.
• Explain the purpose of general laboratory safety guidelines and their implementation in various lab settings.
• Communicate about the findings of independent research in a manner appropriate to the audience, including oral presentations and the writing of experiments, research manuscripts, poster presentations and research proposals.
• Demonstrate an ability to collaborate and arrive at a common goal within a team. 

Experiential Learning and Research

We emphasize experiential learning, so students majoring in Environmental Chemistry enroll in at least two semesters of research courses and join a student-faculty research group with the goal of producing and presenting professional-level work.

You’ll perform research with cutting-edge instrumentation — St. Edward’s is proud to be considered one of the best-equipped and best-funded small college chemistry departments in the country. We’ve been highly successful in securing external funding in support of an advanced curriculum, modern laboratory instrumentation and undergraduate research. 

Departmental and Research Funding
In addition to an ongoing research grant from the Robert A. Welch Foundation, the Chemistry Department has secured curricular and equipment grants from the National Science Foundation, the Keck Foundation and the Educational Advancement Foundation. 

The Chemistry department is grateful for the ongoing gift of the Lewis fund, which supports student research. Given in memory of Dr. JD Lewis, longtime faculty member in the Chemistry department, this fund provides support for summer six-week and eight-week student research experiences

Scholarships

• In addition to performing research over the academic year in one of the faculty-led research groups, students may apply for participation in the Chemistry Department’s full-time summer research program. The summer program is fully funded, and successful applicants receive competitive student stipends.
• Students in chemistry-related majors at St. Edward’s may apply for Welch Foundation undergraduate research scholarships or Lewis scholarships — including a summer scholarship that provides a six-week or eight-week stipend to conduct research.
• Apply for a summer research experience for undergraduates [REU] at local and national universities, where you can gain experience studying different subfields of chemistry and focus on your career direction.  

NSF summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) include:

• The University of Texas at Austin
• Texas State University
• Baylor University
• University of Texas at San Antonio
• University of North Carolina
• Michigan State University
• University of Nebraska
• University of Michigan
• University of Mississippi
• North Carolina State University
• Boston University

Conferences and Presentations

• Students are encouraged to present their results at professional meetings, such as regional and national meetings of the American Chemical Society and the Texas Academy of Science.
• Students also have the opportunity to present their research at the annual Lucian Symposium [fall semester] and the SOURCE Symposium [spring semester] on the St. Edward's campus.

Our internship program acquaints students with practical experience. Our students have recently interned with:

• Tetra Tech
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

STEM students at St. Edward’s can access paid internships offered by our Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4). For more information on these internship programs, please visit the Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4).

At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Chemistry webpage.

Major Requirements: The BS in Environmental Biology and Climate Change requires 71 hours of major courses, including courses in subjects such as Bioinformatics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Mathematics and Philosophy.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

Examples of major courses:

• General Biology I and II
• Ecology and Global Change
• Terrestrial and Plant Ecology
• Expeditionary Ecosystem Studies
• General Chemistry I and II
• Climate Change Science, Impacts & Responses
• Chemistry in the Environment

Examples of electives:

• Ecophysiology
• Vertebrate Biology
• Environmental Controversies in Austin
• Environmental Politics and Policy

View and download the full degree plan for the BS in Environmental Biology and Climate Change degree plan (PDF)

What You Will Learn

Majoring in Environmental Biology and Climate Change provides a broad understanding of the world around you. You’ll study the fundamental principles of biology at work in ecosystems and their role in climate change. Here’s a sample of what you’ll learn and experience:

• Use foundational studies in biology, chemistry, mathematics and analysis to inform and solve critical environmental issues related to climate change. 
• Conduct one-on-one research and apply geographic information systems as you develop solutions to this existential threat.
• Study the effect of climate change on ecosystems in Texas and around the world, with extensive field experience locally and beyond. 
• Identify critical components of climate change issues, analyze them and offer sustainable solutions.

Skills You Will Gain

Your classroom studies and experiential learning activities prepare you with skills that are valuable across many workplaces and employment scenarios. You’ll learn to …

• Collect data in the field
• Use cutting-edge technology to study climate change
• Write scientific grant proposals
• Read scientific literature critically
• Solve problems in teams
• Practice communicating science to a broad audience

Experiential Learning 

Hands-on learning is a strong component of the Environmental Biology and Climate Change major, which is seen in courses like these:

• In Ecology and Global Change, you’ll take two or more field trips to different ecosystems such as the Wichita Mountains of southwestern Oklahoma, the Four Corners of the U.S. Southwest or the Texas coast.
• Entomology, which focuses on the evolutionary adaptations and biodiversity found among insect groups, includes a field-based collection component. You’ll travel to different sites and learn how to collect, preserve and identify insects. 
• A hallmark of the Environmental Biology and Climate Change major is the course in Expeditionary Ecosystem Studies, in which you’ll visit local examples of the course’s focal ecosystem.

Research

All Environmental Biology and Climate Change students will complete at least a year of research individually mentored by a professor. You’ll have the opportunity to complete fieldwork at Blunn Creek, right next to campus; at Wild Basin, an urban preserve in West Austin; or at the St. Edward’s ecolab in Spicewood, in the Hill Country. Along with fellow students, you’ll attend professional conferences to network with professionals in the field, learn about others’ research and present your own work.

Outstanding students complete Research Experiences for Undergraduates, in which they join the lab of a professor at a major research university over a summer. These competitive experiences, funded by the National Science Foundation, introduce you to research with different mentors and help you evaluate whether a research career is right for you.

Internships

As a student in the Environmental Biology and Climate Change program, you have access to the funding programs, including paid internships, offered exclusively to STEM students at St. Edward’s University by the Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4). For more information on these programs please visit the Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4).

Student Organizations

Students for Sustainability educates the St. Edward’s community about eco-friendly practices and works with the St. Edward’s administration to implement environmental initiatives. Members help maintain the campus garden, learn about biking and public transportation, encourage fellow students to reduce their use of plastic water bottles, and have clothing swaps and upcycled craft nights.

The St. Edward’s chapter of the Texas Academy of Science supports student research, including presentation and publication opportunities. Members also tutor in the sciences and complete other service projects.

Students with strong academic achievement in the sciences are eligible to join the St. Edward’s chapter of Beta Beta Beta, the National Biological Honor Society.

You can contribute to the launch of new organizations like the St. Edward’s student chapters of the Ecological Society of America and The Wildlife Society.

Through the Environmental Biology and Climate Change minor, you’ll learn about the impacts of global change on ecosystems in Texas and around the world. You’ll gain the tools needed to identify, understand and analyze climate change issues with the goal of developing solutions to the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

In addition to fundamental topics in environmental biology and climate change, this program combines courses that will broaden your knowledge and participation in the sub-disciplines of ecology, conservation and evolution.

This minor is designed to dramatically enhance your connection to the Austin community through an experiential learning-based curriculum in which you will help implement meaningful environmental projects at the local, regional and global scales. For example, students in Environmental Conservation and Climate Change are helping local researchers understand the impacts of urbanization on vegetation at different locations within Austin and the nearby Texas Hill Country. Our faculty also support student opportunities to investigate environmental problems internationally — e.g., to investigate the impacts of climate change on South African savannas.

Based in the Department of Biological Sciences, the minor in Environmental Biology and Climate Change is available to all St. Edward’s undergraduates. 

Outcomes

This type of training supports professionals in field research, GIS (geographic information system) analysis and biostatistics. However, the experience and skills you gain can be leveraged in any major, whether it’s business, communication or political science. 

Climate change is a pervasive problem that has dramatic impacts on many aspects of human life — e.g., infectious diseases, social justice, food security and the global economy. Furthermore, fields such as technology, public policy and business enterprises will be central to helping mitigate these impacts. This minor is relevant to those who are interested in a wide range of fields such as medicine, public health, biotechnology, environmental law, sustainable agriculture, sustainable business practices and more.

Minor Requirements

Minor Core Courses (16 credit hours)

• General Biology II, Lab (4 credit hours)
• Ecology and Global Change / Environmental Conservation / Climate Change: (4 credit hours) 
• Terrestrial and Plant Ecology (4 credit hours)
• Population Biology and Ecology, Lab (4 credit hours) 

Minor Electives

Choose a minimum of 5 credit hours from the following courses:

• Biostatistics (3 credit hours)  
• Biological Programming (3 credit hours)
• Geographic Information Systems (3 credit hours)
• Ecophysiology (3 credit hours)
• Expeditionary Ecosystem Studies (4 credit hours) 
• Research in Biology (1–3 credit hours)
• Evolution (3 credit hours)
• Natural Resources Conservation & Management (3 credit hours)
• Environmental and Ecological Field Methods (3 credit hours)
• Environmental Controversies in Austin (3 credit hours)

At St. Edward’s University, all curricula in the Biological Sciences are founded upon evolutionary theory. As a subject of scientific inquiry, the theory of evolution provides opportunities for testing hypotheses that strengthen our understanding of the processes that account for the diversity of life on earth, and existing data overwhelmingly support the theory as scientifically sound. We regard any non-scientific or teleological attempts that distract from the scientific processes that underlie science as, at best, a diversion to our mission to provide exceptional education to our students in the Biological Sciences. We stand with the numerous scientific societies that have issued statements on the subject of evolution and intelligent design, confirming the demonstrated success of the former and rejecting the scientific viability of the latter. 

At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Biological Sciences webpage.

St. Edward’s offers both BS and BA degrees in Computer Science, with multiple areas of focus depending on a student’s desired outcome. This helpful Computer Science course map  shows the sequence of prerequisites in the department.

1.  Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – This degree track provides rigorous preparation for many possible careers, with a course of study based on computer science theory and its application in various aspects of business and industry. It includes support courses to prepare students for graduate study in computer science.

• In addition to the core courses, students will complete a concentration in either  Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, or Software Development. View more details about our BS degree concentrations on our Department of Computer Science webpage.

Major Requirements: The BS in Computer Science requires 72 hours of Computer Science major courses, including supporting courses in Mathematics.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for our BS in Computer Science major (PDF).

2.  The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science – This degree track offers more options to take non-computer-science-related courses than the BS track, which is especially helpful for students who seek a double major or a broader technical degree before advanced study in graduate school. A strong background in mathematics and computer science is recommended.

In this major, you will … 

• Study the algorithmic processes that create, describe and transform information.
• Learn to develop software designed to solve problems in a variety of fields.

Major Requirements: The BA in Computer Science requires 58 hours of Computer Science major courses, including supporting courses in Mathematics.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for our BA in Computer Science major (PDF).

What You Will Learn and Skills You Will Gain

Our Computer Science degree ensures that you’ll graduate with a strong résumé that showcases your knowledge and skills. Here’s a sample of what you’ll learn:

• Computer programming, software development and engineering
• Algorithmic processes that create, describe and transform information
• Software development designed to solve problems in a variety of fields
• Solid understanding of mathematics and formulas
• Critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Technical writing, and creating and presenting professional-level work
• Teamwork, time management and attention to details

Experiential Learning

Enhance your learning by participating in hands-on projects and student organizations that build your skills. For example …

• In Software Engineering, you’ll work on a large-scale team project — from specification and design, to implementation, to testing, evolution, maintenance and management. You’ll learn how to use industry-standard tools and communicate effectively with clients.
• In Undergraduate Research and Development, you’ll research a computing problem; investigate a possible solution to the problem; and design, evolve and articulate a solution.
• The Computer Science Club on campus helps students build their skills through events like Capture the Flag, a cybersecurity-focused programming competition. Students are also encouraged to participate in national and global computing societies such as the Association for Computing Machinery and the Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges.
• The St. Edward’s Maker Club attracts tinkerers and programmers who have worked on projects involving 3-D printing, soldering, programming LED strips and creating art through programming.

Computer Science students have built their professional skills in the following internships. Several were extended full-time job offers afterward.

• Sphere integrated containers internship at VMware
• Technology internship at AIG Insurance
• Digital technology leadership internship at GE
• System validation engineer internship at NXP Semiconductors
• Software engineer internship at Corva
• Software engineering internship at dealership management software company CDK Global
• Software development internship at Emerson Automation Solutions, which builds software for manufacturing and industrial plants

Learn on the job at St. Edward’s.

The St. Edward’s Office of Information Technology hires students to work as support technicians. Help students, faculty and staff with computer troubleshooting; maintain the computer labs; and set up software on new computers for employees. In addition to covering “Help desk” issues, you can specialize in networking or enterprise software and earn credentials like Google Cloud certification.

Land a paid internship through the St. Edward’s i4 Institute.

As a student in the Computer Science program, you are afforded access to the funding programs, including paid internships, offered exclusively to STEM students at St. Edward’s University by the Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4). For more information on these programs please visit the Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4).

At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Computer Science webpage.

Students pursuing a degree in Chemistry have two degree plans to choose from. This helpful course map (PDF) shows the sequence of prerequisites in the department. 

1. Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

The BS in Chemistry is a rigorous course of study that incorporates more math and laboratory experience. This degree track is intended primarily to meet the needs of a student who wishes to seek employment in the chemical industry or to prepare for graduate study in chemistry.

Major Requirements: 69 hours of major courses, of which 23 hours are supporting courses from math, physics and biology.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you. 

View and download the full degree plan for the BS in Chemistry major (PDF). 

2. Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry

This BA in Chemistry provides more opportunities to take non-science-related courses for a broader-based education and is intended primarily for students who wish to teach at the secondary school level or would like to use chemistry as a supporting discipline.

Major Requirements: 52 hours of major courses, of which 20 hours are supporting courses from math, physics and biology.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for the BA in Chemistry major (PDF).

The Department of Chemistry also offers degrees in Biochemistry, Environmental Chemistry and Forensic Chemistry.

What You Will Learn

As a Chemistry major at St. Edward’s, you’ll learn to think both scientifically and creatively. You’ll delve into the study of matter — its characteristics, behavior and structure. You’ll examine the way materials act and react in certain situations, and you’ll produce and observe these reactions, both in nature and artificially in a lab setting. 

Through classroom studies, lab work and research, you’ll develop an understanding of how to collect, organize and interpret chemical data. In the process, you’ll learn to appreciate the world on the macro-scale while learning the underlying principles occurring on the molecular level.

Skills You Will Gain

As a Chemistry major, you’ll cultivate a range of skills that prepare you to excel in the workplace. You’ll be able to …

• Search, access, contextualize and effectively summarize readings of discipline-specific literature.
• Apply appropriate experimental techniques and instruments in the context of designing and executing an experiment.
• Use quantitative tools for data collection and analysis.
• Explain the purpose of general laboratory safety guidelines and their implementation in various lab settings.
• Communicate the findings of independent research in a manner appropriate to the audience, including oral presentations and the writing of experiments, research manuscripts, poster presentations, and research proposals.
• Demonstrate an ability to collaborate and arrive at a common goal within a team.

Research

You’ll perform research with cutting-edge instrumentation — St. Edward’s is proud to be considered one of the best-equipped and best-funded small college chemistry departments in the country. We’ve been highly successful in securing external funding in support of an advanced curriculum, modern laboratory instrumentation and undergraduate research. 

Departmental and Research Funding
Along with an ongoing research grant from the Robert A. Welch Foundation, the Chemistry Department has secured curricular and equipment grants from the National Science Foundation, the Keck Foundation and the Educational Advancement Foundation. 

The Chemistry department is grateful for the ongoing gift of the Lewis fund, which supports student research. Given in memory of Dr. JD Lewis, longtime faculty member in the Chemistry department, this fund provides support for summer six-week and eight-week student research experiences. 

Scholarships

• In addition to performing research over the academic year in one of the faculty-led research groups, students may apply for participation in the Chemistry Department’s full-time summer research program. The summer program is fully funded and successful applicants receive competitive student stipends.
• Students in chemistry-related majors at St. Edward’s may apply for Welch Foundation undergraduate research scholarships or Lewis scholarships — including a summer scholarship that provides a six-week or eight-week stipend to conduct research.
• Apply for a summer research experience for undergraduates [REU] at local and national universities, where you can gain experience studying different subfields of chemistry and focus on your career direction. 

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) include:

• University of Texas at Austin
• Texas State University
• Baylor University
• University of Texas at San Antonio
• University of North Carolina
• Michigan State University
• University of Nebraska
• University of Michigan
• University of Mississippi
• North Carolina State University
• Boston University

Conferences and Presentations

• Students are encouraged to present their results at professional meetings, such as regional and national meetings of the American Chemical Society and the Texas Academy of Science, where they’ll rub shoulders with professional chemists.
• Students also have the opportunity to present their undergraduate research at the annual Lucian Symposium [fall semester] and SOURCE Symposium [spring semester] on the St. Edward’s campus.

Our internship program acquaints students with practical experience. Our students have recently interned with …

• MilliporeSigma 
• Electroninks

STEM students at St. Edward’s can access paid internships offered by our Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4). For more information on these internship programs, please visit the Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4).

A Chemistry minor is available for students interested in the field of chemistry, or for students who would benefit from adding courses in chemistry to their education for their future endeavors. 

Required courses:

• General Chemistry
• General Chemistry Lab
  General Chemistry II
• General Chemistry II Lab

      Or

• Inorganic Chemistry I
• Inorganic Chemistry I Lab
• Organic Chemistry 
• Organic Chemistry I Lab
• Chemistry Electives

At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Chemistry webpage.

St. Edward’s offers both BS and BA degrees in Biology, with multiple areas of focus depending on a student’s desired outcome. In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

1. Bachelor of Arts in Biology

• Primarily designed for students pursuing a double major or admission to some professional schools.
• Provides a solid foundation in biology with more latitude in the choice of general electives.
• An example of a course you will take is Molecular Genetics, which offers a study of the structure and function of DNA as the genetic material and focuses on details surrounding the “central dogma of molecular biology,” including DNA replication, transcription, RNA processing and translation, as well as mechanisms of control and regulation of expression of genetic information.

General Biology Concentration

View and download the full BA in Biology - General Biology degree plan (PDF)

Allied Health Concentration

View and download the full BA in Biology - Allied Health degree plan (PDF)

BA in Biology + MS in Clinical Laboratory Science (3+2) Program

Earn two degrees in five years: a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from St. Edward’s University, and a Master of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science from The University of Texas Medical Branch. View and download the full 3+2 Program degree plan (PDF)

2. Bachelor of Science in Biology

Health Professions Concentration

• Designed for students who intend to pursue further education and a career in the health professions such as medicine, veterinary medicine, physician assistant or dentistry.
• Degree requirements include the prerequisites for most professional schools.
• An example of a course you will take is Evolution, an in-depth analysis of evolution via natural selection using examples from all major classes of organisms. Emphasis is placed on the mechanism and resulting products of evolutionary change. Evolutionary change is examined at the molecular, organismal and population levels of organization.

View and download the full BS in Biology - Health Professions degree plan (PDF)

Biology Professions Concentration

• Designed to provide a strong background in biology and research.
• Prepares students for education at the graduate level and preparation leading to careers outside the health professions. Students might study molecular biology, cellular biology, developmental biology, microbiology, neurobiology, zoology, botany, ecology or other fields.
• An example of a course you will take is Research in Biology, where students work collaboratively with a faculty member to conduct a research study. Many students go on to present their work at on-campus symposia as well as local, regional and national meetings.

View and download the full BS in Biology - Biology Professions degree plan (PDF)

What You Will Learn and Skills You Will Gain

Majoring in biology provides an incredibly broad understanding of the world around you. You’ll learn the fundamental principles of biology at work in genes, cells, organ systems and even ecosystems. 

Your classroom studies and experiential learning activities prepare you with a number of transferable skills that are valuable across many workplaces and employment scenarios, including:

• Problem-solving
• Critical thinking
• Adaptability
• Research
• Developing, testing and iterating on a hypothesis
• Literature review
• Data collection and analysis
• Laboratory research and safety techniques
• Understanding and communicating, both orally and in writing, complex scientific and medical topics

Experiential Learning 

Hands-on learning is a strong component of the Biology major, which is seen in courses like these:

Students in the Introductory Biology labs have collected samples from Bee Creek at Wild Basin Creative Research Center, to analyze chlorophyll (a measure of algal blooms), levels of nutrients like nitrates, and abundance of macroinvertebrates as a measure of water quality.

In Entomology, which focuses on studying the evolutionary adaptations and incredible biodiversity found among insect groups, you’ll learn how to collect, preserve and identify insects in the field.

In Cell Biology, you’ll work in groups on a semester-long project to collect and analyze your own data to address a complex research question. You’ll have the advantage of using the Fluoview FV3000 laser scanning confocal microscope, a state-of-the-art $200,000 piece of equipment the university purchased with a National Science Foundation Major Research Instrumentation Grant. The final project is a scientific seminar in which you’ll present the results of your work to an audience of faculty from the department.

If you’re on the health professions track, as a junior or senior you’ll choose the schools where you want to apply, put your application together and write your personal statement, and work with our Health Professions Advisory Committee to prepare for the interview process.

Research 

Biology majors at St. Edward’s have the opportunity to work on research with their professors over the summer and during the school year. By working on projects with faculty, you’ll learn about the process of research and develop your lab skills. Students often emerge from these projects with publishable research.

Students have worked with professors studying the roundworm C. elegans, which is often used as a model organism, to study the process of autophagy, an organism’s waste-removal system, and to study neurological development.

Biology majors have worked alongside their professors on a research project that examines how moving a colony affects honeybees’ stress response and ability to fight off infection. They helped maintain several colonies of bees on campus and analyzed the immune systems of bees they collected from the hives. One student also studied how exposure to commonly used pesticides affects bees’ immune systems.

Students have presented their research and won awards at conferences including

• Society for Neuroscience
• Texas Academy of Science
• The Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science National Diversity in STEM Conference.
• McNair Scholars Research Conferences
• Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Students
• TriBeta Biological Society Regional Research Conference

Biology majors have also been selected for competitive Research Experiences for Undergraduates and for the LIVESTRONG Cancer Institutes’ Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship at The University of Texas at Austin and Dell Medical School.

Wild Basin Creative Research Center is a 227-acre wilderness preserve located in West Austin and managed by St. Edward’s in coordination with local government entities. The preserve offers opportunities to study the natural world in a beautiful setting. Students have worked on environmental research projects at Wild Basin that include using motion-triggered wildlife cameras to document species diversity; measuring water quality in Bee Creek; documenting the bird species that live within the preserve and recording their songs to see how they change in the presence of human activity; and analyzing the microbial communities in soil across the preserve.

Internships 

Pre-health professions students often shadow doctors or volunteer at local hospitals. In addition, Biology majors have completed internships focused on environmental stewardship, clinical health, animal behavior, and medical and pharmaceutical research at the following organizations:

• CD Doyle Clinic, a free clinic run by Dell Medical School students in downtown Austin
• Regarding Cancer, which provides free support services to anyone affected by cancer
• San Antonio Zoo
• Asuragen, which develops diagnostic tests for people with cancer and genetic diseases
• U.S. Department of Agriculture
• The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston
• Macromoltek, a computational drug discovery company dedicated to the advancement of antibody drug development
• The Nature Conservancy

STEM students at St. Edward’s can access paid internships offered by our National Science Foundation-funded Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4). For more information on these internship programs, please visit the Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4).

Student Organizations

The St. Edward’s chapter of the Texas Academy of Science supports student research, including presentation and publication opportunities. Members also tutor in the sciences and complete other service projects.

Students with strong academic achievement in the sciences are eligible to join the St. Edward’s chapter of Beta Beta Beta, the National Biological Honor Society.

Students for Sustainability educates the St. Edward’s community about eco-friendly practices and works with the St. Edward’s administration to implement environmental initiatives. Members help maintain the campus garden, learn about biking and public transportation, encourage fellow students to reduce their use of plastic water bottles, and have clothing swaps and upcycled craft nights.

The American Medical Student Association matches freshmen with upperclassman mentors in the same major. Together, members learn from guest speakers — like physicians and Peace Corps Volunteers — and complete volunteer projects.

Pre-health students have participated in the Making Equity Standard in Healthcare (MESH) mentorship day at Dell Medical School in Austin. In this program, current medical students advise undergraduates, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, about how to become stronger candidates for medical school. The Saturday program includes a tour of the school, information about the medical school’s distinctive curriculum and its work with the Austin community, and a Q&A with students.

Pre-health professions students can take advantage of annual events sponsored by the Career and Professional Development office. These include on-campus meetings with representatives from graduate programs as well as workshops to prepare you for specific aspects of the application process. 

Health sciences schools appreciate applicants who are curious and willing to get out of their comfort zones. St. Edward’s offers opportunities to volunteer with a broad variety of people and learn about the social forces that influence health and access to medicine. Explore our many service programs.

A minor in Biology allows students to explore an interest in biological sciences, while developing skills in scientific reasoning and literacy. A student, in consultation with a Biological Sciences faculty member, develops a customized group of elective courses to complete the minor. A minimum of nine of those elective hours must be from upper-division classes in accordance with university requirements. Total minor hours: 21

Required Courses:

• General Biology I
• General Biology I Lab
• General Biology II
• General Biology II Lab
• Molecular Genetics
• Biology Electives (BIOL 3000+, 10 hours)

Are you a current student? Contact your advisor for the next steps on declaring your major or minor.

At St. Edward’s University, all curricula in the Biological Sciences are founded upon evolutionary theory. As a subject of scientific inquiry, the theory of evolution provides opportunities for testing hypotheses that strengthen our understanding of the processes that account for the diversity of life on Earth, and existing data overwhelmingly support the theory as scientifically sound. We regard any non-scientific or teleological attempts that distract from the scientific processes that underlie science as, at best, a diversion to our mission to provide exceptional education to our students in the Biological Sciences. We stand with the numerous scientific societies that have issued statements on the subject of evolution and intelligent design, confirming the demonstrated success of the former and rejecting the scientific viability of the latter. 

At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Biological Sciences webpage.

Major Requirements: The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry requires 71 hours of major courses, which include a combination of chemistry, biology, math and physics courses. 

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for Biochemistry.

What You Will Learn

You’ll learn to utilize chemical knowledge to study biological processes at the molecular level — including structure, function and regulation — applicable to everything from metabolic disorders to better understanding how chemicals promote or inhibit growth.

A few examples of courses students take in this major:

• Organic Chemistry II –  Principles of designing multi-step synthesis schemes. Chemistry of aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, aromatic compounds, amines, amides, and proteins.
• Biochemistry I – Survey of the fundamentals of biochemistry. Topics include the structure of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates, catalysis, kinetics, bioenergetics, and information pathways. Gain an overview of the field through in-depth coverage of protein structure and enzyme catalysis.
• Cell Biology – Investigate the structure of the eukaryotic cell, the trafficking of macromolecules within cells, the mechanisms by which cell division is regulated, how cells communicate, and the biogenesis of cancer. The laboratory emphasizes current techniques utilized to study cell biology.

Skills You Will Gain

Upon completing the Biochemistry program, you’ll be ready to:

• Search, access, contextualize and effectively summarize readings of discipline-specific literature.
• Apply appropriate experimental techniques and instruments in the context of designing and executing an experiment.
• Use quantitative tools for data collection and analysis.
• Explain the purpose of general laboratory safety guidelines and their implementation in various lab settings.
• Communicate the findings of independent research in a manner appropriate to the audience, including oral presentations and the writing of experiments, research manuscripts, poster presentations, and research proposals.
• Demonstrate the ability to collaborate and arrive at a common goal within a team. 

At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Chemistry webpage.

Major Requirements: The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science major requires 96–97 hours of Forensic Science major courses, including courses in subjects such as Bioinformatics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. 

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for the BS in Forensic Science major (PDF). This helpful course map shows the sequence of prerequisites in the department.

What You Will Learn

The Forensic Science program combines rigorous classroom, lab and experiential learning that covers crime scene investigation techniques, scientific methods for analyzing the data you collect, and legal and ethical protocols. You’ll be well prepared to handle these tasks and responsibilities:

• Analyze crime scenes to determine what evidence should be collected and how.
• Take photographs or make sketches of the crime scenes and evidence.
• Record observations and findings, such as the location and position of evidence.
• Collect and preserve evidence, including weapons, fingerprints and bodily fluids.
• Reconstruct crime scenes.
• Perform chemical, biological and microscopic analyses on evidence taken from crime scenes.
• Explore possible links between suspects and criminal activity, using the results of DNA or other scientific analyses from specialists, such as toxicologists (poisons) or odontologists (teeth). 
• Prepare written reports that detail your findings and investigative methods. 
• Explain your reports to lawyers, detectives and other law enforcement officials. 
• Testify as an expert witness in court about your findings and methods.

Skills You Will Gain

As a Forensic Science major, you’ll cultivate a range of skills that employers look for and that prepare you to excel in the workplace. 

• Critical and creative thinking
• Problem-solving 
• Attention to details
• Data collection and analysis
• Laboratory research and safety techniques
• Math and science skills to analyze evidence
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Teamwork 

Experiential Learning

Your classes are taught by professors who have years of experience in the field and keep up with new developments as forensic science evolves. Each course is designed to give you an immersive, engaging experience that parallels real-life scenarios you’ll encounter in your career. Here’s a sample of courses:

• In Crime Scene Photography, you will learn the parts of a digital camera, learn to document indoor and outdoor scenes and practice photographing wounds on faux body parts, creating a portfolio of your work. You also will review photographs in a virtual setting using virtual reality headsets to explore the immersive experience of being on a crime scene. 
• In Crime Scene Investigations I & II, you’ll assess and document mock crime scenes that simulate common field experiences. You’ll also process simulated evidence with field and laboratory techniques. Some of these mock crime scenes are staged in person, either on the main St. Edward’s campus or at the Wild Basin Creative Research Center. For others, you’ll use a virtual reality headset or your computer to investigate evidence at mock crime scenes — like a hotel room where a body was found — and click on hotspots with embedded photos and case information.
• In Forensics in the Wild, you’ll explore the distinct challenges of investigating crimes committed outdoors. You’ll critically analyze environmental factors affecting outdoor crime scenes and learn to evaluate samples within forensic botany, soil recovery and analysis, and anthropology.
• In Principles and Practices of Science and Law, you’ll explore the interaction between the ideas and practices of the scientific community and the legal community. Taking on the persona of an expert witness, you’ll prepare to present a piece of forensic evidence in a mock criminal trial. You’ll also pose as an attorney, calling the “expert” to testify.

Study Abroad

History and Philosophy of Science, a required course for Forensic Science majors, has been taught both on campus and abroad. When taught in London and Edinburgh, the class focused on the history of medicine and disease and how it intersects with the history of crime. Students in the course visited sites in London related to scientific and medical history, including the Alexander Fleming Museum, which showcases the laboratory where Fleming discovered penicillin. They also visited the Surgeons’ Hall Museums in Edinburgh, which has collections of pathological anatomy specimens and an anatomy theater with an interactive dissection table.

Research

You’ll advance the state of forensic science by conducting research into potential new technologies and techniques. College students can test whether these techniques show enough promise to merit investment by professional labs. Through your research, you’ll address challenges currently being faced by investigators in the field and build marketable skills.

Internships

You’ll have an opportunity to apply for internships where you’ll utilize some of the same skills you’ve been developing in your experiential classes. Forensic Science majors have earned highly competitive internships at state and local agencies, including: 

• Travis County Medical Examiner's Office
• Austin Police Department
• Travis County Sheriff's Office
• Leander Police Department
• El Paso Police Department
• Bexar County Sheriff's Office

STEM students at St. Edward’s can access paid internships offered by our National Science Foundation-funded Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4). For more information on these internship programs, please visit the Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4).

Student Organizations

The Forensic Association Committed to Truth — SEU F.A.C.T. for short — is a student organization dedicated to forensic science and meets biweekly. Members build their networks and learn about careers. F.A.C.T. also hosts fun collaborative events that give you the chance to explore other science-based fields, like teaming up with the American Chemical Society chapter to conduct spooky Halloween-themed experiments.

The St. Edward’s Criminal Justice Club is a chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association, Lambda Alpha Epsilon. The club meets twice a month to hear guest speakers, go on field trips, offer community service and complete training together.

The St. Edward’s student affiliate chapter of the American Chemical Society hosts guest speakers who talk about their research, industry jobs, and the ins and outs of graduate school. Members have volunteered at the ACS Southwest Regional Meeting and given poster presentations of their research, and they have traveled to other universities for hands-on training at advanced instrumentation workshops. Our ACS chapter also hosts social and fun events like tie-dyeing lab coats and movie nights.

Service

Forensic Science students have worked for several years on a grant-funded STEM outreach program for sixth-graders. The St. Edward’s students create crime-scene kits that the younger students use to solve a case. The program encourages elementary- and middle-school students to get curious about careers in science.

Students who are interested in the forensic field can complete a minor in Forensic Science to establish baseline knowledge and experience within the subject. This is especially helpful for individuals who are interested in pursuing careers where forensic knowledge enhances their job applicant profile.

Required Coursework

• Criminology
• Intro to Forensic Science
• Crime Scene Investigation I with Lab
• Crime Scene Investigation II with Lab
• Crime Scene Photography
• Professional Practice in Forensic Science

Are you a current student? Contact your advisor for the next steps in declaring your major or minor.

At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Forensic Science webpage.