Department of Natural Sciences

Complete your academic journey with a community focused on hands-on learning, collaboration and scientific innovation.

At Northwest, the natural world serves as our classroom. Majors in the Department of Natural Sciences gain profession-based learning – day one. We provide the tools and resources to develop your ability to design experiments, collect data, and draw conclusions from those results. Our state-of-the-art laboratories offer hands-on experiences to apply to your future career. Whether you envision yourself working in a laboratory setting, making new scientific discoveries, exploring the natural world, protecting our environment, or applying your understanding of science in health care, you can discover your true potential in the Department of Natural Sciences.

Launch Garrett Strong Experience

Biology

Chemistry

Geology

Nanoscale Science

Physics

Graduate Studies

Degree options in Natural Sciences

Choose from programs like biology, chemistry, marine biology, earth science and more!

Not sure which program to choose? No worries! We’re here to help you discover your passion.

View Programs of Study

Take your next steps

Are you ready to apply, schedule a visit or want to know more about Northwest?

It's FAFSA Time!

Most Bearcats receive some form of scholarship or need-based aid after filing the FAFSA, making their educational goals more attainable. The 2025-26 FAFSA is officially open – apply today!

Check out our FAFSA guide

undergraduate programs to choose from

$3 million

in state-of-the-art instruments and technology available to you

One

Geoscience Museum (did you know this museum houses geodes and dinosaur bones)?

Expanded scholarship model with tiers up to $6,000 with merit scholarships. Once applied and admitted, eligible students are automatically awarded a merit-based scholarship based on their academic information.

Estimate your scholarships

Get in-state rates with the Bearcat Advantage. Receive an $8,392 scholarship with a 2.75 GPA or above.

See out-of-state qualifications

One easy process for multiple scholarships with the Standard Scholarship App.

Standard scholarship app

Student Spotlight

“It’s really cool to be in a place where all this research is currently happening, and so much of what we know was discovered by people that are teaching me.”

Adele Shade
Study Abroad Scholarship Recipient | Marine Biology

View Adele's Story

MOERA

Mozingo Outdoor Education Recreation Area (MOERA) features more than 320 acres of land dedicated to providing experiential learning opportunities. Students taking wildlife ecology and conservation courses construct Sherman traps for small animals and pitfall traps for reptiles and amphibians!

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Garrett-Strong Science Building

Garrett-Strong Science Building offers 26 labs where students can gain profession-based experiences on campus. This facility also houses a synthetic cadaver, an aquarium and two museums that feature living animals such as hedgehogs, rats, iguanas and more!

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Faculty-led Research

Faculty-led research is an opportunity for undergraduate students to produce original research resulting in publishing their work and gaining valuable professional experience. This is available for students showing interest in furthering their education.

Beta Beta Beta Honorary Biological Society

Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) is a society for students, particularly undergraduates, dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research.

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Beta Beta Beta Honorary Biological Society

Geoclub

GeoClub is a student organization within the Department of Humanities and Social Science and the Department of Natural Sciences and welcomes everyone who is interested in Geology or Geography. The purpose of the club is to provide academic and social activities in the fields of Earth Science, Geology, and Geography for active members.

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Northwest Wildlife Club

The Northwest Wildlife Club is an organization open to anyone with an interest in enjoying and preserving the environment and biological resources. Members take an active part in keeping the environment beautiful and in harmony. The club is a social organization for people with similar special interests such as hiking, camping, outdoor photography, birding, hunting, fishing, spelunking, etc. The club takes a special interest in conserving wildlife.

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