2025-2026 General Catalog [Effective Fall 2025]
Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Natural Sciences
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Mission
The mission of the Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Natural Sciences is to mentor lifelong learners in making connections to the natural world as a way to increase knowledge and understanding, improve lives, and ensure future career success.
Vision
We will engage our learners in authentic hands-on scientific inquiry as a means to enrich lives and benefit both society and the natural world.
Values
- Science is the empirical lens we use to view and understand the natural world.
- Science is the approach we use to instill the value of lifelong learning.
- Science is best learned by doing, using appropriate tools and techniques.
- Collaboration is key to the scientific enterprise.
- Diversity, in all its forms, leads to better scientific outcomes.
- Community engagement fosters scientific literacy and the continuous advancement of science.
Departments, Programs, & Centers
Department of BiologyGo to information for Department of Biology.
Bachelor’s Degree
Minor
Department of Chemistry and PhysicsGo to information for Department of Chemistry and Physics.
Bachelor’s Degree
Minor
Department of GeosciencesGo to information for Department of Geosciences.
Bachelor’s Degree
Academic Certificate (Undergraduate)
Minor
Centers & Special Learning Environments
The College of Natural Sciences operates, or partners with, several special programs that provide students opportunities for enrichment of their classroom learning:
- The Cedar Mountain Science Center offers summer science camps for children and courses for pre-service teachers and in-service teachers, held at the College Cabin on the SUU 2,629 acre mountain ranch property.
- Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit provides students and faculty with opportunities among all state and federal lands. Cedar Breaks National Monument, the U.S. Forest Service, and the BLM all have Cedar City offices and work closely with SUU.
- The SUU Ashcroft Observatory offers college credit courses and weekly community astronomical viewing activities located near the SUU Valley Farm. Call (435) 586-1409 for more information.
- The GIS Lab offers college course work and services to community and regional planners requiring expertise in geospatial mapping.
- The Garth & Jerri Frehner Museum of Natural History offers campus and community members the opportunity to view museum specimens from our regional ecosystems. For more information call (435) 865-8549.
- The SUU Water Lab is a certified analytical lab that offers students specialized training in analytical techniques and services to the public for their water quality needs. Call (435) 586-7914 for more information.
- The Utah Health Scholars Program is an enhancement program for pre-health students planning to apply to graduate-level programs. These students include but are not limited to the following: pre-medical, podiatry, optometry, dental, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, and nursing. The program provides opportunities for students in the following areas: research, community service, job shadowing, patient exposure, MCAT/DAT/PCAT prep, application assistance, enhanced advising, cultural immersion experiences in health care, medical skill training, medical Spanish, and special seminars. Call (435) 865-8520 or see www.suu.edu/ahec/index.html for more information.
- The Alliances for Education (between SUU and Bryce Canyon National Park and the Zion Canyon National Park Group) is a ground-breaking educational partnership with the National Park Service that provides SUU students and faculty with opportunities to conduct research, classes, internships, and other educational activities with and within the National Parks.
- Great Basin Observatory (GBO) is a state-of-the-art, remotely operated, optical astronomical telescope. As a member of the Great Basin National Park Astronomical Observatory Operational Cooperative, SUU students and faculty have access to the observatory to conduct research. Set at an elevation of 6,825 feet, with no significant man-made light for 70 miles in all directions, GBO is the first research-grade observatory ever built in a U.S. National Park.
- The SUU STEM Center for Teaching and Learning was established in the spring of 2014 with the mission to bring together people and resources to facilitate cutting-edge STEM Initiatives that enhance teaching and learning in the preK-16 environment. With three strategic areas of influence – professional development, student engagement, and college & career readiness – our center works in a six-county area of southwestern Utah. Projects are facilitated by a dedicated cadre of SUU faculty and student volunteers.
Other Information
Accreditation
The Chemistry program is certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS), the established national chemical oversight organization. Approval of our Chemistry degrees assures that SUU graduates meet national standards in curriculum and preparation for graduate studies. ACS-approved programs offer a broad-based and rigorous chemistry education that gives students intellectual, experimental, and communication skills to become effective scientific professionals.
Internships
Many companies and governmental institutions provide exceptional opportunities for students to develop skills in a professional environment. Students’ internship assignments are jointly supervised by company management and Southern Utah University faculty members. Academic credit is awarded for internships and financial compensation may be available. More information is available from the departments.
Pre-Dental, Pre-Medical, Pre-Veterinary, & Other Health Professions Curricula
Note that the courses that you take toward a pre-professional program are determined in part by the intended transfer institution (e.g. the U. of Utah’s Medical School or the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State U., etc.). Therefore, you should coordinate closely with the admission requirements of the institution to which you plan to apply as well as the requirements for graduation from SUU. Undergraduate research experience is essential for admission to most of these programs.
Pre-Graduate School
Plan your SUU baccalaureate degree with sufficient math and science courses to qualify you for admission to the graduate program of your choice. Be cognizant of the admission requirements of the graduate program of your choice. Undergraduate research experience is essential for admission to graduate school programs.
Something to Consider
Many students either find themselves waiting a year for graduate/professional school acceptance, or recognize that a graduate-level credential would improve their career preparation. The MBA program in the SUU Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business welcomes applicants with undergraduate degrees in any program. There are admission requirements, but they are minimal and relatively low cost. Please contact the MBA Program for more information.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to students demonstrating potential for excellence in disciplines within the Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Natural Sciences. Interested students should contact the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships.
Student Organizations
The way to get the best SUU experience is to participate in one of the excellent college student organizations. Among the many student organizations of interest to Science majors are the following:
- American Chemical Society Student Affiliate Chapter (ACS) / Chem Club
- Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) (National Biological Honor Society)
- BioHive
- Biology Club
- Community Garden Club
- Geo Club
- HOSA - Future Health Professionals
- National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
- Physics Club
- Pre-Dental Club
- Pre-medical Society and Southern Utah University
- Sigma Gamma Epsilon (National Earth Science Honorary Society)
- SUU Animal Ambassadors
- Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) (Independent student organization)
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