Welcome to the School of Natural Sciences Career Community!
In the School of Natural Sciences, we educate the hearts and minds of aspiring scientists, equipping them with both the technical expertise and the sense of character and responsibility that today’s employers demand. Through experiential learning and coursework with dedicated faculty, our graduates develop the ability to tackle difficult problems, grapple with the moral and ethical implications of their work, communicate effectively with broad audiences, and help ensure that scientific progress benefits the whole of humanity and not just a select few.
Comprising six departments, we offer courses in astronomy, bioinformatics, biology, chemistry, computer science, forensic science, general science, kinesiology, mathematics, and physics. Most of our classes and labs take place in the John Brooks Williams Natural Sciences Center—two of the newest academic buildings on campus, built specifically for the needs of science in the 21st century. With our facilities and focus on undergraduate education, we are able to offer unparalleled student research opportunities. Many of our students present their work on campus and at local, regional, and national conferences, often winning awards recognizing the quality of their research projects. Our faculty are innovative teachers and leaders in their fields, dedicated to the success of all students.
The School of Natural Sciences offers 35 undergraduate major, minor, and certificate programs, including the new BS in environmental biology and climate change, a certificate in data analysis, and minors in bioinformatics, fitness and conditioning, and recreation management. In addition, our partnerships with other universities throughout the U.S. allow students to build on their St. Edward’s education and earn two degrees in five years—one from SEU and one from the partner institution—with guaranteed admission and financial aid for those who qualify. Examples include multiple engineering programs at Washington University in St. Louis, clinical laboratory science at UTMB, and the ESTEEM program in entrepreneurship at Notre Dame.
Our NSF-funded Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4) was established to build capacity in interdisciplinary sciences, informatics, and emerging technologies as we increase students’ readiness for the 4th Industrial Revolution. Paid summer internships are among the opportunities i4 makes available for our students.
We also operate the Wild Basin Creative Research Center and manage the 227-acre Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, located a short drive from campus. Faculty, staff, volunteers, and the public have direct access to Wild Basin, a small piece of and gateway to the 30,000+ acre Balcones Canyonlands Preserve.
The past year has brought many challenges, but the School of Natural Sciences remains a vibrant and inclusive community of learners, teachers, scholars, and professionals. If you’re interested in a career in the sciences, there is a place for you here. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have questions or would like to learn more.
Jonathan Hodge, PhD | Dean, Natural Sciences | Professor of Mathematics
