Literacy in the sciences and mathematics is increasingly recognized as crucial for both the general public and success in various professions. The purpose of the Math/Science Specialization in Liberal Studies is to provide interested students with an interdisciplinary, yet substantive and programmed, course of study which emphasizes mathematical and scientific methods and knowledge. This degree program will train students for further study in areas where an understanding of science and math is important, such as (but not limited to) science and technology policy, law, information systems, science writing, and science education. Students pursuing such a major might intend to become elementary school teachers, journalists, information specialists, or paralegals in a technical field. This background in science and mathematics will prepare the major to contribute productively in any technical field by developing their understanding of the scientific enterprise, the use of technology, scientific ways of knowing, and a base of knowledge in the sciences and mathematics.
It is expected that this course of study will be especially attractive and useful as a coordinate major for Elementary Education majors. For Elementary Education students in particular, the major's emphasis on the command of mathematical and scientific methods, technology, along with a background in the biological sciences, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, is ideal for professional training and preparation. The program will provide an opportunity for students to develop substantial backgrounds in mathematics and the sciences, preparing them to teach an enhanced curriculum.
Students who are curious to understand the natural world and the technological advances happening around them will find the Math/Science Specialization of the Liberal Studies degree attractive. To prepare for this specialization, high school students should continue in college preparatory classes in math and science throughout their high school years. Emphasis on critical inquiry and writing skills are important as well. Therefore, your best preparation for our program is to take challenging high school courses that emphasize critical thinking, Mathematics, Science, and plenty of written work. If you are curious about the world you live in and love exploring new ideas about it, then you will love being in the Math/Science Specialization of the Liberal Studies major.
Transfer students who would like to transfer into the Liberal Studies Major with a specialization in Math/Science, must wait until they are a native Rowan student to declare this major. Interested transfer students should contact Dr. Laumakis (laumakis@rowan.edu) as soon as they start to consider the Math/Science specialization as a potential major. It is important to note that the Math/Science specialization is capped to 24 students per graduating class and the enrollment in the major is managed. Students should check that they are taking the correct curriculum and are on track to enroll in the graduating class that they prefer.
It is very important that students interested in the Math/Science specialization follow the lower level and general education guidelines very closely (see Curriculum below). The courses are very specific and the requirements cannot be met with math or science courses that are not listed.
B.A. Liberal Studies: Math/Science Specialization Degree Requirements
Rowan's Liberal Studies: Math/Science Specialization is grounded in the examination of the methods and knowledge of, and relationships among, mathematics, the biological sciences, chemistry, and physics. This design provides a background in current knowledge and methods in these disciplines, as well as their relationships to one another and to everyday life. Interdepartmental courses are offered at the upper level to expand the cognate courses and the exploration of relationships. The program's completion requires a four-year, developmental sequence requiring laboratory courses, computer and math literacy courses, courses emphasizing critical thinking, beginning and intermediate level courses in all four major subject areas, and team-taught interdisciplinary courses at the upper level.
Professors teaching the major courses required for this major are from six different academic disciplines. The faculty involved in developing, advising, and teaching in this specialization are active researchers, well published in their field, and accomplished educators. Trained in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Philosophy, they are dedicated to the goals of this interdisciplinary specialization.
The Liberal Studies major is housed in the Department of Philosophy and Religion in Bunce Hall. The Math/Science specialization is advised by a faculty member from one of the science or mathematics departments. The Program Director and Director of Advising can always be reached either in their offices or through the main office in Philosophy and Religion.
For information about the B.A. in Liberal Studies with a specialization in Math/Science contact:
Dr. Paul Laumakis, Advising Director for Math/Science Specialization, 856-256-4500, Ext. 3872, laumakis@rowan.edu
and/or
Dr. Dianne Ashton, Director, 856-256-4076, ashtond@rowan.edu
Math/Science Specialization of the Liberal Studies Program
c/o Dept. of Philosophy and Religion
Rowan University
201 Mullica Hill Road
Glassboro, NJ 08028-1701