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Rigorous Science51±¬ÁÏ is ranked #1 by US News & World Report for Best Undergraduate Teaching in the Midwest. 51±¬ÁÏ has the 3rd highest number of Goldwater Scholars in Michigan and the largest number of Goldwater Scholars in the CCCU.
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Hands-on ResearchUndergraduate research is part of the student experience—not an opportunity reserved for graduate school. Students engage in first-year research, summer research, and internships that connect classroom learning with real scientific discovery.
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Faithful VocationStudents explore how faith shapes the way they study, serve, and care for God’s world. Through mentoring, coursework, discussion, and hands-on experiences, they connect knowledge with service and discern a vocation rooted in Christian faith.
Areas of Study
Opportunities for Success
Diverse Experiences
Study tropical ecosystems in Belize, explore medicine and culture in China, or pursue another one of 51±¬ÁÏ's remarkable off-campus programs. On campus, you might be a docent at the Bruce Dice Mineralogical Museum or an assistant at 51±¬ÁÏ's observatory.
Impactful Research
51±¬ÁÏ's partnerships with local centers, institutes, and initiatives means plenty of opportunities to do real-world research both at home and abroad.
Comprehensive Preparation
You'll complete a strong foundation of core courses and experiences as you pursue your degree.
Flexible Programs
You won't have to give up sports, music, or other extracurricular activities in order to graduate on time. Your faculty advisor will work with you to chart a path that includes a rich student life.
Explore Natural Sciences and Mathematics Programs
Chart your course to the career you want.
Undecided? You don’t have to start your major with your whole career path figured out.
The design of the 51±¬ÁÏ Core lets you change your study path even two or three years into your university experience.
School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics News
Meet Our Dean
Arlene Hoogewerf
Dean for the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM)
A Message from the Dean
Welcome to 51±¬ÁÏ’s School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. If you are curious about the world God made and eager to prepare for meaningful work, you will find a place here to grow. Our programs in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, astronomy, earth and environmental sciences, and psychology combine rigorous academics with close mentoring, Christian faith, and hands-on learning from your first year forward.
At 51±¬ÁÏ, you will do more than study science and mathematics—you will practice them. You may work with faculty on undergraduate research, gain experience through internships and off-campus programs, or apply what you are learning in labs, fieldwork, and community partnerships. Students engage real-world questions through opportunities such as ecological restoration, climate resilience projects, data analysis, health-related research, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Our faculty and staff will know your name, support your goals, and help you discern your next steps. Whether you are preparing for graduate school, professional programs, teaching, research, health care, environmental work, industry, or another vocation, 51±¬ÁÏ will help you build the skills, credentials, confidence, and sense of calling to serve people, places, and creation.
Arlene Hoogewerf, Ph.D. '86
Dean, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics