OCSE Undergraduate Degrees & Certificates

Overview

The major in agriculture (508) consists of several concentrations allowing students to specialize in areas of interest such as Plant and Soil Science, Agribusiness, Agricultural Education, Animal Science, Applied Horticulture and Turf Systems, Horse Science, and General Agriculture. 

Program Requirements (21 hours)

Overview

The Floristry certificate is meant to enhance majors such as business, horticulture, hospitality management, hotel restaurant management, and interior design.  Students who elect the Floristry certificate will develop the skills needed to establish and manage a retail floral business, with emphasis on logistics, resources, marketing and risk management.  This certificate will also be an encouragement for related industry to have an educational outlet for themselves and employees.

Overview

The major in Biology (525) provides students the opportunity to undertake an in-depth study of biological sciences and its applications. A minor, second major, or certificate is not required. The major in Biology begins with foundation classes and laboratories that build into a core of advanced courses and laboratories. In addition to a required core, students complete a range of biology elective courses tailored to their interests to support their career goals.

The program offers seven different concentrations - Applied Genetics (BIAG), Applied Microbiology (BIMI), Animal Physiology & Behavior (BIAP), Ecology, Wildlife, & Conservation (BIWC), Integrative Biology (BIIB), Molecular Biotechnology (BIMB) and Pre-Medical Professions (BIPM). These seven concentrations are designed to facilitate essential requirements and provide training for a variety of career pathways and advanced degree programs to suit students' interests.

In addition to coursework, students may apply up to six credit hours of faculty-guided independent research and/or an internship experience towards their degree.

Overview

The major in Biology (Reference Number 617) provides an opportunity to acquire broad-based study in biology for students who wish to be certified to teach high school biology. These students must complete both the major in Biology (617) with a teacher education certification (TCHR) and the major in Science and Mathematics Education (reference number 774). Interested students should contact the SKyTeach Office, Kelly Thompson Hall 1011A, 270-745-3900 or visit www.wku.edu/skyteach.

In addition to coursework, students may apply up to three credit hours of faculty-guided independent research and/or an internship experience towards their degree.

Program Requirements (24 hours)

The minor in biology (326) provides an opportunity for students to couple training in their primary discipline with an understanding of the foundational concepts, theories, patterns, and processes in the biological sciences. Beyond the core, the biology minor is flexible, allowing students to tailor their coursework to their primary areas of interest.

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12 hours must be at the 300 or higher level. The following BIOL courses will not count towards the BIOL electives nor the Biology minor requirements: BIOL 113, BIOL 114, BIOL 131 BIOL 231, BIOL 207, BIOL 208, BIOL 295, BIOL 303, BIOL 390.

Students, with the aid of their advisor, select additional biology courses to complete the minor. Students may count up to 3 credit hours of a combination of BIOL 369 and BIOL 399 and up to 4 credit hours of BIOL 485 toward this minor.

Overview

The Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program leads to a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree after four years of study. This specialized degree prepares students for careers in clinical laboratories such as those in hospitals, where specific professional credentials are required – credentials that other majors do not provide. Graduates of the MLS program are eligible to sit for the national certification exam administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathologists (ASCP). Passing this exam qualifies them to work in various diagnostic laboratories, including hospitals and clinical settings. One key advantage of the Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) major is that it prepares students to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation, with no additional education or training required.

The job outlook for this career is high and employment opportunities reside in rural, urban or metropolitan areas. Though two-thirds of Medical Laboratory Scientists work in hospital laboratories, new sources of employment include laboratories in physician’s offices, research facilities in universities and industries, public health centers, and veterinary clinics.

Coursework for this major requires a minimum of 82 hours (36 of which are completed at a Medical Laboratory Science school and transferred back to the Department of Biological Sciences) and leads to a B.S. degree in Medical Laboratory Science. No minor, second major, or certificate is required. A student must meet all of the Colonnade Requirements for the bachelor’s degree at Western Kentucky University before admission to the clinical year at the affiliated school of Medical Laboratory Science. Upon satisfactory completion of the course requirements in medical laboratory science, the Bachelor of Science degree will be awarded by Western Kentucky University. The program is affiliated with the following schools of medical technology: Bellarmine University, Louisville, KY; Owensboro Medical Health System, Owensboro, KY; Vanderbilt Medical Center, Nashville, TN; and St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Covington, KY.

Overview

Advisor:
Dr. Kevin Williams, Department of Chemistry
Kelly Thompson Hall, Office 4056
Phone: 270-745-8899    

Faculty:
Department of Chemistry: M. Kim, K. Williams, D. Wolfgang
Department of Biology: R. King, A. Srivastava

Biochemistry is the study of the chemical basis of living organisms. The subject includes the investigation of the various classes of biomolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates) and their metabolic interactions.

Training in biochemistry offers many exciting opportunities in teaching, research, and public service. It provides excellent preparation for students intending to enter professional programs such as Dentistry and Medicine as well as graduate study in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or Biology. The Biochemistry program is the only stand-alone Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry at a public institution in the Commonwealth. It is administered jointly through the Departments of Biology and Chemistry. Students may enroll for biochemistry courses through either the Department of Biology or the Department of Chemistry, depending upon their major emphasis.

Biochemistry I (BIOL 446|/CHEM 446|) is strongly recommended for pre-medicine and pre-dentistry students as well as for chemistry and biology majors.

Overview

The major in chemistry requires a minimum of 33 semester hours and leads to the Bachelor of Science degree. Requirements of the major include selecting one of four concentrations:  ACS-Approved, Foundations, General, or Teacher Certification. The ACS-Approved Concentration does not require a minor or second major and is typically for students desiring graduate education in chemistry.  The Foundations Concentration requires a minor or a second major and is appropriate for a wide range of career targets.  The General Concentration requires a second major and is typically chosen by those in pre-health concentrations.  The Teacher Certification Concentration is for students desiring Secondary Teacher Certification and requires a second major in Science and Mathematics Education (Reference Number 774). In addition to secondary certification in Chemistry, students may earn dual certification in Middle School Science. Prior to a selection of a program of study, a student should consult with a chemistry advisor to determine the most appropriate option. Students interested in teacher certification should also contact the SKyTeach Office, Kelly Thompson Hall 1011A, 270-745-3900 or visit www.wku.edu/skyteach.