Natural Sciences and Mathematics
The natural sciences and mathematics division is a microcosm of the liberal arts school—an intimate learning environment that encourages independent thinking and fosters close working relationships between students and professors.
Our science students assert that the College’s small size is one of its biggest assets. Here, you have the undivided attention of professors who are committed to helping you succeed.
Research
Faculty members offer research opportunities on campus and with community partners, and can help you secure internships with national research institutions. It’s not unusual for our students to present research findings or even to have work published. Your coursework culminates with the senior capstone experience, a research project that demonstrates mastery of your discipline and your skills as a scientific investigator.
Academic Departments
The Biology Department offers a major designed to help students develop a strong and broad background in biological science. Students may choose an area of emphasis while earning their B.S. in Biology that provides more in-depth coursework in one of three areas: Biochemistry/Molecular Biology & Infectious Disease, Ecology & Evolution or Physiology & Organismal Biology.
The Chemistry Department offers two programs leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry: a non-ACS Certified Chemistry major and an ACS Certified Chemistry major. In addition, students may elect to specialize their chemistry major by focusing their elective coursework and Senior Capstone Experience in one of four areas of emphasis offered by the department: Organic & Medicinal Chemistry, Greener Materials Science, Physical & Instrumental Chemistry, or Biophysics & Biological Chemistry.
Two majors are available to students through the Department of Environmental Science and Studies. Students can pursue an environmental science major (B.S.) or an environmental studies major (B.A.) Both majors are grounded in an interdisciplinary course of study which prepares students to critically analyze and investigate solutions to regional and global environmental issues, whether it is the revival of a depleted fishery, the fate of toxics, land use management in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, world population concerns, loss of biodiversity, or climatic changes. The environmental science major focuses on an interdisciplinary scientific study of the environment, while the environmental studies major is broader in perspective and draws in numerous courses in the humanities and the social sciences, as well as the natural sciences.
The Mathematics and Computer Science Department offers majors and minors in Math and Computer Science, as well as joint minors in Information Systems and Data Analytics with the Business Department.
The Physics Department offers a Bachelor of Science in Physics and a Minor in Physics. Washington College’s Combined Plan Program with Columbia University allows students to obtain dual degrees in Physics and Engineering, with the opportunity to specialize in more than ten different engineering fields.
The Psychology Department offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in experimental psychology, as well as two specialized programs: a Bachelor of Arts concentration in clinical/counseling and a Bachelor of Science concentration in behavioral neuroscience.
Interdisciplinary Programs
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Dual Degree Programs