College of Life and Physical Sciences

The College of Life and Physical Sciences offers research opportunities and instruction in biological sciences, chemistry, and mathematical sciences. A specific goal of the college is to increase the proportion of underrepresented minorities in life and physical sciences and mathematics fields.

Department of Biological Sciences

The Department of Biological Sciences offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.)–General Biology

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.)–Cell and Molecular Biology

• Bachelor of Sciences (B.S.)–Teacher Certification/ Licensure (Grades 7-12)

• Master of Science (M.S.)– Biology

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biological Sciences

A variety of courses in the botanical, microbiological, molecular biological and zoological life science areas are offered at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The Department also has a cooperative program with Meharry Medical College, the Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Meharry Medical College/Tennessee State University Medical/Dental Accelerated Pathway Program. The Bachelor of Science program provides training in the basic biological sciences leading to the B.S. degree in biology for:

• pre-health professionals

• acquisition of entry level positions in the job market

• students seeking certification for secondary teaching careers

• graduate training leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees

Department of Chemistry

Chemistry involves the composition, structure, and behavior of matter. The Department of Chemistry offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees, and its Bachelor of Science program is approved by the Committee on Professional Training (CPT) of the American Chemical Society (ACS).

The following undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered in the Department of Chemistry:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.)–Professional Chemistry-ACS Approved

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.)–Biochemistry

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.)–Chemistry with Teacher Certification (Grades 7-12)

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.)–Chemistry

Master of Science (M.S.) in Chemistry with the following concentrations:

• Master of Science (M.S.)–Professional Chemistry

• Master of Science (M.S.)–Biochemistry

Graduate Certificate

• Biochemistry

Department of Mathematical Sciences

The Department of Mathematical Sciences provides students with a strong Mathematical foundation which emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Mathematics is essential for many different disciplines and is used for solving complex problems. All science and engineering disciplines desperately need Mathematics, but Mathematics does not need any other discipline.

The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers the following undergraduate degrees and minors: A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree is offered in:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.)–Mathematical Sciences

• Bachelor of Sciences (B.S.)–Mathematical Sciences with Teacher Certification (Grades 7-12)

An undergraduate minor is offered in:

• Mathematics

• Physics