Bachelor of Science - Major

The major program aims to provide students with the opportunity to gain a depth and breadth of knowledge and skills in their major subject area, as well as a broad appreciation in selected complementary science disciplines.  A minimum GPA of 2.2 is required in those courses used to satisfy the major subject area (6(d)). Graduates are well prepared to enter the workforce in related fields, and they are also adequately prepared for continued study in related professional programs or graduate study.

4. A major program is available in the following disciplines:

• Astrophysics
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Computing Science
• Environmental Science
• Geography
• Geology
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Psychology

Subject to the regulations set forth in this Academic Calendar, students must complete one hundred and twenty (120) credit hours.

​Note: Students should note that at least 50% of all courses for any academic program must be taken at Saint Mary’s University and at least 50% of all courses taken in the major subject must be taken at Saint Mary’s University.

5. Students will normally take thirty (30) credit hours during the regular academic year.

6. To earn a degree of Bachelor of Science with a major, students must successfully complete:

a. Six (6) credit hours in the Humanities [see 3(a)];

b. six (6) credit hours in Mathematics and/or Computing Science at the 1210-level or above.  Students who have completed Calculus for Life Sciences I (MATH 1250) may not use Introductory Calculus I (MATH 1210) towards fulfilling this requirement;

c. twelve (12) credit hours in Arts subjects and/or Economics; excluding Mathematics and Psychology.  Group B GEOG courses, all PSYC courses, and all MATH courses may not be used to satisfy this requirement.
These twelve (12) credit hours are in addition to requirement (a) above;

d. not less than forty-two (42) credit hours in the major subject area. Students must obtain a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.20 in all courses used to satisfy the Major [6(d)];

e. eighteen (18) credit hours in Science not in the subject of the major and in addition to the required Mathematics or Computing Science credit [six (6) credit hours], excluding non-Group B Geography courses and all Engineering courses.  With respect to this regulation, all courses taught in Psychology and Mathematics are considered Science courses;

f. sufficient elective credits to complete the one hundred and twenty (120) credit hours are required for a Bachelor of Science with a major, and achieve a minimum degree grade point average of 2.00 in order to qualify for graduation with a Bachelor of Science degree.