General Science
The General Science degree (Bachelor of Science in Science) is for students who are interested in interdisciplinary majors in biological sciences, physical sciences, or mathematics, which offer broader options in course selections than are possible within single departments.
The General Science degree also allows for specialization for professional programs in the health sciences, including medical school.
First-year students who are interested in pharmacy can sign up for the Save-A-Seat program, which will guarantee a seat in WSU’s Doctor of Pharmacy program.
The Value of an Education in Science
If you have varied interests that may cut across the usual departmental boundaries and want to play a role in deciding on a suitable curriculum of study, then you should consider majoring in general biological sciences, general physical sciences, or general mathematics.
The general science degree will prepare you for a wide variety of opportunities after graduation ranging from professional and graduate school to entry into business and industry. Graduates of General Studies- Sciences are expected to:
- have a thorough understanding and knowledge of their major area of study;
- understand and critically analyze research and journals from their field of study;
- communicate clearly about their field to a wide variety of audiences, and
- understand that they will need to engage in lifelong learning to stay current in their field.
Make a major discovery…
Science Students Get Their Hands Dirty
Students in linked biology and chemistry courses worked with the Wine Science Center this semester to test “recipes” for composting wine pomace – the grape skins, stems and seeds left over from winemaking. Read more…
Students provide the academic and career goal, and their advisor helps ensure that their program of study includes any prerequisites for the 300-400 level major course work, satisfies the university’s general education requirements, and meets any additional requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences.
A general studies program can be organized according to two general plans:
- Plan A: Complete 24 credits in a primary concentration and 15 credits in a secondary concentration.
- Plan B: Complete a minimum of nine credits in three or more academic areas in the sciences.
Students have the option of focusing on Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, or Mathematics.
WSU Tri-Cities provides excellent preparation for medical school and other health care fields (such as optometry, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, or physical/occupational therapy).
Tracks in the pre-health sciences are not major in themselves. They are preparatory tracks that can be incorporated into any major. (Most other fields of professional health care are the same way.) As long as you complete the general core requirements for schools in your professional area, you can select any major you like.
Students from WSU Tri-Cities have gone on to enter the MD/PhD program at Baylor, pharmacy, dental and physician’s assistant schools. You can, too.
To learn more about your options, talk with you faculty advisor, Dr. Elly Sweet.
Undergraduate advising is a partnership between you, your professional advisor, and your faculty mentor and it goes beyond course selection. Whether you plan to enter the workforce or continue on to earn an advanced degree, your academic advisors and professional mentors will guide you toward that goal. This holistic approach ensures that you are engaged in your academic plan, connected to the campus community and resources, and earn your degree as efficiently as possible.
While the majority of students’ courses and credits are completed within the major, the UCORE curriculum provides courses that are the foundation basic skills that all WSU students must develop no matter their major.
The University Common Requirements (UCORE) is the center of the undergraduate curriculum and you will start taking these courses starting your first semester at WSU Tri-Cities. If you took AP, IB, or Running Start courses in high school, then you may already have met some of the requirements.
The UCORE curriculum is designed to be flexible enough to work for all majors. The program offers a wide variety of course choices and provides many individual pathways through the curriculum.
Not admitted yet? Talk with an Admissions Counselor to learn how easy it is to apply.
Transfer students who have completed an approved Associate of Arts and Science (DTA) degree at a Washington or Oregon community college will have fulfilled most of the lower-division UCORE requirements. Because students have to also meet the College of Arts & Sciences requirements, some students must take additional courses in a foreign language in order to complete the degree. Otherwise, transfer students will have their transcripts evaluated for UCORE requirements.
Use the transfer credit equivalency guide to learn how your credits will transfer.
If you are currently enrolled at Columbia Basin College and intend to transfer to WSU Tri-Cities, then check out our Bridges Program that provides a direct academic path.
Students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, must complete a minimum of 30 credits of WSU coursework and fill the major requirements to earn a second degree. UCORE requirements are not required as they are met by coursework from the first bachelor’s degree.
Not admitted yet? Talk with an Admissions Counselor to learn how easy it is to apply.
Science majors develop critical thinking and empirical skills that are translatable to a number of careers. Your options are only limited by your interests.
Graduates of WSU Tri-Cities leave campus fully ready to enter the workforce. The Career Development Office offers workshops on how to develop a job search strategy, write a compelling résumé and cover letter, and sharpen interview skills – all of which will help students land a job in today’s competitive market.
The Career Development Office posts on- and off-campus positions for student employees and also work with students to identify internships, cooperative work experience, and post-graduation career opportunities.
See how you can become career-ready with a major in science.
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