Department of Biology

Courses in biology prepare students for diverse careers in education, industry, environmental agencies, and further education and research in graduate school. The Biology Department at NSU runs four teaching and four research laboratories in a newly remodeled building. Recent grants have provisioned the laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment for cell and molecular biology physiology, and field work. Computer workstations allow students to study advanced simulations of life processes, model ecological systems, and analyze laboratory data in an ongoing manner during dasses. Biology students are encouraged to explore their individual interests, to work closely with professors on research projects, and to present research projects at national or regional meetings and to publish work in referred scientific journals.

Department coordinator: Dr. Jodie Ramsay
Web site: http://www.northern.edu/cas/biology/

Department of Chemistry and Physics

The Department of Chemistry and Physics prepares students for graduate studies or employment in a wide range of industrial and medical areas. Students benefit from small classes and personal attention from the well-qualified faculty. They learn to operate a wide range of modern instruments, including a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrophotometer, ultraviolet-visible and infra-red spectrophotometers, and gas-liquid and high pressure liquid chromatographs. Students are encouraged to explore their individual interests and to work closely with professors on research projects. Students are often able to present the results of their research at national or regional meetings and to publish their works in scientific journals.

Department coordinator: Dr. Duane Dolejsi
Web site: http://www.northern.edu/chem_phys/

Department of English and Linguistics

The Department of English and Linguistics provides students with a solid foundation for a wide variety of careers by preparing them to read, think, and write critically, and by offering a means to understand and appreciate the literary expression of human thought. The courses offered by the Department provide the communications skills needed for positions in business, industry, and state and federal service. They also prepare students for professional schools in law, journalism, and medicine, as well as for graduate studies in English or linguistics. Literature courses offer students access to new ways of looking at and making sense of the world; composition courses help students process information and communicate their views effectively and persuasively; and linguistics courses help students to understand the rules that make language intelligible. The internship course allows students to explore their own career preferences by applying their English skills in the context of practical challenges.

Department coordinator: Dr. Lysbeth Benkert
Web site: http://www.northern.edu/english/

Department of History and Geography

The courses offeded by the Department of History and Geography prepare students for a variety of occupations and careers. They train students to think and write critically and clearly, and offer a means of understanding American society and the world, both past and present. In addition to preparing students for careers in secondary school teaching, courses in history and geography provide a firm foundation for careers in business, law, journalism, publishing, government, library science, museum work, and other fields.

Department coordinator: Dr. Mark Bartusis
Web site: http://www.northern.edu/cas/history/

Department of Modern Languages and Speech Communication

Modern Language studies give students the opportunity to broaden their understanding of other cultures, gain a deeper understaning of the structure and vocabulary of the English language, and acquire proficiency in the three most-studied foreign languages: German, French and Spanish. Knowledge of a foreign language is a valuable asset for careers in government, the sciences, the armed forces, travel and tourism, the media, and, increasingly, international business. Courses in Speech Communication develop skills in the understanding and practice of communication - skills needed for positions in education, business, industry, and government service; they also prepare students for professional schools in law, journalism, public relations and organizational communication, and for graduate studies in speech communication, rhetoric, public relations, mass media, and others.

Department coordinator: Dr. Anne Holmquest
Web site: http://www.northern.edu/lang_speech/

Department of Mathematics

Mathematics serves as an essential tool for many majors and plays an important role in the general education for all students. Courses in mathematics foster the ability to ask questions and learn valuable critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. The traditional class setting is complemented by the appropriate use of scientific and graphing calculators and computer technology. Students explore concepts through concrete examples and applications, and acquire insight into the relationship between mathematics and other disciplines. A degree in mathematics is useful in a wide variety of professional fields such as business, economics, computer science, education, and technology as well as for graduate studies in mathematics or closely related fields.

Department coordinator: Dr. Abid Elkhader
Web site: http://www.northern.edu/math/

Department of Political Science and Sociology and Criminal Justice

Studies in Political Science and Sociology prepare students for careers in teaching, government service, law and business. Courses in Political Science provide students with an understanding of different aspects of government, with special emphasis in three areas: the American Government, political philosophy, and international relations; the program also offers opportunities for gaining practical experience through internships with national, state and local government. Courses in Sociology provide training in the scientific study of society and social interactions in order to understand the forces that mold individuals, shape behavior, and determine social events; students may also gain credits through internships at agencies that may include police, court services, nursing homes, and many others.

Department coordinator: Dr. Teresa Stallings
Web site: http://www.northern.edu/cas/political_science/

---

top of page