Academic Programs: Statements of Mission and Goals

Last Updated: February 2007

Marietta College is committed to offering programs of in-depth study that prepare students for both challenging careers and admission to well-respected graduate and professional schools. Marietta College offers majors, minors and other academic programs in those select areas that are consistent with the mission of the College and where it has the expertise and resources to meet or exceed baselines of excellence.

Undergraduate Programs

Art and Graphic Design

Mission

To graduate students who can successfully enter graduate programs in studio art and graphic design; who are also prepared for employment in advertising agencies and the myriad careers encompassed by the term "graphic design," and who are capable of establishing and sustaining careers as studio artists.

Goals

To recruit and graduate fifteen to twenty qualified students per year.
To place the students in entry-level design positions, graduate programs, or
To enable them to establish careers in studio art.

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Biology

Mission

To graduate students who are majoring in Biology, Environmental Science, Health Science, and Biochemistry, who are prepared for the graduate programs and careers they plan to pursue.
To provide a strong, basic biological education for non-science majors as part of the College’s general education curriculum. To attract a minimum of twenty, high quality majors per year.
To provide courses that support other programs such as Sports Medicine, K-12 Education, and Psychology.

Goals

Provide a solid grounding in the biological sub-disciplines of Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Organismal Biology, Evolution, and Ecology.
Provide laboratory experiences that emphasize critical thinking, group work, scientific methodology, data analysis, and use of modern laboratory equipment and digital technologies.
To develop student oral and written communication and information retrieval skills. Provide courses that teach biology with historical, ethical, social and global perspectives.
Provide students with a sense of what it means to be a professional biologist through an educational environment that encourages professional attitudes and activities with peers and faculty in a scholarly community, and through opportunities for students to observe activities of biological professionals.
To encourage students to pursue their interests in biology, be successful in achieving admission to graduate and medical schools, and in attaining relevant career placement.

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Chemistry

Mission

To graduate chemists and biochemists who are:
- Prepared for entrance into top-rated graduate and professional schools
- Prepared for entry-level positions in chemical industry and other chemistry related fields
- Capable of becoming responsible, successful professionals and leaders in their chosen fields.
To contribute to the preparation of students in other science disciplines for their careers.
To contribute to the improvement of scientific and technological literacy, and the development of critical-thinking and problem-solving skills of all students as preparation for the world of work and responsible citizenship.
To maintain an ACS- approved chemistry program.
To attract well-qualified students, graduate 10-12 students per year, half as chemistry majors, with 60% of those graduates entering graduate or professional schools, including some of the top schools/programs in the country.
To increase the number of science majors enrolled in non-required chemistry courses and graduating with chemistry minors.
To increase the number of non-science majors enrolled in chemistry courses.

Goals

Provide chemistry majors with a strong background in the five major sub-disciplines of chemistry-organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry and biochemistry- with up to date course work in each area.
Provide biochemistry majors with a strong background in organic and analytical chemistry and biochemistry, while emphasizing the interface between chemistry and biology.
Provide students with relevant laboratory and research experiences designed to deepen their understanding of chemical principles, while simultaneously teaching students safe, responsible laboratory practices.
Demonstrate the use of modern technology in chemistry by giving students direct, hands-on experiences with up-to-date instrumentation, computer software, and methods of information retrieval, both in course work and in the laboratory setting.
Provide students with opportunities, through regular coursework and research experiences, to practice active learning and develop their critical thinking, communication, and technical skills.
Provide opportunities for students to become familiar with the chemical professions and professional activities of practicing chemists and biochemists.
Provide students with a more holistic view of chemistry through emphasis on its interdisciplinary nature by using specific examples to illustrate connections between chemistry and other science areas and the liberal arts.