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

Physics

Mission

The mission of the Physics Program at Marietta College is to provide excellent and rigorous physics education which will enable:

Our Physics majors to pursue advanced degrees at respected graduate schools in physics or other fields of their interest, or to enter the workforce in entry-level technical positions
Our Applied Physics majors to continue their educations in binary engineering programs or in other fields, or to enter the workforce in entry level technical positions
Our Physics minors to experience the value that physics brings in support of their education in a wide variety of academic and professional endeavors
Our General Education students to grasp the basic concepts of physical science and their application in general as well as in their chosen professional fields.

Goals

To provide Physics Major, Applied Physics Major, and Physics Minor students with:

A sound understanding of basic and advanced physics topics at a level appropriate for undergraduate students
A sound understanding of how various mathematical techniques are applied in the solution of physical problems
Strong laboratory skills to enable them to investigate hypotheses experimentally
A sound understanding of the ways and means by which physics (and science in general) developed historically
A basic awareness of contemporary issues in physics
A sound understanding of the role of ethics in science and the role of the scientist in society
A knowledge of and practice in standard scientific writing and oral presentation skills.

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Political Science

Mission

To recruit and graduate about ten student majors per year who will enter graduate and law schools, public and quasi-public organizations, and private organizations related to public affairs, and to develop the capabilities of all Marietta college students in the areas of public affairs and citizenship.

Goals

Students get exposed to every major sub-field of political science.
Students improve their communications skills and ability to evaluate information critically.
Students improve their ability to engage in social analysis
Students get prepared for graduate or professional training and the world of work
Students increase their civic engagement
Students increase their awareness of global developments
Students recognize links between political science and other liberal arts and sciences.
Contribute to the general educational and other college programs that involve political understanding.

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Psychology

Mission

The members of the department of psychology strive each day to give our students the best possible education and training in psychology. We provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the scientific study of behavior and cognitive processes within the liberal arts tradition.

The program emphasizes the scientific foundation of psychology; however, it also stresses the importance of applying psychological principles, methods, and findings to solving problems and improving people's lives.

The psychology faculty strives to graduate all their undergraduate and graduate students with the knowledge, training and professional skills to seek advanced graduate training in psychology or to pursue employment in a career related to psychology.

Goals

Students will learn the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical movements in the field of psychology.
Students will acquire a basic understanding of the scientific method, including the basic methods of research, data analysis, and modes of data interpretation that are commonly used in psychology.
Students will recognize how psychological knowledge, principles and empirical methods can be used to solve problems and benefit others in applied settings.
The psychology major provides students with the intellectual and professional skills that allow them to pursue advanced degrees in psychology or to seek employment in a field related to psychology.