The academic heart of Marietta College
Each academic department fosters a supportive community where professors know students by name, guide them through meaningful coursework, and open doors to research, creative projects, internships, and career exploration.
Visit a department page to learn more about faculty, programs, facilities and what make the department stand out. Search our majors, minors, certificates and graduate programs on the Exlore All Programs link.
Art Department
The Art Department offers a highly personalized, creativity‑driven experience where students work closely with faculty in small classes, gain hands‑on access to professional studios and the innovative Deem Design Center, and showcase their work in the college’s own Gallery 310. With opportunities ranging from traditional studio art to digital design, students build strong creative, conceptual, and professional skills while benefiting from exhibitions such as the Senior Capstone Exhibition. Rooted in a liberal arts foundation, the program empowers students to develop their artistic voice and pursue their creative ambitions as they build the versatility, problem‑solving abilities, and confidence needed for success in today’s visual world.
PROGRAMS: Art, Graphic Design, Studio Art
Biology Department
The Biology Department offers a hands‑on, research‑driven program where students explore living systems through small classes, faculty mentorship, and extensive lab and field experiences. Students gain broad training across areas such as anatomy, immunology, zoology, ecology, and modern biological research. Biology majors complete faculty‑guided research and present their capstone work during All Scholars Day, while opportunities for internships, tutorships, and travel‑based field studies prepare graduates for careers in healthcare, research, conservation, and other STEM fields.
PROGRAMS: Biology, Health Sciences
Department of Business & Economics
PROGRAMS: Accounting, Economics, Finance, Land & Energy Management, Management, Marketing, Sports Management, Business Administration-A.A.
Center for Earth Energy & Environment
The Center for Earth, Energy and Environment (CEEE) prepares students to tackle the evolving challenges of global energy and environmental systems through rigorous academics, hands-on experiences, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The Center serves as an innovation hub that builds on Marietta College’s strengths in petroleum engineering, geology, environmental sciences, energy systems, and land and energy management. With a mission to guide and develop future leaders who can drive sustainable energy solutions, the CEEE connects students, faculty, industry professionals, and government agencies to advance responsible energy development and environmental stewardship.
RELATED UNDERGRADUATE PROGAMS:
- Petroleum Engingger (Pertroleum)
- Energy Systems Engineering (Petroleum)
- Environmental Sciences (Earth, Environmentla & Planetary)
- Environmental Studies (Earth, Environmentla & Planetary)
- Geology (Earth, Environmentla & Planetary)
- Land and Energy Management (Business & Economics)
- Planetary Sciences (Earth, Environmentla & Planetary)
GRADUATE PROGRAM: M.A.-Environmental Sustainability Leadership
Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers American Chemical Society–approved programs that provide rigorous, hands‑on preparation for futures in research, healthcare, industry, and graduate or professional school. Students benefit from small classes taught by Ph.D. faculty across all major chemistry disciplines, early access to advanced instrumentation, and modern laboratory facilities. Students gain extensive laboratory experience, conduct independent research, and often present their work at regional and national conferences. Many graduates pursue graduate or professional programs, while others enter chemistry‑related careers equipped with strong analytical, problem‑solving, and technical skills developed through Marietta’s rigorous and immersive scientific training.
PROGRAMS: B.S- Chemistry, B.A.-Applied Chemistry, B.S.-Biochemistry, B.A.-Applied Biochemistry. B.S.- Industrial/Engineering Chemistry
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
NEW PROGRAM!
The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) at Marietta College prepares students to become compassionate, ethical, and highly skilled mental health professionals through a rigorous graduate curriculum. The low-residency online program is designed to be completed in two years. The program builds strong cognitive, clinical, interpersonal, and professional competencies while emphasizing evidence‑based practice and the development of essential counseling skills. Aligned ARC‑PA accreditation standards, the CMHC program equips students for licensure‑eligible practice and advanced work in a variety of mental health settings across the region.
GRADUATE PROGRAM: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (online, low-residency)
Communication Department
The Communication Department prepares students to become skilled, adaptable communicators ready to succeed in today’s media‑driven and globally connected world. The department blends theory, research, and hands‑on practice across areas such as public relations, advertising, media production, organizational communication, and health communication. Students build strong portfolios through internships, student media, and capstone projects, gaining the verbal, analytical, and relational skills employers value most. With award‑winning faculty, small classes, and a long tradition of excellence in public speaking and communication education, the program develops graduates who are prepared to lead, create, and communicate effectively in any field.
PROGRAMS: Strategic Communication - Public Relations and Organizational Communication, Strategic Communication - Public Relations and Advertising, Communication Studies, Journalism and Broadcasting, Health Communication, Organizational Development
Earth, Environmental & Planetary Science Department
The Earth, Environmental & Planetary Science Department explores the interconnected systems of our planet and worlds beyond. Students gain a strong scientific foundation through interdisciplinary coursework, fieldwork, and hands‑on laboratory experience, preparing them for careers in energy, natural resource management, conservation, sustainability, and space‑related fields. With opportunities for undergraduate research, specialized field trips, and experiential learning—including geology field camps and planetary science investigations—students develop the analytical skills and real‑world experience needed for graduate study and STEM‑focused careers.
PROGRAMS: Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geology, Planetary Science
Education Department
The Education Department prepares future teachers to lead with confidence and creativity through its recognized, CAEP‑approved licensure programs and innovative curriculum. The department equips students with real‑world classroom experience, expert faculty mentorship, and leadership training. As one of the state’s top educator preparation programs, Marietta emphasizes evidence‑based teaching practices—including early Science of Reading training—and graduates educators who are classroom‑ready, collaborative, and committed to inspiring learners of all ages.
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS: Primary Education and Special Education Dual Preparation, Middle Childhood and Special Education Dual Preparation, Secondary Education and Special Education Dual Preparation, Secondary Education Preparation, Wellness Education and Special Education Dual Preparation, non-licensure Educational Studies
POST-BACCALAUREATE: Additional classes that allows those who have already completed a bachelor’s degree in a non-education major to earn a teaching license
GRADUATE: Graduate reading endorsement (5 courses)
English Department
The English Department helps students become perceptive readers, logical thinkers, and persuasive writers through a curriculum grounded in literary analysis, critical thinking, and creative expression. With faculty who are accomplished writers, students gain mentorship in both literature and writing while exploring diverse genres, cultural perspectives, and cutting‑edge theoretical approaches. English majors build strong portfolios through internships, original research presented at All Scholars Day, involvement in publications like Pulse, and participation in events such as Pizza, Poetry, and Prose. Graduates pursue a wide range of careers—from teaching and law to technical writing, public relations, and business—equipped with highly marketable communication and analytical skills.
PROGRAMS: English, Creative Writing, Professional Writing
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship empowers students to think creatively, solve real‑world problems, and turn ideas into action through a major, minor, and certificate housed within the Milone Center. Rooted in the belief that entrepreneurship is a life skill—not just venture creation—the program helps students develop an entrepreneurial mindset by recognizing opportunities, creating valuable solutions, testing feasibility, and ultimately bringing goods and services to life. With hands‑on learning, mentorship, competitions, and a supportive community open to all majors, students graduate prepared to innovate, lead, and make meaningful impacts in any career path they pursue.
PROGRAM: Entreprenuership
Department of History, Philosophy, Religion and Gender & Sexuality Studies
The History Department offers a rich, immersive experience that helps students understand global cultures, historical events, and the skills historians use to interpret the past. Through a balanced curriculum spanning American, European, and non‑Western histories, students develop strong research, analytical, and communication skills that prepare them for careers in education, law, public history, museums, government, and graduate study. Located in Ohio’s first permanent settlement—surrounded by museums, historic sites, and the College’s own extensive Special Collections—Marietta provides unmatched opportunities for archival research, internships, and hands‑on learning.
PROGRAMS: History, Public History, Philosophy, Religion, Gender & Sexuality Studies
Mathematics and Computer Science Department
The Mathematics & Computer Science Department prepares students for high‑demand careers across technology, analytics, engineering, research, and beyond. An active department community hosts events, study sessions, and collaborative projects. The department’s strong alumni network spans prominent roles in software engineering, data science, actuarial analytics, engineering, and academia, demonstrating the program’s success in developing graduates with the technical, analytical, and problem‑solving skills needed to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving STEM fields.
PROGRAMS: Actuarial Science, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, Mathematics, Data Analytics
McDonough Center for Leadership & Business
The McDonough Center for Leadership & Business is one of the nation’s most comprehensive liberal‑arts‑based leadership development centers. Offering students in any major the opportunity to build strong leadership knowledge, skills, and real‑world experience, the Center is home to the competitive McDonough Leadership Program. Engaging students in hands‑on learning through community engagement, global study trips, nonprofit leadership development, business leadership initiatives, and undergraduate research, sthe Center helps tudents grow as confident, ethical leaders prepared to make meaningful contributions on campus, in their communities, and around the world
PROGRAMS: Leadership Studies minor and certificate, Teacher Leadership Certificate, Engineering Leadership Certificate, Organizational Social Responsibility
Music Department
The Edward E. MacTaggart Department of Music offers students extensive opportunities to study, perform, and grow as musicians—regardless of major—through a vibrant curriculum, individualized instruction, and a range of ensembles. Students build a strong musical foundation within a liberal arts setting while benefiting from close mentorship by active performers and scholars. From choirs and instumental ensembles to recitals, concerts, and major productions, students enjoy abundant performance experiences beginning their first year. The department also supports aspiring musicians through scholarships, auditions, and an accessible, engaged faculty..
PROGRAMS: B.A.-Music, minor in Music, Vocal Pedagogy Certificate
Petroleum Engineering Department
The Edwy R. Brown Department of Petroleum Engineering is home to one of the nation’s premier ABET‑accredited petroleum engineering programs and the only undergraduate program of its kind based at a liberal arts college. Marietta offers small classes, extensive one‑on‑one faculty support, and a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for careers in drilling, reservoir engineering, production, completions, and energy management. Students gain hands‑on experience designing and analyzing subsurface well systems, evaluating geological formations, and optimizing resource development—skills grounded in engineering science, technology, and applied economics. The program is recognized for producing well‑rounded graduates who are ready for industry, graduate school, and leadership roles across the global energy sector.
PROGRAMS: Petroleum Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering, Energy Systems Studies
Physican Assistant Studies
The Physician Assistant (PA) Studies Program is a highly respected, ARC‑PA accredited graduate program that prepares students to become skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals through a rigorous 26‑month curriculum combining intensive didactic instruction with hands‑on clinical experiences. Established in 2002 and recognized for its strong outcomes, the program leads to a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS), qualifying graduates to sit for the national PANCE certification exam. With a mission to address healthcare provider needs across Ohio and the Appalachian region, the program emphasizes patient‑centered, team‑based medical practice while helping students build the cognitive, clinical, interpersonal, and professional competencies required for modern healthcare.
PROGRAM: M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies
Physics Department
The Physics Department offers a rigorous, supportive, and highly personalized program that prepares students for graduate study, research careers, engineering pathways, and a wide range of technical fields. Students gain a strong foundation in theoretical, experimental, and computational physics while working closely with expert faculty in small classes and advanced labs—including facilities for quantum optics, parallel computing, and planetary science. The department’s hands-on learning environment, access to a campus planetarium, and individualized mentoring help students develop the analytical, problem‑solving, and scientific skills needed for success in physics, engineering, education, medicine, and other STEM-related careers.
PROGRAMS: Physics, Applied Physics, Astonomy, Engineering Dual Degree
Polical Science Department
The Political Science Department provides students with a strong foundation in American politics, international relations, comparative politics, and political theory, preparing them for careers in government, law, public service, advocacy, and global affairs. Students develop advanced skills in research, writing, critical analysis, and policy evaluation. The program emphasizes experiential learning—such as internships, research projects, and opportunities to engage with real‑world political issues—helping students become informed, engaged citizens ready to lead in a rapidly changing world
PROGRAM: Political Science, Legal Studies minor
Psychology Department
The Psychology Department provides a rigorous, research‑driven education that prepares students for graduate study, counseling careers, scientific research, and a wide range of human‑services and business professions. Students work with award‑winning faculty, participate in active research labs, engage in Psi Chi and the Psychology Club, and gain practical skills that make them competitive for doctoral programs or immediate employment in psychology‑related fields.
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS: Psychology, Neuroscience
GRADUATE PROGRAM: M.A.-Psychology
Sports Medicine Department
The Sports Medicine Department prepares students for careers in allied health and pre‑athletic training through a rigorous Bachelor of Science program that blends foundational coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, communication, and sports medicine with extensive hands‑on learning. The department also oversees the Athletic Training unit responsible for the health and well‑being of Marietta’s student‑athletes, emphasizing patient‑centered care, evidence‑based practice, interprofessional collaboration, and professional development. Students gain exceptional practical experience—including access to a human cadaver lab, internships, and study‑abroad opportunities—that sets them apart in graduate school applications and prepares them to become skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals.
PROGRAM: B.S.-Sports Medicne
Theatre Department
The Department of Theatre offers a dynamic, hands‑on education where students of all experience levels can explore acting, directing, dance, design, technology, and playwriting within a supportive, close‑knit artistic community. Students customize their training through professional‑quality productions, individualized faculty mentorship, and opportunities beginning as early as their first year. Each season is intentionally curated to provide diverse artistic challenges, including musicals, plays, new works, and the celebrated Shakespeare by the River annual collaboration with professional directors and designers. Students hone their craft in state‑of‑the‑art facilities, including the adaptable Friederich Theater and a black box performance space, while developing the creative, collaborative, and technical skills that prepare them for careers in the entertainment industry or further study in graduate programs.
PROGRAMS: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Theatre, B.F.A.-Musical Theatre, B.A. Theatre, Minors in Dance and Theatre
Department of Physical Education
The Department of Physical Education offers a Coaching Minor, which provides students with a strong foundation in coaching theory and hands‑on practice, preparing them to work effectively with athletes in school, community, and recreational settings. The program includes coursework in coaching methods, sport psychology, nutrition, injury prevention, legal issues in sport, and wellness—plus an internship experience. With access to Marietta’s outstanding athletic facilities, including the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center, Pioneer Park, Don Drumm Stadium, and the Marietta Field Complex, students learn and apply coaching techniques in real training environments, gaining valuable field experience that strengthens their career readiness.
