Office Updates:
During this unprecedented time, the Western Oregon University Natural Science and Mathematics Division remains dedicated to delivering an excellent education to all its students. Our physical office will be closed until further notice, but staff and faculty are just an email or phone call away and are eager to answer your questions. We will work to ensure every student stays on track toward graduation even as we all adjust to this current reality. Please contact the staff or faculty member listed below according to the nature of your question or request for assistance.
Remote office hours: MTWRF 7:30-12, 12:30-4:00
Cinda DeVoe, Administrative Program Asst., 503-838-8206, devoec@wou.edu
Kristin Latham-Scott, Division Chair, 503-838-8863, lathamscottk@wou.edu
Degrees offered
BS in Biology
Emphasis options:
Botany, Molecular/Cell, Natural History/Field Biology, Pre-Professional, or Zoology
BS in Chemistry
Emphasis options:
Environmental Chemistry, Forensic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmacology, Natural Science, Teacher Education, Traditional Chemistry
BA/BS in Earth Science
BS in Mathematics
Emphasis options:
Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, or Mathematics Teacher Education
BS Computer Science/Mathematics
Mission Statement
The Natural Science & Mathematics Division provides one of the components in the liberal education of Western’s students and makes available a variety of courses and programs for those who need more advanced training in the natural sciences and mathematics. This parallels Western’s mission which is to provide its students with a general education and meet the specific needs of those pursuing teaching, professional and technical careers.
About the Division
The Division of Natural Science and Mathematics is composed of four departments — biology, chemistry, earth & physical sciences and mathematics — which prepare students for a variety of careers in biology, chemistry, earth science, mathematics, physical science. We have a variety of pre-professional health science and pre-engineeering programs and maintain a strong commitment to majors who want to teach in Oregon’s elementary and secondary schools. The Division also offers minors in the four departments plus Physics.
Division Goals
- To ensure excellence by continuing to implement assessment procedures for major and minor programs;
- Maintain quality instruction in the science portion of Western’s Liberal Arts Core Curriculum;
- Ensure a quality science education for those students who will be teachers;
- Incorporate curricular flexibility to prepare students for the scientific challenges of the 21st century
