Natural Sciences - McPherson College Skip to content Quicklinks Incoming Student Info Financial Aid Admissions Deposit Catalog & Schedule Auto Restoration Alumni Office Employment Ventures in Christian Discipleship President’s Office Giving to MC News Events Directory Employment Contact Natural Sciences Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sustainability, Teaching Licensure, Pre-Professional Programs Major Minor Uncover the physical world and its phenomena. Overview Within the Department of Natural Sciences, we offer majors biochemistry, biology, chemistry, and environmental sustainability. We also offer minors in biology, chemistry, environmental science, and environmental stewardship. Our student-focused research facility has dedicated labs and equipment for you to have full access to all the laboratory technology, growing your experience starting day one. Because your classes and labs are intentionally small, you’ll receive individual attention from faculty members—not a teaching assistant. This leads to connections lasting beyond your college years. You’ll begin research your junior year and select a research project based on your unique interests. This helps you learn how to read and analyze scientific data, write proposals, make a scientific presentation and then become the lead author of your own paper that is published in the college’s science journal, Cantaurus. Your research experience will make you a competitive candidate for graduate and doctoral programs. Health Professions Scholarship Each year McPherson College will select 3 incoming students to receive a full-tuition scholarship and 9 additional students to receive a $5,000 scholarship on top of their Merit Award. Health Professions Scholars will commit to participating in the development of signature outreach programs with McPherson Hospital and the community and will be guaranteed one internship per year. Majors Biochemistry recommended for Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental, DO Biology with Pre-Med, PA and Vet tracks Chemistry including Chemistry:Industry Focus Environmental Sustainability Featured Natural Sciences Student Story "In the lab, students get to work more hands-on and apply what they’ve learned in lectures to real-life applications." Rhyan Lucas '26, Biology The academic rigor of the program and support from the science professors have been vital in preparing Rhyan for grad school and pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor. More from Rhyan "The biology major is simultaneously challenging and rewarding, and is helping prepare me for graduate school.” EJ Landrum '26, Biology: Pre-PA Even with a challenging major like the Biology: Pre-PA track, EJ still finds it important to be involved across campus through multiple student organizations and on-campus jobs. More from EJ 1 / 2 Additional Programs Natural Science Minors Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Stewardship Teaching Licensures Biology, Chemistry Pre-Professional Programs Pursue a program which will prepare you for specialized training or advanced study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Area include Medicine, Osteopathy, Dentistry, Optometry, Podiatry, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy/Physician Assistant, Veterinary Medicine. Experiences & Outcomes Student Research Senior research is the capstone experience for all of our science-related majors and published in the ‘Cantaurus’ – the scientific journal of McPherson College. Student Research Pre-Health Professions Club The PHP club is a group of like-minded students who are planning to enter graduate school after McPherson College and pursue a career in a health profession. Pre-Health Professions Club Virtual Tour Melhorn Science Hall Take a 360° virtual tour of the lecture halls and labs in Melhorn Science Hall - home to the Natural Sciences program at McPherson College. 360 Tour Faculty & Staff Jonathan Frye Ph.D. Professor of Natural Science “I believe that the best way to learn something is by doing it yourself. We ensure, therefore, that every student learns science by experiencing it firsthand in their laboratory and field-based coursework, and as they design and conduct their own undergraduate student research project.” Phone Email Manjula Koralegedara Ph.D. Professor of Chemistry “I believe the courses I instruct cannot be effectively delivered just through lectures and reading. They need an in-depth understanding. After explaining the basic concepts I make my students solve lots of problems. Piece by piece, with the collaboration of the students in the class/group, we derive the answers and make conclusions together. Solving puzzles is a difficult task but fun when we work together in a group. The final result: improved analytical thinking and an ability to apply the course material effectively.” Email Karrie Rathbone Ph.D Professor of Biology Email Phone Allan van Asselt Ph.D. Professor of Chemistry “One of the most enjoyable aspects of teaching chemistry and science at McPherson College is that I get to work with students during all four years of their college careers. Starting with Chemistry I and progressing to ever more sophisticated and complex upper-level courses and senior research projects, I get to witness and participate in the growth of each student. Often this results in relationships that continue well beyond graduation." Phone Email Dustin Wilgers Ph.D. Professor of Biology "I am passionate about science and I am passionate about education. I have a lot of energy in the classroom where I try to engage students with science. My goal is to produce scientifically literate students that are able to apply these skills in their careers and in their everyday lives as valuable members of society.” Phone Email 1 / 5 Get started. Are you ready to see what your future in the sciences will look like? We’ll guide you through the admissions process and connect you with financial aid and scholarship opportunities to make it happen. Admissions See for yourself. During your visit, you’ll meet faculty and students in your major and explore all that McPherson College and the community have to offer. Visit McPherson