Dalton State College will begin offering bachelor’s degree programs in math and biology in the fall of 2008, with each program containing an “option” for certification in secondary education, College administrators announced today.

The University System of Georgia Board of Regents approved the establishment of these two new degree programs at its August meeting, increasing the number of four-year majors now offered by the College to ten.

“Math and science are critical fields of study, and there is a high demand for capable graduates of these degree programs, both in the larger marketplace and in the field of education,” said Dr. Jim Burran, President of Dalton State.

“We are delighted that we will be able to help meet the need for graduates in these programs, and we are also excited about the fact that many students will choose to take the degree path necessary to become certified to teach those subjects in the high schools and middle schools.”

According to Dr. Patricia White, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs at the College, the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Bachelor of Science in Biology degrees will have two tracks.

“One option is for those who wish to pursue just the degree itself, which involves taking 40 credit hours in the major field of study plus all of the core and elective courses required for a bachelor of science degree,” she says.

“The other option includes the secondary education component, in which students seeking teacher certification will take 36 hours of education courses, which includes student teaching and an internship, in addition to the credit hours required in the major field.

“An advantage for students who choose to become certified in biology is that our curriculum allows them to become ‘broadfield’ certified in science, which means that they will have earned enough credit in earth science and physical science courses to be able to teach those courses in high schools and middle schools as well.”

White says demand for graduates of math and science programs is high and is expected to grow steadily over the foreseeable future.

“Biology majors often continue their education in the medical, dental, and other health fields, but many also find jobs in business, nutrition and food sciences, biotechnology, and many other fields. Math majors are in demand in the technology and finance sectors, and in almost any field where there’s problem solving to be done.”

 Upper-level classes in biology and math may be offered as soon as this spring, depending on demand, say administrators, while a fuller range of junior level classes will be introduced in the fall of 2008.