TCNJ

21 DEPARTMENTS Biology Chemistry Computer science Mathematics and statistics Physics MAJORS Biology* ** Chemistry* ** Computer science Mathematics* ** Statistics Physics* ** * Also available as a dual BS/MD through our 7-year Medical Program ** Secondary education option available STUDENT ENROLLMENT 1,140 CLASS OF 2017 AVERAGE STARTING SALARY $ 57,799 TOP GRADUATE SCHOOLS Brown Chicago Georgia Tech Johns Hopkins NYU Penn Penn State Rutgers William & Mary Yale Last fall, Tasting the Tree of Life: Exploring Biodiversity through Cuisine — a science- themed meal hosted collaboratively by the School of Science and Dining Services in February 2017 — won Food Management magazine's "Best Special Event" for 2017 in the publication's Best Concept Awards. These awards are "designed to recognize and celebrate out-of-the-box innovations." In March, the Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education published an article on the event in a special themed issue on science communication. Titled "Tasting the Tree of Life: Development of a Collaborative, Cross- Campus, Science Outreach Meal Event," the piece was co-authored by faculty Wendy L. Clement and Kathryn T. Elliott; nine biology majors; Dining Services staff; and the school's dean. BA IN BIO ON HORIZON TCNJ's Board of Trustees approved a new Bachelor of Arts in Biology program, which is slated to launch in spring 2019 pending state approval. The degree complements the school's existing Bachelor of Science in Biology and opens new career paths for biology students. "The bachelor of science is a very traditional degree program that includes a robust set of core science courses not only in biology but also in chemistry, physics, and math," said Keith Pecor, professor and chair of the biology department. "As such, it is a very prescriptive program with limited options for students who may wish to pursue other interests or other areas within the field." The flexibility of the BA will allow students to personalize their program of study and provide greater opportunities to pursue a second major, or a minor, either within the School of Science or in other academic areas. AFTER TASTE INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE TCNJ was selected by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to join its prestigious Inclusive Excellence Initiative. The initiative is focused on implementing efforts to improve the inclusion of students from diverse backgrounds in science education on college and university campuses. As an Inclusive Excellence institution, TCNJ will receive a $1 million grant over five years to work with HHMI and its partner, the Association of American Colleges and Universities, to engage in the process of culture change to better support diversity and inclusion. TCNJ's goal is to create a more inclusive culture of pedagogy, advising, and mentoring that will support the redesign of 16 core science and math courses, the adoption of culturally aware mentored research experiences, new structures for faculty recognition and reward, and enhanced capacity for assessing inclusivity. THE RIGHT FORMULA FOR GRADS WHO EARN CHEMISTRY PhDS TCNJ ranks third among public colleges and universities nationally, and first on the East Coast among public and private colleges, for percentage of undergraduate chemistry students earning terminal degrees in the field, according to National Science Foundation and American Chemical Society data. "TCNJ has a distinctive approach and philosophy to undergraduate education in the sciences," said Dean Jeffrey Osborn. "We have been very purposeful in designing an academic experience that deeply engages our students in the process of science and in the creation of new knowledge." The increase in science professionals with doctoral degrees will have a positive impact on New Jersey and the region, which offers a plethora of job opportunities. "TCNJ is basically in the middle of 'Pharmaceutical Alley,' being halfway between New York City and Philadelphia," said Donald Hirsh, chair of TCNJ's chemistry department. "Even if our students relocate to other areas to pursue their graduate degrees, many find themselves back in this area given the number of job opportunities available."

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