School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences

Jake Schaufer, Interim Director
118 College Drive, Box 5018
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
601.266.4748
Fax: 601.266.5797

Alford, Bai, Bass, Bryant, Bozzolo, Carter, Coats, Cochran, Davis, Deans, Dixon, Donaldson, Elasri, Flynt, Guo, Gutierrez, Hall, Handley, Heitmuller, Henderson, Herron, Holt, Karim, Kreiser, Kuehn, Littlejohn, Lux, Mavrodi, Miller, Patterson, Phillips, Puckett, Qualls, Raber, Regan, Reese, Schaefer, Sellers, Shearer, Swann, Turnbull, Walker, Wang, Warden, Xu, Yee

The school offers majors in biological sciences (with emphasis areas in biomedical sciences, environmental biology, licensure, and microbiology); marine biology; geography (with emphasis areas in geography, geographic information technology, and sustainable development); geology; and medical laboratory sciences.

Biological Sciences Program

The school offers several different Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees in the area of biological sciences, including four with a particular emphasis area that allows students to explore a specific area of the discipline more deeply. Specific degrees offered within the program include:

BS in Biological Sciences
BS in Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences)
BS in Biological Sciences (Environmental Biology)
BS in Biological Sciences (Licensure)
BS in Biological Sciences (Microbiology)
BS in Marine Biology

Detailed degree plans for the various biological sciences emphasis areas and degrees are provided later in this Bulletin (see below for pages for specific emphasis areas). A student’s choice of degree program and curriculum should be determined in consultation with an advisor.

Coursework taken within the area of biological sciences can be applied to only one major. The teacher licensure program in biological sciences includes a major in biological sciences and a minor in secondary education. It is a CAEP-approved teacher education program (Teacher Education Admission Requirements).

Requirements for a Second Baccalaureate in Biological Sciences

Students seeking a second baccalaureate in biological sciences typically complete the same course requirements as do students seeking the first baccalaureate. These courses include the major area of study requirements, the additional requirements, the upper-level writing-intensive course, and the calculus competency. Students must meet with the school director to finalize specific degree requirements during the first semester of seeking the second baccalaureate.

Minor in Biological Sciences

Students minoring in biological sciences must complete 18 hours in the field, including at least seven hours at the 300-level or above at The University of Southern Mississippi, one of which must be a class with a laboratory component. BSC 103 /BSC 103L and BSC 107 /BSC 107L may not count towards the 18-hour minor. Students may include BSC 380 /BSC 380L or BSC 381 /BSC 381L , but not both. For questions about the minor, please see the school director.

Gulf Coast Research Laboratory

The programs in ecology and organismal biology are allied with the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) in Ocean Springs. Faculty at both institutions actively participate in teaching and research activities at the GCRL. Summer coursework at the GCRL is strongly recommended for both undergraduate and graduate students and is required for students earning a Bachelor of Science in marine biology.

Geography Program

The program in geography provides students with the opportunity to explore geospatial techniques and analysis, area studies and international development, land-use and landcover change, historical-cultural geography, nature-society relationships, environmental analysis, resource management, and coastal systems. All concentrations emphasize fieldwork, the application of technical skills and the development of research capability in a particular emphasis area in geography. Programs are well-balanced by faculty and staff specialties in a variety of systematic and regional areas. The faculty have a strong focus on research and field programs in the greater Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe. The undergraduate Bachelor of Science program provides the full range of geographical instruction appropriate to a globally literate education. The undergraduate degree can be obtained on both the Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campuses. Detailed degree plans for the various geography emphasis areas and degrees are provided later in this Bulletin. Corresponding lecture and laboratory courses must be taken simultaneously as co-requisites.

BS in Geography

Geography majors work closely with a faculty advisor to tailor course selections to fit their career goals. All students pursuing a major in geography, however, must complete the following requirements, which include a minimum of 36 hours in the department and a minor or related electives:

		Hours
General Education Curriculum		63-75
Major Requirements
	GHY 104 /GHY 104L or GHY 105 /GHY 105L and GHY 326 or GHY 327	7
	GHY 315 and GHY 331	6
	GHY 410 /GHY 410L , and one other 400-level GHY techniques course	7-8
	GHY 441	3
	Electives in GHY (may include GHY 101 and GHY 102 )	12-13
Minor or Electives		17-25
		Total: 124

BS in Geography (Geographic Information Technology)

The geographic information technology emphasis area within the Bachelor of Science program in geography prepares students for professional employment or graduate study in fields associated with digital methods of geographic data analysis. Majors emphasizing cartography, remotely sensed image interpretation and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will meet Federal Civil Service Commission qualification standards under the job title “cartographer.” These same standards also qualify graduates for entry into the job market wherever geographic information is being used in the public or private sector.

		Hours
General Education Curriculum		63-75
Major Requirements
	GHY 315 and GHY 331	6
	GHY 104 /GHY 104L or GHY 105 /GHY 105L and GHY 326 or GHY 327	7
	GHY 410 /GHY 410L , GHY 411 /GHY 411L , GHY 412 /GHY 412L , GHY 416 /GHY 416L , GHY 417 /GHY 417L and GHY 418 /GHY 418L	22
	GHY 441	3
	PSY 360 or SOC 460 or approved similar course	3
	CSS 240 or CSS 330 or CSS 404	3
Minor or Electives		9-17
		Total: 124

BS in Geography (Sustainable Development)

		Hours
General Education Curriculum		63-75
Major Requirements
	GHY 104 /GHY 104L , GHY 105 /GHY 105L , GHY 210 /GHY 210L , GHY 315 , GHY 331 , GHY 370 , GHY 441 , GHY 443	26
	GHY 217 /GHY 217L or GHY 411 /GHY 411L	4
	Four of the follwoing classes: GHY 341 , GHY 350 , GHY 362 , GHY 400 , GHY 402 , GHY 403 , GHY 422 , GHY 425 , and/or GHY 455	12
	Four courses from an approved list (no more that two from any discipline; see school for details)	12
Minor or Electives		0-8
		Total: 124

Teacher Licensure

Students seeking teacher certification in geography should do so through the program in history, found in the School of Humanities, which offers a certification program in social studies. Such students may wish to pursue a double-major in history and geography.

Minor in Geography

Students seeking a minor in geography must complete 18 hours, including GHY 101 , either GHY 104 /GHY 104L or GHY 105 /GHY 105L , and either GHY 210 /GHY 210L or GHY 217 /GHY 217L . The remaining seven hours can be chosen from any geography courses numbered 300 or above.

Geology Program

Geology is the science of Earth. It deals with processes within Earth and at Earth’s surface that control landscape features, produce essential natural resources, and often result in geologic hazards. It is a science that seeks to understand the history of Earth from the perspective of geologic time and to predict the results of human interaction with the natural environment. It is an interdisciplinary science and requires a foundation in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology.

High school preparation: High school students interested in careers in geology or related areas are encouraged to complete credits in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics through second-year algebra, solid geometry and trigonometry.

Transfer preparation: Students transferring into the program in geology from community colleges, other universities or other programs should note the prerequisites for upper-level geology courses. Completion of GLY 101 , GLY 101L and at least one course in chemistry no later than the summer preceding the junior year is recommended.

Graduates with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in geology are prepared for careers in environmental geology and water resources, exploration and development of petroleum and other natural resources, marine geology, space geology and many other areas. The program offers three different BS degrees in geology to allow students to explore particular areas of interest in more depth.

Additional Requirements for a BS Degree in Geology: All undergraduate degrees in geology require a six-semester-hour course in field geology. Students are encouraged to complete this course through The University of Southern Mississippi, but if necessary, students can take this course from another university with the prior approval of the school director. The student is responsible for all fees, including out-of-state tuition, if applicable. Students in geology must also take the exam required to qualify as a registered professional geologist in the state of Mississippi. The student is responsible for the exam fee.

BS in Geology

The Bachelor of Science in geology provides a strong foundation for students planning on employment or graduate/ professional school in a diversity of areas related to geology. This 124-hour degree requires completion of all requirements of the University’s general education curriculum and an additional 82-95 hours of course requirements. Please see degree plan for details.

BS in Geology (Environmental)

The Bachelor of Science in geology (environmental emphasis) provides a strong foundation for students planning on employment or graduate/professional school in areas such as environmental science and environmental law. This 124-hour degree requires completion of all requirements of the University’s general education curriculum and an additional 79-95 hours of course requirements. Please see degree plan for details.

BS in Geology (Marine)

The Bachelor of Science in geology (marine emphasis) provides a strong foundation for students planning on employment or graduate/ professional school in areas of marine science. This 124-hour degree requires completion of all requirements of the University’s general education curriculum and an additional 79-95 hours of course requirements. Please see degree plan for details.

Minor in Geology

Students seeking a minor in geology must complete 18 hours in the discipline, including GLY 101 /GLY 101L , GLY 103 /GLY 103L , and ten additional hours of geology coursework.

Geographic Information Technology Certificate

The Certificate in Geographic Information Technology is a professional curriculum that prepares students to employ geographic information effectively for solution of problems in many fields. The certificate program is open to both resident degree candidates and practitioners who need to update and formalize their knowledge pertaining to use of geographic information and who comply with either traditional or nontraditional admission requirements of the University. Students may complete the certificate program with or without being admitted to a specific degree program. Students must declare their intent to complete the certificate program before graduating from the University.

To earn the certificate, students are required to complete (1) a minimum of 16 credit hours from GHY 210 , GHY 217 , GHY 410 , GHY 411 , GHY 412 , GHY 417 , GHY 418 , GHY 467 , GHY 468 , GHY 469 (and their accompanying laboratory sections), and (2) a directed individual project for one credit hour of GHY 494 , all with grades of B or better. These courses may be taken by the student as part of a degree plan or as a suite of electives. Students may complete the certificate curriculum by taking the courses in any combination of either physical or virtual classrooms.

Medical Laboratory Science Program

Medical laboratory scientists (MLS) are healthcare professionals who primarily work in clinical laboratories in hospitals and other medical facilities. Graduates of this accredited program are able to sit for the national certification exam offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) to earn the credential MLS (ASCP)cm. This certification provides graduates with job opportunities in clinical laboratories. In addition to working in medical laboratories, graduates may choose to have careers as a laboratory information analyst, infection control officer, or product development specialist. Additional possibilities include progression to professional schools, graduate programs in education or science, or advanced certification as clinical laboratory specialists in disciplines including blood banking, hematology, chemistry, microbiology or molecular testing. Additional information about the degree can be found at the school website.

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Medical Laboratory Science

The BS degree in medical laboratory science requires prerequisite coursework in biology and chemistry as well as completion of general education requirements for the university. Beginning in the junior year, most coursework is earned in the program.

In order to take junior-level coursework, students must:

have a minimum degree GPA of 2.0;
have earned a C or better in required biological science, chemistry, and math coursework (see degree plan for details);
have completed MLS 202 and MLS 203 ;
have completed other prerequisites and corequisites for MLS 301 , MLS 301L , MLS 302 , MLS 302L , MLS 306 , MLS 306L , MLS 315 , MLS 315L ; and
have earned grades of C or better on all MLS courses.

Students must make a C or higher in all junior-level MLS courses. Students may repeat one junior-level MLS course without permission from the faculty to improve the grade, but a second repeat of the course will require a justification to the faculty and a vote of approval from them.

In order to proceed into senior-level coursework, students must:

Maintain a degree GPA and a science GPA of 2.3 (the science GPA includes all BSC, CHE, MAT, and MLS courses in the curriculum);
Maintain required professional liability insurance, physical report, and vaccinations for hepatitis, tetanus, and MMR (unless physician indicates contraindications);
Complete required courses; and
Demonstrate the qualities and attitudes necessary for a competent professional.

Note that students with felony convictions may not be able to complete the degree because they may not be able to perform the clinical experience.

If more students are interested in the program than capacity allows, students will be selected to continue based on GPA. All students in their senior year will be required to complete a 20-week clinical session at one of the affiliated hospitals. Please see the school for details.

The MLS program is fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119. Upon successful completion of the program, students receive the Bachelor of Science degree in medical laboratory science and become eligible to take national certifying examinations.

Language Proficiency

Regardless of courses taken previously, if English is not the native language of any student, evidence of English proficiency must be provided prior to admission into the senior year. The English Language Institute (ELI) English Language Proficiency Examination requirement is “Proficiency II” and is preferred by the department. Alternately, an internet-based TOEFL of 71 may be accepted.

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Medical Laboratory Science (MLT to MLS)

A degree completion plan is available for medical laboratory technicians (MLT) who have completed an accredited MLT associate of applied science degree and certification as MLT(ASCP)cm. Students who meet these criteria are eligible to complete either face-to-face classes or online coursework to earn a BS degree and have the possibility for earning the MLS (ASCP)cm credential.

With the exception of MLS 301 and MLS 301L , MLT students who hold an associate of applied science degree from an NAACLS-accredited MLT program and certification as a medical laboratory technician (or equivalent) from a nationally recognized certifying agency are not required to take the MLS courses prior to the practicum, as long as their transcripts document equivalent courses taken as part of the community college program and a grade of C or above was obtained in each MLT course. MLT students must successfully complete university and college core requirements.

For more information on the MLT to MLS degree, please contact the school.

Phlebotomy Certificate Program

A phlebotomy certificate program that includes one online didactic course and a clinical practicum is also available to students. The phlebotomy program is fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119.

Although Mississippi does not have licensure for medical laboratory scientists, other states may require a state license. Graduates of the program who intend to practice outside of Mississippi should consult the state licensing board in the state in which employment is sought.

Programs

Bachelor of Science

Non-degree

Certificate

Pre-Professional