Explore Your Options in the Sciences
Congratulations on your admission to Butler University! We know you may have some questions and concerns about what it means to be an Exploratory Natural Sciences major and where you can go from here. Rest assured, we are here to help you navigate this process, either to learn more about the Exploratory Natural Sciences major or to discover other similar majors that may be a better fit based on your academic goals.
What is Exploratory Natural Sciences?
The Exploratory Natural Sciences program is designed for students who have an interest in natural science or health-related fields, but may benefit from initial exposure to available majors to identify the right fit. As an Exploratory Natural Sciences student, you can take intro-level coursework in the sciences, alongside LC 103 Exploratory Studies, to help determine where your interests may lie. You’re sure to develop new skills and learn about a variety of career paths before fully immersing yourself in a major.
What are other similar majors?
While Exploratory Natural Sciences can be a good start for many students, you will eventually need to select a major. Perhaps you have a clearer idea as to your chosen career path and want to declare a major before coming to campus. Or, maybe you just want to learn more about other options before making a final decision. Below are a sampling of majors that you might not have considered, but could be an excellent fit.
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Biochemistry emphasizes experiential learning and problem solving while providing opportunities to work side-by-side with faculty in a collaborative research environment. Many graduates go on to professional school, such as medical or dentistry, while others head straight to the workforce or to graduate school.
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Biology begins with broad training in the fundamental areas of modern biology and elective options that emphasize student research and fieldwork. Many graduates go on to professional school, such as medical or dentistry, while others head straight to the workforce or to graduate school.
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Biomedical Engineering students are a part of the larger Engineering Dual Degree program, which is a unique partnership between Butler University and Purdue University. In addition, students can easily combine the Biomedical Engineering major with a variety of other majors related to the sciences. Graduates go on to work in a variety of industries related to designing and creating equipment, devices, computer systems, software, and more.
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Chemistry emphasizes experiential learning and problem solving while providing opportunities to work side-by-side with faculty in a collaborative research environment. Many graduates go on to professional school, such as medical or dentistry, while others head straight to the workforce or to graduate school.
College of Communication
Communication Sciences and Disorders provides an exceptional variety of clinical experiences and opportunities for research, ultimately preparing students for success in speech-language pathology and audiology graduate programs. Graduates go on to work in private practices, hospitals, schools, rehab centers, and more.
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The Environmental Studies major provides a flexible and rigorous curriculum that challenges students to explore the economic, political, cultural, technological, and scientific facets of environmental issues.
College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
The Pre-Pharmacy major allows students to complete two years of pre-professional coursework and then, if all criteria are met, advance to the four years of professional pharmacy coursework. Graduates of Butler’s Pharmacy program go on to work in a variety of settings including community pharmacies, hospitals, governmental regulatory agencies, and more.
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The Physics major encourages hypothetical thinking, intensive study, and hands-on, experiential learning through the use of state-of-the-art equipment such as a laser and quantum physic laboratory.
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
As a Psychology major, students are part of a department big enough to pursue research that matters, but small enough for individual attention. Pairing Psychology with a Neuroscience minor will integrate biology, philosophy, and psychology, equipping graduates with the skills needed to apply to medical school or seek graduate programs in a variety of the sciences.
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
In Public Health, students will explore the scientific, social, cultural, and human dimensions of public health, allowing you to analyze and help solve complex community, national, and global public health problems.
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
In Science, Technology, and Society, students will learn how science impacts our world, our lives, and our communities by studying science’s influence on the economy, politics, and cultural motives. Many graduates of this major go on to professional school, like medical, physical therapy, or law, while others go straight into the workforce in areas like public health.
If you have questions or are interested in changing your major, please reach out directly to Jerry Dueweke, Director of Admission. Jerry will be able to answer any of your questions—big or small—and can also assist with changing your major if you so desire.