Math/Science Scholarship Application

The Math/Science Scholarship deadline has passed for fall 2012 freshmen.

If you are a freshman entering in fall 2013, online applications for the Math/Science Scholarships will be available in late October 2012. Sign up now to receive more information about Carthage's Math/Science Scholarships.

The Math/Science Scholarships

Carthage offers one annual full-tuition (worth a total of approximately $125,000 over four years) and two $20,000 per year renewable scholarships to high school seniors who have been accepted at Carthage, demonstrate ability in science and math, and show commitment to the values embodied by a liberal arts education. These scholarships incorporate all Carthage assistance.

Math/Science Scholarship candidates are selected from those students who are admitted to Carthage, who plan to major in one of the natural science programs listed below, and have submitted the Math/Science Scholarship application and required documents, postmarked or submitted online no later than December 3, 2011.

Qualified scholarship applicants will be notified in early January 2012. The annual Math/Science Scholarship Competition will take place on Friday, February 24, 2012. Students must take a comprehensive written examination choosing four of the following six subject areas that assesses their scientific literacy: biology, chemistry, computer science, geography and earth science, mathematics, and physics. Competitors must also write a short essay as part of the competition exam.

Natural Sciences

Carthage offers a variety of majors and programs in the natural sciences, preparing students for careers in health care, research, teaching, and business. The close-knit community of science faculty and students stems naturally from the College's liberal arts atmosphere and is deepened through the activities of hands-on science. Courses provide the foundation upon which students and faculty interact in research projects, student clubs and honor societies, outreach programs, seminars, and colloquia. Carthage undergraduate science students join active faculty researchers in ongoing scientific programs and present the results of their research projects both on and off campus.

The Majors

Biology: Students who major in biology select a sequence of courses that acquaint them with a variety of animals and plants, their structure, function, genetics, and molecular biology. The biology curriculum prepares students for graduate study, research opportunities, teaching, and entry into medical, veterinary, dental, and other professional schools. Read more about biology at Carthage.

Chemistry: Students who major in chemistry study the properties of atoms and molecules, and their transformations in nature and the laboratory. The department has been accredited by the American Chemical Society since the early 1960s, one of few small colleges to earn this distinction. This assures students of a quality staff and curriculum, and access to state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and library materials, a preparation which makes Carthage science graduates of special interest to employers and graduate schools. Read more about chemistry at Carthage.

Computer Science: Students who major in computer science develop problem-solving skills that can be applied in many disciplines. The courses provide a firm foundation of knowledge and practical experience in software development, computer architecture, and theoretical computer science , which prepares students for successful careers in the computer industry and for graduate study. Read more about computer science at Carthage.

Environmental Science: Students in the environmental science program study the problems that arise when human beings interact with the physical/natural environment that surrounds them. The approach is broadly based and yet focused on the student's choice of an individual study track (Conversation/Ecology, Environmental Policy, Environmental Data Analysis, Water Supply/Quality, or Environmental Education). One of the primary goals of the program is to nurture a student's understanding of how to approach complex problems using methodologies and philosophies from multiple disciplines. The program prepares students for both graduate study and careers in environmental fields. Read more about environmental science at Carthage

Geography and Earth Science: Students in geography and earth science study the interaction of human beings with the natural and built environment and the spatial dynamics of those interactions. The program emphasizes environmental analysis, climatology and meteorology, hydrology, biogeography, urban-economic analysis and geographic information systems (GIS, GPS, computer mapping, etc). The curriculum uses a problem solving model that prepares students to undertake research in a variety of contexts. The department also offers a number of undergraduate research opportunities outside of the thesis experience. Students completing degrees in geography and earth science pursue graduate school and professional careers in approximately equal measure, and the unique spatial analytic skills learned in geography and earth science put them in high demand. The Department of Labor has identified the field as one of the three most important emerging and evolving fields. Read more about geography and earth science at Carthage

Mathematics: Students who major in mathematics acquire methods of logical reasoning and deduction, develop problem-solving skills for a wide variety of applications, and learn the techniques of the major branches of contemporary mathematics. Courses help undergraduates prepare for opportunities in business or industry, the teaching profession, and graduate work. The department publishes its undergraduate students' research in the journal Sine on the Dotted Line. Read more about mathematics at Carthage

Neuroscience: Neuroscience is the study of the structure and function of the nervous system. Students who major in this discipline study biology, psychology, and chemistry, and use electives to direct their focus in the following areas: biology for molecular and cellular function of the nervous system; psychology for behavioral correlates of nervous system function; and chemistry for chemical properties of the nervous system. Additional requirements include two semesters of laboratory research. Students are prepared for graduate school and career opportunities in scientific research and medical/therapeutic fields. Read more about neuroscience at Carthage

Physics: The physics and astronomy programs impart a thorough understanding of fundamental physical phenomena and the ability to treat these phenomena in a mathematical context. A full laboratory program, which complements classroom work, is offered to students who major in physics. Students learn laboratory techniques and the primary methods of experimental measurement and data reduction, and are prepared for careers in industry or education, or for graduate school. An emphasis in astronomy and astrophysics is available for students interested in pursuing post-graduate work in astronomy. Read more about physics and astronomy at Carthage

Special Programs

ScienceWorks: Science Works is an innovative program that teaches business skills to science majors with the goal of preparing them for success in whatever career they may choose. The program's courses address technology careers, patents and intellectual property, technology research and development, business management, regulation and communication, and include a summer internship and a core project developing an original technology business concept from start to finish. Read more about ScienceWorks at Carthage

3+3 Chiropractic (dual degree): The 3+3 agreement between Carthage and Logan College of Chiropractic provides qualified students with an opportunity to complete the baccalaureate degree and the Doctor of Chiropractic degree in one year less than the usual time.

Engineering (dual degree): Students interested in engineering attend Carthage for three years and, upon successful completion of that part of the program, can enroll at the University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Engineering or the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Upon graduation, students receive a bachelor of arts degree from Carthage and a bachelor of science degree in engineering from the engineering school. Read more about engineering at Carthage

4+2 Medical Physics Program (joint program): Carthage College and the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science (RFUMS) medical radiation physics department coordinate a Joint Program in Medical Physics. Student candidates in the program attend Carthage for four years and complete a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in a science major, including a minor or major in physics and additional recommended courses. They then follow a two-year program at RFUMS and graduate with a Master of Science (M.S.) in Medical Radiation Physics. The RFUMS program (in nearby North Chicago) is clinically focused, with clinical practicum rotations at many affiliated medical centers in the region. Graduates can begin clinical practice or pursue a medical physics residency. Read more about medical physics at Carthage

Occupational Therapy (dual degree): Occupational therapy students attend Carthage for three years and, upon successful completion of that part of the program, may apply to Washington University in St. Louis or Rush University in Chicago, for two years. Students who complete the full program receive a bachelor of arts from Carthage and a master of science degree in occupational therapy from Washington University or Rush University. Read more about occupational therapy at Carthage

3+4 Pharmacy Program (dual degree): In this dual-degree program with the College of Pharmacy at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS), Carthage students spend three years working toward a degree in either chemistry or biology followed by four years of graduate work toward the Pharm.D degree. This program provides preferred admissions status into a very competitive clinical doctoral program in pharmacy. Read more about pharmacy at Carthage

Math/Science Scholarship

Scholarship Overview
Scholarship Application
Natural Sciences
Majors
Special Programs