Natural and Behavioral Sciences - Natural and Behavioral Sciences - Christopher Newport University

Natural and Behavioral Sciences

Courses and programs in the College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences are focused on preparing all students to engage actively with the world around them and to discover answers to real-world problems. Using science as a framework, students learn to ask questions, engage in evidence-based thinking and analyze problems from multiple perspectives, both within and beyond the classroom.

In conjunction with the greater university community and in accordance with the Vision and Values of the College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences, we are dedicated to encouraging a diverse and inclusive community to foster education and research in the liberal arts and sciences.

We recognize and appreciate that each individual brings unique perspectives, experiences, and talents to our college. Innovation in mathematics, science, and engineering requires more than knowledge and expertise, but also creativity.

Studying concepts, phenomena, and problems creatively and from different perspectives is necessary for developing impactful theories, discoveries, and solutions. Thus, a diverse community of scholars and students provides a multitude of perspectives to stimulate advances and education in all disciplines. We aim not only to be an academic community that reflects a multi-cultural world, but also to foster an inclusive environment that supports, educates, and promotes belonging.

In so doing, we strengthen our academic community and prepare our students to excel and lead in an interconnected world.

By cultivating scientifically-literate members of society, we strive to promote equity, fairness, reason, and dignity for all.

Our students are prepared for graduate school and careers in science, as well as for a multitude of other professions. Explore the links below and reach out to learn more.

The College of Natural and Behavioral (NBS) delivers an enriched STEM curriculum designed to support the liberal arts mission of the University by educating and developing a technologically, scientifically, and quantitatively literate populace. Founded on faculty-student interactions in a supportive and inclusive environment, hallmarks of NBS program include innovative teaching, faculty-led labs and projects, and student research. NBS graduates are prepared for employment in STEM-related areas, graduate or professional school, and a multitude of other careers. 

NBS aims to be a diverse and inclusive academic community that supports the University and Commonwealth. Implementing a curriculum that is both founded on the liberal arts and focused on systematic thinking and problem solving, faculty will prepare students to work collaboratively with others in evolving social and professional climates. Thus, NBS and its faculty will provide students the ability to adapt, innovate and thrive in a wide range of post-graduate settings. The College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences will continue to be a cornerstone of Christopher Newport University by fostering a professional environment that supports faculty members' substantive research and community engagement, with the ultimate goals of developing our students and enhancing the world around us.

The College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences at Christopher Newport University values excellence in:

  • INCLUSION: We foster inclusive learning by maintaining small class sizes, providing one-on-one mentorship, and promoting a sense of belonging among students with diverse identities.
  • INQUIRY: We foster a sense of fascination with the natural world, investigate its properties and dynamics, and involve students in these pursuits. 
  • INTER-DISCIPLINARY: We promote scientific, quantitative, and logical strategies to bridge methods of inquiry across STEM fields and beyond. 
  • PERSEVERANCE: We believe that maintaining integrity (academic and otherwise) takes time, hard work, and devotion.
  • SERVICE: We serve our community through partnerships with local organizations and empower students to do the same. 
  • TEACHING: We create student-centered learning environments that promote a deep understanding of concepts central to STEM fields.
  • INNOVATION: We advance and innovate in all areas of theoretical, laboratory, computational and field science. 
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