Science Programs
Where exploration meets preparation.
Welcome to the Sciences at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine. Nestled in the learning laboratory of Maine, we are a community of scientists who will help you grow, from classroom to coastline, lab to lakeside, and every opportunity in between. Our caring, excellent faculty will guide you from your first class to your career path, preparing you to make your impact on the world. We can’t wait to meet you.
Watch: The Environmental Science
Semester. 10 weeks. 10 students.
The scientific adventure of a lifetime.
Pick Your Pathway
Our Immersive Approach
No matter where you’re studying science at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, your experience will be hands-on, collaborative, and connected to the world around us. Join us to see how our adventurous curriculum can launch your career as a leader and a scientist.
Environmental Science Semester
Immerse yourself in the community practice of field science for an entire semester. Make friends for life over the course of a 10-week “study anear” expedition to some of the most spectacular field laboratories in New England.
Research at SJC
Chemistry for the Community. Biology Research and Seminar. COVID wastewater testing. Sebago Lake research. Antibiotic studies. At SJC, we invite you to dive into real-world research on day one. So don’t wait. Just roll up your sleeves and get science started.
Geology in the Southwest
Journey to the American Southwest – Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and Death Valley. Discover fossils in the Grand Canyon. Climb a 1000 year old volcanic cinder cone. Camp in Zion National Park. A desert exploration where stunning rock formations meet the big sky.
Student Stories
Shaylee Davis ’21
Environmental Science + Marine Science
“I’m conducting lake sediment chemistry experiments for the Long Pond Association to determine if the amount of phosphorus in a local lake is detrimental to the natural ecosystem. The LPA’s goal is to acquire a permit to mitigate algae problems. This research can have a large impact on our environment, if applied widely, to combat the growing prevalence and problem of lake phosphorus.”
Safa Al kinani ’21
Biology
“I’ve been looking into the sealing ability of three different types of commonly used dental composites. One of the major results indicated that the use of the correct filling material for the right condition determines the success of the restoration. These findings encourage us to understand the complexity behind dental health care, as well as why dental hygiene is so crucial to avoid larger losses.”
Jacob Huberdeau ’22
Environmental Science
“I assisted Dr. Green in an attempt to find a solution to the issue of dissolving juvenile clam shells due to acidification of ocean water. On a larger scale, the work we have started has potential to progress into a way to decrease juvenile bivalve mortality in the future. This effect would help to increase the number of bivalves surviving to adulthood where they can be harvested for food.”
Valerie Neuhausser ’22
Biology, Environmental Science
“What makes the ESS unique is that learning is done in the field which allows you to physically see and understand concepts and processes. I found that this immersive style of learning is far more effective than a traditional in-class science course and has improved my understanding of the natural world and my ability to think like a scientist.”
Hannah Micheal
’24 Biochemistry
“The REU was an eight-week program where we focused on X-Ray Crystallography. I was making compounds to look at how fluorescent an object is. In this instance, the object was a snapdragon flower, which has a chemical in it that is naturally fluorescent. We were basically taking that chemical and modifying it to see if we added or took away something whether it would still be fluorescent under the same conditions. It was so cool to see my work come together, and at the end of the summer I was able to present my findings to the group.”
Science Scholarship
Growing Future STEM Teachers in Maine
Students interested in teaching STEM & secondary education can earn a 2-year tuition scholarship with ongoing professional development and more. Recipients commit to teaching for four years in a high-need school district after completion of the program.
Pre-Medical Programs and Partnerships
Saint Joseph’s scientists can take advantage of a variety of specialized programs, partnerships, and articulation agreements that focus your study of Biology and advance your career path.
Medical Biology
Students in the Medical Biology major may concentrate their coursework in one of the following areas: Pre-Medical Science, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Pharmacy, or Pre-Veterinary Medicine, as well as preparing for a graduate degree in one of the basic fields of biology, such as ecology, microbiology or physiology.
Biology/Pre-Optometry
Saint Joseph’s College has an articulation agreement with the Pennsylvania College of Optometry to offer a 3+4 cooperative program in Biology/Pre-Optometry. Earn your BS in Biology in three years at SJC, before spending four years earning your O.D. at Pennsylvania College of Optometry.
Biology/Pre-Physician’s Assistant
The Pre-Physician Assistant program provides prerequisite coursework for students planning to pursue a graduate physician assistant’s program.
Medical Biology/Pre-Pharmacy
Our partnership with the University of New England provides qualified SJC Medical Biology with a path to admission to UNE’s College of Pharmacy.
