Mathematics is the language of nature — the Rosetta stone by which we come to understand the inner structure and form of our universe. It is also the language of computers — the key to the Information Age, which is just beginning. As a tool for understanding the world, it is perhaps the oldest and most enduring — and still, today, one of the most dynamic and exciting. Students in the Mathematics Major develop an understanding of mathematics as a vital tool of the mind.
The Mathematics Major is both rigorous and flexible. It provides students a rigorous foundation upon which to pursue graduate studies in mathematics or professional training in areas such as law or engineering, while permitting them the flexibility to pursue minors in other liberal arts disciplines and to prepare themselves to teach in secondary school. Graduates receive the Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics.
Summary of Requirements for a Major in Mathematics
MTH 210, 220, 230 Calculus I*, II, III 12 credits
MTH 290 Foundations of Modern Mathematics 3 credits
MTH 300 Differential Equations 3 credits
MTH 330 Linear Algebra 3 credits
MTH 420 Abstract Algebra I 3 credits
MTH 440 Mathematical Analysis I 3 credits
3 Mathematics electives (300/400 level)** 9 credits
CSC 275 Introduction to C/C++
OR CSC 240 Programming with BASIC 3 credits
Total 39 credits
* This course may also be used to satisfy Core requirements.
** MTH 400 Secondary Methods in Mathematics may not be used for this requirement.
PHY 240, 250, 241, 251, are recommended as electives.
Students who plan to do graduate study in mathematics should select MTH 421 Abstract Algebra II and MTH 441 Mathematical Analysis II as electives in mathematics.
Students who wish to teach secondary school mathematics must satisfy admission requirements for the Liberal Arts Teacher Education Concentration (LATEC) and complete the General Education Core and Education Theory curriculum in the Secondary Education Certification Program. Additionally, these prospective mathematics teachers must take MTH 380 Modern Geometry and MTH 400 Secondary Methods in Mathematics as general electives. (Mathematics majors may also use MTH 380 as one of the three mathematics electives.)
The Mathematics Minor is a course of study designed as a second field for students who wish to develop their understanding of mathematics as a tool of the mind.
Summary of Requirements for a Minor in Mathematics
MTH 210, 220 Calculus I* & II 8 credits
MTH 300 Differential Equations 3 credits
MTH 330 Linear Algebra
OR MTH 420, Abstract Algebra I 3 credits
Any 300 or 400 level mathematics course or CSC 425** 3 credits
CSC 275 Introduction to C/C++
OR CSC 240 Programming with BASIC 3 credits
Total 20 credits
* This course may also be used to satisfy Core requirements.
**MTH 400, Secondary Methods in Mathematics, may not be used for this requirement.
At Lyon College we speak the language of music, endorsing its traditional role in the liberal arts. The Music Major is thus rooted in the history and theory of music, as well as in performance. It is well suited to students who wish to pursue graduate study in performance, music education, music theory, or musicology; to potential church musicians; and to students who wish to study music in tandem with other disciplines.
In addition to studying music in the classroom, music majors develop their skills as performers (in voice, piano, organ, or selected instrumental areas), in private lessons with a member of the music faculty. A basic level of skill at the piano is expected of all music majors; therefore, a piano proficiency examination must be passed by the senior year. Other requirements for the music major include attendance at on-campus recitals and concerts, participation in an ensemble, and a senior thesis or thesis-recital.
Summary of Requirements for a Major in Music
MUS 105 The Language of Music* 3 credits
MUS 110 Music Theory 3 credits
MUS 111, 112 Musicianship I & II 3 credits
MUS 205 Advanced Music Theory 3 credits
MUS 311 Medieval and Renaissance Music 3 credits
MUS 312 Baroque Music 3 credits
MUS 313 Classical and Romantic Music 3 credits
MUS 314 Twentieth-Century Music 3 credits
MUS 415 Structural and Stylistic Analysis 3 credits
Private Lessons† 6 credits
Electives in Music (200 level or above) 6 credits
Total 39 credits
* This course may also be used to satisfy Core requirements.
† Six hours of private lessons, not including those the student may wish to take in order to pass the piano proficiency examination, should be taken on one instrument or in voice. Additional private lessons may be taken but may not be considered as music-elective hours.
The Music Minor is a course of study designed as a second field for students wishing to explore interests and develop talents in the area of music.
Summary of Requirements for a Minor in Music
MUS 105 The Language of Music* 3 credits
MUS 110 Music Theory 3 credits
MUS 111 Musicianship I 1.5 credits
Two courses chosen from: 6 credits
MUS 311 Medieval and Renaissance Music
MUS 312 Baroque Music
MUS 313 Classical and Romantic Music
MUS 314 Twentieth-Century Music
Private Lessons 4 credits
Total 17.5 credits
* This course may also be used to satisfy Core requirements.
The Music/Scottish Arts Minor is a program of studies for students interested in the music of Scotland, particularly bagpiping.
Summary of Requirements for a Minor in Music/Scottish Arts
MUS 105 The Language of Music* 3 credits
MUS 110 Music Theory 3 credits
MUS 111, 112 Musicianship I & II 3 credits
MUS 163 Pipe Band (four semesters) 4 credits
MUS 263 Coel Mor I (Classical Bagpipe I) 3 credits
MUS 294 History of Music in Scotland 3 credits
MUS 363 Coel Mor II (Classical Bagpipe II) 3 credits
Total 22 credits
* This course may also be used to satisfy Core requirements.
The Physics/Math Minor is a course of study designed as a second field for students who wish to develop their understanding of mathematics as it relates to the physical world.
Summary of Requirements for a Minor in Physics/Math
MTH 210, 220 Calculus I* & II 8 credits
PHY 240, 241, & 250, 251 Fundamentals of Physics I* & II 8 credits
PHY 350 Special Topics in Physics 4 credits
PHY 334 Nuclear Science 4 credits
Total 24 credits
* This course may also be used to satisfy Core requirements.
Politics is the study of political systems and the ideas that bring them into being, transform them, and sustain them. Students in the Politics program at Lyon College examine such enduring concepts as freedom, justice, equality, order, and power; explore the practical and ethical dimensions of contemporary issues; and compare political systems throughout the world. The study of politics provides students with a deeper understanding of the nature and responsibilities of citizenship and provides a strong foundation for a range of careers and professions, including public service.
Summary of Requirements for a Major in Politics
POL 101 U.S. Government and Politics* 3 credits
POL 201 Comparative Politics 3 credits
POL 205 World Politics 3 credits
POL 351 Ancient Political Philosophy
OR POL 353 Modern Political Philosophy
OR POL 347 American Political Thought 3 credits
POL 455 Senior seminar 3 credits
Five additional politics courses 15 credits
ECO 101 Principles of Economics* 3 credits
One history course (300 level or above) 3 credits
Total 36 credits
* This course may also be used to satisfy Core requirements.
T
he Politics Minor is designed for those students who wish to supplement their major field of study with some valuable political knowledge.Summary of Requirements for a Minor in Politics
Seven courses in Politics 21 credits
(These courses must be selected from at least two of the Politics subfields: American government, comparative politics, international relations, and political philosophy. At least four of these courses must be at the 300 level or above.)
Psychology, the study of behavior and mental processes, is a social, behavioral, and human science. The Psychology Major at Lyon introduces students to the empirical study of human and animal behavior and such diverse mental faculties and processes as perception, memory, intelligence, problem solving, and decision making. Students are also introduced to a wide range of current professional issues and responsibilities regarding both the academic discipline and the applied profession of psychology.
Psychology students develop an understanding of the social, psychological, and biological causes of behavior and an understanding of the effects of these factors on a variety of psychological phenomena, including interpersonal relationships, human growth and development, learning, personality, and abnormal behavior. They become skilled researchers and wise consumers of scientific psychological research. In addition, they are introduced to the application of basic psychological principles in a variety of endeavors, including counseling and other areas of clinical psychology, education, and industry. Psychology majors interested in applied aspects of the discipline may gain practical experience in the field through a supervised practicum in the junior or senior year.
The major is designed to prepare students for graduate study in psychology and related fields. A background in psychology is also appropriate and valuable for students planning to enter such professions as social work, education, law, medicine, and the ministry.
Summary of Requirements for a Major in Psychology
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology* 3 credits
MTH 123 Elementary Social Statistics† 4 credits
PSY 322- Research Methods 3 credits
PSY 332 History and Systems 3 credits
PSY 290 Human Development (Same as EDU 290)
OR PSY 220 Psychology of Women and Gender
OR PSY 420 Adulthood and Aging 3 credits
Two of the following:
PSY 318 Biological Psychology 3 credits
PSY 400 Topics in Learning and Cognition 3 credits
PSY 410 Psychological Testing 3 credits
Two of the following:
PSY 313 Industrial/Organizational
Psychology (Same as BUS 313) 3 credits
PSY 335 Abnormal Psychology 3 credits
PSY 336 Social Psychology 3 credits
PSY 338 Personality Psychology 3 credits
PSY 440 Professional Issues and Practicum
OR PSY 480 Directed Research 3 credits
Total 31 credits
* This course may also be used to satisfy Core requirements.
† MTH 101 College Algebra is a prerequisite for this course.
The Psychology minor is a course of study designed as a second field for students who wish to develop an understanding of the scientific study of behavior and the mind.
Summary of Requirements for a Minor in Psychology
PSY 101, Introduction to Psychology* 3 credits
PSY 290 Human Development (Same as EDU 290)
OR PSY 220 Psychology of Women and Gender
OR PSY 420 Adulthood and Aging 3 credits
PSY 335, Abnormal Psychology
OR PSY 338 Psychology Personality 3 credits
And two other 300 or 400 level psychology courses 6 credits
Total 15 credits
* This course may also be used to satisfy Core requirements.
What does it mean to be human? What sort of society is just? How do we justify our values? Because they deal with such fundamental questions as these, the fields of religion and philosophy have always been central to liberal education. The Religion and Philosophy Major at Lyon College involves students in the rich tradition of philosophical and theological thought. Because it combines rigor and clarity of thought and expression with concern for all aspects of the human condition, the study of religion and philosophy also provides a strong foundation for a range of professions.
Summary of Requirements for a Major in Religion and Philosophy
RPH 200 Introduction to The Bible* 3 credits
RPH 203 Introduction to Christian Theology* 3 credits
RPH 204 Introduction to Philosophy* 3 credits
RPH 206 Logic 3 credits
Eight additional courses in religion and philosophy 24 credits
Total 36 credits
* This course may also be used to satisfy Core requirements.
T
he Religion and Philosophy Minor is a body of courses designed as a second field for students who wish to develop their skills of thought and expression and their understanding of the human experience through an exploration of philosophical and theological thought.a Minor in Religion and Philosophy
Six RPH courses 18 credits
Total 18 credits
In a world where all fields of endeavor are becoming increasingly international and multicultural, fluency in another language and an understanding of other cultures have become keys that open a wide variety of opportunities — both personal and professional. Spanish majors at Lyon College have the opportunity to develop a facility in the use of both spoken and written Spanish and to build a knowledge of its literature and cultural heritage. The major prepares students for graduate school, teaching, or for a range of professions grounded in bilingualism.
Summary of Requirements for a Major in Spanish
(Prerequisites: SPN 101 and 102 or equivalent)
SPN 201, 202 Intermediate Spanish I, II 6 credits
SPN 333 Advanced Grammar 3 credits
SPN 310 Interpretation and Translation in Spanish
OR SPN 340 Spanish for the Professions 3 credits
SPN 345 Latin American Literature
OR SPN 380 Spanish Literature 3 credits
SPN 355 Latin American Civilization
OR SPN 360 Spanish Civilization 3 credits
SPN440 Senior Seminar 3 credits
SPN 400-level course 3 credits
3 advanced Spanish electives (300 and/or 400 level) 9 credits
Total 33 credits
he Spanish Minor is a course of study designed as a second field for students interested in developing their fluency in Spanish and gaining the increased insights into culture and literature which result from in-depth study of a foreign language.Summary of Requirements for a Minor in Spanish
(Prerequisites: SPN 101 and 102 or equivalent)
SPN 201, 202 Intermediate Spanish I, II 6 credits
SPN 333 Advanced Grammar 3 credits
2 advanced Spanish electives (300 and/or 400 level) 6 credits
Total 15 credits
The dramatic arts combine communication and literature with the immediacy of human interaction. Perhaps that is why they have such a powerful impact upon our lives. In the Theatre Major, students examine these fields from varied perspectives — theoretical, literary, historical, and practical. Introductory courses prepare students to speak effectively and to appreciate and participate in the dramatic arts. Advanced courses lead them to reflect on the theory and practice of theatre and drama while preparing for graduate study or a profession. Students participate in all aspects of theatre productions in the laboratory setting of the Holloway Theatre.
Summary of Requirements for a Major in Theatre
THE 101 Introduction to Theatre* 3 credits
THE 201 Basic Stagecraft 3 credits
THE 210, 212, 310, 312 Theatre Practicum 3 credits
THE 232 Beginning Acting 3 credits
THE 353 Principles of Directing 3 credits
THE 383 Theatre History 3 credits
Electives in Theatre† 15 credits
Total 33 credits
* This course may also be used to satisfy Core requirements.
† ENG 441 Shakespeare can be credited towards electives.
T
his course of study is designed as a second field for students interested in the theatre arts and in improving their communication skills.Summary of Requirements for a Minor in Theatre
THE 101 Introduction to Theatre* 3 credits
THE 201 Basic Stagecraft 3 credits
THE 210, 212, 310, 312 Theatre Practicum 3 credits
THE 232 Beginning Acting 3 credits
THE 353 Principles of Directing 3 credits
THE 383 Theatre History 3 credits
Total 18 credits
* This course may also be used to satisfy Core requirements.
The breadth of understanding and the habits of disciplined thought which are the products of a strong, undergraduate liberal arts education provide an excellent foundation for a range of professions. While the courses of study offered at Lyon College are not focused in any specific professional or vocational direction, they all provide the basic intellectual and communication skills upon which success in professional school and in a profession largely depends. In addition, many of them satisfy the pre-professional requirements for entrance into a variety of graduate or professional schools.
Professional schools in health-related fields have very specific admission requirements. Students interested in these areas should begin planning their undergraduate curriculum as early as possible.
Any student who is interested in pursuing a career in one of these areas should contact the chair of the Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee, or another member of the faculty in the Natural Sciences and Mathematics Division, upon matriculation at Lyon College. While many health profession programs do not require a student to complete a bachelor’s degree in order to apply, it is generally recommended that the student do so because of the competitive edge provided by a completed liberal arts education.
I. Curriculum for Medical,
Dental, and Veterinary Professions
A baccalaureate degree is recommended for students planning careers in medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine, since very few applicants are accepted with 90 credits.
Summary of Requirements
BIO 110, 112 Principles of Biology I* & II 8 credits
CHM 110, 111 Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry* 4 credits
CHM 120, 121 Introduction to Analytical Chemistry 4 credits
CHM 210, 211 & 220, 221 Organic Chemistry I & II 8 credits
MTH 110 Elementary Functions*† 4 credits
PHY 210, 211 & 220, 221 General Physics I* & II 8 credits
Total 36 credits
* This course may also be used to satisfy Core requirements.
† Some medical schools require calculus. Consult the Pre-Med Advisor.
Recommended Courses
BIO 250 Cell Biology 4 credits
BIO 252 Genetics 4 credits
BIO 352 Molecular Biology 4 credits
BIO 360 Comparative Physiology 4 credits
CHM 356, 357 Biochemistry 4 credits
Total 20 credits
Close consultation with the premedical-dental adviser will help the student select which additional electives should be taken.
II. Curriculum for Optometry
This curriculum includes the requirements listed for medical, dental, and veterinary professions plus the following:
BIO 350 Microbiology 4 credits
1-2 semesters Psychology 4-8 credits
1-2 semesters Calculus (MTH 210/220) 4-8 credits
III. Curriculum for Pharmacy
Preparation for a career in pharmacy requires the completion of the 63 credit hours given below. A minimum of a “C” must be achieved in each course and the cumulative grade point must be above 2.00. In addition to completing the courses listed, the applicant is expected to have the ability to type 30-40 words per minute accurately.
The Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) is required of all applicants and should be taken in November or February before applying for admission.
Summary of Requirements
MTH 110 Elementary Functions 4 credits
ENG 101, 102 English Composition I & II 6 credits
BIO 110, 111 & 112, 113 Principles of Biology I & II 8 credits
CHM 110, 111 Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry* 4 credits
CHM 120, 121 Introduction to Analytical Chemistry 4 credits
CHM 210, 211 & 220, 221 Organic Chemistry I & II 8 credits
PHY 210, 211 & 220, 221 General Physics I & II 8 credits
ACC 210 Accounting 3 credits
HIS 101 or 102 The United States 3 credits
ECO 101 Principles of Economics I 3 credits
FREE ELECTIVES (credits must be in Liberal Arts or Humanities,
history, government, sociology, psychology, literature, etc.) 12 credits
Total 63 credits
IV. Curriculum for Physical Therapy
(With Bachelor’s Degree)
Summary of Requirements
BIO 112 Principles of Biology II 4 credits
BIO 260, 262 Human Anatomy &Physiology I & II 8 credits
BIO 350 Introduction to Microbiology 4 credits
BUS 150 Microcomputer Applications in Business 3 credits
CHM 110, 111 Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry 4 credits
CHM 120, 121 Introduction to Analytical Chemistry 4 credits
MTH 123 Statistics 3 credits
PHY 210, 211, 220, 221 General Physics I & II 8 credits
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology 3 credits
PSY 310 Biological Psychology * 3 credits
PSY --- Psychology Elective 3 credits
Total 47 credits
*Satisfies Introduction to Neuroscience requirement
In addition to these requirements, 20 to 40 hours of volunteer/observation with a certified physical therapist is recommended.
V. Curriculum for Occupational Therapy
(With Bachelor’s Degree)
Summary of Requirements
BIO 112 Principles of Biology II 4 credits
BIO 260, 262 Anatomy and Physiology I & II 8 credits
CHM 110, 111 Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry 4 credits
PHY 210, 211 General Physics 4 credits
POL 101 U.S. Government and Politics 3 credits
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology 3 credits
PSY 335 Abnormal Psychology 3 credits
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology 3 credits
Sociology/Psychology Elective (PSY 318 recommended) 3 credits
Total 35 credits
In addition to these requirements, students must have a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer/observation with a certified occupational therapist.
The following courses are prerequisite to most institutions offering a BSN degree in nursing. Nursing programs vary considerably in their course content, and requirements for transfer to a specific program should be examined during advising. Certain prerequisite courses (e.g. Health, Home Economics, Nutrition, and Introduction to Professional Nursing Practice) are not offered at Lyon and must be taken at some other institution if required. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is generally required for admission; however, nursing programs are very competitive and a higher GPA may be necessary.
BIO 112 Principles of Biology II 4 credits
BIO 260, 262 Anatomy & Physiology I & II 8 credits
CHM 110, 111, 120, 121 Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry
and Introduction to Analytical Chemistry 8 credits
ENG 101, 102 English Composition I & II 6 credits
MTH 101 College Algebra 3 credits
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology 3 credits
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology 3 credits
Additional Recommended Courses
ART 101 Art Appreciation
OR MUS 105 The Language of Music 3 credits
BIO 350 Microbiology 4 credits
ENG 190 Introduction to Western Literature 3 credits
HIS 101 U.S. History I OR HIS 102 U.S. History II
OR POL 101 U.S. Government 3 credits
HIS 201, 202 Western Civilization I & II 6 credits
MTH 123 Elementary Statistics 3 credits
PED 101 Physical Fitness 1 credits
PED — Any P.E. activity course 1 credits
PSY 310 Child Psychology 3 credits
Lyon College has two demanding programs to prepare students for an engineering degree. The first is called a 2-2 program, wherein a student attends Lyon College for two years and transfers to an engineering institution for the last two to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in engineering. A formal agreement of transfer exists between Lyon College and the University of Arkansas, but entry into other schools can readily be arranged. A student will complete 60 hours of prescribed courses in engineering and liberal arts studies here, enabling the student to enter the last two years in any of the primary engineering disciplines including aerospace, chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, nuclear, and petroleum. The pre-engineering students and their adviser work closely together to ensure that their program of study leads efficiently toward entry into their selected engineering school. The requirements listed below may vary in some limited degree depending on discipline or engineering school selected.
Summary of Requirements
MTH 210, 220, 230† Calculus I, II, & III 12 credits
MTH 300 Differential Equations 3 credits
CHM 110, 111 Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry 4 credits
CHM 120, 121 Introduction to Analytical Chemistry 4 credits
PHY 240, 241 & 250, 251 Fundamentals of Physics I & II 8 credits
CSC 275 Introduction to C 3 credits
ECO 101 Principles of Economics I 3 credits
ENG 101, 102 English Composition I and II 6 credits
HIS 101 or 102 The United States I or II 3 credits
Humanities/ Social Science Electives 9-12 credits
EGR 201 or EM 50** Engineering Mechanics Statics 3 credits
Total 59-62 credits
†Students who begin their mathematics with MTH 110 may have to spend an extra summer or year before transferring to an engineering school.
**Correspondence course from University of Missouri (Rolla)
The second program is called the 3-2 program, wherein a student attends Lyon College for three years, completing the Lyon College Core and the requirements for a particular major (usually, mathematics), and transfers to the engineering school of choice for the remaining two. Upon completion of the fourth year, the student earns a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Lyon College. The Bachelor of Science Degree in a specific engineering area from the school of choice is awarded following the completion of that school’s requirements for the major.
Examples of five-year syllabi for engineering degrees are available upon request. The pre-engineering adviser, using the suggested five-year syllabus, will work with students to tailor individually the order in which the courses are taken.
Studies and surveys have consistently shown that the students who succeed best in law school are those who have earned a bachelor’s degree in any rigorous major requiring analytical reasoning, careful reading, and effective speaking and writing. Although there is no required pre-law curriculum, students who want to strengthen skills or gain background knowledge that will assist them in the study of law may wish to take some of the following elective courses:
1. Language Skills — advanced composition, foreign languages, or speech.
2. Analytical Thinking — logic, math, economics, accounting, or philosophy of law.
3. Context of the American Legal System — American government, American history, judicial process, or U.S. Constitution.
Admission to law school is competitive and is based mainly on grade point average and the student’s score on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). The law school provides the formal and specialized training necessary to pass the bar examination and to practice law. In most states, graduation from law school and passing the bar examination are required before a person may practice law.
Students interested in law are encouraged to participate in activities sponsored by the Pre-Law Advisory Committee and to work closely with committee members in their pre-law planning.
Students interested in pre-ministerial preparation are encouraged to consult the College Chaplain or any member of the religion faculty. Guidance, support, and assistance with course selection will be offered through such advisors. Though seminaries accept applicants with virtually any college major, the following are recommended as especially good preparation: English, history, and religion and philosophy.
Regardless of the major chosen, the pre-ministerial student should take courses in the following areas: religion, English, foreign language, history, philosophy and psychology. Students interested in pre-ministerial preparation should consult with a member of the religion faculty and the faculty of their chosen major to work out an effective course of preparation.