Frequent Questions about Montreat College Natural Sciences Department
 What do the faculty teach regarding creation and evolution?
The science faculty are committed Christians who are dedicated to helping students integrate faith and learning. We believe that it is essential for those engaged in the study of creation to have a fundamental understanding of the more common Biblically-based interpretations of the creation narrative as well as an understanding of evolutionary theory. With this in mind, individual evolution, microevolution, and macroevolution (Darwinian evolution) are discussed in relation to the Christian worldview. Various interpretations of the creation narrative, including the flood theory, revelatory day theory, theistic evolution, the pictoral day theory, and the ruination-reconstruction theory are also described and discussed.
The Montreat College science faculty challenge students to learn how to think critically from a Christian worldview instead of simply telling them what they should believe. These discussions begin early in the student’s program of study. For example, introductory biology students are required to read and discuss Biology Through the Eyes of Faith by Richard Wright throughout the first year of their study. Subsequent classes in either biology or environmental studies continue these discussions with increasing levels of complexity. Students in the major are challenged to formulate and then articulate their position regarding the creation/evolution controversy.
 What courses are required for the Biology major?
- What courses are required for the Environmental Studies major?
- What places would I visit and study in the courses?
We take trips frequently. For extended trips, check out the American Ecosystems field study course description. Some of the local trip destinations include:
Grandfather Mountain Biosphere Preserve
Great Smokey Mountains National Park
Cherokee Reservation
Chimney Rock State Park
Coweeta Hydrological Laboratory
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Craggy Gardens
Cradle of Forestry
Oconee World of Energy
Southern Research Station
Botanical Gardens
Buncombe County Landfill
Linpak Recycling Paper Facility
EQUIP- Appropriate Technology Institute
Knoxville Zoo
Pisgah National Forest Fish Hatchery
Linville Gorge Wilderness Area
Shining Rock Wilderness Area
Linville Caverns
Mount Mitchell State Park
Schiele Museum
WNC Nature Center
Buncombe County Wastewater Treatment Plant
Penrose Rock Quarry
- Is it possible to double major in Environmental Studies and Outdoor Education?
This is one of our more popular double majors. Environmental Studies and Outdoor Education are both field-oriented programs. In addition, they require many of the same courses, which makes it relatively easy to double major. Majoring in both provides a strong science background combined with a knowledge of leadership, group dynamics, and outdoor skills, thereby making the graduate better prepared and more marketable.
- Will I be able to get into graduate school if I graduate from a small college like Montreat College?
The clear answer is yes. Montreat College science graduates are admitted regularly into graduate schools across the country. Our graduates have had no difficulty being admitted to a wide variety of graduate and professional schools including medicine, medical research, veterinary science, physical and environmental geography, paramedic, biology, environmental education, geology, and environmental studies.
Why are our students so successful in getting into graduate school? The faculty work closely with the students through small classes and individualized instruction. Students have many opportunities to distinguish themselves through research projects, internships, and teaching opportunities. Every student also develops a professional portfolio during his/her program of study.
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Does Montreat College offer programs in the following:
Pre-Med?
Pre-Vet?
Pre-Physical Therapy?
Pre-Professional School?
Yes. We offer all of these options. Biology majors interested in going on in these areas choose the Honors or Professional Honors options in the Biology curriculum. Environmental Studies majors interested in the same areas usually choose the Pre-Professional track.
Our graduates have had extraordinary success gaining entrance into graduate and professional schools of all types. This is due, in part, to the fact that we work with you to develop ways you can distinguish yourself while at Montreat. For example, you will work with a faculty member to design and carry out a senior-level professional research project which will become an integral part of your portfolio. These opportunities help distinguish our students from graduates of other programs.
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