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Department of Natural Sciences

Understanding the Creator and His Creation
About the Natural Sciences Department

With choices regarding public health, the environment, and ethics resting upon the philosophy of life and its origin, the need for Christians in science and mathematics increases each year. To meet this demand, the natural sciences department at PCC provides STEM degrees that emphasize the close-knit relationship between science and the Bible.

Fuel your intrigue of God’s complex design by studying subjects like mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics. These universal languages are researched and applied in the laboratory or classroom. Exercise your ability to analyze and predict complex equations through mathematical theories. And as you explore the incredible patterns found in creation, you’ll gain a greater understanding of how God established the laws of the universe and how these fields can be used to influence the world for Christ.

The accumulation of rigorous coursework reinforced with biblical principles will launch you toward professional degrees. You’ll be equipped to defend your faith as you continue your path to becoming a mathematician, biochemist, scientist—or so many other professions.

Meet the Dean of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Denise McCollim

Dr. Denise McCollim

B.S.N., Bob Jones University
M.S.N., D.N.P., University of South Alabama


The Division of Arts and Sciences comprises the engineering and computer science, humanities, natural sciences, and nursing departments, each of which offers undergraduate degrees. The nursing department also offers a graduate degree.

Natural Sciences Quick Facts

42

Average number of lab
hours for each
lab-related course

10

Science laboratory classrooms

3

Medical Professionals
(MD, DPT, and PharmD)
on faculty

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Dr. Shane Smith B.S., Pensacola Christian College
M.Ed., University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Ph.D., University of Southern Mississippi

A Word from the Chair of Natural Sciences

My heart for our students is for them to see the Lord in His creation and to love Him more as they learn about the incredible intricacies of all that God has made.

Our team of faculty seek to equip you with the tools you’ll need to pursue successful careers, whether you step into your chosen field after graduation or seek acceptance in graduate programs to continue your education.

For those of you interested in one of the natural sciences concentrations such as biology, cell and molecular biology, or chemistry, you’ll most likely want to pursue your specific area of interest in graduate school.

If you are going into a health profession, you’ll need to go to a medical, dental, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, veterinarian, or other graduate program to complete your training.

No matter how much we learn, there are always more details and deeper levels of design that we can discover.

Dr. Shane Smith

Chair of Natural Sciences Department

Natural Sciences Department News

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Dr. Grant De Jong: Integrity in Science

The scientific world is occasionally splashed with the news that some former “fact” of science has been dethroned due to careless or dishonest research. Having spent decades in the field of science, Dr. Grant De Jong knows how important honesty is in the scientific world.

Natural Sciences Success Stories

Michael Myers
Chiropractor

As a chiropractor, Michael Myers (Pre-Medicine ’06) loves to help people who are at a loss find natural solutions to their problems. Hear how he’s used his training at PCC to prepare for chiropractic school and his career beyond it.

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A Stellar Experience at the Planetarium

Students can recline under an interstellar arena and view an astounding replica of the universe projected on the ceiling. The 30,000-watt, 7.1 surround-sound system transports viewers into the stratosphere, leaving them in awe of God’s vast creation.

Students taking Introduction to Astronomy (SC 141) learn in the planetarium every week, and any student can choose to attend these fascinating and inspiring presentations:

  • The Heavens Declare
  • Celestial Stained Glass
  • Stair Steps to Space
  • Exploring with the North Star
  • CAPCOM GO! The Apollo Story
  • MOONBASE: THE NEXT STEP
Read more about the Planetarium

Natural Sciences Department Verse

For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him: and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.
Colossians 1:16, 17

Natural Sciences Department Verse

For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him: And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.
Colossians 1:16, 17