My D is about to finalize her college choice and Muhlenberg is one of the finalists. She is planning to major in Biology and perhaps minor in Spanish and/or Environmental Science. We toured the school last summer but didn’t get any specific information about these departments at that time. Any thoughts on Muhlenberg’s competency in the science fields?
I understand that Muhlenberg has a very highly rated Theatre department. Does the strength in this area detract in any way from the hard sciences? (Not sure why it would but just asking to make sure.)
We’re headed back for a second trip in a couple weeks: For those of you with intimate knowledge of the school, any non-obvious questions we should be asking about Muhlenberg’s strengths and weaknesses?
I graduated Muhlenberg with a BS degree in Biology back in 1993. I turned out OK. Granted things have changed greatly since I was there. Back then I was intending on being a Pre-Med student, and lot of science majors go to medical school from Muhlenberg. I am in the biotechnology industry now.
I don’t think you’ll have to worry about the fine arts program detracting from the sciences. Remember, Muhlenberg is a liberal arts school, and one thing that is nice is that since the school is so small your daughter will have the opportunity to experience and interact with many different aspects and students of the college, instead of different programs separated into smaller schools with little interaction between them, like you would find in a larger university.
One question I would ask is what research projects current students are working on, and what research opportunities are available to her. Research is critical for a science major and I would argue ultimately more important than the courses. Knowing what opportunities are available should guide your daughter’s decision.
Incidentally, my own daughter is starting college this fall as well. She will be attending Hofstra University as a TV and Radio Production major. Good luck to you and yours!
Muhlenberg has a very strong science program and is known for it-- as much if not more than for theater. My daughter originally intended to go into medicine and has been taking freshman bio and chem this year. She believes the professors she has are very good. She has done very well and has been challenged by her coursework. One of the reasons my daughter chose to attend Muhlenberg was the strength of the sciences, including psychology and neuroscience. I would recommend meeting with some professors and attending a class. We found the best way to get to know a school was through talking to professors. The theater program has no impact on the sciences other than hearing random bursts of singing and music during studying in the dorms.
@MrXiphoid Thanks for the insights. Good suggestion on the research projects; I don’t think we’ve delved into this aspect sufficiently. Good luck to your daughter as well! [BTW, I graduated in 1980; you can imagine the toll this process is taking on my middle-aged psyche. And I still have another one to go. Yikes! :-S]
@rdtjgk That last part sounds great! We do have a meeting set up with a Biology professor when we go so I’m hoping that turns out to be very informative.
Even though my daughter was a theatre major, it was well-known that the science program was superb and highly respected… lots of pre-med students and it’s a serious program, to the point that I know many students consider their freshman year as a weed-out program. But not in a mean, cut-throat way, just very rigorous.
My husband is a Ph.D. level scientist and was very impressed with the new facilities as well as programs.
Congratulations on having Muhlenberg as one of your options. I think Muhlenberg is one of those hidden gems that people talk about. The only question I can think to add to your list is to ask various people there what their opinion is of the new president of the college. The former president, Randy Helm, was amazing and the new president was going to have big shoes to fill. I would be curious what staff, students, employees and neighbors think of the new president. Best of luck!
So far, I have been very impressed by the new president. He seems very on the ball, is relatable, and seems to get the Muhlenberg community. It also doesn’t hurt that I know someone who went to Amherst with him who has nothing but wonderful things to say about him.