Natural History

Natural historians examine the world to determine the relationships between organisms, how they developed and evolved, and how they interact with their environment. To achieve these aims, students who pursue a minor in natural history focus on individual organisms and examine ecosystems on a larger scale. They gain the tools to interpret the natural world through hands-on, interactive course work in the classroom and in the field.

Undergraduate Minor

School of Science & Technology
Course Catalog

About the Program

Program Summary

The natural history minor is built on experiential, field-based coursework, internship opportunities, and a capstone experience that help students gain key inquiry skills and fundamental scientific knowledge that will support success in a variety of professions. Students will gain experience with:

Direct observation
Description and documentation
Data collection
Problem formulation
Critical analysis

And, importantly, students receive mentorship as they apply these skills to the creative process of diversity.

Students interested in fields as diverse as creative writing, visual arts, literature, medicine, entrepreneurship, law and policy, mathematics, the sciences, and more will benefit from the skills, experience, and knowledge gained through a minor in natural history.

Career Paths

University Professor
Museum Curator
Historian
Biologist

DANAE WOLFE ‘09 | Environmental Studies Major

“The beauty of the liberal arts degree is your ability to explore many areas of interest before taking a deeper dive into your major and minor areas of study. Embrace the unknown, and don’t be afraid to explore what interests you!”

Ways to Get involved

Hiram College has two field stations. Less than three miles from campus, the James H. Barrow Biological Field Station is an active research and educational facility. Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, we have a beautiful camp called the Northwoods Field Station.