The College of Natural and Applied Sciences at Missouri State University offers students many opportunities to get involved with the community, their peers and hands-on research while they earn an unbeatable education. Most of the opportunities are made available at the department level.

Our faculty is committed to helping you develop a degree plan to reach your educational and career goals, while our student organizations, education abroad trips and research resources provide you with firsthand experiences and professional development opportunities. We recommend you take advantage of these as a student; you will enrich your mind and body of work. 

Helping you succeed in the sciences

Here are several programs and ways to help you in your studies and coursework.

See details below to choose the program(s) that are right for you. Contact your department, advisor or instructor for more information.

Need to take more than 18 credit hours in a semester? Complete this form.

Join a CNAS Student Organization!

The 2022 CNAS Student Expo will take place Wednesday, September 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Bear Head Plaza (east side of fountain). Please come and see some of the many different student organizations linked to CNAS or a national group. Being part of a club can help you be successful in your college career, so join one or start your own. 
Below: Photos from the 2020 CNAS Student Expo

    

The CNAS Student Expo is held at the beginning of the fall semester. Last year, the student organizations below promoted their clubs, recruited new members, collaborated and exchanged ideas, and networked for career opportunities in the different disciplines across the college. This fun event included music, food and beverages, and more. If you miss the Expo, contact the student organization directly for information about joining.

  • American Chemical Society
  • Association of Computing Machinery
  • Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) Biological Honors Society
  • Fishery Society
  • Gamma Theta Upsilon / Geography Club
  • Geological Society / American Association of Petroleum Geologists
  • Hospitality Leaders of Tomorrow
  • Kappa Mu Epsilon Mathematics Honor Society
  • Pre-Vet Club
  • Society of Physics Students
  • Society of Science Educators
  • Student Math Teacher Organization of Southwest Missouri
  • Students for a Sustainable Future
  • Wildlife Society
  • Women in STEM
  •  

Find help at Bear CLAW (Center for Learning and Writing)

Bear CLAW entrywayA student gets tutoredA study group meets to discuss a class lecture

The Bear CLAW is located on the first floor of Meyer Library and connects you with a variety of academic resources:

PASS is a voluntary free series of review sessions for students taking historically difficult courses. Every student is encouraged to attend if they wish to improve their comprehension of the material. Other study or tutoring groups may be formed in your department.

Join or form a study group

Study groups are created per course for students to connect and to help one another with their studies. The students set the schedules to meet and lead the sessions.

Many students find study groups to be very productive and helpful in learning the material of their classes. Benefits of participating in a study group include better grades and study habits, increased motivation, less test anxiety, and networking opportunities.

Live with like-minded students

Students lounge in their dorm room Students work together in the common area at Temple Hall 

If you are a budding scientist, mathematician or engineer, submit an application for the Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering Living-Learning Community, sponsored by CNAS. You will have the opportunity to live and learn with those who share your interests, and faculty members from CNAS will create learning opportunities outside the classroom - activities like study and advising sessions, presentations, and field trips.

Learn more about the benefits of a STEM LLC and apply for this great opportunity.

Get involved through student organizations

Students at zoo Students on trip

The student organizations within each area of study at CNAS provide students with professional development, academic excellence, and community involvement. Joining one or more of these organizations also provides leadership and networking opportunities and the chance to hone your knowledge and skills. Plus, you have fun while learning!

Present your work at Undergraduate Research Day

A student discusses her research with a professor Presentations are set up at the Undergraduate Research Day

The Undergraduate Research Day at CNAS highlights undergraduate research in chemistry; computer science; biology; physics, astronomy and materials science; mathematics; geography, geology and planning; and the cooperative engineering program. Research posters are displayed, followed by a guest speaker and an awards ceremony.

This is just one of the many events sponsored by CNAS each year. Many opportunities exist for you to get involved outside of the classroom, so click CNAS events for more information.