You may have heard students complain about the lack of majors within Corban’s science department. With only health science as a choice, students face the question: Is it worth it to stay?
Corban appeals to many students because it partners academics with faith, as evidenced by its mission statement: “to educate Christians who will make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ.” However, some students face a roadblock in their college career – it is impossible to complete some degrees with Corban’s science program.
While students can stick it out for four years, filling in gaps with community college classes, many choose to transfer after their sophomore year. In one dorm, on one floor alone, five sophomores plan to transfer to different colleges next year because of this lack.
Students’ options in the science department have improved over recent years, though. Ten years ago, Corban did not even have a health science major. Instead, students interested in science would come for two years, taking certain prerequisites in order to go on to nursing schools.
In 1998, the department added to its faculty and built the two science labs. It was a new direction, according to faculty.
But is it enough?
Kris Cox, a junior health science major, said when he came to Corban in 2006, only one student had graduated from Corban and continued on to medical school.
Paul Roberson, also a junior health science major, said that it is important for health science students to put more work into classes, knowing what is required for whatever occupation is desired.
“You just have to take initiative yourself,” Roberson said.
Cox and Roberson both have been hard at work to fulfill requirements and to gain experience: Cox working in a hospital, and Roberson working as a physical therapist. They also discussed taking a medical missions trip.
According to Cox and Roberson, it is difficult to fit required Bible classes into their schedules. Science classes are held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and labs are Tuesday or Thursday, each of which usually takes up to three hours. Roberson is taking a Bible class through independent study to stay caught up.
“I don’t regret it,” Cox said. “I wanted to go to school where my faith would be supported.” He said it is “worth any extra work” he might have to put into his major.
For many students, though, next year will be a time for new horizons. Jessica Simpson, a sophomore health science major, is transferring to the Intercollegiate College of Nursing next year. Since Corban does not offer a nursing program, she has been taking extra classes from Chemeketa Community College.
“I would love to graduate from here, but I can’t,” Simpson said.
Simpson, like Cox, feels no regrets. She will be leaving Corban with a Certificate of Biblical Studies, which she says is something she wanted for herself. While the secular world might not see any relation between biblical studies and nursing, Simpson disagrees.
“It has everything to do with my life and my worldview . . . I got what God wants me to get from Corban and now He’s leading me to use the tools that I learned here,” she said.
Savannah Tally, a sophomore this year, is leaving with a desire to pursue a major dealing with the plant sciences, possible botany. While still unsure of plans for next year, Tally is sure of one thing: “I don’t like blood,” she said with a grimace. She said she wants to take “plant classes,” but Corban only offers “body classes.”
Rachelle Goold, a sophomore transferring to Boise State University next year to become a physician’s assistant, said, “as long as you’re following God’s will, it’s all going to work out wherever you are.”