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STEP 101

Students gain experience in the scientific process by designing and conducting a variety of scientific studies.

STEP 102

Students conduct a class research project centered on a single broad scientific theme, such as: asteroid impacts and the history and future of the earth; climate changes; impacts of nuclear science and technology.

In Both Classes

Students are exposed to different research projects being conducted by faculty and students in science, technology, and mathematics at CWU.

STEP Freshmen

Central Washington University

STEP
FRESHMAN
SCIENCE
SEMINAR

The core of the STEP program is the Freshman Science Seminar Series, a sequence of two classes (STEP 101 and STEP 102) at Central Washington University. STEP 101 and 102 are taught by professors from different science disciplines. In these classes, a small group of 20 students will gain hands-on experience with the scientific process by designing their own experiments, explore theme-based interdisciplinary scientific issues, become familiar with faculty research areas at CWU, and develop mentoring relationships with CWU science faculty.

During the Fall Quarter, STEP students take University 101, English 101 and STEP 101 as a group. In Winter, it's STEP 102 and English 102. These courses allow STEP students to work with a faculty advisor to begin planning a course of study that will lead to a degree in one of the science disciplines AND satisfy one of CWU's General Education and Composition requirements.

Living-Learning Community

Students in the STEP program have the opportunity to join the STEP Living Learning Community in Kamola Hall. This is a community of students living together in a single residence hall and sharing an interest in the natural sciences. Residence hall staff and science faculty organize and lead events and activities related to the natural sciences. Living-Learning communities provide enjoyable out of classroom experiences and social interactions, improve students' academic performance, and build connections between faculty and students.