From biology to backpacking: new majors at NGU
Emma Ogren, Staff Writer
Graphic courtesy of Emma Ogren
In fall 2026, North Greenville University will be adding two new majors to its catalog – biochemistry and outdoor leadership.
Any incoming student can choose these new majors. It is also possible to switch majors once they are introduced if current students are interested in those areas of study.
Aaron Mood, associate professor of chemistry, described the new biochem major as “using chemistry to study the biological world.”
In other words, the new major will act as a combination of the two subjects. Underclassmen will mostly focus on core biology classes that other majors share. In the upper levels, however, there will be a more chemistry focused education.
This higher-level chemistry introduces new classes to the curriculum that NGU has not offered before. These classes include Analytical Chemistry and lab, Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry II.
In addition to the new major, the chemistry minor is also being reinstated, due to student interest. This can add another area of study to a student’s path and further prepare them for the job market.
After graduation, students can use this major in different scientific areas. Paths include, but are not limited to, graduate studies, medical and dental fields, public health careers and even teaching higher education.
If interested in biochem, contact Aaron Mood at his email, Aaron.Mood@ngu.edu.
The other new major being introduced in the fall is outdoor leadership, also called ODEL.
Outdoor leadership was offered as a major until 2022 when it was phased out. Since then, it has only been offered as a minor or an interdisciplinary concentration. However, due to elevated student interest, NGU decided to bring it back.
Through this major, students will have a choice between two concentrations: outdoor ministry, which is further targeted towards camp, and outdoor recreation and park management.
This major blends ministry and outdoor skills to create a well-rounded program. This can lead students down paths of parks and recreation, conservation, nonprofits and outdoor ministry, such as camp.
Classes offered through this degree help students hone their expertise in backpacking, rock climbing, paddling, group development and even park planning.
A new class added for the upcoming major will be called Foundational Skills for the Outdoor Leader. This will be an introduction to the tougher outdoor skills.
Program Coordinator for Outdoor Leadership, Sam Keith, described the program as, “the intersection of people and the outdoors.”
It is important for the students in ODEL to learn from hands-on experiences in NGU’s own backyard. In the woods and the mountains that surround the campus, students will use treks to learn problem solving and team building skills.
There will also be opportunities for off campus excursions. Whether it be backpacking, kayaking or other activities, there are local trips to gain experience in these landscapes.
“There are inherent risks and challenges in the outdoors. You are out of your element, there’s disequilibrium, and the outdoors context, and there it leaves us vulnerable, for growth and change,” said Keith.
If interested in switching to outdoor leadership or adding a minor, contact Sam Keith at his email, Sam.Keith@ngu.edu.
