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Life Sciences

  • Life Science

    Our Life Science department offers courses that may be prerequisites for physical development and health, including biology, nursing, dental hygiene, and more!


    Crowder College is pleased to share the Rural Health Scholars Program at Kansas City University, Joplin. This unique initiative supports students in their journey to becoming physicians or dentists. Find out more.

    Division Chair

    Stacy Pugh-Towe
    Davidson Hall, DVH 109D
    417-455-5452

  • Student in a sculpture class working with clay
    Crowder College theatre production

    The Fine Arts division includes courses in theatre, art, debate, and music. Events are scheduled throughout the year with Fine Arts Week in late spring.

    Art & Design

    Theatre

    Contact

    Joshua Novak, Division Chair
    Phone: 417.455.5526
    Email: JoshuaNovak@Crowder.edu

  • Students in a social sciences class

    Welcome to the Social Science Division! We offer courses dealing with how people live, including things such as geography, history, philosophy, political science, and sociology. Courses include classroom instruction, flexible classes, and online classes to best fit the student’s needs. Crowder College offers an Associate of Arts degree in History.

    History Symposium

    Faculty

    Dr. Denna Clymer
    (DennaClymer@Crowder.edu)
    Division Chair
    McDonald Hall, MDH 155
    417.455.5614

    Dr. Denna Clymer is a History and Geography instructor. She holds degrees from Missouri Southern State University, Pittsburg State University, and the University of Arkansas. Her field of study is in agriculture and food supply, and she has sub-fields in Latin American and Chinese history.

    Dr. G. David Schieffler
    (DavidSchieffler@Crowder.edu)
    Instructor
    McDonald Hall, MDH 156
    417.455.5601

    David is a full-time history instructor and the Honors Program Coordinator at Crowder. A born and bred Delta Arkansan, he holds a PhD from the University of Arkansas and has been teaching in high school and college classrooms since 2005. He specializes in nineteenth-century U.S. history (especially the Civil War era) and is co-editor, with Matthew M. Stith, of Hundreds of Little Wars: Community, Conflict, and the Real Civil War (Louisiana State University Press, 2025). He is currently at work on a book manuscript entitled “Civil War in the Delta: Environment, Race, and the 1863 Helena Campaign.” When he’s not investigating the natural environment’s pivotal role in the Helena campaign, David has been known to do a little fishing (of the fly variety), including chasing Ozark smallmouth for miles on end. He is also passionate about helping students become “deep learners”—that is, people who learn for learning’s sake (not high grades), view failure as an opportunity to learn, and constantly think about the implications and applications of what they are learning.

  • Students in a nursing class
    nursing students

    Crowder College offers multiple pathways to becoming a registered nurse (RN) or practical nurse (LPN). Click the buttons below to find the right program for you!

    Traditional RN

    For students who are seeking a Registered Nursing career with no healthcare licensure required.

    LPN to RN Bridge

    For students who are seeking a Registered Nursing career with current and active LPN licensure.

    Paramedic to RN Bridge

    For students who are seeking a Registered Nursing career with current and active Paramedic certification and licensure.

    Practical Nurse

    For students who are seeking a Practical Nursing (LPN) career with no healthcare licensure required.


    Important Links

    Nursing Student Handbook – Spring 2026
    Nursing Accreditation and Approval
    Nursing Program Data
    Crowder Course Catalog

    Frequently Asked Questions

    According to the World Health Organization, “Nursing encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups and communities, sick or well and in all settings. It includes the promotion of health, the prevention of illness, and the care of ill, disabled, and dying people. Nurses play a critical role in healthcare and are often the unsung heroes in healthcare facilities and emergency response. They are often the first to detect health emergencies and work on the front lines of disease prevention and the delivery of primary health care, including promotion, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.”

    Nursing is a profession with high standards of professionalism with schools having the same high standards of student professionalism. It is a challenging and demanding program of study with the length of the program, high rigor in the classroom, and great expectations in the clinical setting. Nursing schools prepare you to provide safe and effective patient care.

    An Associate of Science in Nursing degree without an LPN license takes four semesters (not including general education courses) to complete. An Associate of Science in Nursing degree with an LPN license takes two semesters (not including general education courses) to complete.

    Please visit the page for the program option you are interested in to see the most up-to-date estimated cost of attendance.

    ​Please note that in-district charges apply to property-tax paying In-district charges apply to property-tax-paying residents of Newton and McDonald Counties (they pay taxes that support Crowder College). All other Missouri residents pay out-of-district charges. Tuition increases are subject to change.

    According to the American Medical Informatics Association, “Nursing Informatics is the “science and practice (that) integrates nursing, its information and knowledge, with information and communication technologies to promote the health of people, families, and communities worldwide.” (adapted from IMIA Special Interest Group on Nursing Informatics 2009). The application of nursing informatics knowledge is empowering for all healthcare practitioners in achieving patient-centered care.”

    Crowder College is an Equal Opportunity educational/employment institution and is non-discriminatory relative to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, and qualified disability. Crowder College is committed to providing educational opportunities to all qualified students regardless of their economic or social status. Director of Human Resources, (Newton Hall, 417-455-5675) coordinates compliance efforts with federal and state EO rules and regulations.

  • Students in a math and physical sciences class

    Our degrees prepare students for transfer to 4-year universities with majors strongly related to mathematics and the various physical sciences.  Students in our programs develop a strong foundation for success, including mathematical and scientific methods and processes, logical and critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities.

    Our GIS certificate prepares students for nationally recognized certification, allowing them to go straight to work in the field.

    Chemistry, Associates of Arts Degree
    Mathematics, Associates of Arts Degree
    Physics, Associates of Arts Degree
    Pre-Engineering, Associate of Science Degree

    Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Certificate

  • Student in a library

    Welcome to the Education Division at Crowder College which includes Psychology, Autism, Applied Behavior Analysis, Social Work, and Teacher Education. We offer 5 degrees and 1 certificate. We work with area school districts, behavior centers, counseling centers, preschools, and businesses that hire our graduates and assist in providing internships, observation settings, job shadowing, and tours. Our faculty come from many different backgrounds and hold a variety of degrees but all realize the importance of providing insight into our professional fields to our students.

    Our coursework is offered on-ground in Neosho, McDonald County, Cassville, Webb City, and Nevada in traditional and flex (which is a combination of both on-ground and online) as well as completely online. 

    Education has many career fields ranging from teacher assistants to administration. You can learn more about these careers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

    Education Degree Options

    Behavior Technician Certificate
    Associate of Arts Preschool Teacher/Paraprofessional
    Associate of Arts Psychology
    Associate of Arts Psychology-Autism Option
    Associate of Arts Social Work
    Associate of Arts Teaching

    Division Chair

    Leandra Toomoth
    P: 417.455.5685 | E: LeandraToomoth@Crowder.edu

  • Student behind camera in a communications class

    Crowder College’s Communication’s Division offers a variety of composition, literature, journalism, and language courses to interested students.

    • Composition
    • Literature
    • Journalism and Photography
    • Languages

    Courses include classroom instruction, computer labs with the latest technology, flexible classes, and online classes to best fit the student’s needs.

    Communication is a skill that has been valued for centuries. Recent studies, though, indicate that, while there is an increasing number of employment possibilities, there are fewer employees who are adequately prepared to assume the duties most positions require. Many businesses are demanding more preparation in writing, analysis of texts, and research for potential employees. According to JP Hansen, career expert and author of The Bliss List: The Ultimate Guide to Living the Dream at Work and Beyond, “A liberal arts degree provides an inherent advantage in written and oral communication, interpersonal skills, problem solving, critical and analytical thinking, and adaptability to change. The ability to comprehend, communicate, and conquer problems is the name of the game…”

    “In a labor force full of mediocre writers, someone who writes well is bound to stand out and succeed.” -Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D. and Katharine Hansen, Ph.D. (http://www.enhancemywriting.com/skills.html).

    “The liberty of speaking and writing guards our other liberties.” –Thomas Jefferson

    Click the image below for more information about degree options at Crowder in the communications field!

  • Students working on emergency services

    Enjoy Challenge and Making a Difference?

    Health Science is the quickest growing section of the job market with opportunities at every level to excel in a rewarding career. Crowder College offers a variety of Allied Health programs with the following certificate and degree options:

    Advanced Provider to Paramedic Bridge

    Certified Medical Assistant – CMA

    Certified Nursing Assistant – CNA

    Emergency Medical Technician – EMT

    Fire Science Certificate (includes EMT class)

    Occupational Therapy Assistant

    Paramedic

    Patient Care Technician

    Surgical Technology

    ambulance
  • Students outside of a life flight helicoptor

    The Emergency Services encompasses Criminal Justice, Emergency Medical Services, and Fire Science programs.

    The Criminal Justice program is designed to provide the student with the legal, technical, and practical aspects of law enforcement procedures. The Associate of Arts degree will provide the student with opportunities for careers or continued education in criminal justice, corrections, juvenile justice, and government or private security operations.

    Emergency Medical Services encompasses EMT, Paramedic, and Advanced Provider to Paramedic.

    The Fire Science program prepares students to enter an exciting career as a fire fighter. Classes are currently offered at our Cassville location: Firefighter I & II. The program offers a 16 credit hour certificate.
    All courses are taught by experienced firefighters and offer the opportunity for current firefighters to upgrade job skills or prepare themselves as supervisors or leaders in their own departments.

  • Student working on a car

    Crowder College Career & Technical Education offers college level programs based on today’s cutting edge technology while preparing you for tomorrow’s job market!

    Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs prepare students for high-demand careers by combining academic knowledge with hands-on, real-world experience. These programs cover a wide range of industries, including health sciences, information technology, engineering, skilled trades, and more.

    CTE pathways are designed to help students develop practical skills, earn industry-recognized certifications, and gain a competitive edge in the workforce. Whether students plan to enter the job market directly after graduation or continue their education, CTE provides a strong foundation for success as many of our programs offer stackable degrees.

    With guidance from our business and industry partners and access to modern equipment and technology, students in CTE programs graduate with the confidence and experience needed to thrive in today’s ever-changing economy.

    Opportunity for credit may be possible through nationally recognized industry certifications, on the job experiences, trade or technical skills, etc. Students interested in applying for such credit should contact the appropriate Division Chair, Program Director, or advisor to arrange an appointment. For a complete listing of courses that may accept experiential credit or for more information see the current catalog.

    For more information about these programs, reach out to CTE advisors: CTE@Crowder.edu or Joplin@Crowder.edu