Math & Science Center
Berrien RESA Mathematics and Science Center has been inspiring high school students in math, science and tech since 1991. The program sends up to 30 students per grade (9-12) to Andrews University in Berrien Springs for half of each school day.
Our accelerated curriculum includes 4 years of science and math, plus 2 years of computer science. Students get hands-on experience through projects, field trips, and electives at Andrews University.
Juniors and seniors can even take college courses for credit as well as semester-long scientific internships, where you'll work with top professionals in your field of interest.
Former students have explored careers in medicine, computer science, biology, and more!
Program Details
Admissions
Freshmen
Students wishing to be considered for admission as freshmen should apply to the Math & Science Center by mid-March of their 8th grade year.
Applications are available by the end of November at participating middle schools and this webpage. To be considered for the program, 8th graders must take the PSAT 8/9 in April of their 8th grade year, and complete one year of algebra or the Connected Math curriculum by the end of their 8th grade year.
Admissions are then based on PSAT 8/9 scores as well as grade point averages, teacher recommendations and other indicators.
Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
While it is most common to join the Math & Science Center as a 9th grader, it is possible to enter as an upper-classman.
Applicants should submit their most recent PSAT or SAT scores. Invitations to participate are issued by the local school district.
Upper class students admitted must have satisfactorily completed coursework similar to that offered to the Center. Students will be selected based on their demonstrated ability to successfully move into our accelerated program AND availability. Class capacity is capped at 30 students.
If you require assistance with SAT fees, The College Board offers waivers to qualified students.
Maintaining A Seat
Once a student has been accepted to the Math & Science Center, it is not necessary to reapply each year. A student can expect to maintain his/her seat through satisfactory academic progress and good citizenship.
Course Descriptions & Curriculum
9th Grade
AH Integrated Geometry
This project-oriented course provides a rich, rigorous foundation in geometry, uniquely blended with set theory, probability and statistics, and further work in algebra. Problem solving and technology, including computers and graphing calculators, are integrated into each of these topics.
AH Research Biology
Topics include cell biology, genetics, structure and function of plant and animal kingdoms, comparative anatomy and physiology, and ecology/environmental studies. Hands-on time with sophisticated instrumentation and procedural techniques culminate in a research project.
AH Computer Science I
This course introduces the student to the computer as a tool for writing, studying, and publication. Basic knowledge of how computers work and of common computer terminology, including the understanding of the various applications of computers are included. Students become immersed in multi-media applications.
10th Grade
AH Integrated Algebra II
The major component of this course is advanced topics in algebra. The students continue the study of probability/statistics, including probability distribution and linear regression. The course integrates geometry, algebra, statistics, discrete mathematics, polynomial functions, and problem solving with the use of graphing calculators and computers.
AH Analytical Chemistry
This course is the study of the composition of substances. The course includes a broad range of chemical concepts producing a well-balanced preparation for college classes. Classroom instruction is integrated with meaningful laboratory experiences in order to develop each student’s knowledge of analytical chemistry itself.
AH Computer Programming - CPTR 151 Credit Option
This course emphasizes computer problem solving using structured design and programming. Students learn to approach problems systematically and approach solutions using well-known techniques of proven effectiveness. Students create modular programs using current programming languages.
AH Statistics
Students accelerated in mathematics beyond our normal sequence frequently take AP Statistics. The Advanced Placement Statistics course follows the Advanced Placement syllabus and students may take the AP test in May. Course study will include exploring data, planning a study, modeling patterns using probability and simulation, and statistical inference. (AP Statistics is offered by invitation only.)
11th Grade
AH Pre-Calculus - MATH 168 Credit Option
Course topic includes college algebra, advanced trigonometry, and analytic geometry of two and three dimension. Students experience a thorough analysis of all elementary functions and curve-sketching. Selected discrete mathematics topics including normal probability distributions and testing hypotheses are explored. Practice with proofs, such as mathematics induction, are included. Experiences with computer software and graphing calculators are incorporated.
AH Physics - Concepts And Applications In Physics - PHYS 107/108 Credit Option
Identifying and quantifying physics concepts that organize daily experience, selected from mechanics, waves, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics. Includes individual and collaborative development of abstract and practical problem solving skills and applications in the classroom and integrated laboratory experience. Intended to lay a foundation for pre-professional and calculus-based introductory physics courses.
12th Grade
AP Calculus AB
The Advanced Placement Calculus AB course follows the Advanced Placement syllabus and students may take the AP test in May. Advanced students may follow the BC course. Course study will include properties of functions, limits, differential calculus, and integral calculus.
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus BC is available as an optional elective to students that have successfully completed AP Calculus AB. Following the Advanced Placement syllabus, concepts are presented using graphical, numerical, and symbolic representation. This course covers two semesters of college calculus.
AH Biology II & AH Chemistry II - BIOL 105/CHEM 195 Credit Option
BIOL 105 is an introduction to research. The students will be conducting a small research project involving brain cancer. Utilizing the technique of interference RNA, the students will explore the effect of the oncogene c-Rel has on cancer. The students will take his project from concept through execution during the semester. The emphasis of this class is laboratory but there will be a short introductory lecture explaining the topic posted for you to view prior to class. Techniques learned during this semester include: molecular cloning, DNA isolation and purification, PCR, RT-PCR, DNA sequencing, RNAi, restriction enzyme digestion, gel electrophoresis, cell culture, SDS-PAGE, and Western Blot.
CHEM 195 is a laboratory-based course designed to give high school students an early introduction to authentic research. Projects involve developing new products and processes using modern organic, synthetic, and analytical methods. Students are required to write a (1) research proposal, (2) technical final report, and (3) nontechnical newspaper article, in addition to maintaining a lab notebook. They are also expected to prepare a research poster and demonstrate the use of laboratory techniques and instruments at the end-of-the-semester research symposium.
University Courses
Students may choose an elective from a number of approved undergraduate university courses in mathematics, science, technology, and foreign languages.
2024 Program Highlights
- Class size – 23 students
- 100% college enrollment
- Average ACT Score: 33
- Average SAT Score: 1290
- 100% earned college credit
- Almost 50% of the class served as their high school's valedictorian, salutatorian or were in the Top 10
- 66% were National Honor Society Members
- $2.5 Million dollars awarded in cumulative scholarships
Questions?
Tonya Snyder
Student Talent Consultant
269-471-7725 ext. 3360
How to Apply
Current Student Resources
Maggie Chisonga
It’s ALL worth it!! I don’t regret joining this program at all. I actually looked forward to coming to MSC more than going to my regular high school. I loved how I was given the opportunity to experience college-level courses in high school.
Maggie Chisonga
Jacob Fox
Yes, it is 100% worth it! The field trips and extra opportunities alone make it worth the extra work. Add that to the lifelong friends, the teachers, and the fun experiences, it makes the extra work so worth it. Thank you for making this program so much fun over the years. It has been the highlight of every school day I have had in high school.
Jacob Fox
Logan Edwards
MSC ends up being much more than you bargain for, in the good and the bad. You enter the program with a general idea that you'll have in increase in workload and get to meet some new kids. Yet, after 4 years of being in the program, you realize there's so much more. Sure, the work was a bit much at first, but you adjust quickly and when you do, the courses are alright. As far as friends and peers go, I would have never imagined that I would grow as close as I have to these guys. Tonya says from the beginning that this eventually happens to all the classes, but you find it absurd until it happens to you. I think that every moment I spent here, from pre-test cramming to the all-nighters, was 100% worth it. I really could not imagine my high school experience without MSC.
Logan Edwards
Megan Wieger
It is DEFINITELY worth it. I feel very prepared for college and was excellently prepared for the SAT. I was also asked about MSC in interviews for top schools. Overall, I loved the research opportunities the most. Andrews is awesome, and you don’t realize how fast it will go by. I saw freshman getting on the bus to go home and I was jealous because I wanted to have three more years left.
Megan Wieger
Nathaniel Giessner
Amazing opportunity to connect with people outside of your school and an amazing opportunity to learn at a higher level. Not as much extra work as you'd think. The workload is manageable. My life would be entirely different without MSC. I wouldn't have the friends or aspirations that I do now.
Nathaniel Giessner