Astronomers study the fundamental problems of the nature and evolution of our universe. In this major, you can explore the properties and origins of the planets, stars, and galaxies, and of the universe as a whole.

You might like this program if...

• You enjoy applying the ideas of physics to the study of complex systems and phenomena beyond our own planet.
• You want to study the answers to big questions relating to astronomy, such as “How was the universe created?” and “How likely is it that life exists beyond Earth?”

Biochemists and molecular biologists study the molecular basis of life. In this major you can apply basic principles of chemistry and physics to the study of living cells and their components, to explain life at its molecular, genetic, and cellular levels.

You might like this program if...

• You want to know how life works at the most fundamental levels.
• You want to learn how molecules can be manipulated to address global challenges such as disease, famine, and energy needs.

Biologists investigate ways to cure neurological diseases, conserve coral populations in tropical oceans, discover more-efficient ways to use plants for food and bio-energy, develop vaccines for infectious diseases, and examine many other aspects of life. In this major, you can explore the diversity and organization of organisms—from single-celled bacteria to multi-cellular plants and animals, including humans.

You might like this program if...

• You are interested in learning about the biological details of the Earth’s many organisms.
• You enjoy a dynamic field of study, with new discoveries being made every day.

Biotechnologists apply principles of molecular and cellular science to produce biologically important and industrially useful products. In this major, you can explore topics such as genetic engineering, pharmaceutical development, and bio-manufacturing.

You might like this program if...

• You want to understand how to apply scientific concepts to the development of new products and technologies for the benefit of humanity and our surroundings.
• You are interested in medicine but don’t want to work directly with patients.

Chemists study matter and the changes it can undergo. In this major you can seek to gain a molecular-level understanding of compounds and materials through the building, measuring, and modeling of their properties, while learning to predict and explain changes when they react to form new substances.

You might like this program if...

• You are curious about why the materials you encounter in daily life have certain properties and interact in different ways.
• You want to help create new and better chemicals for personal care, medicine, construction, agriculture, or energy storage.

Data scientists explore the methods, systems, and processes used to extract knowledge from data and turn these insights into discoveries, decisions, and actions. In this major, you can develop the knowledge and skills needed to manage and analyze large-scale, unstructured data—to address an expanding range of problems in industry, government, and academia.

You might like this program if...

• You want to apply data analytics to strategic decision-making.
• You are interested in statistics, mathematics, and the social sciences—and want to combine them to understand what data can tell us.

Forensic scientists apply chemistry, molecular biology, and physics to matters of the law. In this major, you can develop a strong scientific foundation and general criminalistics education while individualizing your experience to meet your specific degree and career goals.

You might like this program if...

• You want to utilize your scientific knowledge to help solve complex problems concerning civil, criminal, and homeland security issues.
• You want to understand how evidence is collected at the crime scene, analyzed in the laboratory, and presented in courts of law.

 Forensic Molecular Biology option

 Forensic Chemistry option

The Integrative Science major provides a broad and interdisciplinary foundation in the natural sciences. This program uses the principles of chemistry, physics, and the life sciences to understand how these integrate over general areas including biological sciences and health professions, public policy, and science research and development.

You might like this program if...

• You are curious about the natural world and how science disciplines come together to explore and understand it.
• You are considering a career in current and emerging interdisciplinary sciences or health professions, or one that combines science with law, policy, or business.

Biological Science and Health Professions option

General option

Legal Studies, Government Service, Public Policy option

 

Theoretical mathematicians increase basic knowledge in “pure” fields like abstract algebra, analysis, and topology. Applied mathematicians use tools from calculus, analysis, computing, statistics, and operations research to solve problems in science, industry, government, and other areas. This major emphasizes careful analysis of problems, precision of thought and expression, and the development of mathematical skills.

You might like this program if...

• (B.S.) You want to develop strong problem-solving skills, comprehension of abstract concepts, and creative thinking ability.
• (B.S.) You want to have access to a wide variety of careers in the fields of science and technology, finance and risk analysis, research and industry, or teaching.
• (B.A.) You want a broad liberal arts education with a strong mathematical foundation.
• (B.A.) You want mathematics to complement your study of other subjects.

Bachelor of Arts Options

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) option
• Integrated Undergraduate Graduate Program Bachelor of Science (B.A.) option

Bachelor of Science Options

• Integrated Undergraduate Graduate Program Bachelor of Science (B.S.) option
• Actuarial Option
• Applied & Industrial Option
• Computational Mathematics Option
• General Mathematics Option
• Graduate Study Option
• Systems Analysis Option

• Mathematics Minor
• Information Sciences and Technology for Mathematics

Microbiologists study microscopic organisms and how they interact with other organisms and the environment. In this major, you could study how microbes both benefit and harm human health; the role of microbes in the environment; or how microbes can be used in medicine, agriculture, and engineering.

You might like this program if...

• You are interested in learning about the interplay between infectious diseases and the immune response.
• You want to pursue a career in genetic engineering, medicine, public health, or environmental studies.

General Microbiology Option Emphasis in Cell Biology & Ecology

General Microbiology Option Emphasis in Cell Biology & Genetics

Medical Microbiology Option

Physicists study natural phenomena in the universe to discover the basic principles and laws that govern the physical world. In this major, you can study the fundamental conceptual, mathematical, computational, and experimental tools that are needed to tackle these scientific and technological challenges.

You might like this program if...

• You are curious about how things work.
• You are fascinated by how the natural world is organized, how mathematics describes it, how experiments can probe its properties, and how one can predict new physical phenomena.

Planetary scientists study the Earth system in the context of the solar system and the universe as a whole. In this major, you can apply knowledge and methods from mathematics, geosciences, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and physics to explore the Earth and use telescopes to obtain astronomical data.

You might like this program if...

• You want to delve deeper into questions about black holes, life in the cosmos, and the origin of the universe.
• You have an interest in science communication or science education.

This is an accelerated program in cooperation with the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, where you have the opportunity to earn both the B.S. and M.D. degrees in seven years.

• Undergraduate Bulletin description

You might like this program if...

• You are focused on a future career as a physician.
• You want to study many core science disciplines.
• You want to fulfill a Minor in another area of interest.

The Premedicine major integrates knowledge and practices across the fields of biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and physics with additional breadth in the social sciences, ethics, and deep critical-thinking skills that are necessary for advanced study in the field of medicine.

You might like this program if...

• You want to use your science expertise to work and make a difference with people.
• You aspire to make your career in medicine.

The Science B.S./M.B.A. program is a special cooperative program with the Smeal College of Business, where you can earn an undergraduate degree and a master of business administration in an accelerated time frame.

You might like this program if...

• You love studying science but don’t necessarily want a career in a laboratory.
• You want the opportunity to move into a leadership role early in your career.

Statisticians use critical and abstract thinking to apply mathematical principles to statistical problems and combine modeling with computational skills to analyze data. In this major, you can explore a field that combines mathematics, computing, and analysis to better organize and understand data.

You might like this program if...

• You enjoy working with numbers and data.
• You are a problem-solver who enjoys figuring out how things work or what data mean.

Applied option

Actuarial option

Biostatistics option

Graduate Studies option

Statistics and Computing option

Integrated B.S. in Statistics and M.A.S. in Applied Statistics