Science major modernized to reflect interdisciplinary nature

The science major in the Penn State Eberly College of Science has received a modern refresh to reflect its interdisciplinary nature. Renamed integrative science, this undergraduate degree program has been revamped to better serve students in the college who enroll in the major.
 
The modernization of the integrative science curriculum enhances the interdisciplinary breadth of all three degree options: general science; biological sciences and health professions; and legal studies, government service, public policy. These changes enable students to customize and align their coursework to their own unique scientific interests, which prepares them for industries ranging from research and development to medicine to sustainability and more.  
 
Beth Johnson, director of the integrative science major, explained the reasoning behind these changes.
 
“Coming out of the pandemic, there was an increase in student interest in the practical application of science and collaboration across disciplines. This was unsurprising, as the pandemic showcased real-world science in action, integrating fields like virology, biotechnology, data science, epidemiology, and public health,” she said. “With this renewed awareness of and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary studies, we have modernized the college’s longstanding science major curriculum to better reflect this focus.” 
 
Integrative science was the college’s third largest major in the 2023-24 academic year, and according to Johnson, the renaming of the degree clarifies the emphasis on interdisciplinary scientific training and further prepares students for careers in scientific fields that overlap with one another. 
 
“Our integrative science curriculum committee is incredibly proud of these changes,” she added, “and we are confident that this major will continue to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in diverse career paths within the sciences.” 
 
Amy Corbett, a recent graduate now working as an associate relationship manager at Cognizant, shared her experience with the integrative science program and how it helped her find a job after graduation.
 
“The foundation skills I gained from the integrative science major were pivotal in helping me break into the health-care and pharmaceutical industries,” she said. “After completing my undergraduate studies, I stayed at Penn State and pursued an MBA, which played a crucial role in qualifying for my position. The combination of these two degrees has been instrumental in my career, allowing me to effectively navigate the scientific, technical, and business aspects of my work.”
 
Alumni can engage with and support current integrative science students in multiple ways, including mentoring and networking, giving guest seminars, providing job shadowing and internship opportunities, donating to scholarships, and more. Interested individuals can contact the college’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations to get involved.
 
More information about the integrative science major is available on the Eberly College of Science website.