Undergraduate Programs

At the undergraduate level, we offer thirteen majors in four disciplines: Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies. Below you'll find information pertaining to each of these areas and links to individual descriptions of these courses.

The Life Sciences
The life sciences are the study of the structure and function of living things. Complex, exciting, and dynamic fields of study, the life sciences include genetics, evolution, cell function, viruses, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, ecology, plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates. It is important for those who study the life sciences to have an interest and background in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

Biology
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biotechnology
Microbiology

The Physical Sciences
The physical sciences encompass the experimental, theoretical, and computational study of physical phenomena in our universe, involving matter, energy, and their interactions, by faculty and students in the Departments of Astronomy/Astrophysics, Chemistry, and Physics.

Research interests in the physical sciences include basic science studies on topics as diverse as cosmology, gravitational waves, and particle astrophysics, extrasolar planets and pulsars, atomic scale chemistry and clusters, biomolecular systems, and computer modeling of chemical reactions, as well as superconductivity, spintronics, ultra-cold atoms, and quantum computing.

Research in more applied areas of the physical sciences has a large impact on fields such as materials science, nanotechnology, neuroscience, and biophysics.

Astronomy & Astrophysics
Chemistry
Physics

The Mathematical Sciences
The mathematical sciences are organized around principles of logical reasoning and computation.  Mathematics arose from basic practices of measurement and counting, but has come to incorporate abstract ideas and constructions of considerable power.  It is now a crucial tool in science and engineering, and with the advent of powerful methods of electronic computation its importance is further increasing.  Specific applications range from population dynamics, to the pricing of financial instruments, to data encryption, and to the modeling of a wide variety of biological and physical processes. Students interested in the mathematical sciences should have a strong interest in problem solving and a good background in high school-level mathematics.

Mathematics
Statistics

Interdisciplinary Academic Programs

We also offer three majors and two special admissions options that provide students with an interdisciplinary approach to the study of science. The programs offer a broad-based study including mathematics, chemistry, biology, and physics. In addition to the required science courses, these majors typically include the flexibility to take a host of supporting elective courses either in the sciences or non-sciences.

Undergraduate Programs
General Science
Forensic Science - New Fall 2005!
Premedicine

Combined Undergraduate and Graduate Programs - Special Admission
Premedical-Medical
Science BS/MBA

Additional Academic Program Options

The Cooperative Education Program and Science Abroad provide opportunities for science students to earn academic credit toward science degree requirements while experiencing science from different perspectives than those provided in the traditional classroom environment. Students who have participated in co-op and study abroad have found these programs helpful to them in terms of determining their career direction, developing a solid network of professional contacts, and expanding their view of the world beyond the walls of their classrooms. The Eberly College of Science is pleased to offer these programs to science students and encourages all students to consider incorporating co-op, study abroad (or both!) into their academic plans.

Career and International Education
The Cooperative Education Program (Co-op) allows students to integrate academics with relevant work experience through multiple semesters of work and study. As a co-op student, you apply classroom knowledge to a real-life work situation, allowing you to gain experience to help you make more informed decisions about your future. Co-op is an academic program, so you earn credit toward your science degree requirements while gaining valuable work experience, career advice, and an entry-level salary. Co-op experience can help you to develop the skills you need to gain admission to professional programs, graduate programs, and to secure full-time employment after graduation. For more information about the Co-op Program, visit http://www.science.psu.edu/coop

Science Abroad Opportunities
In today's world, every student, regardless of his or her major, needs to graduate with knowledge of other cultures in order to succeed. Penn State students have access to approximately 130 programs in 49 countries through the centralized Education Abroad Office (www.international.psu.edu). Since scientific endeavors cross all national boundaries, it’s even more important for future scientists like you to build a strong foundation of international experience and a network of scientific colleagues. To assist with that effort, the College has identified partner institutions in Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. These institutions have strong science programs, and course equivalencies have been identified so you can continue making progress toward your degree requirements while experiencing science from a different perspective. For more information on the science partner institutions and study abroad advice for specific science degree programs, visit the Science Abroad web site at http://www.science.psu.edu/scienceabroad.