Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics

A biology or life sciences major explores the structure, function, diversity, and evolution of living organisms, combining laboratory experiments, field work, and theoretical study to understand how cells, tissues, organs, organisms, populations, and ecosystems operate and interact. Students learn cellular and molecular biology concepts such as DNA replication, gene expression, and protein function, along with genetics principles that explain inheritance and variation. Coursework typically covers physiology to reveal how organs and systems maintain homeostasis, ecology to examine species interactions and environmental impacts, and evolution to trace the origins and adaptation of life. Practical skills gained include experimental design, microscopy, molecular techniques like PCR and gel electrophoresis, data analysis and statistics, and scientific writing and communication. Elective options often allow specialization in areas such as microbiology, immunology, developmental biology, neurobiology, plant science, or conservation biology, preparing graduates for research roles, healthcare-related programs, environmental work, biotechnology careers, or graduate study.

A physical science major studies the fundamental principles that govern matter and energy, drawing on physics, chemistry, and related fields to explain how natural systems behave. Students learn core concepts such as mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, atomic and molecular structure, and chemical reactions, and they apply mathematical tools like calculus and linear algebra to model and solve problems. Laboratory work develops hands-on skills in experimental design, data collection, error analysis, and instrument use, while coursework in computational methods teaches simulation and data visualization techniques. Elective options often let students explore specialized areas—materials science, environmental physics, geophysics, or physical chemistry—preparing them for careers in research, engineering, teaching, or technical roles, and equipping them with critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and scientific communication abilities.

An environmental science major studies how natural systems function and how human activities affect the air, water, soil, ecosystems, and climate, combining biology, chemistry, geology, ecology, and social science to understand and solve environmental problems. Students learn to collect and analyze field and laboratory data, use geographic information systems and remote sensing, model environmental processes, and apply statistical methods to interpret results. Coursework and labs teach skills in ecosystem assessment, pollution measurement and remediation, resource management, and conservation planning, while classes in environmental policy, ethics, and economics show how laws, regulations, and human behavior shape outcomes. Through projects, internships, and fieldwork, students develop practical abilities in environmental monitoring, impact assessment, report writing, and communicating scientific findings to diverse audiences, preparing them for careers in research, consulting, government, non-profits, or further study in graduate and professional programs.

A health science major prepares students to understand the biological, clinical, and social factors that influence health and healthcare delivery. Coursework typically covers anatomy and physiology, public health, epidemiology, health policy, biostatistics, and ethics, giving students a strong foundation in how the human body works, how diseases spread, and how systems serve populations. Students learn to analyze health data, evaluate interventions, and design prevention strategies, while gaining skills in critical thinking, evidence-based decision making, and effective communication with patients and professionals. Practical experiences such as labs, community health projects, internships, or shadowing expose students to clinical settings and real-world problems, helping them develop teamwork, problem-solving, and program-planning abilities. Graduates can pursue careers in healthcare administration, health education, clinical research, or use the major as preparation for professional programs in medicine, nursing, or allied health.

A computer science major studies the theory, design, development, and application of software and computational systems; students learn programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++ and acquire skills in algorithms, data structures, and computational complexity to solve problems efficiently. The curriculum typically covers software engineering practices including version control, testing, and project management, as well as computer architecture and operating systems that explain how hardware and software interact. Students also study databases and data management, learning how to model, store, query, and secure information, and they explore networking principles that govern data transmission and internet technologies. Courses in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science teach methods for pattern recognition, prediction, and handling large datasets, while electives in human computer interaction and graphics focus on user-centered design and visual computing. Throughout the major, students gain experience working on individual and team projects that develop practical coding ability, debugging techniques, documentation habits, and communication skills needed to design, implement, and maintain reliable software systems.

An information technology major prepares students to design, implement, and manage computer systems and networks that support business operations and digital services. Coursework typically covers programming fundamentals, database design and administration, network architecture and security, system administration, cloud computing, and IT project management, giving students both theoretical foundations and practical skills. Students learn to troubleshoot hardware and software problems, configure servers and routers, secure systems against cyber threats using encryption and access controls, and deploy applications in cloud environments. They also develop abilities in data management and analytics, learning how to collect, store, and query data efficiently, and they gain experience with scripting and automation to streamline repetitive tasks. In addition, students practice communicating technical concepts to nontechnical stakeholders, managing IT projects within budgets and timelines, and applying ethical and legal principles related to privacy and data protection, preparing them for roles such as systems administrator, network engineer, IT support specialist, or cloud technician.

A cybersecurity major prepares students to protect computer systems, networks, and digital information from unauthorized access, disruption, and theft; coursework covers principles of information security, network architecture, cryptography, secure software development, and risk management, and students learn to identify vulnerabilities, perform threat analysis, and design defensive strategies; practical skills include configuring firewalls and intrusion detection systems, conducting penetration tests, analyzing malware, and responding to security incidents, while also developing proficiency in programming, operating systems, and security policies and compliance; graduates are trained to think like both attackers and defenders, communicate technical findings to nontechnical stakeholders, and apply legal and ethical standards when safeguarding data and infrastructure.

A mechanical engineering major studies the principles of mechanics, materials, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and energy systems to design, analyze, and manufacture machines and devices. Students learn how to apply mathematics and physics to model physical systems, use computer-aided design and simulation tools to create and test parts and assemblies, and perform laboratory experiments to measure material properties and system performance. Coursework covers topics such as solid mechanics, dynamics, heat transfer, control systems, robotics, and manufacturing processes, and often includes hands-on projects where students build prototypes, run tests, and iterate designs. They gain skills in problem-solving, technical communication, project management, and the use of engineering software, preparing them for roles in automotive, aerospace, energy, robotics, biomedical devices, and other industries that require designing and improving mechanical systems.

A civil engineering major focuses on planning, designing, constructing and maintaining the built environment, including roads, bridges, buildings, water supply systems and sewage treatment facilities; students learn to apply mathematics, physics and material science to analyze loads, stresses and structural behavior; coursework covers structural analysis and design, geotechnical engineering, hydraulics and hydrology, transportation engineering, construction management and environmental engineering; students gain skills in computer-aided design, finite element modeling, surveying, project planning, cost estimation and construction safety; lab work and field projects teach material testing, soil sampling and flow measurement while group assignments develop teamwork, communication and professional ethics; graduates are prepared to solve practical problems, ensure public safety and comply with regulatory standards in infrastructure projects.

An electrical engineering major studies the principles and applications of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism to design, analyze, and improve systems that generate, transmit, process, and use electrical energy and signals. Students learn circuit theory and electronics to understand how components like resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, and transistors behave, and they apply this knowledge to build analog and digital circuits. Coursework covers signals and systems, where students analyze time and frequency domain behavior, and control systems, which teach methods for stabilizing and guiding the behavior of dynamic systems. Power engineering introduces generation, transmission, distribution, and conversion of electrical energy, including transformers, motors, and renewable energy technologies. Communication and signal processing classes focus on encoding, transmitting, and recovering information reliably, often using probability, statistics, and Fourier analysis. Students also study electromagnetics to design antennas, waveguides, and understand wireless propagation, and they learn embedded systems and microcontrollers to integrate hardware and software for real-time applications. Laboratory courses and projects reinforce theory with hands-on experience in circuit design, testing, instrumentation, and simulation tools, and senior design projects teach teamwork, project management, and engineering ethics as students develop solutions to real-world problems.

Chemical engineering majors apply principles of chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics to design, optimize, and scale up processes that convert raw materials into useful products such as fuels, pharmaceuticals, polymers, food, and clean water. Students learn core subjects including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, reaction engineering, process control, and transport phenomena, which together explain how materials move and change under different conditions. Coursework and labs teach how to model chemical processes, perform material and energy balances, design reactors and separation systems, and use simulation and instrumentation for process monitoring and control. In addition to technical skills, students develop problem solving, data analysis, laboratory safety, and teamwork through projects that often involve pilot-scale equipment, process design reports, and optimization of efficiency, cost, and environmental impact. Elective topics may cover biochemical engineering, materials science, energy systems, sustainable processes, and industrial separations, preparing graduates for careers in manufacturing, research, environmental protection, and process design.

Biomedical engineering combines principles of engineering, biology, and medicine to design technologies and solutions that improve human health. Students learn core engineering topics such as mechanics, electronics, materials science, and signal processing alongside biological sciences including cell and molecular biology, physiology, and anatomy. Coursework and labs emphasize applying quantitative methods to biological problems, for example modeling physiological systems, designing and testing medical devices, and analyzing biomedical signals. Students gain skills in biomaterials, biomechanics, tissue engineering, medical imaging, and medical instrumentation, plus training in data analysis, programming, and experimental design. Hands-on experiences through laboratories, design projects, internships, and collaborations with clinicians teach problem definition, prototype development, regulatory considerations, and ethical issues in healthcare. Graduates are prepared to work on devices such as prosthetics, diagnostic tools, imaging systems, drug delivery technologies, and regenerative medicine, or to pursue research and clinical translation.

A mathematics major studies the principles and structures that underlie quantitative reasoning, learning to think abstractly, argue precisely, and solve complex problems. Coursework typically covers calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, real and complex analysis, and abstract algebra, which together develop skills in limits, rates of change, vector spaces, functions, and algebraic systems; students also encounter probability, statistics, numerical methods, and discrete mathematics, which introduce modeling, data analysis, algorithmic thinking, and combinatorics. Alongside formal proofs and theory, majors practice mathematical modeling, computational techniques, and the use of software for simulation and visualization. Through problem sets, projects, and seminars they cultivate logical reasoning, rigorous written and oral communication, and the ability to generalize patterns and construct clear arguments, preparing them for careers in research, finance, engineering, data science, education, and technology or for graduate study in mathematics and related fields.

A statistics major studies how to collect, analyze, interpret, and communicate data to support decision making across fields such as science, business, public health, and government. Students learn probability theory to quantify uncertainty, statistical inference to draw conclusions from samples, and regression and multivariate methods to model relationships among variables. Coursework covers experimental design and survey methodology to ensure data are gathered in reliable ways, as well as computational skills in programming languages and software for data cleaning, visualization, and simulation. Advanced topics may include time series analysis for temporal data, Bayesian methods for incorporating prior information, machine learning techniques for prediction, and causal inference for determining cause-and-effect relationships. Throughout the major, students develop critical thinking about data quality, ethical use of data, and effective presentation of results to both technical and nontechnical audiences.

A data science major trains students to collect, clean, analyze, and interpret large and complex datasets to answer real world questions and support decision making. Coursework typically covers programming in languages such as Python or R, statistical inference and probability, machine learning methods for prediction and classification, data visualization techniques to communicate findings, and database management including SQL. Students also learn experimental design, time series analysis, and methods for handling unstructured data like text and images. Emphasis is placed on practical skills: building reproducible workflows, deploying models, and evaluating model performance while considering bias, fairness, and ethical implications. Graduates leave with the ability to translate domain problems into data questions, choose appropriate analytical methods, implement solutions using code, and present results clearly to both technical and nontechnical