New Bachelor of Science degrees expand pathways in natural sciences
Degree options will give students broader opportunities to tailor their academic experiences and prepare for evolving careers in science, research and technology
Beginning fall semester 2026, the College of Arts and Sciences at the 桃色视频 will launch a suite of鈥疊achelor of Science (BS)鈥痙egrees across many majors in the Division of Natural Sciences, expanding opportunities for students to tailor their academic experiences and prepare for evolving careers in science, research and technology.听
The new degree options in鈥痑strophysical and planetary sciences; atmospheric and oceanic sciences; biochemistry; chemistry; geological sciences (renamed Earth Science in Fall 2026); geography; integrative physiology; mathematics; molecular, cellular and developmental biology; neuroscience; physics;鈥痑nd鈥痵tatistics and data science reflect a growing demand from students, faculty, alumni and employers for programs that signal greater specialization in the sciences.听
鈥淲e鈥檝e listened to feedback from our students who want more clarity in how their degree reflects the work they鈥檝e done,鈥 says Irene Blair, dean of the Division of Natural Sciences. 鈥淭he sciences are evolving rapidly, and our degree offerings must evolve with them. These new BS pathways empower students to pursue the laboratory, mathematical and computational studies they value while maintaining the flexibility that defines a liberal arts education.鈥听
Most students in the natural sciences will see little or no change to their coursework; the introduction of BS degrees provides clarity about their specialization on their diplomas. At the same time, existing Bachelor of Arts (BA) options will remain available in many natural sciences departments听鈥撎齛pplied math, astrophysical and planetary sciences, ecology and evolutionary biology, environmental studies, geography, mathematics, psychology, physics, and public health 鈥 ensuring students retain the flexibility to explore interdisciplinary interests or combine majors, with their natural sciences major continuing to signal the skills and specialized knowledge they have gained.听
鈥淥ffering both BA and BS degrees reflects our belief that success in science takes many forms,鈥 says Blair. 鈥淲e want students to have the freedom to pursue what inspires them, whether it鈥檚 deep research, broad exploration or innovative work across disciplines.鈥听
The College of Arts and Sciences will share detailed guidance for current students and academic advisors in the months leading up to the August 2026 launch. For more information, see the BS degree FAQ page, which outlines the degrees that will automatically convert to the BS, those that require additional coursework, new degree offerings and how current students can explore their options.听
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