Degrees & Programs | College of Science | University of Nevada, Reno

Atmospheric Science
Atmospheric sciences encompasses many areas of study that explore the atmosphere's physical characteristics, motions and processes, and how these influence the environment and human life. Students learn to interpret and predict weather patterns, analyze climate trends, monitor air quality and work in a variety of agencies, laboratories, businesses and educational institutions.
- Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Science
- Master of Science in Atmospheric Science
Biology
The Department of Biology provides a strong foundation for either a career in the biological sciences at graduation or to further professional training in fields such as medicine, health sciences, conservation biology, wildlife biology and biotechnology. Biology majors choose to follow either an ecology/evolution curricular track or a cell/molecular track.
- Minor in Biology
- Bachelor of Science in Biology
Cell & Molecular Biology
Cell and molecular biology is a degree path within the molecular biosciences interdisciplinary graduate program. We prepare students for careers in biological and biomedical research, industry and teaching. The program offers a supportive environment for a large graduate student body. Students will find excellent research opportunities in a variety of areas.
- Master of Science in Cell & Molecular Biology
- Ph.D. in Cell & Molecular Biology
Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology
Students in this program learn principles of physiology and pharmacology and are given opportunities to integrate this information in problem solving scenarios. The program offers numerous opportunities to present work at different platform levels, and graduates will gain effective oral communication skills.
- Ph.D. in Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology
Chemical Physics
Chemical physics provides an interdisciplinary curriculum for those students whose primary research interests are in atomic and molecular physics and physical chemistry. While requiring students to complete a rigorous selection of courses that outline the foundations of modern chemical physics, the program also offers extreme flexibility in the choice of dissertation topic.
- Ph.D. in Chemical Physics
Chemistry
Chemistry is the science of the structure, reactions, energetics and control of matter. In addition to its widely recognized importance as a fundamental science, chemistry is central to the continued development of engineered materials, energy technology, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, nanotechnology and novel computational technologies.
Ecology, Evolution & Conservation Biology
This interdisciplinary program brings together faculty and students from a range of departments at the University, the Desert Research Institute and the Great Basin Institute. The program is for students who want to build in-depth understanding of ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them – and help shape policies that respect these natural wonders.
- Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution & Conservation Biology
Geography
The Geography Department offers a comprehensive, rigorous study of landscape change and human-environment interactions across a full complement of degrees. Coursework emphasizes proficiency in human geography and physical geography, geospatial methods and human/environment interaction. Departmental specialties include the American West, biogeography, climatology, cultural historical geography, land use planning and water resources.
Geological Engineering
The Geological Engineering program focuses on geologic hazard mitigation and natural resources characterization. The program applies physics, chemistry, meteorology, hydrology, biology, geology and engineering science to understanding the Earth, recognizing and coping with environmental hazards, exploiting natural resources while preserving the environment, and exploring Earth's context in the solar system.
- Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering
- Master of Science in Geological Engineering
Geology
The geology program at the University of Nevada, Reno is an interdisciplinary science that studies the Earth and its construction and the natural processes that have and continue to shape it. Classwork in the various Geology academic degree tracks emphasize knowledge and understanding of Earth and tectonic processes.
Geophysics
Geophysics applies mathematical and physical principles to the study of the Earth and planets. The curriculum introduces the global properties of the Earth (gravity, magnetic field, crustal motions, interior dynamics) and the determination of near-surface and interior properties through the use of seismology, electromagnetics, potential fields, remote sensing, geodesy and GPS.
Land Use Planning
The curriculum provides a foundation in planning tools and methods, along with a thorough analysis of contemporary planning practice including the most innovative approaches. Our graduates are prepared to perform the tasks required for entry-level planning positions, and possess a broader perspective that is critical to the advancement of their careers.
- Master of Science in Land Use Planning
Mathematics
Programs include tracks for applied mathematics, discrete mathematics/operations research, statistics or general and pure mathematics study. The curriculum includes a broad background in foundational areas, as well as specialized courses leading to the frontiers of relevant areas. The applied emphasis includes interdisciplinary topics.
Metallurgical Engineering
Using engineering principles, metallurgists process ores to concentrate, extract and refine valuable components. They are also involved in the design, development and operational evaluation of metal components for structural and moving systems. Metallurgical engineers are trained in mineral processing, extractive metallurgy and physical metallurgy.
- Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering
- Master of Science in Metallurgical Engineering
Mineral Resource Engineering, Ph.D.
Program Director: Javad Sattarvand | jsattarvand@unr.edu
Application Deadlines: Feb 1 (Fall) | Spring: Sept 15
Program Info: MRE handbook | Mineral Resource Engineering Ph.D. page

Additional program-specific admission requirements:
1. GRE
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Mining Engineering
The program includes courses in mine design, mining technology, computer applications to operations control and management, environmental concerns, industrial safety and health and mineral economics. The curriculum provides students with a broad background for a career as a modern mining engineer. Graduates are prepared for industrial employment or further advanced study.
Neuroscience
The Institute of Neuroscience is a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary group of researchers seeking to tackle big questions in neuroscience while preparing students for a career in this exciting field. Our faculty have expertise in molecular genetics, behavioral analysis, developmental biology, electrophysiology, optogenetics, human psychophysics, virtual reality and functional MRI and EEG.
- Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience
- Ph.D. in Integrative Neuroscience
NevadaTeach
Graduating from NevadaTeach provides you with all of the coursework to pursue a teaching license at the middle or high school level, while earning a comprehensive and marketable degree in your STEM discipline.
Physics
The study of all fundamental forces and processes from the subatomic to the "astronomic" size scales is the purview of physics. For students of science other than physicists the purpose of learning physics is both the understanding of basic concepts and the application of problem solving skills developed during that process.
Psychology
While other scientific fields, such as neuroscience, focus their studies on the physical structures of the brain, psychologists examine human actions to better understand the mind. Because the brain is the guiding force behind practically all behaviors, studying people's actions provides psychologists empirical insights into the way the mind operates.
Statistics & Data Science
Statisticians apply mathematical and statistical knowledge to the design of surveys and experiments; the collection, processing, and analysis of data; and the interpretation of experiments and survey results. Opinion polls, statements about the accuracy of measuring devices and information about average earnings in an occupation are all usually the work of statisticians.
- Ph.D. in Statistics & Data Science

College of Science Degrees & Programs