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College of Science
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
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    • Combined Degree Programs
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    • Nevada ENDURE
    • ScienceFIT
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    • Discover Science Lecture Series
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    • Faculty research support
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    • Your name here
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    • College of Science Advisory Council

College of Science Degrees & Programs

  • 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.

    • Minor in Atmospheric Science
    • 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.

    • Minor in Chemistry - Analytical-Organic Option
    • Minor in Chemistry - Biophysical-Organic Option
    • Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
    • Master of Science in Chemistry
    • Ph.D. in Chemistry
  • 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.

    • Minor in Geography
    • Bachelor of Arts in Geography
    • Bachelor of Science in Geography
    • Master of Science in Geography
    • Ph.D. in Geography
  • 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.

    • Minor in Geology
    • Bachelor of Science in Geology
    • Master of Science in Geology
    • Ph.D. in Geology
  • 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.

    • Minor in Geophysics
    • Bachelor of Science in Geophysics
    • Master of Science in Geophysics
    • Ph.D. in Geophysics
  • 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.

    • Minor in Mathematics
    • Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics
    • Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
    • Master of Science in Mathematics
    • Ph.D. in Mathematics
  • 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

    Apply Now

  • 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.

    • Minor in Mining Engineering
    • Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering
    • Master of Science in Mining Engineering
  • 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.

    • NevadaTeach Minor
    • Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education & Atmospheric Science
    • Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education & Biology
    • Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education & Chemistry
    • Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education & Environmental Science
    • Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education & Geography
    • Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education & Geology
    • Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education & Health Sciences
    • Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education & Mathematics
    • Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education & Microbiology and Immunology
    • Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education & Physics
  • 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.

    • Minor in Physics
    • Bachelor of Science in Physics
    • Ph.D. in Physics
  • 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.

    • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Behavior Analysis
    • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Research Specialization
  • 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.

    • Minor in Statistics
    • Ph.D. in Statistics & Data Science

College Contact Information

  • Location: Davidson Math and Science Center
  • Mailing Address: 1664 N. Virginia Street
  • Email: science@unr.edu
  • Phone: (775) 784-4591
  • Fax: (775) 784-4592
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