Explore degree programs within the College of Science

The College of Science offers a range of degree programs, both undergraduate majors and graduate degrees, in a range of disciplines.

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  • Atmospheric Science

    Do you want to contribute to protecting the environment and reducing the impacts of extreme weather and climate change? Do you enjoy active science experimentation and outdoor exploration? Atmospheric science students learn how to interpret and predict weather patterns, analyze climate trends and monitor air quality, and have many opportunities to combine their studies with both outdoor- and laboratory-based research.

    The median annual salary for an atmospheric scientist is $95K. Potential job titles include:

    • Meteorologist
    • Wildfire mitigation specialist
    • Environmental impact analyst
    • Data scientist in weather, climate or air quality
  • Biology

    Biology is a broad field of study that spans everything from healthcare to zoology. Whether you are interested in the preservation of the natural world, or understanding how the living things in it work, you can find your niche in biology. A biology education will open the door to a wide range of fulfilling careers.

    The median annual salary for biologists is $82K. Potential job titles include:

    • Conservation and wildlife biologist
    • Healthcare professional (physician, nurse,
    • physical therapist, pharmacist, etc.)
    • Bioengineer
    • Genetic Counselor
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Chemistry

    Perfect for analytical thinkers always asking “Why?”, chemistry students get a well-rounded STEM education in what is often referred to as the central science. Take classes in both the physical sciences and mathematics. Then, graduate with the flexibility to pursue a range of careers.

    The median annual salary for a chemist is $79K. Potential job titles include:

    • Environmental scientist
    • Healthcare professional (physician, nurse, physical therapist, pharamacist, etc.
    • Forensic science technician
    • Pharmaceutical chemist
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Geography

    Are you interested in both the physical and social sciences? Do you want to solve the world’s most pressing issues: from climate change and biodiversity loss to immigration and global inequality? Geographers play a role in our day-to-day lives in ways you might not think of with careers in public policy, research and politics.

    The median annual salary for a geographer is $85K. Potential job titles include:

    • Political scientist
    • Natural resource manager
    • City/land use planner
    • Science journalist
  • Geology

    There’s a whole world of discovery in the ground beneath your feet. From the shifting of tectonic plates to the eruption of volcanoes, geology majors learn about the Earth and all the natural processes that have shaped it over time.

    The median annual salary for a geologist is $84K. Potential job titles include:

    • Archaeologist
    • Sustainability engineer
    • Planetary scientist
    • Volcanologist
  • Geological Engineering

    Combine your interests in engineering, the great outdoors and cutting-edge technology as a geological engineering major. This is one of the few engineering majors that offers small class sizes, real-world experience, and a range of well-paying job opportunities after graduation.

    The median annual salary for a geological engineer is $97K. Potential job titles include:

    • Petroleum/drilling engineer
    • Renewable energy engineer
    • Mine site general manager
    • Geothermal energy site director
  • Geophysics

    Explore earth and sky and all the space in between as a geophysics student. Learn to apply concepts of physics, mathematics, geology, computer science and engineering to explore the physical characteristics of Earth and other planets: from seismic activity to magnetic fields and more.

    The median annual salary for a geophysicist is $84K. Potential job titles include:

    • Aerospace engineer
    • Earthquake hazard specialist
    • Exploration seismologist
    • Oceanographer
  • Hydrologic Sciences

    Water is essential to life. As a hydrogeology major, you will learn to monitor, manage and protect Earth’s most essential resource. Become an expert in the water cycle and help to develop water conservation plans, evaluate water-related industrial or utility projects and monitor the impact of climate change on the Earth’s water supply.

    The median annual salary for a hydrogeologist is $84K. Potential job titles include:

    • Water resources development engineer
    • Habitat restoration technician
    • Water conservation project manager
    • Wastewater engineer
  • 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.

  • Mathematics

    It’s an exciting time to be a mathematician. As computing power increases and big data is being used by most organizations worldwide, skilled mathematicians are more in-demand than ever. As a mathematics student, you will learn to use your critical thinking skills to solve pressing problems and explore a world of mathematical unknowns.

    The median annual salary for a mathematician is $96K. Potential job titles include:

    • Economist
    • Software engineer
    • Data scientist
    • Financial analyst
  • Metallurgical Engineering

    Learn how to extract and transform critical minerals and metals into products that have the power to change our world. As a metallurgical engineering major, enjoy small class sizes and plenty of opportunities for hands-on experience.

    The median annual salary for a metallurgical engineer is $98K. Potential job titles include:

    • Environmental engineer
    • Metallurgical consultant
    • Design engineer
    • Quality control engineer
  • Mineral Resource Engineering, Ph.D.

    Program director: Manoj Mohanty | mmohanty@unr.edu
    Application Deadlines: Feb 1 (Fall) | Spring: Sept 15
    Program Info: Mineral Resource Engineering Ph.D. page

    Additional program-specific admission requirements:

    1. GRE
  • Mining Engineering

    From electric vehicles to the phone in your pocket to even the asphalt you drive on – none of it would exist without mining! Mining is essential to daily life and the engineers behind the mines are just as critical. As a mining engineering major, you’ll get hands-on experience, real-world internship opportunities and a range of job options when you graduate.

    The median annual salary for a mining engineer is $97K. Potential job titles include:

    • Mine site general manager
    • Environmental remediation/reclamation
    • Mine safety officer
    • Environmental engineer
  • Microbiology & Immunology

    Life looks a lot different at the cellular level, but it’s a great place to start if you are interested in understanding diseases stemming from bacteria, viruses or fungi. This major offers the opportunity to learn about the immune system and how it protects you against disease ... or why it sometimes does not.

    The median annual salary for a microbiologist is $79K. Potential job titles include:

    • Virologist
    • Healthcare professional (physician, nurse, physical therapist, pharmacist, etc.)
    • Agriculture and food scientist
    • Biotechnologist
  • Neuroscience

    We know more about the beginning of the Universe than we do about the brain. Help discover something new as a neuroscience major. In this interdisciplinary program, you will study psychology and biology to develop a deep understanding of the brain, with plenty of opportunities to pursue research and ask more questions about what is going on in your own head.

    The median annual salary range for medical scientists (commonly pursued by neuroscience majors) is $95K. Potential job titles include:

    • Biomedical engineer
    • Neurologist
    • Forensic scientist
    • Neuropsychologist
  • Physics

    Are you fascinated by mind-bending concepts like black holes and quantum computing? Do you want to understand all the forces of the universe that push, pull, grip and slip? As a physics major, you will explore all of this and more as you hone your creative problem-solving skills and gain valuable research experience with our professors – an opportunity all physics majors have.

    The median annual salary for a physicist is $152K. Potential job titles include:

    • Astrophysicist
    • Data analyst
    • Research professor
    • National laboratory principal investigator
  • Psychology

    Humans and animals are complex creatures influenced by hidden biological, social and environmental forces. As a student of psychology, you’ll study the science of the mind and behavior to uncover some of the reasons why people and animals do the things they do. Whether you want to better understand the basic principles of human behavior, help people in need manage their mental health or explore strange psychological phenomena like optical and auditory illusions, you can find your unique niche in psychology.

  • 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 majors include:

    • Agricultural Sciences
    • Atmospheric Science
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Community Health Sciences
    • Environmental Science
    • Geography
    • Geology
    • Mathematics (B.A. or B.S.)
    • Microbiology & Immunology
    • Physics
  • 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.

Academic departments within the College of Science

Explore faculty profiles, meet graduate students, learn about individual program application processes and more by exploring our eight academic departments and our two state-wide programs.

Hand holding leaf with caterpillar on it.

Biology

From microbes to mammals, plants to pathologies, biology is the study of life. Explore this diverse field with our leading research-oriented faculty and apply your learned skills to careers in everything from environmental conservation to healthcare and more!

Department of Biology
Test tubes containing small pieces of plants.

Chemistry

Chemistry is the central science, and its principles operate in all aspects of our daily lives.  Understanding chemistry is fundamental in understanding the world around us, everything from energy to biology, medicine to materials, and more.

Department of Chemistry
Woman pointing to graphs on poster.

Mathematics & Statistics

Science, technology and engineering would not exist without a solid foundation in mathematics. This research-oriented department offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Pure and Applied Mathematics and Statistics. Find out how you can help decode the world around you.

Mathematics & Statistics Department
Two people in Terawatt Lab.

Physics

From the stars in the sky to the quarks in an atom, physics allows you to explore the great mysteries of our universe, big and small. The Department of Physics boasts 9 programs in a wide range of experimental and theoretical physics as well as close collaboration with national and international laboratories.

Physics Department
Woman with a geodesic sensor map on her head sitting under equipment. A computer with images of the woman displayed is in the foreground.

Psychology

Join the Psychology Department in their exploration of the human mind. One of the largest majors at the University, the undergraduate program offers three tracks: general psychology, research and behavior analysis. The doctoral degree programs in behavior analysis, clinical psychology and cognitive and brain science offer comprehensive training and produces cutting edge research.

Psychology Department

Departments in the Mackay School of Earth Sciences & Engineering

Below are the Departments within the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering - a division of the College of Science. With a Mackay education, you receive hands-on experience in a wide range of work environments while interacting with natural resources, mining, construction and mineral industry leaders. Expand your opportunities by graduating with a set of skills that are in high demand in Nevada and around the world. 

Explore the Mackay School
"Geography" spelled out in lights at night.

Geography

Geography is the science of analyzing human and environmental patterns and processes across space and time. The Department of Geography offers the following 4 specializations for undergraduates: Climate water & Ecosystems, Environmental Policy & Management, Globalization, Politics & Place, and Geotechnologies.

Department of Geography
Student measuring strike and dip of a joint plain in granite rock.

Geological Sciences & Engineering

There’s a whole world of discovery in the ground beneath your feet. From the shifting of tectonic plates to the eruption of volcanoes, learn about the Earth and all of the natural processes that have shaped it over time.

Department of Geological Sciences & Engineering
Four people on edge of mine.

Mining & Metallurgical Engineering

Look around you – most of what you will see contains minerals and mined materials. Know that the industry you are learning about and the career you are working towards plays an essential role in the day-to-day life of most people on the planet.

Mining & Metallurgical Engineering Department

State-wide programs

The College of Science partners with the following state-wide programs that support our community and student education. From the early-detection of fires to climate surveys, these programs offer students hands-on experience in the related degree programs while providing valuable resources and information for our community.

Learn more about the College's research and engagement efforts
Plane flying over fire straying fire retardant.

Nevada Bureau of Mines & Geology

The Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (NBMG) is a research and public service unit of the University of Nevada and is the state geological survey. NBMG scientists conduct research and publish reports on mineral resources, engineering geology, environmental geology, hydrogeology, and geologic mapping.

Nevada Bureau of Mines & Geology
Plane flying over fire straying fire retardant.

Nevada Seismological Laboratory

The Nevada Seismological Laboratory operates a statewide network of seismographic stations and investigates the sizes, frequencies of occurrence, and distribution of earthquakes in the region, and other problems related to seismic risk in Nevada. The Lab also runs the AlertWildfire program for the early detection of Wildfires across Nevada, California, and Oregon.

Nevada Seismological Laboratory