College of Sciences and Arts
Two students practice nursing techniques under the helpful eye of an instructor

Undergraduate Sciences and Arts Majors

Explore what’s possible in a community with a passion for education, outreach, research and creativity across the social and natural sciences, humanities and arts. In the College of Sciences and Arts at Michigan Technological University, curiosity is encouraged, creativity is cultivated, and learning goes beyond the classroom. Our academic programs examine big ideas with real-world application—whether through hands-on research in cutting-edge labs or work in a transparent, interdisciplinary context—prepare students to create solutions for complex global issues.

The College of Sciences and Arts embraces an interdisciplinary approach that encourages students to connect and collaborate across fields. You’ll learn how to communicate with people beyond disciplinary silos and develop fluency with new technology. Courses are designed to build critical thinking and practical skills from day one. Whether you’re interested in boundary-pushing research, collaborative group projects, or applying powerful theory to real-world problems, CSA will help you take it to the next level.

Outside the classroom are learning adventures. Whether in the lab, the field, on stage, or in the community, you’ll find passionate faculty who care. You’ll work side-by-side with researchers in cutting-edge laboratories, volunteer at area hospitals, explore social issues in real-world settings—immersing yourself in learning that’s integrated, transformative, and relevant.

Tomorrow Needs Bold Thinkers, Creative Problem-Solvers, and Interdisciplinary Innovators

  • Find your inspiration and create a more beautiful, sustainable, healthy world around you.
  • Dive into relevant issues spanning across science, health, humanities, and the arts.
  • Work side by side with dedicated, award-winning faculty who nurture your sense and support your goals.
  • Get hands-on with real-world experience through research, internships, and community engagement.
  • Tackle complex challenges through collaborative projects that span disciplines and make real impact.
  • Graduate prepared for what’s next—whether that’s medical or graduate school, a creative career, or leadership in industry.

Biological Sciences

Interdisciplinary coursework and hands-on research in biological sciences empower you to excel in medicine, environmental science, or biotechnology. Take courses in genome editing, bioinformatics and DNA analysis. Gain experience with advanced technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9, PCR thermal cyclers, electrophoresis chambers and an anatomage digital dissection table. Explore the building blocks of life in the Keweenaw’s diverse ecosystems of water, wetlands, forests and more. Complete field research with the RV Agassiz — Tech’s premier research vessel. Build a strong foundation for graduate school or dynamic careers in the life sciences.

Chemistry

Participate in hands-on undergraduate research early in your chemistry academic career. In chemistry, newly renovated facilities and faculty mentorship help develop critical analytical and laboratory skills. Work with modern instrumentation such as our confocal microscope for cell imaging, 500 MHz NMR for compound analysis, DNA and protein synthesizers and more. A strong curriculum of interdisciplinary coursework prepares you for thriving careers in chemistry, biochemistry, or related fields like pharmaceuticals and environmental science. Build a foundation for graduate school or industry success with real-world problem-solving experience..

Humanities

Learn from humanities faculty experts in human-machine communication, technology in social activism and social justice, the history of writing education through a social justice lens, transnational feminism, disability studies, and writing studies in humanities. Join CinOptic, the department’s communication and media Enterprise team, or any other Enterprise that interests you. Create in the Humanities Digital Media Zone. Interdisciplinary study and hands-on learning sharpen your communication, critical thinking, and creative skills for diverse careers in media, education, or public service. Build a strong foundation for graduate studies or professional success in a rapidly evolving world.

Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology

In kinesiology and integrative physiology, participate in research as an undergraduate on a variety of topics from exercise physiology to biomechanics, public health to neurophysiology. Flexible coursework and lab experiences develop practical skills in exercise science and physiology with ethical insight. Get hands-on in cutting-edge facilities including the aging cognition action lab, cardiovascular physiology lab, exercise science teaching lab and more. Join professional organizations like the Kinesiology Student Society, American College of Sports Medicine; National Strength and Conditioning Association, Kinesiology Society, or American Kinesiology Association. Prepare for graduate school or a rewarding career with a strong foundation in human movement.

Mathematical Sciences

Discover your potential in mathematical sciences to solve important problems in fields like actuarial science, technology, or finance through engaging math and statistics courses. Explore your interests while building skills employers value through a variety of research interests such as drone-based snow monitoring on solar panels, discovering genetic markers for Alzheimer's and AI video game coding. Flexible study options in mathematics and related areas allow you to tailor your education around your passions. Learn code using Python, R, SAS, Matlab and other languages. Use state-of-the-art computer algebra software Mathematica and polish your software skills. Prepare for hard-working careers or graduate school with a strong foundation in math that powers innovation.

Physics

Unleash your curiosity about the universe through exciting physics courses that prepare you for careers in technology, research, or engineering. Research opportunities in our advanced labs and machine shop let you explore concepts like quantum mechanics and cosmology while building practical skills. Get your head in the clouds with our Pi Cloud Chamber or seek the origin of gamma-ray emission with the HAWC Observatory. Flexible study options in physics and related fields allow you to tailor your education to your interests. Get support and tutor your peers in the Physics Learning Center. Join professional organizations like the Society of Physics Students or Women in Physics, or sign up for Enterprise teams like Robotics Systems, Green Campus, Aerospace or the Human Interface Design Enterprise. Get ready for graduate school or a dynamic career with a strong foundation in solving real-world scientific challenges.

Psychology and Human Factors

Dive into the fascinating world of psychology and human factors through expansive psychology courses that prepare you for careers in counseling, research, or health services. Flexible study options let you shape your education around your interests and career goals. Explore topics like cognitive science and social psychology through research with one of our many labs and research groups. Work in the intersection between humans and technology at Michigan’s flagship technological university in our Center for Human-Centered Computing. Join the Psi Chi international honor society, Association of Psychology Students, or Human Factors and Ergonomics Society. Get ready for graduate school or a rewarding career with a strong foundation in understanding the mind and behavior.

Social Sciences

Explore how people shape the world through exciting social sciences courses that prepare you for careers in policy, community development, or research. Get one-on-one attention with faculty from the start of your undergraduate career with our UPERRS research program. Participate in fieldwork at a university surrounded by historical sites, national parks and national forests—or learn from a global perspective through a study abroad/study away program. Work with ground-penetrating radar in archaeological surveys, analyze artifacts in the archaeology lab, and gain experience with Geographic Information Systems in the Geospatial Research Facility. Join Social Sciences Student Society, Law Club, International Geography Honor Society or the Association of Students for People, Environments and Nature. Gain an interdisciplinary, technological perspective on the social sciences with support from experts in survey methods, statistics, and other technical skills outside the scope of a traditional anthropology program. Get ready for graduate school or a meaningful career with a strong foundation in society and culture.

Visual and Performing Arts

Explore your passion through the dynamic curriculum in visual and performing arts that prepare you for careers in theater, music or media production. Get a hands-on, experiential education from your first semester on campus. Polish your creative and technical skills 24/7 in state-of-the-art studios and performance spaces. Join Husky Game Development, Theme Park Engineering Group, or apply your skills to another Enterprise program. Work with immersive audio and visual systems, Computer Numerical Control technology, state-of-the-art DSP processors and live interactive community performances. Prepare creatively for a vibrant career or further studies with a strong foundation in artistic expression.

Air Force ROTC

Build leadership, time-management and teamwork skills as well as physical confidence while earning your degree before entering the U.S. Air Force through exciting, hands-on programs. In Air Force ROTC, field exercises and team-building activities prepare you for a rewarding career in military or civilian leadership. Generous scholarships help lower college costs, making your education more accessible. Join a proud tradition present on campus since 1946, one of 19 original detachments in the nation, and schedule a future of service and opportunity.

Army ROTC

In Army ROTC, earn a commission, a scholarship and a degree before entering to become an Army officer through an exciting, hands-on program. Field exercises and real-world activities prepare you for a rewarding career in military or civilian leadership. Become a leader of character. Rappel, land navigate, learn survival skills and field tactics. Generous scholarships help lower college costs, making your education more accessible. Join a proud tradition that began in 1917, when every officer of the 1st Battalion, 107th Engineers, was a Michigan Tech graduate, and schedule a future of service and opportunity.

"All of the faculty and staff wanted the best for each student and were willing to help outside of class with extra materials, grad school applications, and letters of recommendation. Anything the students needed they were there ready to help."Shane Astrike ‘23, BS Biological Sciences, minor pre-health professions
  • 11
    departments
  • 34
    bachelor's degrees
  • 23
    concentrations
  • 50+
    minors

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about Sciences and Arts programs at Michigan's flagship technological university.

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"Michigan Tech has given me a lot of opportunities to figure out what I want to do."Greta Fournier, chemistry

College of Sciences and Arts

The College of Sciences and Arts is a community of faculty, staff, and students committed to excellence and driven by our passion for education, outreach, research, and creativity across the social and natural sciences, humanities, and the arts. Uniquely situated in the heart of Michigan's R1 flagship technological university, we specialize in human-centered potential and discovery-based learning designed to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Knowing that every student at Michigan Tech will pass through our doors, our college strives to be at the forefront of interdisciplinary collaborations that lead to breakthrough solutions.

Our students gain a profound understanding of social and cultural contexts through experiential learning and innovative research. We welcome you to be part of our caring, expansive college community, with 32 undergraduate and 24 graduate degrees to choose from.

The opportunities in Michigan Tech's College of Sciences and Arts are limitless. Transform into a civic leader ready to contribute to a sustainable future. Lead and participate in action-based experiences that are critical to the start of a fulfilling career. Job-shadow at a local hospital or veterinary clinic while preparing for a career in health. Design sound and lighting for a regional production. Conduct community forums on the implications of artificial intelligence. Work to purify vaccines. Study the impact of social media on society. Research the mysteries of space and galaxies beyond our universe. Explore transforming abandoned iron and copper mines into giant batteries. Understand freshwater ecosystem health. Document the nature of changes in cognitive function and motor behavior in aging and dementia.

At Michigan Tech, your academic growth is supported by a variety of learning centers, along with our Humanities Digital Media Zone and Writing Center. Model climate in the only cloud chamber of its kind. Take part in interdisciplinary health research in our state-of-the-art H-STEM Complex. Create amazing sights and sounds in our visual art, sound, and theatre performance spaces. 

Sciences and Arts Undergrad students in a lab.

Tomorrow Needs You

Combine your creativity and curiosity to meet pressing societal challenges with innovative solutions. Graduate with the technical skills, critical thinking and tenacity to inspire, design and implement a sustainable future across social and natural sciences, humanities, and arts.

Not sure which major is the right fit? No problem. Browse the entire list of College of Sciences and Arts majors. Or, give yourself time and declare the General Sciences and Arts major, which lets you decide when you arrive on campus. To learn more, speak to an academic advisor.