Science

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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2020-2021

College of Humanities and Sciences

Concentration(s):

Professional science

Program description

The interdisciplinary program in science provides students with a broad, yet fundamental, grounding in the sciences. In addition to the spectrum of required mathematics and science courses, students select a concentration from biology, chemistry, physics or professional science.

Career opportunities

The B.S. in Science provides a foundation for science oriented careers ranging from teaching and meteorology to research and technical sales. Flexibility is available within the curriculum for students to select specific courses to prepare them for careers or professional level training programs in the health sciences. Many students pursuing interdisciplinary sciences as a primary major have sufficient elective space to pursue a minor in another discipline. The professional science concentration is designed for students who wish to focus on specific science courses required for graduate or professional school admission.

Change of major requirements

None

Bachelor-level job titles

Automotive Engineer
Environmental Compliance Inspector
Fuel Cell Engineer
Geophysical Data Technician
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
Quality Control Analyst
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Technical Writer
Tour Guide
Web Developer

Graduate and professional level job titles

Lab Manager
Materials Scientist
Medical Doctor
Secondary School Teacher

Professional associations and resources

American Association for the Advancement of Science

Degree requirements in Bulletin

Professional science

Plan of study in Bulletin

Professional science

Requirements

Highest level of math required

MATH 200
STAT 314

Science required

5+ additional science courses

Foreign language requirements

Additional tuition/fees

GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)

2.0 overall GPA required to graduate; a minimum grade of C is required in each prerequisite course

Contact information

Department name:

Interdisciplinary Science Program

Building/room location:

Oliver Hall, Kapp Wing 1001 West Main Street P.O. Box 842006 Richmond, VA 23284

Phone:

(804) 828-8240

Email:

sciadvising@vcu.edu

http://science.vcu.edu/

Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):

Monroe Park

Major map

Year 1

Explore

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.
Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner.
Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and to discuss tutoring, electives, & degree progression.
Take a tour to learn about library spaces, services, & how to get research help.
Complete MATH, CHEM, BIOL or PHYS by end of first year.
Utilize Campus Learning Center resources.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Apply to join the Honors College.
Apply to live in one of VCU's four Living-Learning Programs.
Get involved and meet new friends through VCU Student Government or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations.
Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
Use REAL’s Student Opportunity Center platform to take the hassle out of finding hands-on experiences and make your first-year extraordinary.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Consider Peace Corps Prep through VCU Globe to expand skills in global leadership and intercultural communication.
Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore study abroad and national scholarship opportunities.
Review the OMSA website. Follow them on social media for events, resources & other ways to engage.
Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101 online to learn about study abroad options.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
Consider applying for a federal work-study (FWS) job on- or off-campus through Handshake.
Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation with the da Vinci Center.
Create a draft resume and meet with a career advisor in VCU Career Services to discuss it.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
Build a LinkedIn profile, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page.
Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) to connect to VCU traditions, networking opportunities, and fellow Rams.
Attend a Pre-Professional Health Interest Workshop if considering a professional health program (medicine, dentistry, etc.).

Year 2

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library.
Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.
Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program.
Make a plan to complete the professional science core and collateral coursework with your advisor.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break.
Find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
Meet with a faculty member to discuss your personal and professional interests.
Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond).
Join a student organization such as Medical Physics Scholastic Society, Women in Science, STEM at VCU, Black Women in STEM, or a pre-professional health club.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Consider short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities.
Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café.
Join a cultural or identity-related organization.
Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events.
Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections.
Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Conduct an informational interview or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.
Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni.
Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.

Year 3

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides.
Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning.
Talk to science faculty about possible ideas for INSC 490 capstone in senior year.
Consider attending a scientific meeting and presenting a poster with your research advisor.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
Continue to find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
Create a community-engaged research project.
Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship.
Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
Attend a program through the Wellness Resource Center.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Apply to be a Diversity Ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
Richmond is known for hosting a wide array of festivals! Learn about new cultures, food, and music by attending one of these events.
Update your resume to include how you have developed your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
With careful planning, a study abroad semester works well during junior or senior year.
Consider becoming a diversity ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
Update your ePortfolio.
Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
Conduct independent undergraduate research.
Develop tangible skills in internships that you can demonstrate to employers.
Go to a conference for a professional association, club or other organization.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year.
Talk to advisors, faculty, and VCU Career Services about graduate school versus a job.
Join job listserv sites that provide access to job postings in desired fields. Revisit gap analysis assessment and continue adjusting strategic career plan with Career Services.

Year 4

Excel

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.
Take supplemental courses that will help you build your skill set and resume including internship, directed and/or independent study, labs, preceptorship and service-learning.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Apply for a year-long service or fellowship opportunity after graduation through programs like Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps.
Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships (see professional organizations listed above).
Continue to find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
Serve in a leadership role on campus or as a board member of a local community organization.
Consider jobs in the nonprofit sector.
Work as a tutor or Supplemental Instruction (SI) leader in the Campus Learning Center or Student Athlete Support Services.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.
Attend Office of Multicultural Student Affairs I Love Diversity Week.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio.
Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences.
Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals).
Gain practical experience related to your career goal through internships, externships and skill building.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation.
Consider training to become an educator through programs like RTR, which prepares graduates from a variety of majors to become effective teachers in high-need schools.
Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate.
Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview through InterviewStream or with a career advisor.
Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.

Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2020-2021

Science

College of Humanities and Sciences

Concentration(s):

Professional science

		MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING	GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY	DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY	EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS	PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore	Year 1	Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience. Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner. Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and to discuss tutoring, electives, & degree progression. Take a tour to learn about library spaces, services, & how to get research help. Complete MATH, CHEM, BIOL or PHYS by end of first year. Utilize Campus Learning Center resources.	Apply to join the Honors College. Apply to live in one of VCU's four Living-Learning Programs. Get involved and meet new friends through VCU Student Government or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations. Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks. Use REAL’s Student Opportunity Center platform to take the hassle out of finding hands-on experiences and make your first-year extraordinary.	Consider Peace Corps Prep through VCU Globe to expand skills in global leadership and intercultural communication. Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore study abroad and national scholarship opportunities. Review the OMSA website. Follow them on social media for events, resources & other ways to engage. Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101 online to learn about study abroad options.	Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists. Consider applying for a federal work-study (FWS) job on- or off-campus through Handshake. Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation with the da Vinci Center. Create a draft resume and meet with a career advisor in VCU Career Services to discuss it.	Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future. Build a LinkedIn profile, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page. Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study. Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) to connect to VCU traditions, networking opportunities, and fellow Rams. Attend a Pre-Professional Health Interest Workshop if considering a professional health program (medicine, dentistry, etc.).
Experience	Year 2	Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library. Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses. Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program. Make a plan to complete the professional science core and collateral coursework with your advisor.	Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break. Find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark. Meet with a faculty member to discuss your personal and professional interests. Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond). Join a student organization such as Medical Physics Scholastic Society, Women in Science, STEM at VCU, Black Women in STEM, or a pre-professional health club.	Consider short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities. Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café. Join a cultural or identity-related organization. Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference.	Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events. Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor. Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections. Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building.	Conduct an informational interview or shadow someone in a field of career interest. Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation. Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni. Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
Experience	Year 3	Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides. Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning. See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning. Talk to science faculty about possible ideas for INSC 490 capstone in senior year. Consider attending a scientific meeting and presenting a poster with your research advisor.	Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions. Continue to find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark. Create a community-engaged research project. Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship. Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department. Attend a program through the Wellness Resource Center.	Apply to be a Diversity Ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. Richmond is known for hosting a wide array of festivals! Learn about new cultures, food, and music by attending one of these events. Update your resume to include how you have developed your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams. With careful planning, a study abroad semester works well during junior or senior year. Consider becoming a diversity ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.	Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience. Update your ePortfolio. Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. Conduct independent undergraduate research. Develop tangible skills in internships that you can demonstrate to employers. Go to a conference for a professional association, club or other organization.	Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility. Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year. Talk to advisors, faculty, and VCU Career Services about graduate school versus a job. Join job listserv sites that provide access to job postings in desired fields. Revisit gap analysis assessment and continue adjusting strategic career plan with Career Services.
Excel	Year 4	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met. Take supplemental courses that will help you build your skill set and resume including internship, directed and/or independent study, labs, preceptorship and service-learning.	Apply for a year-long service or fellowship opportunity after graduation through programs like Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps. Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships (see professional organizations listed above). Continue to find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark. Serve in a leadership role on campus or as a board member of a local community organization. Consider jobs in the nonprofit sector. Work as a tutor or Supplemental Instruction (SI) leader in the Campus Learning Center or Student Athlete Support Services.	Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field. Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations. Attend Office of Multicultural Student Affairs I Love Diversity Week.	Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio. Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences. Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals). Gain practical experience related to your career goal through internships, externships and skill building.	Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation. Consider training to become an educator through programs like RTR, which prepares graduates from a variety of majors to become effective teachers in high-need schools. Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate. Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview through InterviewStream or with a career advisor. Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.