Science

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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2026-2027

College of Humanities and Sciences

Concentration(s):

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, 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

Biological Technician
Food Science Technician
Health Educator
Middle School Teacher
Museum Technician and Conservator
Park Naturalist
Sales Representative, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products
Social Science Research Assistant
Tutor

Graduate and professional level job titles

Attorney
Medical Doctor
Researcher
Scientific Publication Journalist/Editor

Professional associations and resources

Degree requirements in Bulletin

Science, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in biology

Science, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in chemistry

Science, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in physics

Science, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in professional science

Plan of study in Bulletin

Science, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in biology

Science, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in chemistry

Science, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in physics

Science, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in professional science

Requirements

Highest level of math required

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

Transfer Maps

View Transfer Maps for this major

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

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to start goal planning, and choose electives.
Sharpen your study skills in Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) at the Campus Learning Center.
Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help.
Map out a 4-year course plan in DegreeWorks' Student Educational Planner.
Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals.
Explore the major through your introductory biology and chemistry courses.
Attend all supplemental instruction sessions.

EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY

Get involved and meet new friends through the Student Government Association or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations (BSPS Student club, Chemistry, etc.)
Create a profile on RamsConnect to explore student organizations and get involved, meet people, and develop your interests.
Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
Consider applying to the Honors College.
Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living-learning community.
Connect with the Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs and review resources such as Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets and Rams Abroad 101 to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Review your Career Works 4 year career planning tool and start working on your milestones.
Complete and activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake.
Attend one career event sponsored by Career Services.
Seek research opportunities by checking out the Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry webpage.
Learn more about potential careers by using Forage in the Navigate 360 app.
Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
Create a draft resume and meet with a career advisor in VCU Career Services to discuss it.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Explore What Can I Do With This Major? to learn about career paths, employers, and strategies for building experience related to your field of study.
Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor.
Connect with the Student Alumni Council to connect to VCU alumni.
Attend a Pre-Professional Health Interest Workshop if considering a professional health program (medicine, dentistry, etc.).

Year 2

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your major advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.

EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY

Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit.
Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities.
Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty and apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship. Register for the VCU Globe Program and begin tracking your global leadership growth!
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.
Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
Build a professional resume and upload it to Handshake.
Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
Meet with a coach at the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.

Year 3

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Meet with your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
Discuss options for your capstone and plan accordingly. Many students choose research, internship, service-learning or study abroad.
Work with a professor in a preceptorship or directed/independent study.

EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY

Design a community-engaged research project.
Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council, or state legislative sessions.
Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities.
Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU.
Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
Update your resume to include how you have developed your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
Attend a program through the Wellness Resource Center.
With careful planning, a study abroad semester works well during junior or senior year.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through Big Interview or meeting with a career advisor.
Update your ePortfolio.
Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
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

Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services or the Writing Center.
Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year.
Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
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 the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
Apply to graduate for your undergraduate degree.
Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
Take biology courses that will help you build your skill set and resume including internship, directed and/or independent study, labs, preceptorship and service-learning.

EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY

Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization.
Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships.
Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners. Consider Peace Corps Prep, or scholarship opportunities through the National Scholarship Office.
Read scholarly articles about internationalization in your field.
Consider jobs in the nonprofit sector.
Attend Office of Multicultural Student Affairs I Love Diversity Week.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, or AmeriCorps.
Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
Gain practical experience related to your career goal through internships, externships and skill building.
Join a professional association such as the American Institute of Biological Sciences.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
Fill out VCU’s First Destination Survey.

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

2026-2027

Science

College of Humanities and Sciences

		MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING	EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY	EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS	PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore	Year 1	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to start goal planning, and choose electives. Sharpen your study skills in Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) at the Campus Learning Center. Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills. Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help. Map out a 4-year course plan in DegreeWorks' Student Educational Planner. Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals. Explore the major through your introductory biology and chemistry courses. Attend all supplemental instruction sessions.	Get involved and meet new friends through the Student Government Association or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations (BSPS Student club, Chemistry, etc.) Create a profile on RamsConnect to explore student organizations and get involved, meet people, and develop your interests. Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks. Consider applying to the Honors College. Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living-learning community. Connect with the Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs and review resources such as Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets and Rams Abroad 101 to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities.	Review your Career Works 4 year career planning tool and start working on your milestones. Complete and activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists. Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake. Attend one career event sponsored by Career Services. Seek research opportunities by checking out the Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry webpage. Learn more about potential careers by using Forage in the Navigate 360 app. Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader. Create a draft resume and meet with a career advisor in VCU Career Services to discuss it.	Explore What Can I Do With This Major? to learn about career paths, employers, and strategies for building experience related to your field of study. Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page. Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future. Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor. Connect with the Student Alumni Council to connect to VCU alumni. Attend a Pre-Professional Health Interest Workshop if considering a professional health program (medicine, dentistry, etc.).
Experience	Year 2	Schedule an appointment with your major advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience. Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.	Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty. Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit. Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities. Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty and apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship. Register for the VCU Globe Program and begin tracking your global leadership growth! 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. Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference.	Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field. Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work. Build a professional resume and upload it to Handshake. Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events. Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.	Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships. Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest. Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation. Meet with a coach at the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
Experience	Year 3	Meet with your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning. Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning. Discuss options for your capstone and plan accordingly. Many students choose research, internship, service-learning or study abroad. Work with a professor in a preceptorship or directed/independent study.	Design a community-engaged research project. Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council, or state legislative sessions. Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities. Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU. Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning. Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals. Update your resume to include how you have developed your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams. Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department. Attend a program through the Wellness Resource Center. With careful planning, a study abroad semester works well during junior or senior year.	Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through Big Interview or meeting with a career advisor. Update your ePortfolio. Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience. Develop tangible skills in internships that you can demonstrate to employers. Go to a conference for a professional association, club or other organization.	Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship. Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services or the Writing Center. Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year. Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility. 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 the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met. Apply to graduate for your undergraduate degree. Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree. Take biology courses that will help you build your skill set and resume including internship, directed and/or independent study, labs, preceptorship and service-learning.	Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization. Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships. Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners. Consider Peace Corps Prep, or scholarship opportunities through the National Scholarship Office. Read scholarly articles about internationalization in your field. Consider jobs in the nonprofit sector. Attend Office of Multicultural Student Affairs I Love Diversity Week.	Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers. Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, or AmeriCorps. Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity. Gain practical experience related to your career goal through internships, externships and skill building. Join a professional association such as the American Institute of Biological Sciences.	Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities. Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation. Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter. Fill out VCU’s First Destination Survey.