University Bulletin
Undergraduate Degree Programs
On March 17, 1989, Penn State's Board of Trustees renamed the College of Science to honor one of its most generous benefactors--the Eberly Family Charitable Trust of Uniontown. The generosity of the Eberly family has enabled the college to attract and retain outstanding faculty members who work at the cutting edge of their fields and who create opportunities for study and research that attract topflight graduate and undergraduate students.
The EBERLY COLLEGE OF SCIENCE provides instruction and research opportunities in the biological, mathematical, and physical sciences for students in this and other colleges in the University. The college offers ten majors that lead to the B.S. degree and two (Mathematics and Science) that lead to either the B.S.or B.A. degree. Various options are available within many of the majors. Many graduates continue their education in graduate or professional schools while others choose from a variety of careers in industry, government, or education.
UNDERGRADUATE INSTRUCTION -- In the first four semesters, basic biological and physical science, mathematics, and English are emphasized. Those who show an aptitude for scientific or mathematical work at the end of these four semesters continue in the major of their choice. To be eligible for entrance to a major in this college, a degree candidate must be enrolled in the college or satisfy requirements for entrance to the college. In addition, the degree candidate must meet entrance-to-major requirements of the University, of the college, and of the program area.
ENTRANCE-TO-COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS
In order to be eligible for entrance to the Eberly College of Science in premajor (SCIEN) status, a student must have:
1) Attained at least a 2.00 cumulative grade-point average
2) Completed MATH 140 with a grade of C or better
A student who meets the above requirements, but who has not demonstrated a comparable level of scholarship in other mathematics and science courses applicable to the programs of the college, is strongly encouraged to contact the Eberly College of Science Academic Advising Center or other appropriate advising personnel for assistance.
ENTRANCE-TO-MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
In order to be eligible for entrance to a major in the Eberly College of Science, a student must have:
1. Attained at least a 2.00 cumulative grade-point average
2. Completed MATH 140 with a grade of C or better
3. Satisfied all additional academic requirements as specified by the major:
http://www.science.psu.edu/advising/majorrequirements/entrancetomajorrequirements.html
Note: For the Mathematics B.A. and the Science B.A. programs, see http://bulletins.psu.edu/bulletins/bluebook/ba_requirements.cfm for courses that meet University-wide bachelor of arts degree requirements.
CONTINUING AND DISTANCE EDUCATION
Activities in Continuing and Distance Education include class and correspondence instruction in credit and noncredit courses and informal instruction.
CLASS INSTRUCTION--Instruction in the sciences is offered upon request, provided suitable facilities and faculty are available. Some courses carry college credit and are open only to qualified students; other courses are noncredit and are designed for adults interested in vocational or cultural self-improvement.
CORRESPONDENCE COURSE--College-credit courses in the physical, biological, and mathematical sciences are available through World Campus.
INFORMAL INSTRUCTION--These programs are designed to fit the needs of individuals and groups interested in some special phase of adult education, new developments in the field, or professional and industrial applications of new scientific discoveries. Tailored specifically to meet the needs and interests of the groups to be served, the programs are developed in conjunction with the groups themselves.
SCIENCE CAREER AND INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
The Eberly College of Science Career and International Education office coordinates a number of domestic and international educational opportunities for science students.
First-year and sophomore students can participate in the Externship/Job Shadowing Program, which is not credit-bearing, but matches students with a science professional to introduce them to career fields of possible future interest.
Sophomore, junior, and senior students are able to gain major-related work experience while also earning academic credit (SC 295, 395, 495) through their participation in the Cooperative Education Program, or if they have identified a summer internship opportunity through their own personal networks, they can earn academic credit (SC 294, 494) for the experience pending departmental review and approval.
Students at all levels and in all majors will find a variety of academic study abroad opportunities, from faculty-led courses that include a short-term international experience to a full academic year of study at a science partner institution to earn the International Science Certificate. Early planning and careful coordination with academic advisers is strongly encouraged.
For more information about career and international education options for science students, please visit
http://www.science.psu.edu/coop/ (Opens New Window) and http://www.science.psu.edu/scienceabroad/ (Opens New Window).
EBERLY COLLEGE OF SCIENCE
DANIEL J. LARSON, Dean
NORMAN FREED, Associate Dean
KARIN E. FOLEY, Associate Dean
COLLEGE ORGANIZATION
Astronomy and Astrophysics -- LAWRENCE W. RAMSEY, Head
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology -- RICHARD FRISQUE, Head
Biology -- DOUGLAS CAVENER, Head
Chemistry -- AYUSMAN SEN, Head
Mathematics -- JOHN ROE, Head
Physics -- JAYANTH R. BANAVAR, Head
Statistics -- BRUCE LINDSAY, Head