The Kopchick College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Steve Hovan, Dean

Amy Cook, Assistant Dean

Website: www.iup.edu/natsciandmath

We change lives through science and math. Our graduates change the world as educators, scientists, and leaders. 

We change lives through: 

• opportunities to explore, create, and innovate, 

• team-based problem-solving in teaching and learning, 

• interdisciplinary scientific research, and 

• challenges that inspire individual achievement. 

At the Kopchick College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (KCNSM), our mission is rooted in preparing students to lead, discover, and innovate—now and for the future. 

Today’s most exciting breakthroughs happen when different ways of thinking come together. Whether it is finding patterns in nature, solving complex problems, or advancing technology, science and math are most powerful when they connect across disciplines. That is why our approach emphasizes collaboration, bringing together diverse ideas, methods, and expertise to tackle real-world challenges. 

From classroom learning to hands-on research, KCNSM students engage in an integrated experience that combines scientific theory, experimentation, and simulation. Our world is generating more data than ever before, and our students are ready to work with the tools and knowledge needed to make sense of it—at every scale and in every field. 

Graduates of KCNSM become lifelong learners, using their education to make a difference as scientists, educators, innovators, and leaders. They are not just prepared for the future—they are helping to shape it. 

College Majors

• Anthropology/Applied Anthropology, BA   
• Anthropology/Archaeology, BA    
• Biology, BA    
• Biology, BS   
• Biology/Cell and Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, BS   
• Biology/Ecology, Conservation, and Evolutionary Biology, BS    
• Biology/Pre-medical, BS   
• Biology/Pre-veterinary, BS   
• Chemistry, BS   
  • Biochemistry Specialization
  • Pre-pharmacy Specialization
  • Pre-medical Specialization
  • Environmental Chmistry Specialization
  • Medicinal Chemistry Specialization
  • Applied Chemistry Specialization 
• Computer Science, BA   
• Computer Science/Cybersecurity, BS   
• Computer Science/Languages and Systems, BS   
• Computer Science/Software Engineering, BS   
• Earth and Environmental Science, BS  
• Environmental Engineering, BS  
• Forensic Sciences, BS  
• Geographic Information Science and Planning, BS   
• Management Information Systems/Information Technology, BS    
• Mathematics, BS ​  
  • Actuarial Science and Statistics Specialization
  • Data Science Specialization
• Mathematics Education, BSED   
  • Secondary Mathematics Specialization
  • Middle Level Mathematics Specialization
• Natural Science, BS   
• Natural Science/Pre-chiropractic, BS   
• Natural Science/Pre-dentistry, BS   
• Natural Science/Pre-optometry, BS    
• Natural Science/Pre-physical Therapy, BS   
• Natural Science/Pre-physician Assistant, BS   
• Physics, BS ​  
  • Applied Physics Specialization
  • Nanotechnology Specialization
  • Pre-Engineering Specialization
• Safety, Health, and Environmental Applied Sciences, BS   

College Minors

• Anthropology Minor  
• Animal Behavior Minor  
• Biochemistry Minor  
• Biology Minor  
• Biomedical Science Minor  
• Environmental Microbiology Minor  
• Forensic Biosciences Minor  
• Neurobiology Minor   
• Wildlife and Conservation Biology Minor  
• Biochemistry Minor  
• Chemistry Minor  
• Physics Minor   
• Geography Minor  
• Geology Minor  
• Regional Planning Minor  
• Applied Statistics Minor  
• Computer Science Minor  
• Cybersecurity Minor  
• Elementary and Middle-Level Mathematics Minor   
• Mathematics Minor   
• Safety, Health, and Environmental Applied Sciences Minor  

Credit Certificate Programs

• Biochemistry Honors Certificate  
• Biorisk Management Certificate  
• Cell and Molecular Biology Certificate  
• Chemistry Honors Certificate  
• Cultural Competencies Certificate  
• Geospatial Intelligence Certificate   
• Secondary Science Education Certificate  
• Spanish for Safety Sciences Certificate   
• Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Science and Applications Certificate  

Interdisciplinary Programs, Minors and Certificates

Interdisciplinary learning opportunities are a vital part of the academic experience at our college, empowering students to explore complex questions and real-world challenges through multiple lenses. By integrating knowledge and methods from diverse fields, students develop the critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability needed in today’s rapidly changing world. Whether combining science with communication, business with the arts, or technology with social issues, interdisciplinary studies prepare graduates to lead, innovate, and collaborate across boundaries—both in their careers and communities. The following represent several opportunities for students to be involved with interdisciplinary curricula: 

Degree programs: Forensic Science, B.S. and Cyber Security, B.S.  
Minors: Global Health, Professional Teamwork and Leadership, and Sustainability Studies 
Certificate Programs:  Cultural Competencies; Spanish for Safety Sciences; and Geospatial Intelligence 

Degree Requirements

In addition to fulfilling Crimson Core requirements, students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the KCNSM must complete their major requirements as outlined by their department. Requirements for minors are also provided in departmental sections. Students may pursue double majors or minors, including those outside the college, with advisor approval. While students have flexibility in course selection, any substitutions for required courses must be approved in writing by the department chair or college dean. No baccalaureate degree will be awarded in instances where fewer than 120 credit hours have been earned. It is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the requirements of their program. 

Degrees

Students can earn a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology, biology, and computer science; all other programs lead to a Bachelor of Science. Several departments offer master’s degrees, some with early admission options for undergraduates. The Safety Sciences program also offers a PhD. For details, students should contact the department chair. 

Minors  

Each department within KCNSM offers a minor. To ensure appropriate academic advising, students who wish to pursue a minor should inform their advisor and contact the department offering the minor as early as possible.  No more than six credits (or two courses) may be applied to satisfy both the requirements of a minor and a major program (excluding crimson core or liberal studies requirements). A minimum C (2.00) cumulative grade point average across all courses will satisfy the minor CGPA requirement. 

The Foreign Language Requirement

Some programs require foreign language proficiency; students should refer to specific program requirements. International students proficient in English may be exempt from the language requirement. 

Internship Programs

Many KCNSM departments offer credit-bearing internships involving off-campus, supervised work experiences. Students should contact their department chair for details. Eligible students may also qualify for federal or state funding. 

Preprofessional Programs

The college offers pre-professional programs for students pursuing careers in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, chiropractic, physician assistant, or physical therapy. These programs are structured to allow students to earn a bachelor’s degree even if they do not continue to graduate school. A strong background in science and math is expected, and students should declare their intended field upon admission

Cooperative Programs

IUP has cooperative agreements with select institutions offering accelerated graduate or professional programs and coordinated undergraduate pathways. These programs aim to support qualified students in gaining acceptance to partner schools. Details are available through the relevant academic department chairperson, program coordinators, and advisors, or visit:  www.iup.edu/natsciandmath/departments/preprofessional/about.html