Learn Across Natural Science Fields
Discover. Personalize. Thrive.
Do your strengths lie in the hard sciences? Do you enjoy solving tangible, real-world problems? With our Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences, you’ll build a truly interdisciplinary foundation—one that allows you to combine your scientific curiosity with rigorous research and practical experience. You’ll select from courses in fields such as anthropology, biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics, neuroscience, physics, psychology, and statistics to create a personalized plan aligned with your academic and professional goals.
About the Natural Sciences Degree
The Natural Sciences major is one of CGS’s longest-standing programs, dating back to the 1950s. It is designed as a flexible, interdisciplinary major that allows students to build a strong scientific foundation across two or more disciplines while preparing for diverse career paths.
As employer and graduate-school needs have evolved, the major has expanded beyond its original Standard (Multidisciplinary) Track to include four pre-professional tracks. These pathways provide the prerequisite coursework needed for admission into programs in medicine, physician assistant studies, and secondary science education.
Program Highlights
- Customize your BS degree across multiple scientific disciplines
- Complete your degree in as few as 2–4 years, depending on prior credits
- Flexible course options, including select online classes
- Learn from faculty across leading science departments at Pitt
- Build a strong foundation for careers in healthcare, research, and science education
- Choose from five targeted academic tracks, including pre-professional pathways
Standard (Multidisciplinary) Track
Create a flexible plan of study across multiple scientific disciplines. Learn more about the Standard Track.
Pre-Medicine Track
Complete foundational coursework required for medical school programs. GPA required for admission. Explore the Pre-Medicine Track.
Pre-Physician Assistant (PA) Track
Prepare for entry into PA programs through focused science prerequisites. GPA required for admission. Explore the Pre-PA Track.
Pre-Education: Earth & Space Science Track
Build a foundation for teaching careers in earth sciences and astronomy-related fields. Learn about the Earth & Space Science Track.
Pre-Education: General Science Track
Develop a broad scientific background suited for middle or high school science education. Learn about the General Science Track.
What You Can Do With This Degree
A Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences opens doors to dynamic careers in scientific industries, healthcare, and education. Graduates can pursue early career opportunities with growth potential or continue on to advanced study through pre-med, pre-physician assistant (PA), or pre-education pathways.
- Laboratory Technician: Gain hands-on laboratory experience and contribute to scientific research, healthcare, or industrial projects.
- Environmental Technician: Support environmental testing, fieldwork, and sustainability initiatives with growing organizations and agencies.
- Quality Control Analyst: Ensure product safety and quality in fast-paced industries like pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and healthcare.
- Medical School Candidate: Complete essential science coursework and prepare for medical school admission and clinical careers.
- Physician Assistant (PA) Candidate: Build a strong academic foundation and fulfill requirements to pursue PA programs and direct patient care roles.
- Science Educator: Prepare for admission to education programs and pursue certification to teach science in middle and high schools.
Ready to Get Started?
Prospective students, request more information to learn about admission and begin planning your personalized degree path. Current Pitt students, connect with a CGS advisor.