Program
The interdisciplinary science major provides a broad background in the physical and biological sciences, and is ideal if you are interested in teaching, science and health careers. You will choose one of four concentrations, and are encouraged to also consider a minor in an area different from your concentration that will complement your career interests.
While the biology, chemistry and physics concentrations will satisfy some of the prerequisites for many graduate and professional-level programs — such as medicine, pharmacy, dentistry and physician assistant studies — our professional science concentration is designed to help you meet all prerequisites for a majority of those programs.
Explore Program Details
In the interdisciplinary science program, you’ll choose from one of four program concentrations, which you can learn about on the following VCU Bulletin pages:
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Do More With Your Degree
Double Up
The professional science concentration allows students to earn double majors and dual degrees in disciplines such as biology, chemistry, forensic science and more while also satisfying requirements for graduate programs like medicine, pharmacy, cosmetic science and public health — in the same time required to typically earn B.S. degrees in traditional natural science majors.
Earn an M.S.
You can participate in an accelerated B.S. to M.S. program in which you earn a B.S. in science and a M.S. in medical laboratory science (MLS) in a minimum of five years. With a degree in MLS, you are prepared to work as a laboratory supervisor, educator or researcher to provide laboratory data and results needed in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Real-World Learning
Hands-on experiences are core to a VCU education. The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) provides real opportunities to research things you're interested in as an interdisciplinary science major. Research sites include faculty labs, the VCU Medical Center and many more. At a key site — the VCU Rice Rivers Center — students participate in environmental research and public service often led by faculty and affiliated research partners.