Academics
Working together to achieve our aspirations.
About
The College of Natural Sciences (CNS) is dedicated to student-driven, inquiry-based laboratory and classroom experiences.
The world-class research at CNS informs our teaching and student mentoring, and is the backbone of the high-quality educational experience that’s possible only at a research-intensive university. Our undergraduates are encouraged to do independent research in faculty labs and they are high achievers—36 percent of CNS students make the Dean’s List, and 33 percent of CNS seniors graduate with honors. The college has numerous award-winning instructors as well; half of all UMass Distinguished Teaching Awards go to CNS faculty.
of CNS seniors graduate with honors
of CNS students make the Dean’s List
faculty members
Community stories
Explore our Programs
Animal Science
Prepare for a successful career in veterinary and human health, animal biotechnology, and production agriculture.
Arboriculture
Care for the earth as a “tree physician” and prepare for a wide range of careers in tree care and urban forestry.
Astronomy
Study the planets, moon, stars, galaxies, even the origin of the universe itself, with flexible undergraduate and graduate astronomy programs.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Examine biological processes from physical, chemical, and genetic perspectives to better understand how biochemical reactions are integrated and regulated.
Biology
Through rigorous courses and hands-on research and fieldwork, learn how to study and understand more about the diversity of living things.
Chemistry
Explore research opportunities in analytical, organic and inorganic materials, and nanomaterials, as well as theoretical and computational chemistry.
Earth Systems
Obtain a scientific understanding of the Earth’s systems on a global scale.
Ecology and Environmental Sustainability
Transform the way we interact with the Earth through study in conservation biology, environmental policy, sustainable building systems, and more.
Environmental Science
Explore sustainable solutions to some of the planet’s most pressing issues through the interdisciplinary study of both scientific and socioeconomic factors.
Food Science
A highly interdisciplinary field focused on providing nutritious, safe, and wholesome food for populations around the world.
Geography
Choose from a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs exploring the complex relationships between the world’s people and places.
Geology
Seek to understand the systems and forces constantly at work on our planet in your preparation for a career addressing important global challenges.
Horticultural Science
Learn about the science and management techniques involved in the art of growing flowers, ornamental plants, fruits, and vegetables.
Landscape Contracting
An applied program where students learn about plant health care, design, installation, and project management.
Mathematics and Statistics
Explore the challenging field of mathematics and statistics, building the bridge between experimental observation and scientific theory.
Microbiology
Study viruses, bacteria, and the immune system to find advancements and improvements in human health.
Molecular and Cellular Biology
The graduate program in molecular and cellular biology is ideal if you are seeking advanced interdisciplinary training with more flexibility than other degrees.
Neuroscience and Behavior
This graduate program brings together faculty members from various departments to provide exciting, cutting-edge research training.
Organismic and Evolutionary Biology
The OEB graduate program provides interdepartmental training for MS and PhD students in ecology, animal behavior, organismal biology and evolutionary biology.
Physics
Examine matter, energy, and interactions at the fundamental level to understand the applied and theoretical influences at work in our world.
Plant and Soil Sciences
Train in biology and laboratory methods to focus your studies on plant science and applied biology.
Plant Biology
The Plant Biology graduate program provides students the opportunity to conduct interdisciplinary research on plants from the microscopic to landscape level.
Polymer Science and Engineering
Defining the frontiers of polymers and soft materials through research, scholarship, and community.
Pre-Med/Pre-Health
Prepare for the academic rigor of medical or dental school.
Pre-Veterinary Science
Research the species relevant to traditional veterinary science programs to understand the basic processes that regulate animal and human health.
Psychology
Learn to think scientifically about behavior, mental processes, and underlying mechanisms.
Science (Interdepartmental)
Gain a foundational scientific background for a variety of careers.
Sustainable Building and Construction Management
Learn about building design, building science and technology, project management, and sustainable business practices.
Sustainable Food and Farming
Prepare for a career growing and marketing food, farm-based educational systems, food advocacy, community development, and public policy.
Turfgrass Science and Management
Turn your passion for the outdoors into a career focused on the production and maintenance of grassed areas.
Veterinary Technology
Prepare for a career as a veterinary technologist in veterinary medicine or biomedical research.
Interdisciplinary programs
Collaborative programs, degrees, and experiences offered in partnerships with other schools and colleges on campus.