Ursinus College

American Studies

The American Studies program provides an interdisciplinary approach to the study of American life through which students can fully appreciate both its unity and diversity. All majors take AMST-200 and choose a disciplinary concentration from among English, History, Media and Communication Studies, Politics, and Sociology.

Anthropology and Sociology

The department offers a single, interdisciplinary major in Anthropology and Sociology whose mission is to provide students with an opportunity for in-depth study in both disciplines. The curriculum focuses on sequential learning opportunities that encourage students to integrate empirical research with theoretical reflection, producing students capable of doing, not just learning, anthropology and sociology.

Art and Art History

The department engages students in the creation of art, the critical study of art history, and the appreciation of visual culture as an integral part of their liberal arts experience. The curriculum integrates art historical foundations with the hands-on creation of art, moving from general survey and introductory courses to advanced studio work, historical studies, graphic design, and museum practices.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BCMB) is an interdisciplinary major that includes courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, in which students explore the chemical interactions that underlie life's diversity. Laboratories foster creative experimental work and familiarize students with current techniques and equipment used by biochemists and molecular biologists.

Biology

The departmental curriculum provides a balanced and current biological education within the broader context of the liberal arts, offering students as broad a base as possible for understanding the principles governing life processes. Coursework provides a firm foundation in the various sub-disciplines, fosters the scientific attitude, and familiarizes students with current research methods.

Business Economics

The major in Business Economics prepares students to analyze factors impacting businesses both quantitatively and qualitatively. These skills provide a solid background for a variety of professions as well as preparation for advanced education. All Business Economics majors concentrate in Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Management, or Marketing.

Chemistry

The chemistry department, approved by the American Chemical Society since 1959, offers specialized training in chemistry beyond the basic course that enables graduates to enter a career as a professional chemist, prepares students for graduate study, and provides a strong foundation for students planning to enter medicine, dentistry, or an allied health field. Recognizing that students have different educational objectives, the department offers several tracks leading to the major.

Computer Science

Upon graduation, students majoring in computer science are able to engineer multiple-component systems that solve real-world problems; program, test and debug in a variety of languages; design, implement and analyze algorithms and data structures; and articulate the social and ethical issues pertaining to the creation and use of technology.

Creative Writing

The creative writing major offers students the option to focus on their own creative process and development towards life-long artistic involvement while sharpening their overall writing skills and learning about the real-world applications of their emerging writing and editorial skills. The program prepares students to enter a wide variety of careers, to succeed in graduate or professional study, and to become engaged global citizens.

Dance

Courses in dance are designed to give students an in-depth and embodied understanding of the art of dance and choreography, the field of dance scholarship, the science of mind/body integration, the craft of performance, and the project management skills necessary to produce creative work.

East Asian Studies

The major in East Asian Studies is an interdisciplinary program drawing on offerings in several departments but emphasizing history, culture, politics, literature and language. The program is designed to provide an introduction to the cultures of China and Japan, with offerings emphasizing Japan in reflection of Ursinus' relationship with its sister school, Tohoku Gakuin University.

Economics

The Economics major develops a broad perspective on the allocation of resources as well as skills in applying economic theory and data to real-world problems. After graduation, Economics majors are prepared to work independently and effectively in a dynamic environment where resources are scarce, information is over-abundant or uncertain, and decisions are often morally complex.

Educational Studies

The study of education is interdisciplinary and can spark profound insights about one's own educational experience and about the practices and functions of education in society. The department brings a rigorous, liberal arts approach to the study of education, including a focus on the social, political, cultural, historical, and philosophical contexts in which teaching and learning take place.

English

The analytical tools developed in the English major illuminate both literary texts and the societies in which they are produced. Majors study the American, British, and Anglophone traditions, just as they learn to interpret women's writing, the poetics of the blues, and literary technologies from Gutenberg to emergent forms of digital writing. The major prepares students to enter a wide variety of careers, to succeed in graduate or professional study, and to become engaged global citizens.

Environmental Studies

Environment and Sustainability (ENVS) is an interdisciplinary department in which students learn critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills, integrating theoretical and empirical approaches from the natural sciences, social sciences, and arts and humanities to understand and develop strategies for solving environmental problems.

Finance

The Finance major prepares students to contribute to society at financial institutions and within the finance and accounting functions of both for-profit and non-profit organizations. Graduates are prepared to work independently and effectively in a dynamic environment where resources are scarce, information is over-abundant or uncertain, and decisions are often morally complex.

French

The French major is built on French and Francophone Studies courses above the 100 level, including FREN-251 and 252 and at least one 400-level writing-intensive course, as well as a study abroad experience approved by the department. Through language study, cultural exploration, and the analysis of cultural expressions, students develop essential communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and an appreciation for the richness and diversity of global traditions.

German

The German major requires coursework in German beyond the 100 level, including GER-251, 252 and at least one 400-level writing-intensive course, as well as a study abroad experience approved by the department. Through language study, cultural exploration, and the analysis of cultural expressions, students develop essential communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and a global mindset.

Health and Society

This major offers multidisciplinary inquiry and reflection for students interested in the intersection of physiological, social, political and ethical factors concerning human health. Coursework spans humanities, social science, and natural science perspectives, and students must complete an applied learning experience focusing on health and society.

Health Science

The Department of Health Sciences offers a comprehensive curriculum focused on the study of the human body through concentrations in allied health, public health, and Pennsylvania teacher certification (K-12) in Health and Physical Education. Majors gain valuable clinical experiences working in a variety of health and exercise related settings through internships, volunteer, and shadowing opportunities.

History

The mission of the History Department is to cultivate within the community the lifelong habit of actively engaging and critically questioning the relationship between past, present, and future. Majors take a minimum of eleven courses spanning U.S. and American, European and Mediterranean, non-Western, and world and comparative history, culminating in a 400-level capstone seminar.

International Relations

The International Relations major is an interdisciplinary program for students interested in careers in international politics and diplomacy, intelligence work, higher education, international law, international trade, journalism, and other fields where expertise in international affairs is necessary.

Mathematics

Upon graduation, students majoring in mathematics are able to organize and synthesize evidence to identify patterns and formulate conjectures, demonstrate mastery of the standard proof techniques, solve problems with mathematical components, and articulate the importance of mathematical and analytical reasoning.

Media and Communication Studies

Based in the liberal arts, the program focuses on the creation, criticism, and impact of communication in our global society, emphasizing the role of media as it intersects with technological and social change. The major provides students with experience in media-making and qualitative and quantitative research methods, as well as critical thinking, speaking and writing competencies.

Music

Music department offerings are designed to provide an understanding of music through a study of music history, culture, theory, technology, and creation, as well as performance opportunities. The curriculum integrates musicology, music theory, music technology, and music creation across a range of musical genres and styles, while providing ensemble and applied music instruction.

Neuroscience

The Neuroscience major is designed for students interested in exploring how the nervous system contributes to thought, emotion, neuropathology, and behavior, integrating the multidisciplinary nature of the field through an interdisciplinary approach to brain function, behavior, and the mind. Courses are drawn from biology, biochemistry and molecular biology, chemistry, computer science, health and exercise physiology, philosophy, psychology, and physics.

Performing and Visual Arts Design and Technology

Performing and Visual Arts Design and Technology is an interdisciplinary major drawing upon courses in Art, Film Studies, Media & Communication Studies, Music, Museum Studies, and Theater. The major provides students with a foundation in both performing and visual arts while allowing them to tailor the major to their own design and technology interests.

Philosophy

Fundamental questions and puzzles about the ultimate nature of the world and the mind's place in it, the possibility of free will, the constituents of consciousness and intentional action, the foundations of moral judgment, and the character of justice animate our deepest thinking. Applying distinctively philosophical methods in studying both historical figures and the best contemporary work, students learn to think rigorously, critically and creatively and to express their ideas effectively.

Physics

The courses in physics are designed to give the student an understanding of the logic and structure of physics, with emphasis on methods of analysis and the presentation of concepts and ideas. Laboratory work demonstrates the dependence of physical theory on experimentation. Students may pursue the Physics track or the Applied Physics track.

Politics

The department challenges students to evaluate their conceptions of the good life for the individual and for society, prepares students for lives of enlightened and responsible citizenship, and helps students attain knowledge of the theory and practice of politics. Professional objectives include preparing students for graduate work in politics, law, and public service and for examinations required for governmental service.

Psychology

The Department of Psychology offers a comprehensive curriculum characterized by breadth and depth of study, with major requirements divided into foundation courses, content courses, advanced research methods courses, a capstone course, and electives. A major in psychology prepares students for immediate employment in a wide variety of positions such as human services, health care, research, and sales and marketing, as well as for graduate study in psychology or another field.

Religious Studies

Religious studies majors develop an informed awareness of the world's religious traditions through the scholarly and theoretical study of religious ideas, practices, and communities, both contemporary and historical. Courses examine the critical role of religion in the world today, and students gain critical knowledge of the reality of religious difference and acquire expertise in interpreting and analyzing religious practices, texts, and artifacts.

Spanish

The Spanish major requires coursework at the 200-, 300- and 400-levels, including SPAN-251, 252 and at least one 400-level writing-intensive course, as well as a study abroad experience approved by the department. Through language study, cultural exploration, and the analysis of cultural expressions such as visual artifacts, cinema, and literature, students develop essential communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and an appreciation for diverse global traditions.

Statistics

The statistics major provides students with the tools for analyzing and organizing data as well as the theoretical underpinnings for modeling important and interesting concepts, building strong backgrounds in logical reasoning and analytical skills. Required coursework spans probability, statistical inference, data analysis, and a senior capstone (STAT-443W).

Theater

Theater is a powerful form of experiential learning that allows students to grow as individuals, critical thinkers, and artists, and interdisciplinary by nature it compels students to learn about society and the role of theater artists therein. The department offers coursework in acting, directing, dramatic literature, history and theory of performance, theatrical design, and production, preparing students for graduate study or a career in the performing arts.