Sciences + engineering at Union

"Our students are engaged in research at a level that’s just not possible at many other institutions. We have facilities and equipment that are comparable to those at larger universities, such as our particle accelerator. But at those schools, the facilities are mostly controlled by graduate and post- doctoral students. Our undergrads are deeply involved in the operation of everything we have."

Chad Orzel, associate professor of physics,

STEM Majors & minors

Combine your STEM program with majors and minors in the arts, humanities and social sciences.

Engineering majors

SCiences

Hands-on, faculty-mentored undergraduate research is at the heart of a Union education.

All year round, students work closely with their professors—in classrooms, labs, studios, archives and in the field—delving into topics that intrigue and challenge them. And for one day each May, the College suspends classes so that students can share their academic and creative interests and talents at the Steinmetz Symposium, a campus-wide celebration with peers, professors and families.

The symposium celebrates a culture of personal discovery that integrates coursework, faculty mentorship and peer collaboration to deepen students’ understanding of their subjects and themselves.

On campus and off, there are great ways to become involved in activities geared toward your interests.

A sampling of recent STEM internships

San Francisco Internship on Innovation and Creativity

Union students get a firsthand look at the culture of Silicon Valley while working for start-ups and other companies during this term away. The program combines an internship with a course in culture and entrepreneurship, which includes readings, field notes, and meetings with key employers and alumni in the area. About half of the students work in STEM-related fields. Most recently, participants have interned at the California Academy of Sciences, the Exploratorium, the software company Zendesk, a student loan refinancing start-up, and numerous nonprofits.

STEM abroad

• Explore marine ecology on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
• Learn about women, the environment and social change in Brazil while studying in Sao Paulo.
• Take engineering courses on an exchange program in Prague, Czech Republic.

With Union's international programs, you'll experience another culture, challenge yourself academically and personally, and develop as a citizen of the world. Most programs are led by our own Union faculty, so you also will get to know your professors beyond the campus environment.

Student clubs

There are numerous student clubs and organizations that appeal to STEM majors and others with a love of science and technology. They range from student chapters of science and engineering societies to clubs devoted to health and medicine, environmental action, rocketry and space, beekeeping and more.

No matter what your STEM field, our campus environment is designed to spark your passion for exploration, discovery and reasoning in scientific and technical fields – and empower success in your future studies and career.

Here's a look at some of the exciting ways you can delve into the STEM disciplines at Union.

Our emphasis on innovation, research, problem-solving and communications will set you up for success in graduate schools, fellowships and a wide range of careers.

Here's a look at what some of our graduates are doing:

Meet some STEM stars

STEM News