Barbara Shinn-Cunningham, Glen de Vries Dean

Maggie Braun, Senior Associate Dean for Student Success and Strategic Initiatives

Kenneth Hovis, Associate Dean for Educational Initiatives

Location: Doherty Hall 1324

www.cmu.edu/mcs

The Mellon College of Science (MCS) has provided the undergraduate training for many of today’s leading scientists. We have earned national recognition for our integration of undergraduate education and research from such organizations as the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and the Beckman Foundation.  MCS students gain a broad education in science, mathematics, and the liberal arts while using state-of-the-art computational approaches in their courses, laboratories, and research activities.  Our faculty members are committed to teaching as well as to a wide range of scientific research.  This combined emphasis on education and research brings special benefits to students, including increased awareness of current scientific developments that are incorporated in classroom instruction, and, most importantly, opportunities to participate with faculty, graduate students, and other research scientists in a variety of research projects.

In the context of rigorous training in each field, the MCS curriculum emphasizes problem-solving, communication, and analytical skills, and it teaches our students the value of hard work and discipline. Our students go on to highly successful careers in a broad range of fields like astrophysics, biotechnology, computer science, business management, environmental science, health care policy, investment banking, marketing analysis, medicine, patent law, and pharmaceuticals.  Our alumni credit their education in science for preparing them for a lifetime of learning and achievement; their employers attest to their ability to succeed and to continue learning in an ever-changing world.

The MCS Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematical Sciences, and Physics each outline their degree programs and courses in the departmental sections. Students select their major in the spring of the first year so that the sophomore year begins with a focus within a department. Most of the courses required within a major are scheduled in the sophomore and junior years, leaving much of the senior year and part of the junior year open for electives. This provides the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research, explore interdisciplinary studies, study abroad, pursue additional majors or minors in other fields, or take other specialty courses oriented toward immediate job placement upon graduation or entry into graduate studies.

Science education in the 21^st Century demands educational experiences that are much broader than the traditional preparation of a scholar in a chosen field of science.  We want our MCS graduates to be scholars who are deeply trained in their discipline(s), and also professionals adept at communicating to broad audiences, accustomed to working in diverse, multidisciplinary teams, and keenly aware of the global context of their work. We want them to be citizens who are actively involved and globally engaged, and to grow as persons with a sense of wellness and balance.

With these ambitions in mind, we have set forth fifteen (15) outcomes that all MCS undergraduate students should complete in their time at Carnegie Mellon.  Upon graduation, MCS students should be able to:

1. Apply foundational and advanced mathematical and scientific knowledge in a chosen field of study appropriately and fluently to solve complex problems, to integrate concepts across disciplines, and to adapt their knowledge to new situations.
2. Critically assess their current state of knowledge and expertise and acquire new knowledge in pursuit of both specific scientific goals and new intellectual interests broadly throughout their lifetime.
3. Communicate effectively via oral, visual, and written formats with an understanding of the perspectives and expectations of diverse audiences, including those within their chosen discipline, outside that discipline (but within STEM), and non-scientists.
4. Participate effectively in multidisciplinary research and/or other teams pursuing a shared vision while optimizing team outcomes.
5. Use the appropriate tools and required media literacy to acquire, assess, and analyze data and information from diverse sources.
6. Recognize and explain the importance of at least one current research topic in a STEM field outside of their major.
7. Recognize and explain the similarities and differences in analyzing/approaching problems, including in technical and non-technical fields other than their major.    
8. Demonstrate knowledge of the arts, humanities, and social sciences.
9. Recognize the interplay of science, society, public policy, business, and economics.    
10. Identify global examples of the reciprocal relationships among science, technology, political forces, societal contexts, and environmental issues.
11. Describe multiple similarities and differences between one’s own culture and that of others.
12. Engage in recursive, reflective processes to assess their own levels of physical, emotional, and social wellness and then to choose activities that promote these aspects of wellness.
13. Engage in recursive, reflective processes to balance multiple endeavors by setting priorities and managing time in academic, meta-curricular, and personal dimensions.
14. Recognize ethical issues and appreciate the complexities of interrelationships among them, and the use of information in ethical and legal manners.
15. Articulate how one’s own developing skills in science and technology can be increasingly used in constructive community service or engagement that recognizes the potential impact on local and global issues, including environmental impact and sustainability. 

Degree Programs

Department of Biological Sciences

Department of Chemistry

Department of Mathematical Sciences

Department of Physics

Tailoring Your Education

The Mellon College of Science offers students tremendous opportunity for tailoring their education to meet individual professional objectives.  Whether you target your degree to a particular field in your discipline via departmental tracks, options and concentrations, add a secondary major, minor, or degree to your primary degree program, participate in honors programs, or pursue a master’s degree along with your bachelor’s degree, MCS has much to offer you.  Many of these opportunities are outlined below.

Departmental Concentrations

The words options, concentrations, and tracks may be used interchangeably across campus. Each department in MCS offers degrees and programs that allow students to explore particular fields within a science discipline. These are outlined below — see the departmental sections for further details. 

Biological Sciences

• Biochemistry
• Biomedical Sciences
• Cell and Developmental Biology
• Molecular Biology and Genetics
• Neuroscience

Chemistry

• Biochemistry
• Biological Chemistry
• Colloids, Polymers, and Surfaces
• Computational Chemistry
• Environmental Chemistry
• Management
• Material Chemistry
• Polymer Science

Mathematical Sciences

• Computational and Applied Mathematics
• Computational Finance
• Discrete Mathematics and Logic
• Mathematics
• Operations Research
• Statistics

Physics

• Applied Physics
• Astrophysics
• Biological Physics
• Chemical Physics
• Computational Physics
• Quantum Physics

Minors, Double Majors, and Double Degrees

As an MCS student, you can pursue additional majors and minors to complement your primary degree, not only within the science college, but also through the other colleges at Carnegie Mellon.  Carnegie Mellon offers many exciting interdisciplinary majors and minors, some of which are listed below.  In addition, every college and most departments have designed minors or second majors in their discipline so that you can gain expertise in their fields as well.

Some students choose to gain this expertise by following a double degree program.  This results in two distinct bachelor’s degrees. Please see the section on Undergraduate Academic Regulations for a more formal definition of these “Multiple Degree” programs.

Interdisciplinary Majors and Minors

Here is a sampling of just a few of the interdisciplinary minors and majors offered at Carnegie Mellon (not all are in MCS).  Please see the appropriate sections elsewhere in this catalog for specific descriptions and course requirements.

• Biological Sciences and Psychology Major
• Engineering Studies Minor
• Environmental and Sustainability Studies Additional Major
• Environmental and Sustainability Studies Minor
• Health Care Policy and Management Minor
• Mathematics and Economics Major
• Neuroscience Major
• Neuroscience Minor
• Robotics Minor
• Scientific Computing Minor
• Technology and Policy Minor

University Student-Defined Majors

With a well-thought proposal, you may be able to pursue a major you have designed to meet your particular interests and goals.  Please see the catalog section on Student-Defined Majors. MCS students wishing to pursue a student-defined major should contact the MCS Senior Associate Dean for Student Success and Strategic Initiatives.

Honors, Accelerated Master's Degrees, and Other Programs

Honors Degree Programs in MCS

Several of the departments in MCS offer students an opportunity to participate in a departmental honors degree program.  Some of these programs result in a master’s degree along with the bachelor’s degree (see next section on accelerated master’s programs). These programs are listed below; see the department’s section of the catalog for more details.

• Honors Program in Research Biology
• Departmental Honors in Chemistry
• Honors B.S./M.S. Program in Chemistry
• Honors B.S./M.S. Program in Mathematical Sciences

Accelerated Master’s Programs

Carnegie Mellon offers some accelerated master’s programs for motivated students, whereby students complete both the bachelor’s and the master’s degree in four or five years.  Some programs are in the student’s home department in MCS as part of an honors program, while others are offered through one of our graduate schools at Carnegie Mellon.  Below is a listing of the programs currently available to MCS students; please see the appropriate sections of the catalog for more details.

• Honors B.S./M.S. Program in Chemistry
• Honors B.S./M.S. Program in Mathematical Sciences
• Accelerated Master’s Program in the Heinz College

Study Abroad

There are many programs for studying abroad, usually during your junior year.  Please see the catalog section on Study Abroad for more details, and talk with the Office of International Education to get information and advice specifically for you.

Pre-Professional Programs

Many students in the Mellon College of Science decide to pursue professional training such as medical school or law school after completing their undergraduate work.  Carnegie Mellon offers strong advising services to support these students.  Through these programs, students get help with everything from course selection to identification of important experiential opportunities to the application process itself.

Health Professions Program

Faculty Contact: Jason D'Antonio

Please see the Health Professions Program catalog section for details.

Pre-Law Advising Program

Faculty Contact: Kelli Maxwell

Please see the Pre-Law Program catalog section for details.

Intercollege Programs

Bachelor of Science and Arts Degree Program (BSA)

Students in the Bachelor of Science and Arts Degree Program are jointly admitted to MCS and the College of Fine Arts (CFA).  This is a degree program for students who are naturally gifted in both the arts and the sciences, and allows for the combining of talents in these areas. 

Additional Major in Environmental and Sustainability Studies

Applying Your Education Through Research

An important feature of education in MCS is the opportunity for undergraduate research experience. This experience may be arranged as a course taken for credit or occasionally as a part-time job. Our website offers a range of useful  information including links to faculty research areas, links to undergraduate research programs at other institutions, and ideas on how to get involved. Because of the strong research base of MCS, undergraduate research positions offer an exciting opportunity to apply your theoretical training to participate in the discovery of new knowledge.

Students can earn MCS Research Honors for significant research accomplishments; see the policy outlined below for the requirements.

Mellon College of Science Research Honors

Undergraduates in the Mellon College of Science will be awarded MCS College Honors at the completion of their degree if they have met one of these requirements:

1. Successfully completed the Honors BS/MS program in the Department of Chemistry or Department of Mathematical Sciences.
2. Successfully completed the departmental honors program in the Department of Biological Sciences or the Department of Chemistry.
3. Earned a cumulative grade point average of ≥3.20 (by the end of their seventh semester or by the time of graduation) and carried out significant research. Typically, this would consist of an academic project carried out for at least two semesters. However, a single project that spans a summer and a semester or that the research mentor deems to be significant and sustained, even if the student worked for pay rather than credit, will be allowed. In addition, some form of public dissemination of this research, which has been approved by the MCS Senior Associate Dean for Student Success and Strategic Initiatives, such as a peer reviewed publication, research thesis, or presentation at an external scientific meeting is required. The Meeting of the Minds by itself is not sufficient and participation in a pre-approved judged competition (eg. Sigma Xi, Math Department competition, or Psychology department competition) is necessary.

Final approval of nominations for MCS Honors will come from the Dean of MCS and the MCS Senior Associate Dean for Student Success and Strategic Initiatives. Students can apply to their primary departmental advisor using this form on the MCS website: https://www.cmu.edu/mcs/undergrad/advising/college-research-honors.html. 

Research Centers

The Mellon College of Science is home to a number of innovative research centers. These centers are particularly strong because of the interdisciplinary collaboration of their scientists. This interdisciplinary research brings international prestige to the college. Many students conduct undergraduate research with one of these centers.

The Bruce and Astrid McWilliams Center for Cosmology joins research efforts in astrophysics and particle physics and partners with computer science, statistics, and other disciplines to unravel the mysteries of the universe.

The Center of Atmospheric Particle Study’s goal is to be the world leader in science, engineering, and policy covering the full role of fine particulate matter in the atmosphere. Our goal in research is to advance the state of knowledge across this spectrum substantially, to provide both policy-relevant research, and to participate directly and actively in the evolution of environmental policy related to particulate matter.

The Center for Computational Finance’s mission is to improve the interaction between academic research and the finance industry.

The Center for Macromolecular Engineering’s goals are to enhance the benefits of polymer science to society by developing new methods to prepare advanced polymer materials, train and develop tomorrow’s scientists, and transfer technology to industry.

The Center of Nano-enabled Device and Energy Technologies’ mission is to work on real-world problems that can be solved potentially with appropriate nano-enabled technologies.

The Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition is a joint program between Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh. It synthesizes the disciplines of basic and clinical neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and computer science, combining neurobiological, behavioral, computational, and brain imaging methods.

The Center for Nonlinear Analysis was established in 1991. A special focus for applications emphasizes new and innovative methods to study contemporary issues in materials science. The center has created a vigorous environment for collaboration among mathematical and allied scientists.

The Center for Nucleic Acids Science and Technology is a community of Carnegie Mellon scientists and engineers unified by interests in the chemistry, biology, and physics of DNA, RNA, and PNA (peptide nucleic acid).

The Institute for Green Science has been established as a research, education, and development center in which a holistic approach to sustainability science is being developed. The focus of the institute is in three areas: renewable energy technologies, chemical feedstocks, and benign alternatives to polluting technologies.

The Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center provides information on advanced scientific computing for engineering and research.

Academic Standards 

MCS Dean’s List

Each semester MCS recognizes those students with outstanding academic records by naming them to the Dean’s List. The criteria for such recognition are as follows:

Dean's List

The student must earn a quality point average of at least 3.50 while completing a minimum of 36 factorable units and earning no incomplete grades.

Dean's List with High Honors

The student must earn a quality point average of at least 3.75 while completing a minimum of 36 factorable units and earning no incomplete grades.

Academic Actions

In order to maintain good academic standing, students from the Mellon College of Science must attain at least minimum quality point averages for each semester (as well as cumulatively), and also make and maintain adequate progress toward completing their degree requirements. “Adequate progress towards graduation” generally means that students are successfully completing an average of 45 units per semester so that at the end of eight semesters they will have accumulated the minimum of 360 units required for graduation, have a cumulative QPA of at least 2.00, and completed all college General Education and primary major course requirements. 

Specifically, MCS students will make satisfactory academic progress if they meet the following criteria:

• The semester GPA is ≥ 2.00.  
• The cumulative QPA is ≥ 2.00.
• A student maintains full-time status (≥ 36 units) after the 10th day of classes in a semester. 
• Completing ≥80% of attempted units in a semester (calculated using total units carried when grades are entered). Grades of N, W, or R grade do not count as completed units.

When a student fails to meet minimum performance criteria, it normally results in an “academic action.” Depending on the circumstances, one of the following actions is taken: Academic Warning, Continued Academic Warning, Suspension, or Drop. These academic actions are recommended by the college's departments based on the guidelines described below. However, the sequence of the academic actions is not automatic in all cases. 

Academic actions are not meant to be punitive and are put into place to support student success. These actions are designed to notify students of specific academic requirements, outline goals for completion, and identify avenues of support to help students succeed. Students on academic action (except drop) will be asked to identify a plan of action to use resources to improve their academic performance. Resources can include the Student Academic Success Center, CaPS, UHS, and/or regular meetings with advisors, among others. 

Warning

The action of Warning will be taken if in any semester a student fails to make satisfactory academic progress as defined above.

The term of Warning is one semester as a full-time student. Students on academic probation may not overload above 54 units in the semester of Warning.

A student is occasionally continued on Warning who has had one semester on Warning and is not yet in good academic standing (as defined above) but whose record indicates that the standards are likely to be met at the end of the next semester of study. 

Suspension

A student who does not meet minimum standards at the end of one semester of Warning will be suspended. The minimum period of suspension is one academic year (two semesters).  At the end of that period a student may return to school on final academic Warning by:

• Receiving permission in writing from the MCS Senior Associate Dean for Student Success and Strategic Initiatives.
• Completing a Return from Leave form from Enrollment Services.
• While on suspension, students may complete no more than two courses in total for transfer credit. All proposed transfer courses must receive preapproval of the departmental director of undergraduate studies and the Sr. Associate Dean for Student Success and Strategic Initiatives before enrollment.

Students on suspension can review a list of available resources on the HUB’s website. A student who has been academically suspended and who is not employed by the University must absent themselves from campus and is, for the term of the suspension, barred from all activities and affiliations that stem from one’s status as an enrolled student. These include registering or enrolling for courses, sitting in on classes, living in residence halls or Greek houses, membership and participation in student activities, and employment in student jobs. (NOTE: Exceptions to the restriction from student jobs for students on academic suspension will in general be granted for summer employment if the position was accepted prior to the decision to suspend.)

Notably, employment within the university in non-student jobs is possible for students on academic suspension, subject to the hiring criteria of the hiring department.  However, a student on academic suspension wishing to accept a job on campus must speak with the Associate Dean of the student’s college to ensure that the employment will not constitute a violation of the terms of suspension.  The Associate Dean will generally allow such employment, in consultation with the Dean of Student Affairs.  One employment benefit not available to students on academic suspension who accept a full-time job with the University is the option to take courses through tuition remission.  The option to take courses becomes available only after the academic suspension is over.

Students returning from suspension should plan to work with their advisor and Associate Dean for undergraduate affairs at least 30 days prior to the semester they plan to return. Ideally, students will connect with the Associate Dean several weeks before registration for the semester of planned return. In addition to the steps for a smooth return described on the Registrar’s website, MCS students should prepare a short (1000 word maximum) essay describing how they’ve been preparing for a successful return to CMU.

Upon return, students will be on Final Academic Warning for 2 semesters. Students in this situation must work closely with all available resources (particularly their academic advisor) to ensure all resources are being properly used to maximize success to avoid progression to academic drop. Students returning on Final Academic Warning may not overload above 54 units or study abroad in the 2 semesters after returning to campus.

Students who return to good academic standing after suspension but have another semester later that does not meet the requirements for good academic standing will have only 1 semester of final academic warning to return to good standing before an academic drop is initiated.

Drop

This is a permanent severance from the Mellon College of Science. Students are dropped when it seems clear that they will not be able to meet minimum standards.  A student who has been suspended and who fails to meet minimum standards while on final academic warning is dropped.

A student who has been academically dropped and who is not employed by the University must absent themselves from campus and is barred from all activities and affiliations that stem from one’s status as an enrolled student. These include registering or enrolling for courses, sitting in on classes, living in residence halls or Greek houses, membership and participation in student activities, and employment in student jobs.  (NOTE: Exceptions to the restriction from student jobs for students on academic drop will in general be granted for summer employment if the position was accepted prior to the decision to drop.)

Appeals of Academic Actions

In accordance with the Appeal of Academic Actions Policy outlined in The Word student handbook:

“If a student believes an academic action is inconsistent with the policies of the college, a student should:

1. Submit a formal written appeal to the Associate Dean of the college responsible for the decision, with a copy to the dean, requesting review of the action including all relevant materials to substantiate the inconsistency in policy and to support their concerns. Appeals are due within 10 days of the date the student is notified of the action.
2. The Dean of the college, or the dean's designate, will review the appeal and issue a decision and the basis for it within 30 days.

If, after carrying out the steps of either process described above, the student believes that the matter has not been adequately resolved, or if no decision has been rendered by the appropriate date, the student may appeal at the university level. To appeal at the university level, the student must present copies of all documents and a formal letter of appeal to the provost. Appeals to the Provost office are due within 5 days of a decision from the student's college-level appeal. The Provost or another designated university officer will respond in writing with a final resolution, including the basis for it, within thirty (30) days, or as soon thereafter as practical.”

Transfer into MCS Departments

This section describes the variety of entry points into the Mellon College of Science for students already admitted to a university (Carnegie Mellon or another university). All prospective students not already enrolled should contact the Office of Admission for details about the application process for Carnegie Mellon University. 

General Internal Transfer Information:

MCS does not accept undeclared internal transfer students. Students will need to declare which major they intend to pursue upon transfer into MCS at the time of application. The list of prerequisite courses for each department are listed below. Students will not be considered for transfer on the basis of AP/IB/Cambridge scores alone. Applicants may use AP/IB/Cambridge credit as prerequisites to the courses listed below prior to applying for transfer but must have completed at least one prerequisite course at CMU.

Students should complete the prerequisite requirements of their intended department prior to applying for internal transfer:

• Potential transfer students into the Department of Biological Sciences must have completed 03-121 Modern Biology or 03-220 Genetics AND 09-105 Introduction to Modern Chemistry I with a C grade or better.  
• The Chemistry Department requires students wishing to transfer to complete and have earned the following grades in one of the following options at CMU:  
  • an A in 09-107 or
  • have C grade or better in 09-105 or 09-107 AND a C grade or better in 09-106 (at CMU) or
  • have a C grade or better in 09-217 or 09-219.
• Students wishing to transfer into the Physics Department must have earned a C grade or better in one of the following classes completed at CMU: 33-121, 33-151, 33-141, 33-142, 33-152, or 33-211 AND have earned a C grade or better in one of the following classes completed at CMU: 21-120, 21-122, or 21-259. 
• Students wishing to transfer into the Department of Mathematical Sciences must have completed 21-127 Concepts of Mathematics or 21-128 Mathematical Concepts and Proofs AND 21-241 Matrices and Linear Transformations or 21-242 Matrix Theory with a B grade or better in both courses as well as an overall QPA of 3.5 or higher. 

Students wishing to transfer from another university into an MCS department:

A student first applies through the Office of Admission. If the Office of Admission believes the applicant is acceptable, the student’s record is sent to the appropriate department for evaluation and a decision on acceptance. Students will be considered for transfer on the basis of available space and the student’s academic performance in coursework related to their intended MCS major.

Graduation Requirements

To be eligible to graduate, undergraduate students must complete all course requirements for their program with a cumulative Quality Point Average of at least 2.00 for all courses taken. Some programs may have additional QPA requirements in order to graduate.  Students are encouraged to confirm all graduation requirements with their academic advisor.

A minimum of 360 units must be completed.  This will include the MCS Core Courses (technical and nontechnical electives) and all departmental course requirements.

Students will be required to meet the residency requirement and to have met all financial obligations to the university before being awarded a degree.  The residency requirement is detailed in the Academic Regulations section of the catalog.  A student may seek permission to modify graduation requirements by petition to the MCS College Council.

Graduation Honors

There are two types of honors awarded at graduation.

University Honors

University Honors are automatically awarded to students who have earned a cumulative Q.P.A. of 3.5 or better after either seven semesters or by the time they are certified for graduation.

College Research Honors

Please see the section “Mellon College of Science Research Honors” for information on how to qualify for College Research Honors.

Faculty

MAGGIE BRAUN, Senior Associate Dean for Student Success and Strategic Initiatives - Ph.D.

JASON D'ANTONIO, Director Of Health Professions Program - Ph.D.

KENNETH HOVIS, Associate Dean For Educational Initiatives - Ph.D.

KEVIN HUNTER, Director of the Core Education - Ph.D.

MANFRED PAULINI, Associate Dean For Research - Ph.D.

MICHAEL YOUNG, Associate Dean For Community Engagement - Ph.D.

Administration

ABIGAIL PINNOW, Undergraduate Programs Administrator, MCS

TARA PRIMIERO, Senior Academic Advisor, MCS