Seven Majors, Unlimited Opportunities
Choose Your Path
Our seven majors make scientific research and discovery a very real practice — often as soon as you come to campus. We offer the chance to pursue interaction with faculty who can help direct your course of study, opening a world of career possibilities.
Several of our majors allow you to choose between Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees, to prepare for a career in the classroom or to add a master’s degree as part of an extended program.
Part of a Team
All majors encourage interactions with peers and professors where you can be part of a team that is solving problems with real-world impact. Students and faculty from different disciplines combine their interests and expertise to innovate together, finding answers where fields intersect.
The future is here. Expect to be a part of it in the College of Science.
Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the study of biochemical processes that take place in living organisms. Be on the leading edge of learning how these processes affect human disease, plant and animal genetics, and bacteria. This major provides undergraduate research opportunities in biochemistry and genetics of plants, animals (including humans) and eukaryotic pathogens.
Degree Options
- Bachelor of Science: Prepare for a scientific career in research and development, teaching, health care, public health or a wide variety of other disciplines.
Fast Facts
- More than 75 percent of our students go on to professional or graduate school programs.
- Clemson’s partnership with the nearby Greenville Health System is working to advance health care research.
- Programs interact closely with the Clemson Center for Human Genetics.
- Biochemistry is in the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry.
- Number of undergraduate students: 286
Biological Sciences
A major in biological sciences is as diverse as life itself. Learn about the evolution of animal behavior or choose to study the molecular underpinnings of human disease.
Degree Options
- Bachelor of Arts: This degree provides a strong foundation in biology, ideal for students planning a career in health care, law or policy. Specialize in prerehabilitation or secondary science teaching.
- Bachelor of Science: A more comprehensive science degree, preferred for those who wish to enter professional school or continue into graduate programs.
Did You Know?
- Biological sciences is the most popular major for students preparing for medical or dental school.
- Biological sciences is the most popular degree-granting program at Clemson.
- Students in biological sciences can pursue an accelerated master’s degree in bioengineering as an undergraduate.
- Biological sciences is in the Department of Biological Sciences.
- Number of undergraduate students: 1,388
Chemistry
Chemistry is intimately involved in all physical and life sciences, studying substances at the atomic and molecular level, and the ways in which they interact with each other. You’ll apply this knowledge to develop new or improved products.
Degree Options
- Bachelor of Arts: This degree broadens study through a minor in an area outside of chemistry. This is an excellent foundation for medicine, pharmacy, business and law.
- Bachelor of Science: This is ideal for students interested in research, graduate studies or biomedical careers. It prepares students for professional careers in chemistry.
Did You Know?
- About 70 percent of graduates pursue a professional or graduate degree after graduation.
- The Bachelor of Science program is certified by the American Chemical Society; all students participate in research.
- Labs include leading-edge tools and instruments, such as a new $700,000 nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer.
- Chemistry is in the Department of Chemistry.
- Number of undergraduate students: 161
Genetics
The codified language that is your DNA informs everything from your appearance to your likelihood for disease. Study genes at the molecular level — their structure, function and behavior — to understand how traits are inherited and passed on through generations. This major provides undergraduate research opportunities in biochemistry and genetics of plants, animals (including humans) and eukaryotic pathogens.
Degree Options
- Bachelor of Science: Via a thorough foundation in the life sciences, this degree option prepares students for medical, veterinary, pharmacy or dental school. Students can also pursue graduate school to research genetics and related disciplines.
Did You Know?
- This is the only undergraduate genetics program in the state.
- Clemson partners with the nearby Greenville Health System to advance health care research.
- The Clemson Center for Human Genetics collaborates with the Greenwood Genetic Center to discover and develop early diagnostic tools and therapies for genetic disorders.
- Genetics is in the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry.
- Number of students: 182
Mathematical Sciences
Mathematical scientists use numbers, logic and reason to uncover new insights about nature and real-world phenomena. Students gain a scholarly foundation to help contribute to the ever-changing science and technology landscape.
Degree Options
- Bachelor of Arts: Secondary education math majors typically opt for this degree program.
- Bachelor of Science: Specialize in actuarial science and financial mathematics, applied and computational mathematics, abstract mathematics, applied and mathematical statistics, and data and decision sciences.
Did You Know?
- Job areas for mathematical sciences majors include cryptography/cryptanalysis, city planning, epidemiology, foreign exchange trading, technical writing and air-traffic controlling.
- In 2016, the median annual income for the profession was $100,610.
- A combined bachelor’s/master’s degree is also offered.
- Mathematical Sciences is in the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences.
- Number of students: 219
Microbiology
Organisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi are everywhere. Learn how these microscopic organisms cause disease and are harnessed as energy and food sources. Our graduates go on to medical, dental and pharmacy school as well as to graduate school for their doctorates.
Degree Options
- Bachelor of Science: Students gain a broad introduction to microbiology. Concentrate in biomedicine to learn more about human health and disease. This major easily accommodates a minor.
Did You Know?
- This is the only undergraduate microbiology program in the state.
- Undergraduate research opportunities are available in medicine, biofuels, bioremediation, biogeochemical cycling and more.
- Clemson is home to a world-class, advanced light imaging facility that supports education and research.
- Microbiology is in the Department of Biological Sciences.
- Number of students: 273
Physics
Physics is concerned with the behavior of matter and energy — the “why” and “how” of everything from stars in the sky to atoms in our devices. Get closer to understanding how the universe behaves.
Degree Options
- Bachelor of Arts: This option expands a traditional physics education by requiring a minor. A dual degree through a partnership with the College of Education is also available.
- Bachelor of Science: This is ideal for a research career in academics, industry, or governmental laboratories. A student can specialize in areas such as biophysics, engineering or mathematics, or work with an adviser to build a custom degree.
Did You Know?
- Our graduates work at NASA, Microsoft, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory and in many other high-profile industries.
- All of our students have the opportunity to conduct research in astrophysics, atmospheric and space physics, biophysics, condensed matter and materials physics, and more.
- Our graduates go on to graduate school in physics, medical physics, engineering and biochemistry, law and medicine.
- Physics is in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
- Number of students: 87
