From Atoms to Asteroids . . . The School of Arts and Sciences (A&S) at the University of Pittsburgh houses a number of physical science departments. Within each department there are many different options and opportunities. Chemistry. In addition to the regular degree track, students can select a concentration area: bioscience, business, communications, education, material science, and photonics. These options give the chemistry major an advantage in both the job market and graduate school. Geology and Environmental Geology. Courses focus on the scientific aspects of the nature of the Earth and other planets. Geology is more than the study of rocks. Did you ever wonder why there are dark spots on the moon? Or, where to dig a new oil well? Studying geology will help you answer these questions and many more. Environmental Studies. In addition to studying the scientific aspects of the Earth, coursework on social and public policy issues is included in this major. How can you save the rain forest if you do not understand why it is being cut down? Physics. Two degree options are offered. The BS provides an in-depth background and is for students who wish to pursue careers in a technical field. There is also an astronomy option available. The BA degree is intended for students who wish to pursue careers that require scientific knowledge but are not necessarily technical. Students interested in business can pursue a dual major earning a BA in Physics and Business, giving them a unique advantage in placement with scientific companies. In addition to the traditional physical science majors, the School of Engineering and A&S offer a joint Engineering/A&S degree. Students typically spend the first three years studying their engineering major and the final two years focusing on their liberal arts major. Undergraduate Research . . . Motivated undergraduates, as early as their sophomore year, can choose to work in a professor's lab doing current research. Some students spend three years with the same professor making a particular research project their own and even publish papers. Undergraduate research is usually done for credit; however, there are many departmental and University fellowships available which provide stipends. Internships . . . As a major corporate headquarters Pittsburgh offers many internship opportunities. For example, you can spend your summer working for Bayer Corporation doing cutting-edge industrial research or business management. The School of Arts and Sciences Office of Experiential Learning can help you find an internship suited to your interests. Careers . . . Due to the many special options available, our undergraduates are qualified to enter the job market with their bachelor's degrees. Besides the traditional laboratory and technical jobs available, scientific companies are looking for employees in sales, marketing, writing, and other non-technical positions who have a strong knowledge of science. Graduate and Professional Schools . . . The coursework required in the University of Pittsburgh's physical science majors is designed to prepare you to further your studies in graduate school. All majors also offer honors options that, along with research opportunities available, make Pitt students very competitive in the graduate school selection process. Although the physical sciences are not traditionally considered pre-med majors, combined with a concentration in the biological sciences, the broad scientific background--particularly in chemistry--makes physical science majors strong medical school candidates. Law school is another option available to physical science majors. Lawyers who understand science are ideal for lobbyist positions and corporate jobs in technical companies. The University of Pittsburgh, a major research center with 14 graduate and professional schools, offers close to 200 graduate programs. With Honors . . . The University Honors College (UHC) offers a number of courses in the physical sciences. The UHC courses are not intended to be more advanced than regularly offered courses. However, they are designed to be more challenging and give you a more in-depth perspective on the subject matter. UHC courses usually are smaller and are more like seminars than lectures. The UHC offers a Bachelor of Philosophy degree which requires students to do an independent research project and defend their thesis in front of a faculty review panel.