Science & Society
A customisable, cross-disciplinary major for science-minded students.
- Available as
- Major
- Degrees/Options
- Bachelor of Arts
- Length
- 4 year
- Locations
- Fort Wayne
- Available Concentrations
- Sustainability, Business, Eco-Psychology
Why Major in Science & Society?
People. Planet. Progress. Advances in science and technology have impacted our world in countless ways. It’s never been more valuable to enter the job market with a mix of STEM, business and communication skills.
With its combination of hard sciences and the humanities, the science and society major prepares you for exciting roles in a multitude of fields: business, medicine, public health, biotechnology, journalism, agriculture, conservation, and energy—just to name a few.
$62,340
National median salary for media and communication occupations
BLS.gov
#4
Best science job: environmental protection technician
U.S. News & World Report 100 Best Jobs in America, 2022
38.5%
Growth in demand for “green talent” between 2015 and 2021
LinkedIn Green Economy Report, 2022
Why Saint Francis for Science and Society?
The University of Saint Francis has a rich tradition of providing a premier education in the liberal arts and health sciences—our unique Science and Society program brings together the best of both worlds.
Science at the Core:
Build a Solid STEM Foundation
This interdisciplinary major provides a solid foundation in biology, chemistry and ecology—and statistics, research methods and ethics courses prepare you to put scientific inquiry into action. As you fulfil your core requirements, you’ll learn alongside students from a variety of academic majors.
Focused & Flexible: Personalise Your Path with a Concentration
Find your niche within the versatile science and society major. Each concentration area offers distinct academic opportunities and a wide range of career possibilities, including in many high-demand fields.
Sustainability
Prepare for meaningful work in land management, conservation, agriculture, alternative energy and other green fields.
Sample Classes:
- Intro to Sustainable Food Systems
- Literature and the Natural Environment
- Forest and Grassland Biology
Eco-Psychology
Build a foundation for a counseling or wellness career or prepare for other nature-centered helping professions.
Sample Classes:
- Environmental Psychology
- Sociology of Health
- Introduction to Counseling
Business
Pursue a sales, marketing, management or other role within a STEM-focused company, agency or organization.
Sample Classes:
- Intro to Business Principles
- Marketing
- Risk Management
People
Help fulfill the growing demand to create accessible medical- and science-related content for the general population.
Sample Classes:
- Strategic Media Writing
- Digital Campaign Management
- Interpersonal and Group Communication
Hands-On Learning: On Campus and in the Field
The Science and Society major is all about practical application. As such, you’ll have many opportunities to learn outside the classroom, including a required internship and plenty of optional immersive experiences.
Gain Real-World Experience With a Science and Society Internship
As part of your major, you’ll complete a summer or semester-long internship with a company or organization that matches your career interests. Saint Francis students have interned with local nature preserves, state parks, national nonprofits and regional companies.
Get Your Hands Dirty (Literally) With Field Studies Courses
Embark on a short-term study trip with your professor and classmates. Courses and destinations vary each spring, however one recent option led our students to the Smoky Mountains for a 10-day camping trip.
Experience Another Culture While Serving Those in Need
Faculty-led service trips, often with a health services focus, take USF students to various locations, including Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Traditional semester-long study abroad opportunities are also available through a variety of partner programs.
Faculty & Facilities
As an interdisciplinary program, the Science and Society major gives you access to a diverse range of faculty expertise. You’ll learn from scholars, practitioners and clinicians with research interests such as eco-wellness/eco-therapy and sustainable food systems.
Achatz Hall of Science was designed with a respect for creation in mind — green and sustainable. You’ll learn in well-equipped science labs and learn to use modern equipment and instrumentation. Beyond the walls of the classroom, our campus features a vibrant greenhouse and restored prairie, both of which serve as learning labs. Nearby campus, there are plenty of woodlands and wetlands to explore during field trips.
Campus and Community Involvement
There are plenty of ways to get involved at USF. Science and Society students may be especially interested in Eco Club, which organizes Earth Day Events and other educational and awareness events. Depending on your career goals and the societal issues that matter to you, you might also be interested in organizations like the Public Relations Society, Social Work Club or Sigma Pi.
Science and Society Career Opportunities
Career opportunities abound for science and society majors. Possible job titles for graduates of this versatile interdisciplinary program include:
- Clinical Research Coordinator
- Parks and Recreation Program Manager
- Healthcare Communications Specialist
- Science Writer/Science Media Specialist
- Pharmaceutical/Medical Sales Representative
- Technical Sales Manager
- Environmental Science and Protection Technician
- Environmental Health and Safety Specialist
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
- Sustainability Program Manager
- Agricultural and Food Science Technician
- Community Health Educator
- Data Analyst/Biostatistician
Additional academic training, such as a master’s degree in a psychology-related field, can lead to careers in ecotherapy, a nature-focused counseling specialization.
Employers: Where You’ll Find Saint Francis Graduates
Saint Francis students of all majors have a passion for people, the planet and problem solving—and many have found rewarding careers related to science and society. Here are a few places you’ll find our graduates:
- Allen County Parks
- Allen County Department of Health
- City of Fort Wayne
- SevenGen
- Indiana Department of Natural Resources
“What I love about Saint Francis is that it has taught me to love learning. My professors make it easy to engage in class because of their passion for the subjects.”
Abby Westropp ’26 Environmental Science major
“Saint Francis is so special. Being surrounded by peers and professors who see greatness in you and will push you to be your best has helped me achieve things I never thought possible. My career is taking off way before I graduate. The connections I’ve made here are a blessing.”
Lana Thompson ’26 Biology and Environmental Science double major
