In 2020, scientists around the world raced to develop COVID-19 vaccines, and they did it in record time. That breakthrough was powered by people just like you: science students who turned their curiosity into impact.
As a science student, your options are wide open. You can dive into biotechnology and help treat diseases using tools like CRISPR. If climate change worries you, study environmental science and work on solutions like solar energy or ocean cleanup technologies. Prefer numbers? Data science roles are growing fast in fields like healthcare, sports, and finance. Or maybe AI and robotics excite you — this science is behind self-driving cars and smart assistants. The point is, choosing this field doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck in a lab. It shapes the world around us every day. Whatever you’re passionate about, there’s a science field that fits and needs you.
Three dynamic universities are leading this charge, offering bold, future-focused science degrees. Ready to transform the world with them? Here’s where to start:
Ontario Tech’s Faculty of Science offers undergraduate and graduate programmes that equip students with strong interdisciplinary knowledge, hands-on experience, and essential leadership and communication skills. Source: Ontario Tech University
Ontario Tech University
Tucked away in the eastern Greater Toronto Area, Ontario Tech University is a young institution with big ambitions. Since its founding in 2002, it has steadily earned a reputation for innovation and hands-on learning. Today, it’s ranked #2 among Canada’s top young universities and 144th globally by Times Higher Education. With more than 12,000 students and 91 undergraduate and graduate programmes, Ontario Tech is helping shape the next generation of problem solvers.
That drive for impact is already visible. Ontario Tech students recently gained national recognition for creating a generative AI platform to preserve Indigenous languages. The judges were impressed — one even said, “Good research to show the access issues in remote and northern areas and the potential loss of opportunities for underserved Indigenous communities.”
This mix of tech and purpose is exactly what Ontario Tech is all about. You can see it in the Faculty of Science. Whether you’re interested in exploring space, solving crimes with science, or building smarter algorithms, there’s a programme that fits your passion and future goals.
The Computer Science undergraduate programme, for instance, helps students develop real-world coding skills and the ability to design innovative tech solutions. It also offers the flexibility of co-op options and specialisations in fast-growing areas like Data Science and Digital Media. If you’re drawn to numbers and logic, Mathematics for Science and Industry offers a strong foundation in modelling, algorithms, and workplace-relevant software. The curriculum is designed to bridge theory and practice, giving students the tools to tackle real industry challenges.
Can’t choose between the two? The Integrated Mathematics and Computer Science programme gives you a strong mix of both, with hands-on learning every step of the way.
All undergraduate programmes in the Faculty of Science lead to a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree. Many include co-op placements, and there’s even a fifth-year Science and Management option for those looking to round out their technical knowledge with business skills. At the graduate level, there are MSc and PhD programmes in fields such as Computer Science, Applied Bioscience, Materials Science, as well as Modelling and Computational Science offered.
Learn more about Ontario Tech University.
UT Arlington College of Science faculty are award-winning researchers dedicated to teaching, mentoring, and advancing science through innovative research in cutting-edge facilities. Source: UT Arlington College of Science/Facebook
University of Texas at Arlington
Innovate, discover, learn. These three words capture the heart of Maverick Science at The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). From day one, you’ll build a strong foundation in critical thinking while exploring scientific questions that matter, and you won’t be doing it alone. UTA encourages you to dive into research early and collaborate with faculty who are leaders in their fields.
UTA’s College of Science is committed to preparing the next generation of scientists to take on global challenges. Whether it’s addressing climate change, improving healthcare, or advancing technology, students are supported to think boldly and act with purpose. One recent example is a new computational tool developed by UTA researchers that helps identify proteins responsible for turning genes on and off — an innovation that can support future medical and genetic breakthroughs.
The college offers over 50 degree programmes across Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, and Data Science. Students also have opportunities to prepare for careers in healthcare and teaching through pathways like the Health Professions programmes and UTeach Arlington.
If you’re interested in analytics, the Division of Data Science provides practical training and flexible options. The bachelor’s degree allows you to focus on data science within your specific field, helping you become a sharper researcher. The MS in Applied Statistics and Data Science is designed for students from both STEM and non-STEM backgrounds and can be completed in just three semesters. Graduates are equipped to handle real-world data challenges across industries.
UTA’s location in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex creates even more opportunity. With access to internships, research centres, startups, and major corporations, you can apply your learning in real settings. And when it’s time for a break, the city offers everything from music and sports to diverse food and entertainment options, supporting a well-rounded college experience that blends science with life.
The College of Science at the University of Nevada, Reno brings together accomplished faculty, inventive students, and leading researchers to solve real-world challenges and deliver groundbreaking solutions. Source: College of Science at the University of Nevada, Reno/Facebook
University of Nevada, Reno
At the University of Nevada, Reno, science and innovation go hand in hand. Founded nearly 150 years ago as Nevada’s land-grant institution under the Morrill Act of 1862, the university has grown into a top-tier research hub. It’s now a Carnegie® Engaged University and consistently ranked among the nation’s best by US News & World Report.
Within the College of Science, students and faculty work side by side, asking big questions and digging deep for answers. The college brings together subjects across the pure, applied, social, mathematical, and natural sciences. It’s a collaborative space where logic, data, and the scientific method guide discovery and innovation.
Mathematics plays a central role in that journey. With the rise of big data and ever-growing computing power, demand for skilled mathematicians is surging. Whether pursuing a BA, BS, MS, or PhD, you’ll learn how to break down complex problems, think critically, and explore new mathematical frontiers. The department also offers an accelerated BA/BS/MS pathway for those eager to move fast.
For those drawn to data, the Statistics and Data Science programmes offer hands-on learning in survey design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. From opinion polls to salary reports and scientific measurements, statisticians are behind the scenes making sense of the numbers that drive decisions.
Those interested in combining science with business can opt for the BS/MBA accelerated programme. Designed for high-achieving high school seniors, this five-year path, offered jointly by the College of Science and the College of Business, prepares you for leadership roles at the intersection of science, technology, and enterprise. Conditional MBA admission is offered from the start, giving students a clear, structured path toward dual expertise.
Each programme is designed to prepare students not just for careers, but for leadership in a world shaped by science and data.
*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International
