STEM Brochure ('22-'23)

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY

STEM

Nurturing STEM students in growth.

Are you ready to expand your intelligence, critical thinking skills, and passion for inquiry?

Our STEM programs are designed to help you become the best version of yourself.

You’ll feel right at home in our B. Thomas Golisano Center for Integrated Sciences, a state-of-the-art facility where you’ll have access to 18 laboratories, specialized equipment, and opportunities to conduct and present research.

Our small classes mean you’ll get personalized attention from our faculty, opening the door to unique mentorship and undergraduate research opportunities.

And with our commitment to a liberal arts education and a robust campus culture, you’ll gain the confidence, clarity of direction, and heightened sense of purpose to become an impactful member of society.

That’s The Power of Niagara. Now let’s find out how you can grow with STEM.

Biology Discoveries in biology are playing a pivotal role in advancing human knowledge in fields like molecular biology, biotechnology, and the health sciences. Channel your curiosity about the foundational elements of life into a career pursuit with Niagara University’s biology curriculum.

The department of biology offers three program concentrations:

B.S. in biology with options in pre-medical and pre-health professional training and preparation for graduate studies in the biological sciences.

B.S. in biology with a professional teaching certificate in biology for grades PreK-6 and 7-12.

B.S. in biology with concentrations in biotechnology, bioinformatics, and environmental science.

A degree from NU can take you into diverse fields like biotechnology, health sciences, and molecular biology, or you can continue your studies as a preprofessional with our Early Acceptance and 3+4 partnerships.

“Being able to sit down with my advisor and him taking the time to go over every little detail and answer every question I have really gave me the clarity to go where I needed to get to. In every single class, all the professors give the students the attention that they need. Honestly, without them, I would not be where I am today.”

– Victoria Monetti, ’22, biochemistry

biomedical forensic sciences, Boston University

Chemistry and Biochemistry Our chemistry and biochemistry programs have demonstrated successes placing graduates in notable professional health programs, outstanding graduate schools, and employment at important chemical and biotechnological companies, while training students to conduct meaningful scientific research in the field.

All students in the program must complete at least one year of hands-on independent research supervised by a faculty member. This tailored research experience provides formal training in the techniques and concepts needed to function as a modern scientist. NU students can enjoy other formative experiences, such as presenting at local, regional, national, and international scientific conferences. Our study abroad program provides participants an incredible way to broaden their education, and students in the biochemistry, chemistry, and physics department have internship opportunities at Sevenson Environmental Service and Sherwin-Williams. Niagara offers additional summer research experiences for undergraduates at UB Chemistry.

Niagara’s B.S. in chemistry major is certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS) to provide foundational training in all chemistry areas.

NU also offers a B.S. in biochemistry (optional ACS certification track available) and B.A. in chemistry to give students a high level of flexibility in pursuing their interests. Our students are supported in their goals, whether they embark on additional education and research training or enter the workforce directly upon graduation.

Environmental Science Few careers have as much long-term impact as environmental science.

Niagara University’s undergraduate programs in environmental science can help prepare students to be on the front lines of this challenge, using their experience with critical research and thinking to develop impactful careers.

With B.A. and B.S. degree programs to choose from, students will have the opportunity to review and analyze alternative energy systems, natural resource management, pollution control and mitigation, and the effects of climate change. Those students with interests in working in public policy can take advantage of the political science/environmental studies coordinate major. They can also pursue an environmental studies minor in conjunction with any major.

Experiential Learning Environmental science majors enjoy opportunities to do field work twice a year, such as research trips to the Florida Keys, Great Lakes, and the United Kingdom. Students can intern with NY State Parks, the US Fish & Wildlife Service, the USDA, the Niagara Aquarium, and Wheatfield Gardens.

Multidisciplinary Education Engage in a degree program that combines multiple fields within the College of Arts and Sciences, such as biology, chemistry, and political science.

Enhanced Classwork While on campus, students can experiment and study within the B. Thomas Golisano Center for Integrated Sciences, a 50,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility with 18 laboratories.

Photo courtesy of Dr. William Edwards

Psychology Co-op: Designed for juniors and seniors, this work-study program offers psychology students the opportunity to integrate their classroom knowledge into practice with a paid employment experience.

Psychology Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. The subject matter of psychology, rooted in the facts of experience and behavior, has a strong linkage with the biological and social sciences. Psychology also shares the concerns and issues of the arts and humanities because they, like psychology, deal with human experience, feelings, and motivations.

Our undergraduate curriculum will prepare you for a range of possible careers as broad as the field of psychology itself. You’ll also gain research experience by conducting experiments, analyzing and interpreting data, and presenting those findings in a supportive atmosphere of your peers and faculty mentors. For those interested in applied careers, a clinical/ counseling track of courses and internship opportunities is available.

Computer Science With personalized instruction and varied career options, Niagara University’s computer and information sciences (CIS) program offers students a customized curriculum that empowers students in whichever path they take.

Students in the Bachelor of Science CIS degree program may emphasize one or more key component areas in the major, such as information security and digital forensics, mobile application development (including wearables and SMART technology), business systems programming, database administration, and networking and communications. Dive deep into advanced practices through courses like Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, and Robotics.

The B.S. in CIS leads directly into the M.S. in Information Security and Digital Forensics as part of our 4+1 Accelerated Master’s program, so students can graduate with both degrees in five years. The undergraduate program is also structured in a way to allow students to complete prerequisite courses for our MBA program, once again fast tracking them to graduation with an advanced degree.

Niagara University Esports The Esports minor at NU helps students understand the culture, mechanics, and business of Esports. The minor is supported by our Esports Club, where students play video games and can compete on a national level.

“At Niagara, you get a little bit of everything: programming, web development, digital forensics, etc. This allows students to truly figure out what they want to do within the computer industry. Seriously, there is a lot to choose from. And at Niagara, we have a wonderful digital forensics graduate program, which is a fantastic opportunity for undergraduates to continue their education at Niagara and complete their master’s degree.” – Jacob Arends, ’22, CIS major and Esports player

Mathematics A career may take many different forms, but math is the language that connects all of them. The department of mathematics at Niagara University will give you the foundational knowledge to succeed in any profession.

Since mathematics does not exist in a vacuum, we designed our degree curricula to complement other Niagara University programs. Students who combine a major or minor with another degree program have a distinct advantage when pursuing biology, chemistry, finance, economics, computer science, banking, or insurance.

Degree programs:

Minors:

B.A. Mathematics B.S. Mathematics B.S. Actuarial Science

Mathematics Statistics Actuarial Science

Actuarial Science: Actuarial science combines mathematics with business knowledge to use analysis, statistics, and probability to minimize risk and plan out long-term strategies.

There is a strong demand for certified actuaries and practitioners are well compensated, according to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“We work hard to create a welcoming and supportive environment. Despite our size, students are still able to work with faculty on a wide variety of independent projects in pure math, applied math, and statistics. I have worked with many students as undergraduates throughout the years. My colleagues also regularly work with students on undergraduate research projects.”

– Dr. Michael Barg, associate professor of mathematics

A Foundation You’ll Love

Studying with STEM isn’t the only way you’ll grow at Niagara University.

You’ll gain additional – and essential – lifelong skills with our comprehensive liberal arts curriculum. It’s where you’ll learn new methods of analytical thinking and problem-solving. It’s where you’ll hone your abilities to write professionally and speak in any setting. You’ll learn about the world beyond your field – through history, religion, philosophy, and ethics – and how you can find your place in it.

Our liberal arts curriculum is a key feature of Niagara University’s approach to education to build and develop the whole person. Picture yourself graduating from NU with a specialized degree, professional experience, and the growth you’ll need to become the best version of yourself.

These are the traits that will set you apart, and give you confidence, clarity of direction, and a heightened sense of purpose.

Experiment with experience Niagara University’s commitment to experiential learning means you’ll enjoy plenty of opportunities to gain crucial knowledge and skills outside of the classroom and in your field. And when you graduate, you’ll be competitive in the job market because you’ve already done the work.

Internships The university is well-connected with many top companies and organizations to support amazing internship opportunities at places like: • • •

M&T Bank Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY Defense Intelligence Agency

• • • •

Drug Enforcement Agency Erie County Medical Center Niagara Falls City Schools Niagara Falls Memorial Hospital

Research What makes research different at Niagara?

Whether you’re researching courses, co-authoring papers with your professors, or delivering presentations at local and national conferences, you’ll stay engaged with lab and grant work from your first year to your last. Study with a team of researchers at various schools across the country. Study math abroad. Work directly with NU faculty on research projects within their own fields. Whether you go into research as a career or not, you’ll enjoy more hands-on experience and state-of-the-art techniques to further enhance your development.

Professional Schools As a pre-professional student, you’ll be ready to take the next step in your journey with Niagara’s connection to further education.

• • • •

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine State University of Buffalo Dental School and School of Pharmacy Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Daemen University School of Pharmacy

Career Services and the Pathways program Our Career Services team has developed the innovative Career Pathways program, designed to provide you with one-of-kind experiences with a rock-solid resumes employers want to see.

The four-step Pathways system will help you assess, discover, gain experience, and implement a post-graduation goal.

VISIT The best way to decide if Niagara is right for you is to come see us on Monteagle Ridge. Between weekday and Saturday visits, Showcases, and Open Houses, there are plenty of ways to experience NU on your terms.

Plan your visit today at NIAGARA.EDU/VISIT If you have a disability and need accommodations to participate in visit activities, please advise the Office of Admissions when you schedule your appointment.

APPLY We encourage you to apply for admission and financial aid as soon as possible if you believe Niagara University is the right school for you. Applications are processed on a rolling basis, and decisions are made within a few weeks.

To get started, visit NIAGARA.EDU/APPLY

CONNECT Give us a call at 716.286.8700 | 1.800.462.2111 or email ADMISSIONS@NIAGARA.EDU