Sciences & Mathematics
Relational. Experiential. Innovative.
IT ALL BEGINS WITH CURIOSITY.
Here at Belmont’s College of Sciences & Mathematics, we are puzzle-solvers, big-question askers, hypothesis formers, equation analysts, solution seekers...We don’t see problems as “problems,” but opportunities to find a better way — because the answer might just transform the world.
Our programs bring rigorous science and mathematics education into a relational, personalized environment. Through hands-on labwork, field experiences and faculty-mentored research, students become ready for STEM careers or graduate work (and FYI, you can begin research opportunities as soon as your first year). Here in the vibrant hub of Nashville, Tennessee, and across Belmont’s campus, you’ll have collaborative opportunities to use all parts of your brain and pursue your unique interests.
SO COME JOIN THE ADVENTURE.
We can’t wait to meet you and hear what makes you curious — what makes you eager to find answers that make a difference for people’s lives. With your toolbelt of both logic and creativity, we have no doubt you’ll find the solutions you’re looking for. And we’ll be here to support you each step of the way.
WELCOME FROM THE DEAN
Welcome to the College of Sciences & Mathematics. We are an exclusively undergraduate college where you’ll find outstanding teaching in small classes, hands-on learning in stateof-the-art labs and meaningful research opportunities alongside faculty mentors. Our goal is simple: help students grow into confident scientists and problem-solvers who compete nationally for graduate programs and rewarding careers.
Science is personal — and so is the way we teach it. Our faculty build strong, supportive relationships with students, investing in them as learners and as people. We do more than deliver coursework: we help students discover their direction, connect their interests to real opportunities and make a plan for life after Belmont. Mentoring happens in the classroom, in research labs and through career-focused development. Students also find community through active organizations that bring peers together for academic support, research activities, outreach and service.
You won’t just study science — you’ll do it. Laboratory learning is central here, because the sciences are learned through observation, practice and iteration. But becoming a scientist also requires creativity, resilience and the ability to connect ideas across disciplines. That’s why undergraduate research and internships are built into the student experience. We believe students truly begin to understand science when they work in a research setting — asking questions, using modern tools and contributing to new knowledge. We are committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to complete original, faculty-mentored research or an internship during the academic year or through our innovative summer research programs. Many of our students also present their work at regional, national and even international conferences.
We provide undergraduates access to advanced facilities and the chance to pursue graduate-level research — at an undergraduate pace, with strong support. In the past five years, we have hired 24 new faculty members, expanding the range of research specialties and refreshing our curriculum. Our alumni consistently tell us that their Belmont experience prepared them to thrive in graduate school and to launch into meaningful careers in the sciences.
We’re glad you’re here, and we look forward to helping you find your place — academically, professionally and personally — in the College of Sciences & Mathematics.
Thom Spence PhD; Dean, College of Sciences & Mathematics
14 MAJORS:
• Applied Mathematics
• Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
• Biology
• Biophysics
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Engineering Physics
• Environmental Science
• Mathematics
• Neuroscience
• Pharmaceutical Studies
• Physics
• Psychology STATISTICS:
• 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio
• >90% of CSM students engage in undergraduate research with faculty mentors
• 89% of classes have under 30 students
MINORS: Biology • Environmental Science • Mathematical Biology WHAT YOU’LL FIND AT BELMONT:
• Strong lab infrastructure and cross-disciplinary collaborations with chemistry, neuroscience and environmental science
• Mentored undergraduate research prior to graduation
• Pathways to medical, veterinary, environmental, biotech or research careers
• Small class and lab sizes with intentional mentorship from faculty who know your individual goals
BIOLOGY B.S.
Study the living world, from micro-organisms to vast ecosystems. You’ll gain a deep understanding of biological principles, chemistry and statistics, plus the nuances of your chosen field.
PATHWAYS
• General Biology: the broadest variety of educational and career opportunities
• Ecology and Biodiversity: for an interest in wildlife, natural areas and research
• Marine Biology: for a career in ocean life and marine organisms
• Belmont’s partnership with Gulf Coast Research Laboratory gives students opportunities to take courses and conduct coastal research projects at GCRL’s coastal research facility.
• Pre-Health: preparation for professional and graduate programs, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, dentistry, physician assistant, medicine and veterinary science
POSSIBLE CAREERS
Biologist • Ecologist • Nutritionist • Research Scientist Physician • Marine Biologist • Pharmacist • Biology Teacher
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE B.S.
Learn about our human connection to the environment and address the complexities of environmental issues. Belmont’s hands-on, interdisciplinary program prepares you with the analytical and critical thinking skills needed to excel in the lab or in the field, making a difference for our planet.
PATHWAYS
Pathways within this degree focus on the science and social side of the environment and conservation. Take courses in natural sciences, math, social sciences and humanities to get a well-rounded understanding of how the environment intersects with our lives.
• Social Sciences • Quantitative/Analytical
POSSIBLE CAREERS
Environmental Consultant • Horticultural Therapist • Zoologist
Conservation Scientist • Environmental Health Practitioner
Land Acquisition Manager
BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Interdisciplinary program with Chemistry & Physics Department
Combine biology, chemistry and physics to study the molecular processes of life. Connect these fields and examine how living systems function to better understand the environment around us and how it all works together. You’ll gain practical lab skills and in-depth knowledge of molecular biology techniques, so you’ll be ready to apply that knowledge in various fields.
POSSIBLE CAREERS
Cellular Biologist • Laboratory Technician • Clinical Data Analyst • Physician Clinical Research Associate • Dentist • Food Scientist • Medical Writer
ACCELERATED PREHEALTH PATHWAYS
• Health Care Exploration for Aspiring Leaders (HEALs): a conditional acceptance program into Belmont’s graduate-level health programs
• Occupational Therapy (OTD) and Physical Therapy (DPT) 3+3 Programs offer a streamlined pathway for high-achieving students to enter our doctoral programs in Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy after three years of focused undergraduate study.
MINORS: Chemistry • Physics • Physical Science
WHAT YOU’LL FIND AT BELMONT:
• Rigorous curriculum with foundational courses in analytical, organic and physical chemistry; classical and modern physics
• Lab-based learning with modern instrumentation and experimental projects, plus opportunities for applied physics, computational modeling and interdisciplinary research with other departments
• Pathways to medical, veterinary, environmental, biotech or research careers, as well as graduate school
BIOPHYSICS , ENGINEERING PHYSICS & PHYSICS B.A. / B.S.
Build technical skills and knowledge for a balanced understanding of theory and application. Pursue one of three degree tracks based on your goals; each offers broad opportunities for hands-on learning and research, readying you to pursue a variety of career or research paths.
PATHWAYS
• Biophysics: for an interest in many aspects of modern biology and medicine, such as studying the electromagnetic interactions that drive cellular processes or developing better radiation treatments for cancer. Two tracks:
• Biophysics
• Pre-Health
• Engineering Physics: for an interest in the design and building of technology for social need and curiosity. Three tracks:
• Computational Physics: leans heavily on math and computer skills and is for students who wish to be a part of the fast-growing field of computational physics ranging from gaming to simulations in areas such as material science, biomedical engineering and modeling.
• Material Science and Applied Physics: for students who wish to work in industry or pursue advanced study in an applied physics field or the interdisciplinary field of material science
• Pre-Engineering track: for students who wish to pursue engineering-related work in graduate school
• Physics: for a general interest in the field of physics
POSSIBLE CAREERS
Graduate School • Physician • Educator • Radiation Physicist
Neuroscientist • Medical Imaging Specialist • IT Consultant
Equipment Representative • Nuclear Engineer • Acoustic Engineer
CHEMISTRY B.S.
PHARMACEUTICAL STUDIES B.S.
Be part of the health care industry through expertise in medications. Whether you’re aiming to attend pharmacy or school or other career fields, lab experiences and coursework will prepare you for a variety of pathways in pharmaceutical science. Because of Belmont’s pharmacy school, undergraduates have connections to seminars, mentors and resources that provide additional learning opportunities.
PATHWAYS
• Pursuing a PharmD
• Students build a strong foundation in the sciences and math
• Student gain exposure to health care systems through coursework and internships
• Pursuing Pharmaceutical Sales
• Students focus on the business and communications functions of the field
POSSIBLE CAREERS
Pharmacist (PharmD) • Pharmaceutical Scientist (PhD) Pharmaceutical Representative
ACCELERATED GRADUATE SCHOOL OPTIONS: EARLY ASSURANCE PROGRAM
• First year students who choose pre-pharmacy are eligible for early assurance into the PharmD program, provided they meet math and science prerequisites, maintain GPA requirements and remain on track to complete 60 credits by the end of their second year.
• Early Assurance allows merit scholarships to apply for all 6 years (Undergrad + PharmD).
Explore the building blocks of the world. Studying the interaction of chemicals and substances, you’ll gain foundational knowledge of general chemistry, organic chemistry, quantitative analysis and research techniques.
PATHWAYS
• Advanced Chemistry: beneficial for a career in chemical research
• Pre-Health Chemistry: solid foundation for medical, dental or pharmacy school
• Applied Chemistry: relates to careers in quality assurance or control labs, environmental monitoring, forensics or scientific equipment sales
• Chemistry Education: for interests in teaching
POSSIBLE CAREERS
Academic Researcher • Analytical Chemist • Forensic Scientist Chemical Engineer • Pharmacologist • Medical Scientist
Computational Chemist • Physician • Pharmacist • Dentist
If minoring in Education, you can apply for Belmont’s accelerated M.A. in Teaching program, which allows you to earn both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in just five years.
MATHEMATICS B.A. / B.S.
Build analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills and sharpen research abilities that will prepare you for a wide range of careers. Go beyond classwork as you learn to apply mathematics in real-world situations requiring critical thinking, communication and leadership skills.
Core courses include:
• Calculus I–III
• Differential Equations
• Discrete Mathematics
• Linear Algebra
• Probability
CAREER POSSIBILITIES
Mathematician • Statistician • Mathematics Professor • Actuary • Economist Market Research Analyst • Aerospace Engineer • Financial Analyst
DATA SCIENCE B.S.
Build strong analytical abilities to tackle opportunities and challenges in an economy and society dependent on data. With work across all domains becoming increasingly data-driven, this program prepares you to become an asset in fields such as health care, government, technology, manufacturing, education and so much more.
Belmont’s robust curriculum partners with top data scientists from leading companies to prepare students to:
• Interpret large data sets
• Understand the story that data tells and communicate that story to a wide audience
• Participate in interdisciplinary coursework in math and computer science to enter this dynamic field in a variety of scientific and industry settings
CAREER POSSIBILITIES
Data Analyst
• Business Analyst • Business Intelligence Professional
Data Engineer
• Data Scientist • Program/Project Manager • Statistician
APPLIED MATHEMATICS B.S.
Become a pro at using math to solve everyday problems. Applied Mathematics integrates closely with Computer Science and data analytics, preparing students for fields such as software, financial modeling and data analysis.
Dive into topics like:
• A.I. research, business analysis and probability theory
• Discrete math techniques used in software engineering and data science
• Properties of complex numbers and complex-valued functions
CAREER POSSIBILITIES
Mathematician • Finance Analyst • Economist • Database Administrator Mechanical Engineer • Computer Programmer • Math Educator
COMPUTER SCIENCE B.S.
Blend theoretical foundations of computing technologies with hands-on experience. You’ll develop the skills needed in logical reasoning, programming, modeling and analysis to work with a range of computing technologies, from small devices to multiprogrammed networks. Curriculum is deeply rooted in mathematics, while fostering innovative collaborations with music, art and emerging media.
Engage in opportunities in:
• Programming
• Algorithm Design
• Statistical Modeling
• Machine Learning Projects
CAREER POSSIBILITIES
Data Scientist • Software Engineer • Business Analyst IT Architect • Web Developer
CYBERSECURITY CONCENTRATION
Gain comprehensive knowledge of and technical proficiency for securing networks systems and applications; build understanding of ethical and legal implications of practices, with the skills to analyze and mitigate cybersecurity threats.
MINORS: Computer Science • Data Science • Database Administration
WHAT YOU’LL FIND AT BELMONT:
Finance Actuarial track • Mathematics • Statistics • Game Development • Systems Cybersecurity
• Industry informed curriculum that builds foundational expertise in mathematics, computing and/or data, along with critical thinking and communication ability valued by employers and graduate schools
• Hands-on learning and interdisciplinary opportunities that span everything from business to the arts
• Preparation to solve problems creatively and lead confidently in a world driven by technology and information
• Pathways to careers like data scientist, software engineer, actuary, statistician, cybersecurity analyst, educator or researcher
Learn from leaders in AI, analytics and the Belmont Data & AI Collaborative
MINORS: Neuroscience • Psychological Sciences
WHAT YOU’LL FIND AT BELMONT:
• Coursework covering foundational psychology, cognitive sciences, neurobiology, behavioral neuroscience, experimental science and more
• Strong mentorship and opportunities to cross-collaborate with biology, data science and chemistry lab
• Pathways to careers like clinical psychologist, counseling psychologist, medicine, behavioral therapist, cognitive neuroscientist, occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, research scientist (behavioral or brain sciences), mental health counselor, forensic psychologist, public health professional
Recent
student-led projects have
focused on anxiety, decisionmaking, cognition, mental health and neurological function.
NEUROSCIENCE B.S.
Grow through academically challenging and interdisciplinary curriculum — including all PreMedical requisites — to develop the foundational knowledge of the nervous system and behavioral processes. You’ll get to personalize your learning experience to your specific goals and field of interest, building strong academic and laboratory skills relevant to neuroscience research and methods.
CAREER POSSIBILITIES
Laboratory Scientist • Data Scientist • Clinical Research Assistant Educator • Science Writer • Physician
PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE B.S. / B.A
This research intensive program emphasizes collaborative work, internships and hands-on laboratory experiences. You’ll be prepared for a variety of professional health programs, such as medical school, occupational therapy or physical therapy pathways, as well as graduate programs in experimental psychology.
PRACTICUM EXPERIENCES
Students take one semester at a time on site at an organization of their choice. Placements can vary from a hospital setting, to private practice, community mental health organizations, research experiences at other universities and more.
Recent local placements have included: TN Voices, Insight Counseling Center, Nashville Center for Rehabilitation & Healing and Great Care Health Services
ACCELERATED GRADUATE PROGRAM
• 4+1 PSY to MSW: In four years, students complete a B.S. In Psychological Science with a specialized minor in Social Work that covers the traditional first year of a Master’s in Social Work program. Students can then accelerate into the second year of an MSW program.
• 3+3 PSY to OTD: In three years, students can complete a B.S. in Psychological Science, then go on to the university’s doctoral program in occupational therapy. Students must declare their intent by the end of their first semester of the Psychological Science program
CAREER POSSIBILITIES
Behavior Analyst • Sports Psychologist • Clinical Psychologist Counseling Center Director • Professor of Psychology Marriage and Family Therapist
90% of CSM students perform original research in their undergraduate career.
AFig. A: Examining frog limb structure and movement, students and faculty collaborate on musculoskeletal research to better understand biomechanics, muscle function and comparative anatomy. Fig. B: Belmont’s annual Day to Dream festival features a ferris wheel — and a bird’s eye view of campus! Fig. C: Students apply principles of velocity, acceleration, and trajectory as they study the physics of motion by launching projectiles and analyzing real-time data in the lab.
Both SURFS and the Summer Scholars research program feature equal participation of rising sophomores, juniors and seniors.
Research-Driven
Going beyond the classroom and conducting research is a priority at Belmont — that’s why research opportunities are available for CSM students following their first year . Year-round, faculty-mentored research is a core part of our programs, with over 90% student participation.
Research skills and knowledge are a vital component to STEM-related paths; not only do these opportunities build critical thinking and problem-solving skills, but they provide deeper understanding of subjects you’re interested in and lead to key discoveries. Students will find opportunities to collaborate across disciplines , including data science, environmental science, neuroscience, biology and computational modeling.
We’re proud to offer internal funding to support student research projects, and we can’t wait to see what theories you explore. When you’re ready for your next step, you’ll find that Belmont’s research emphasis sets our graduates apart for graduate programs and employers
SUMMER UNDERGRAD RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS IN THE SCIENCES
An unparalleled summer experience for students of all levels, SURFS is an intensive, 6-week research project program that offers hands-on experience working with a dedicated research team, state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty mentors. Not only will participants receive first-hand exposure to the rigors and rewards of research, they will also have the opportunity to connect with other researchers and expand their knowledge.
To support their summer experience, students accepted to SURFS recieve a stipend and housing.
SHOW YOUR WORK: PRESENTATION OPPORTUNITIES
SURS
The annual Science Undergraduate Research Symposium gives students the opportunity to present research they conducted in and out of the classroom to peers, professors and others across campus. With typical involvement of about 200+ students, SURS is often a first opportunity for many students to present their research in a formal setting, learning the communication skills needed to showcase academic findings.
SPARK
A new tradition at Belmont, the SPARK symposium gives students across all colleges the chance to display projects they’ve worked on. The 2025 event featured over 560 presentations and 1,000 student presenters
Elly Fetters CLASS OF 2017 Mathematics & Music Double Major, Consulting Actuary
“I’m very grateful for my time at Belmont, where I was able to pursue my passions of both mathematics and music. The faculty truly cares about each student, and the small class sizes allow for meaningful discussions and deep connections, which have had a major impact on my career and personal development.”
Sarah Utley CLASS OF 2024
Biology Major, Chemistry Minor
“SURFS was a fantastic experience that helped develop my skills in the lab, scientific reasoning skills and problemsolving abilities... This experience will benefit me in all my future endeavors in the field of science.”
LIGHTNING IN A BOTTLE: STUDENT RESEARCH
STUDENTS RESEARCH ANXIETY’S ROLE IN DECISION-MAKING
Neuroscience majors Melanie Gonzalez and Erin Johnson (Class of 2028 and 2027) studied anxiety and exposure therapy in rats.
Initial trials encouraged rats to explore a maze while being fed periodic rewards in the form of Fruit Loops with long and short paths, which the rats adapted to.
To induce anxiety, Gonzalez and Johnson confined rats in restraining tubes (creating a stress association), then placed the tubes along the easy path to see if the rats would avoid it. When most walked through with no concern, they added peppermint oil to the tube to exploit the rats’ heightened sense of smell.
“Once we added the oil, we noticed it definitely made a difference,” said Gonzalez. “A lot of them started going the longer route.”
Next, they tested whether they could reverse the anxietyinduced behavior through exposure therapy with the tubes, by allowing the rats to explore them first in their cages. Following this, the tubes did not trigger avoidance for the rats in the maze.
Gonzalez and Johnson’s findings indicated that exposure therapy effectively reduces anxiety in rats and improves decision-making confidence. More significantly, the work provides support for exposure therapy approaches in human anxiety treatment.
GENE-EDITING SUMMER RESEARCH USING CRISPR
Biology majors Symone Hodges, Angela Nwozo, Izzy Valdivia (Class of 2027) and Cosette Sullenberger (Class of 2028), spent their summer through SURS utilizing a tool revolutionizing modern medicine: Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR). This revolutionary gene-editing technology lets research scientists selectively modify the DNA of living organisms.
“Whenever there’s a virus that tries to infect the cell, the cell will use CRISPR to basically memorize the virus’s genome and then attack it when it comes back,” Hodges said.
• Hodges’ research focused on the cas9 enzyme and guide RNA molecules. She studied how these components work together to locate and cut specific DNA sequences.
• Sullenberger used CRISPR-Cas9 in yeast to repair genetic mutations, fixing cellular defects at the DNA level.
• Valdivia worked with bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria. In her experiments, a CRISPR system found in a bacterial species is introduced to E. coli to see if the bacteria develops immunity against the viral attack.
• Nwozo studied how different bacterial strains of S. thermophilus, commonly found in lactose, respond to bacteriophage infections. She examined strains that have already survived exposure and acquired protective genetic spacers through CRISPR.
At many universities, only graduate students or PhD students conduct research of this caliber. “I think it’s pretty cool that SURFS is really catered toward the underclassmen,” said Nwozo. “Giving younger students the opportunity to research is really great.”
CSM CHARTING NEW TERRITORY IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE EDUCATION
The Belmont science community made waves in environmental science research by securing access to local waterways for fieldwork. Led by faculty, CSM students joined Nashville’s Nautical Boat Club to regularly take research vessels onto the Cumberland and Harpeth Rivers, where they:
• Researched how microplastic pollution is present in the Cumberland River, observing how it varies over time
• Studied how living organisms and bacteria in the Cumberland are affected by antibodies from human waste flushed into the river
“We want our students to see environmental issues in Nashville in a real way,” said Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Matthew Heard, who has a background in marine biology and led these projects.
“It can be hard for students to know what job opportunities exist and what it looks like to be an actual scientist, not just a doctor or a nurse. For example, what does it look like to be an environmental scientist?”
Led by biology professor Dr. Matthew Heard (above), students took their environmental research in local waterways knee-deep — literally!
Student Opportunities
GETTING INVOLVED
Our 20+ student organizations are designed to provide you with hands-on experiences, leadership opportunities and the chance to connect with your peers and industry professionals.
• Belmont Global Medical Brigades
• Bruins in Tech
• Data, Mathematics & Computing Association
• Enginuity (engineering)
• Environment + Conservation Organization
• Health Occupation Students of America
• Lean In – Women’s Academic Empowerment Group
• Minority Health Science Association
• NeuroClub
• Nu Rho Psi (National Honors Society in Neuroscience)
• Pre-Dental Club
• Pre-Graduate Club
• Pre-Health Club
• Pre-Physician Assistant Club
• Pre-Vet Club
• Psi Chi International Honors Society for Psychology
• Psychology Club
• Society for Physics, Engineering & Cosmology Students
• STEM Art Club
• Student Members of the American Chemical Society
• Students Providing Aid
• Tri-Beta Biological Honors Society
• Women in Science
FACULTY SUPPORT
Our small cohort culture brings faculty-student interactions to class and lab settings. Your professors don’t just know your name, they know your unique goals and provide intentional support for your journey to achieve them. You’ll have an academic advisor from your home department all four years.
STUDENT COMMUNITY
CSM loves to host interdisciplinary social and intellectual community events, like lectures, colloquia and symposiums, plus fun occasions like our annual game night, Fall Fest, Spring Picnic and trivia nights. CSM Career Day provides the chance for current students to connect with alumni for mentorship. Bottom line: there’s always something going on that will allow you to dive deeper into your field of study or simply have a good time alongside your friends.
STUDY ABROAD + AWAY
As much as we love Nashville, we also love offering opportunities to take your studies farther away for a bit! We encourage students to participate in study abroad opportunities as a chance to experience a new part of the world while earning their degree. CSM faculty lead trips across the globe, including:
• Iceland
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• China
• India
• Japan
• South Africa
BELMONT USA
• Ghana
• Australia
• South America
• Central America
If you want to study away, but aren’t looking to head overseas, the Belmont USA semester in Oregon provides the opportunity to study a forest’s recovery from heavy deforestation. This is an immersive experience in sustainability, where students have the chance to live and work on a farm and discover the natural areas of the west coast.
Fig. A: We love cheering on our 17 NCAA Division 1 Athletic teams! Fig. B: Over 900 Belmont students participate in Study Abroad programs every year. Fig. C: CSM student organizations connect with peers at Fall Fest, building community and showcasing opportunities for leadership, research and involvement.
Premier Pre-Health Program
Did you know that Nashville is the nation’s Health Care Capital? And Belmont is a premier undergraduate and graduate destination for aspiring health professionals. With rigorous academics, research opportunities, state-of-the-art resources and individualized support, Belmont’s Pre-Health program helps students find the most effective and efficient path towards their personal career goals.
HEALTH CARE EXPLORATION FOR ASPIRING LEADERS
The HEALs program offers a unique advantage for students who know they want to pursue an advanced degree in health care. Undergraduate students engage in workshops that provide a clear look at a variety of career opportunities within health care. Then they select a specific graduate degree of interest and apply for conditional admission, including: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD), Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) or Doctor of Medicine (MD).
ACCELERATED PROGRAMS
If you are certain of your goals and want to achieve them at a faster pace, we’ll help you get there. CSM offers accelerated programs for high-achieving students to gain admission into one of our doctoral programs. (Students must confirm their intent to pursue these accelerated programs prior to their freshman year.)
• Pharmacy 2+4: Pharmaceutical Studies undergraduate degree
• Physical Therapy 3+3: Biology or Exercise Science undergraduate degree
• Occupational Therapy: Biology, Psychology or Exercise Science undergraduate degree
PRE HEALTH RESOURCES + CERTIFICATE
Because there are so many opportunities for students pursuing a health care path, it might seem like a lot to keep track of — so we made a roadmap. Our team provides suggested schedules for seminars, workshops and advising for all activities that support pre-health students. Those who complete the expectations will receive a Pre-Health certificate and BUPH pin to wear at graduation.
CAREER PATHS ADVISED WITHIN PRE-HEALTH
Allopathic Medicine • Chiropractic Medicine • Dental Medicine Naturopathic Medicine • Occupational Therapy • Optometry Osteopathic Medicine • Pharmacy • Physical Therapy Physician Assistant • Podiatry • Veterinary Medicine • and more!
Belmont’s medical school acceptance rate is twice the national average.
State-of-the-Art Labwork
Your ideas deserve state-of-the-art resources. Here, you’ll get hands-on experience in world-class teaching and research labs that feature modern instrumentation. Our facilities have helped students conduct exciting lab work techniques, ranging from insect identification, counting of bacterial colonies, zebrafish training, quantitative RNA analysis, genome-wide sequencing and much more. What will yours be?
You’ll learn in the $76 million Janet Ayers Academic Center, an 186,000-square-foot structure that houses 26 science labs outfitted with more than $2 million in equipment, including:
• Spectrometers
• Microwave reaction chamber
• Cold room and incubators for biological studies
• Laser laboratory
• Operational green roof
• Lab for ecology, zoology and botany
• Anatomy/physiology labs
• Animal locomotor lab
• Small cell tissue culture lab
• Microscopy suite
• Cell/molecular/genomics lab
• Dissection lab
• Physiological lab with EEG, reaction time and biofeedback equipment
• Collaborative computing and data labs for data science, AI and statistics
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120+ students present every year at regional, national and international conferences.
Testimonials
Liz Joiner CLASS OF 2024
B.S., Biology, Minor in Chemistry & Epidemiology
Current PhD student at University of Alabama
“Conducting research was the first time I felt like a scientist; after taking a few microbiology classes, I found what I was interested in (viruses!) and spent some time outside of Belmont getting experience. During my last semester, I took a research class and got to work with Dr. Adams, studying nuclear export with yeast and learned several techniques that I still use every day in the lab.”
Bailey Rose CLASS OF 2017
B.S., Chemistry, Minor in Math
“Technical Sales at analytical instrumentation company
“The upper-level chemistry courses at Belmont really challenged me and prepared me for my graduate classes and research; particularly biochemistry and analytical chemistry. The CSM faculty are all incredible mentors, and their support and guidance was the largest contributor to my overall success both during my time at Belmont and after.”
Anna Gray CLASS OF 2022
B.S., Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Medical Student at UT Health Sciences
“Looking back, I can clearly see how transformative my time at Belmont was. The challenging coursework strengthened my study skills and deepened my scientific understanding, allowing me to be as prepared as possible for the rigors of medical school. Most importantly, the strong relationships I developed with my professors and faculty mentors helped shape my confidence and commitment to becoming a physician, as they supported and guided me every step of the way.”
Dean Boecher CLASS OF 2024
B.S., Engineering Physics
Current PhD student at UC San Diego
“I was initially drawn to research by my curiosity to drive discovery in basic science, which is why I came into Belmont as an Engineering Physics major. In the Belmont SURFS program, I was in Dr. Ferrara’s lab, working on thin-film material science research, allowing me down the road to be competitive for a summer optics research opportunity at Boston University. As I learned more about research that bridges the gaps in cell biology with physical sciences and math, I was able to connect with a Belmont biology faculty member, Dr. Becky Adams, who really helped me blossom into a question-driven biological researcher studying protein interactions on the nuclear membrane.”
The Next Step
We’re so excited for you as you explore science and math pathways you’re passionate about, and we hope you’ll see all the opportunities CSM offers. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you have or any ways we can be of help during your search.
TO APPLY:
The application to Belmont University follows general university admissions: belmont.edu/apply
Indicate intended STEM major in application, and reach out to CSM admissions for advising and program fit.
ENGAGE EARLY!
Why wait until your first year to dive into CSM at Belmont? Participate in camps, visit labs, contact faculty and seek summer research experiences to get your feet on the ground early. Find more information at: belmont.edu/science-math/community-outreach
@belmontcsm
College of Sciences & Mathematics
1900 Belmont Boulevard Nashville, TN 37212
615.460.6770 | belmont.edu/csm
Belmont University College of Sciences & Mathematics
Belmont University is a Christ-centered community. The University faculty, administration, and staff uphold Jesus as the Christ and as the measure for all things. As a community seeking to uphold Christian standards of morality, ethics, and conduct, Belmont University holds high expectations of each person who chooses to join the community. Central to Belmont University’s Christ-centered mission is the Imago Dei — the image of God present in every human being. Belmont University therefore honors every individual with dignity and respect and seeks a campus culture where every member is seen, valued, and called according to God’s purpose. In recognition of God’s design for humanity and rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Belmont University does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, age, disability, military service, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other classification protected by law in its policies, programs, activities, or practices. This policy complies with applicable federal, state, and local non-discrimination laws and regulations, including provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Americans with Disabilities Act; the Tennessee Human Rights Act; and Title 49, Chapter 7, Part 1 of the Tennessee Code Annotated. This policy applies to all recruitment, admissions, financial aid, educational, employment, or other University-administered policies, programs, activities, or practices.* Belmont University has appointed the Chief Human Resources Office/Deputy Title IX Coordinator to serve as coordinator of non-discrimination compliance for staff and faculty. The Director of Institutional Equity and Compliance and Title IX Coordinator serves as coordinator of compliance for Title IX (sex discrimination) issues and questions for students Inquiries or complaints related to sex discrimination (including sexual harassment, sexual orientation, and/or pregnancy) or other forms of discrimination/harassment (e.g., race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, age, military service) should be directed to: Cleo Rucker, J.D. (Employee Issues/Complaints) AVP & Chief Human Resources Officer & Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Fidelity Hall, Room 420, 1900 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37212. Phone: 615-460-6456. Email: cleo.rucker@belmont.edu. Carly Elliott (Student Issues/Complaints), Director of Institutional Equity and Compliance and Title IX Coordinator, Fidelity Hall, 2nd Floor, 1900 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37212. Phone: 615-460-6894. Email: carly.elliott@belmont.edu. Any person may report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sex discrimination or harassment), to the Title IX Coordinator/Deputy in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, including during non-business hours. Incidents of sex discrimination may also be reported to the federal Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, Assistant Secretary. Inquiries or complaints related to other forms of discrimination/harassment (e.g., race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, age, military service) should be directed to: Dean of Students Office (Student Issues/Complaints). Email: deanofstudents@belmont.edu. Phone: 615.460.6407. Office of Human Resources (Employee Issues/Complaints). Cleo Rucker, AVP & Chief Human Resources Officer & Deputy Title IX Coordinator (Contact information above).