Science

Familiarity with quantitative reasoning prepares students to master the basic principles of scientific experimentation and observation that are indispensable for understanding the world in which we live. Science courses such as chemistry, biology, and physics build the analytical and critical thinking skills that today’s employers demand while preparing graduates to navigate the complex and interconnected world that they will join upon finishing their education.

What Will They Learn?TM gives schools credit for Natural or Physical Science if they require a course in astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, physical geography, physics, or environmental science, preferably with a laboratory component. Overly narrow courses, courses with weak scientific content, and courses taught by faculty outside of the science departments do not count. Psychology courses count if they are focused on the biological, chemical, or neuroscientific aspects of the field.

What's on This Website?

What Will They Learn?TM provides unique information on whether colleges make sure their students learn the things they need to know. You can find what they expect their graduates to study outside their majors, how much they are charging, how many of their students graduate, and what the colleges say about the education they offer. You can find out which ones follow the best practice of using a standardized assessment to measure student learning gains in core collegiate skills. There are more than 1,000 institutions currently covered, and we'll be updating continuously.

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