Jellyfish being examined.

College of Science and Mathematics

Innovation begins with you! 

At the College of Science and Mathematics, hands-on discovery in science, mathematics and computing turns your curiosity into real‑world impact. With guidance from expert faculty and immersive experiences, you’ll build the skills and confidence to shape the future of STEM.

Your Journey of Discovery Starts Here

Discovery‑driven study in science, natural environments, mathematics and computing transforms your curiosity into real‑world change. From your first day, you’ll learn by doing – pushing boundaries, exploring new ideas and getting ready to make a lasting impact.

What you’ll do in the College of Science and Mathematics:

  • Dive into discovery through hands-on research, fieldwork and projects led by expert faculty.
  • Experiment and innovate in professional‑grade labs, observatories and field sites built for exploration.
  • Collaborate boldly on faculty‑mentored research that tackles urgent global and local challenges.
  • Sharpen your edge with analytical, technical and problem‑solving skills that open doors to medical school, graduate study and high‑demand STEM careers.
  • Lead with purpose in a diverse community committed to building a more sustainable, equitable and scientifically informed world.

Beyond the campus, we build strong connections with industries and K–12 schools, giving you access to internships, research partnerships and outreach experiences.

Why Montclair is Next Level

The College of Science and Mathematics offers hands-on programs, research and accelerated degrees that help you turn your passion for STEM into a powerful future. You’ll dive into research from day one. Test ideas in the lab and in the field, present your findings at poster sessions and research talks, and gain the experience you need to talk about your science with confidence.

A student in a white lab coat, face shield and blue gloves holds a white plastic container and a thin test strip in a laboratory.

Earn Two STEM Degrees in Less Time

Some Science and Mathematics majors offer combined bachelor’s/master’s programs, so you can earn two degrees in about five years instead of six. You build deeper skills and get a head start on graduate‑level work while saving time and money.

Two field researchers in waders stand knee-deep in a stream, using a long measuring rod and yellow tape to take measurements near a fallen tree trunk spanning the water.

Spend Your Summer Doing Real Research

In our summer programs, you work with faculty mentors on real-world projects that build core research and computing skills. You’ll get a feel for life in the lab, grow your confidence and see how scientists use Montclair's research centers to solve complex problems every day.

Degrees for Tomorrow’s STEM Careers

Montclair offers you meaningful research opportunities from your first year, in world class facilities that support hands-on learning, innovation and technical skill‑building. You’ll work with professors on impactful projects such as advancing human-computer interaction, preventing disease, promoting ecosystem resilience, and detecting black hole collisions. Browse our department and program offerings below.

Biology

Study Biology in classes, laboratories, greenhouses, and ecosystems. Conduct your own research studying molecular processes, cellular function, neuroscience and behavior, marine biology, plant and animal populations, and ecosystem structure, addressing questions that will help to solve society’s most pressing challenges from disease to climate mitigation. You will build experience that prepares you for advanced study, in‑demand biomedical research, health, and other STEM careers.

A student in a T‑shirt and blue gloves stands in a laboratory, holding a petri dish up to eye level to examine it.

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Chemistry teaches you to understand the world at the molecular level. Our students build a strong foundation in chemical principles while developing hands-on laboratory skills, including gaining experience with advanced instrumentation. We have many opportunities for you to apply your training in cutting-edge research projects spanning drug discovery, polymer and materials development, novel molecule synthesis, chemical sensing, computational chemistry, and the study of enzymes and other complex biochemical systems.

A student worker in a white coat, mask and blue gloves stands behind a fume hood, pouring liquid through a glass funnel into a flask beside a container of brown solution and other lab equipment.

Earth and Environmental Studies

Investigate Earth’s systems, environments and communities through fieldwork, laboratory research, modelling and data analysis. You will be equipped with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills for addressing environmental challenges in sustainability, resource management, and policy. You will gain practical and hands-on learning experiences that will empower you to excel in diverse careers across various sectors, including industry, government agencies, non-profit organizations, academia, and K-12 education.

A person in a hoodie and vest stands under autumn foliage, writing observations on a clipboard beside a rocky stream bank, while another person in waders and a red cap works with field equipment near a concrete culvert in the background.

Mathematics

Mathematics is at the center of every scientific inquiry, technological advancement and fundamental understanding of the universe. It is a common language that connects every aspect of science. Discover the power of mathematics in a friendly, collaborative community where you learn to think clearly and creatively. You’ll build problem‑solving skills that connect to science, business, technology and the arts, preparing you for graduate school, teaching and many different careers.

A professor stands at the front of a curved lecture hall aisle, leaning over a long strip of paper taped to a desk during a creative math activity, gesturing as two students seated nearby look on, while other students work at desks in the background.

Physics and Astronomy

Explore everything from the big bang and black holes to atoms and photons as you learn how the universe works. You’ll gain strong math, problem‑solving and technology skills that open doors to graduate study, teaching and a wide range of exciting careers.

Two students work in a physics lab, with one seated at a whiteboard drawing graphs and writing equations while the other stands beside an optical bench covered with lenses, gauges, and equipment in the foreground.

School of Computing

Turn your interest in technology into a real‑world impact at Montclair’s School of Computing. You’ll learn to develop software, protect cyber systems, and create AI-inspired applications, while working on projects with classmates and industry partners. Graduates are prepared to thrive and lead a fast‑changing digital world.

Two students stand beside a white robotic arm that is holding colorful stacked blocks over a sensor-lined wooden testbed, while a large monitor behind them shows a 3D simulation of the same robot.

What Sets Montclair Apart

R2

High‑research doctoral university (Carnegie R2)

Montclair State University is a dynamic research institution, designated an R2 – Doctoral University – High Research Activity – by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, underscoring its commitment to impactful research and graduate studies.

This designation signifies a continued expansion of the University’s research portfolio and doctoral programs, where students and faculty explore across disciplines for innovative discoveries in the sciences, humanities, business and the arts.

#3

Top 3 in the nation for women in STEM math

Washington Monthly ranked Montclair’s Mathematics program third in the nation for women in STEM, showing our strong support for women pursuing math and science majors.

10

10 years of impact

For 10 years, the PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies Green Teams have given students paid, hands-on projects in areas like climate solutions, urban greening and flood prevention across New Jersey.

Research Centers and Institutes

Work in centers and institutes that connect your courses to real world applications in the health, green energy, and sustainability sectors.

Clean Energy and Sustainability Analytics Center

Help design a cleaner energy future by working with data and policy in the Clean Energy and Sustainability Analytics Center. You’ll learn how scientists and analysts use research to support clean energy technologies and long‑term environmental and economic solutions.

Student and professor sit at a desk discussing notes while a computer monitor displays a colorful scientific data map.

PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies

Tackle real sustainability challenges through the PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies, home of the Green Teams program. You’ll collaborate with community and corporate partners on projects like climate solutions, urban greening and flood prevention.

Montclair Green Teams students present their sustainability project at a Verona, New Jersey town meeting, standing at a podium before a curved council table and seated audience.

Sokol Institute for Pharmaceutical Life Sciences

Explore the science behind new medicines at the Sokol Institute for Pharmaceutical Life Sciences. You’ll see how chemistry and biology come together to address global health issues and support drug discovery research.

Students in lab coats sit at microscopes in a biology lab, focusing on samples and adjusting the microscope controls.

Professional Resources in Science and Mathematics (PRISM)

If you love STEM and teaching, PRISM lets you help improve how science and math are taught in schools. You’ll connect with teachers, try out new lessons and see how creative, hands-on activities can bring science to life for younger students.

A teacher in a dress shirt works one-on-one with a student in a classroom, reviewing worksheets and an open book near a shelf of children’s books.

What Our STEM Students Say

Rachel Gushikem, wearing a white lab coat and blue gloves, stands at a lab bench, holding a round-bottom flask and a clump of orange material wrapped in gauze, surrounded by shelves of equipment and bottles.
“Professors know that you’re new and that you’re learning. They’re excited about being a part of your process, which makes it easy to have the vulnerability to try new things in the lab and be unafraid to ask the questions you need to ask to grow."

Rachel Gushikem ’25

Biochemistry

Chemistry PhD candidate, University of Connecticut

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Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.

College of Science and Mathematics

The College of Science and Mathematics serves as a catalyst for STEM innovation. Through an engaging, discovery-driven curriculum, we offer transformative learning experiences that empower our students to thrive in an increasingly complex world.