Academic Departments
The Future of STEM is Here
The College of Science and Engineering at Seattle University is home to eight academic departments offering undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs in the fields of science, computing and engineering. Our innovative, academically rigorous and immersive STEM curricula will prepare you for a successful career or advanced study after graduation.
As a student in the College of Science and Engineering, you'll learn to ask tough questions and find creative solutions. You'll explore new concepts, gain hands-on experience, and develop technical and professional skills that will benefit you for years to come.
Our small class sizes and low student-to-faculty-ratio will help you build strong connections with your peers and professors, providing you with a close academic community and sense of support.
Your journey to a transformative educational experience begins here, at the College of Science and Engineering. We're dedicated to supporting you every step of the way, ensuring you're equipped with the knowledge and skills you need to make a meaningful impact.
Let's get started—learn more about our academic departments below.
Explore Departments
Biology
The Department of Biology empowers students to explore the wide diversity of life, from the molecular to the ecological. With undergraduate programs that emphasize hands-on work and research experience, you'll receive the foundational knowledge you need for careers in medicine, marine biology, public health, wildlife conservation and more. As a biology major, you'll have the opportunity to embrace your scientific curiosity as you discover more about the living world.
Chemistry
As a student in the Department of Chemistry, you’ll learn to think, problem-solve and write like a scientist. When you pursue an undergraduate degree in chemistry or biochemistry you’ll be joining a diverse community of learners and researchers with a broad range of scientific interests—all focused on helping you pursue a career in the chemical sciences, medicine, forensics, environmental protection, biotechnology and more.
Civil and Environmental Engineering
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers undergraduate degrees in civil engineering and environmental science and a graduate degree in structural engineering. When you join our department, you'll benefit from in-depth mentorship and close connections with your professors. Our practical curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning at every level—from class projects to paid internship opportunities—providing you with real-world experience as you prepare for your career.
Computer Science
The Department of Computer Science welcomes students from all backgrounds and programming levels to a dynamic learning environment that provides real-world experience, industry-sponsored projects and personalized faculty instruction. Our undergraduate and graduate programs offer specializations that allow you to follow your own interests. For professionals with no prior programming experience, the Computer Science Fundamentals Certificate can help you transition into a rewarding career in tech.
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Electrical and computer engineers advance humanity by transforming what feels like science fiction into real solutions. With a degree from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, you'll become part of the profession that invented surgery-performing robots, developed hybrid cars, found solutions to renewable energy and pioneered new fields such as space exploration and cybersecurity. The department offers undergraduate programs in electrical engineering and computer engineering.
Mathematics
The Department of Mathematics offers multiple undergraduate programs in mathematics and a graduate degree in data science. As a math student, you'll benefit from close faculty connections and practical, hands-on learning experiences that will prepare you for a career in a variety of industries including finance, insurance, software engineering and the sciences— or you can continue your studies with an advanced degree in mathematics, finance, statistics, data science or another discipline.
Mechanical Engineering
The Department of Mechanical Engineering provides technically rigorous, design-focused undergraduate and graduate mechanical engineering programs that emphasize individual attention and connections to industry. As a student, you'll benefit from a collaborative environment that prioritizes practical, hands-on learning experiences and leadership development. You'll be prepared for a successful career in robotics, clean energy, medical device engineering, aerospace, manufacturing and more.
Physics
Physics is the framework through which we seek deep understanding of the smallest, biggest, oldest and newest things—and everything in between. The Department of Physics offers both a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of science degree option. Our graduates have gone on to pursue advanced degrees or work in a variety of careers, from teaching high school physics to flying converted spy planes for NASA to managing computer networks for large private corporations.