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General Science, Nondegree Program

What is General Science?

Get a Master's in General Science

The General Science Nondegree Program

Science is the systematic study of the natural world through observation, experimentation and reasoning, aimed at understanding its principles and phenomena and formulating testable explanations or theories.

Whether you're drawn to AI and machine learning, biotechnology and genetics, environmental science and sustainability or space exploration and astrophysics, Florida Tech has a major that fits your passion.

Interested in science but still deciding on a major?

First-year students interested in science but still deciding on a major may choose to enroll in the general science program.

The general science program offers the flexibility to explore different fields while completing science courses important to all science degrees. You'll learn about your strengths and interests as you delve into solid course work in biology, chemistry and calculus (with the option to take physics), which will keep you on track with courses needed no matter which degree program you choose later.

Earn up to 30 credit hours while you explore your options. Acceptance into your desired degree program is automatic unless academically dismissed.

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Why Choose Florida Tech for General Science?

At Florida Tech, you'll thrive in a dynamic setting that fosters exploration, learning and future success in science. Through coursework, hands-on projects and interactions with faculty and peers, you'll uncover your interests and strengths. Early networking opportunities and our reputation as a top science school will enhance internship and career prospects, regardless of which major you ultimately choose.

A Florida Tech education means personal attention, an interdisciplinary atmosphere and hands-on learning. Our low student-to-faculty ratio encourages close collaboration and mentorship as well as individual creativity and leadership. General science program students soon find the type of mentorship and guidance they need to determine the science degree they want to pursue.

Our faculty are renowned experts in their fields—and thanks to small classes and team opportunities for research, you’ll get to know and work closely with many of them.

Among them are recipients of awards for excellence in research, practice, teaching and service and many have been honored for their work by industry, government and professional groups. They are passionate about teaching and passing on their knowledge and expertise to the next generation.

High-tech learning requires high-tech tools. At Florida Tech you’ll find the facilities and resources on campus that you’d expect from a top science school.

You’ll quickly recognize the F.W. Olin Physical Sciences building by the Ortega Observatory, prominently located on the roof. Here, you’ll find high-tech labs and instrumentation and facilities, such as a geospace laboratory with a clean room for spacecraft instrumentation projects.

Nearby, the state-of-the-art Gordon L. Nelson Health Sciences building features equipment such as atomic force microscopes, virtual dissection tables and much more in over 20,000 square feet of classroom and lab space.

Next door, the F.W. Olin Life Sciences building houses labs and facilities such as the High-Resolution Microscopy & Advanced Imaging Center and facilities for genetic engineering, cellular and molecular biology and marine biology.

As a science student at Florida Tech you’ll also have access to the L3Harris Student Design Center, a one-of-a-kind, 12,000-square-foot building featuring remarkable equipment and resources. It’s a focus of activity for student research and design projects—and it's available for personal projects, as well.

Earn up to 30 credit hours while you explore your options—as a general science student at Florida Tech, you’ll be in top-notch science courses alongside other science students. You’ll be ready to hit the ground running when you choose your science major.

The general science curriculum is designed for up to two semesters, but you are encouraged to select your major earlier if possible. Depending on the major you choose, you may have up to eight credit hours of coursework to make up later if you take only the courses in the general science program during your entire first year. Once 30 credit hours (not including any remedial courses) have been successfully completed, you are expected to select a degree program.

As a Florida Tech general science student, you'll have the advantage of attending one of the best schools for science, with your choice of first-rate science degree programs when it comes time to select your major. With over 15 science majors to choose from, you’re sure to find just the right fit.

We’re in the heart of the Space Coast—NASA-Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral is just north of us—and in a high-tech corridor. You’ll benefit from Florida Tech’s strong connections to scientific industry and agencies and have plenty of opportunities to form valuable connections that lead to science internships and future career options.

When it’s time to relax, you’re just minutes from 72 miles of beautiful beaches and a short trip away from the Florida Keys or the Orlando theme parks. But you won’t have to travel far for rest and relaxation: We have a rich campus life that includes intramural and collegiate sportsover 200 campus-wide student organizations and clubs and a variety of social activities.

Careers in General Science

Science careers can span various interdisciplinary fields, though typically aligning with your major. They offer intellectual stimulation, creative fulfillment and the chance to make a positive impact while expanding human knowledge. Careers in science often involve continuous learning and opportunities for collaboration and networking.

A science career offers a wide range of specialization areas and career paths, including academia, industry, government, healthcare and nonprofit sectors, providing flexibility and a variety of opportunities for growth and advancement.

Looking ahead to your future career can be exciting! Keep in mind that certain roles may require a degree in a specific area of science and/or entail additional prerequisites, such as an advanced degree.

Florida Tech Career Services assists students, alumni and employers in their search for careers and employee candidates. We help students develop career plans and job-search skills. Explore our Career Toolbox to learn more about our services and access additional resources.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), provides information about specific jobs, including median annual pay, working conditions and job outlook, among other things. Check the handbook for information on the outlook for science careers.

Advanced Degree Options

Some students go directly into the workforce after earning a bachelor’s degree in science, but many continue their studies in graduate programs at Florida Tech or other prestigious schools.

When choosing a graduate program, it's common to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in the same field as your bachelor's degree.

However, many graduate programs accept students from diverse academic backgrounds, especially if the applicant demonstrates relevant skills, knowledge and interest in the field of study. That means a well-rounded, academically solid undergraduate program can lead to more options for graduate study than you might expect.

Explore the General Science, Nondegree Program, Curriculum

The General Science, Nondegree Program, Curriculum

The general science curriculum is designed to allow you more time to become familiar with all College of Engineering and Sciences academic programs and explore your options. 

Biology, chemistry and calculus, with the option to take physics, will help you build a strong foundation for your science studies, and you’ll get started in undergraduate core requirements.

Courses include:

  • Biological Discovery
  • Chemistry
  • Calculus

Check the catalog for a description of all courses.

Download the General Science, Nondegree Program Curriculum now!

Students conduct an experiment in a chemistry lab

Choosing Your Path in Science

Student working in the optics lab

Making a well-informed decision when selecting your major involves blending your interests, career aspirations, and practical considerations.

The general science program can serve as a great starting point for getting acquainted with your options. You'll get started in science courses and have access to faculty—experienced scientists who can offer guidance and insights into the curriculum and future opportunities in the field.

Assess your personal interests.
What fascinates you most? Think through subjects you’ve enjoyed in school and any hobbies you may have that align with scientific fields. Take some time to learn about the different branches of science and the types of research or practical applications they involve.

Reflect on your skills and strengths.
What fields align best with your skills and abilities? For example, if you excel in problem-solving and abstract thinking, a major such as physics or mathematics might be a good fit. If you are interested in the outdoors and environmental issues, consider marine biology or environmental science.

Think ahead to your career.
Is there specific work you’d like to do? Some scientific careers require advanced degrees or specific certifications, and emerging technologies and societal needs might shape future demand. Consider what type of environment you want to work in. You’ll find scientists in labs, offices, industrial settings and classrooms. Some scientists are more likely to conduct research, observations or experiments out in the field.

Learn more about General Science at Florida Tech on the website.

Campus Organizations

As a science student, you can build leadership and networking skills and get professional experience through campus organizations from academic organizations and honor societies to intramural and collegiate sports.

At Florida Tech you’ll find over 200 campus-wide student organizations. Here are just a few of our student organizations that may be of special interest to students studying science:

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