Why Study in the Mathematical, Physical, and Computer Sciences?
Programs and courses in the Mathematical, Physical, and Computer Sciences Path emphasize interdisciplinary and hands-on learning to investigate complex questions. Through opportunities in chemistry, computer science, mathematics, earth sciences, and physics, your learning can start at the introductory level and move to advanced offerings that will prepare you for careers and graduate study in a variety of fields, from alternative energy and cybersecurity to education and climate science.
Join the Mathematical, Physical, and Computer Sciences Path
By joining this Path, you will receive advising opportunities specific to this Path.
Contact an Advisor to Get Started
Affiliate with the Mathematical, Physical, and Computer Sciences Path
Follow This Path
The Mathematical, Physical, and Computer Sciences Path offers programs and courses each year at entry, intermediate, and advanced levels.
Exploratory level programs are a great way to get introduced to these quantitative disciplines as they integrate basic mathematics and sciences in an accessible and supportive way. Exploratory programs prepare students for entry level. Connect with faculty early to pick programs that meet you where you are.
Path Concentrations
Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physical Sciences
The Mathematical, Physical, and Computer Sciences Path offers programs in related concentration areas that you can mix and match. Choose academic offerings from all available related Programs and Courses to create your perfect Path, or specialize your learning even further by selecting one of this Path’s concentrations.
Computer Science
Computer science programs give you dynamic skills in coding, cybersecurity, robotics, and more. You’ll get to apply your knowledge to practical problems in many fields and join a learning community with its eyes on the future.
Mathematics
The mathematics community at Evergreen is here to help you dig into what excites you most. You’ll learn to use math as a way of seeing the world and find deep patterns that reveal connections between different systems. No matter where you’re starting, you can find your way to advanced mathematics on this Path.
Physical Sciences
Physical sciences include physics, chemistry, and earth sciences. In these programs, you’ll explore the nature of the physical world and how it relates to human and non-human systems. You’ll learn with a supportive community and gain skills through hands-on opportunities that will prepare you for advanced scientific work.
Getting Started
Get Involved with the Mathematical, Physical, and Computer Sciences
Whether you are a new student or just new to this Path, check out the New Student Handbook to learn how to get started at Evergreen and find your people on campus.
- Meet students and faculty in your path by attending path events
- Take a First-year program to explore a variety of subjects and disciplines
- Attend the Academic Fair to meet faculty and learn about upcoming programs
- Get guidance on your academic journey and career goals by meeting with an Academic Advisor or Faculty member
- Get involved with the QUaSR Center, the Science Support Center, and more
- Consider a campus job specific to your area of study, such as a math or science tutor, science lab aide, computer lab aide, or instrumentation aide
- Attend the Academic Fair to meet faculty and learn about upcoming programs
Years 1 - 2
Try new things and explore all your options
- Take an entry level program associated with the Mathematical, Physical, and Computer Sciences Path. This will prepare you for intermediate and advanced study later
- Consider how interdisciplinary study gives you breadth as you work toward meeting the 6 Expectations of an Evergreen Graduate
Year 3
Dig deep and strengthen your connections
- Now that you have a few years under your belt, it’s time to take intermediate and intermediate-to-advanced level programs that incorporate individual projects and out-of-class experiences
- Consider registering for a Summer course or program or applying for a paid Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Research Experience for Undergraduates, or internship to gain advanced research or practical experience in your fields of study
- Connect with your faculty and Academic Advisor to plan your capstone, your final programs, and what you may need for careers or graduate school
Year 4
Finish strong and get ready for your next steps
- Take intermediate-to-advanced and advanced level programs focusing on your chosen fields
- Design and complete your capstone with the support of your faculty
- Connect with your faculty and Academic Advisor to make plans for applying for jobs or graduate school
- Work with your faculty and the Writing Center to polish your final Academic Statement
Capstone
A Capstone is a culminating project, experience, or advanced program, often done in your final year, created to demonstrate your knowledge and abilities in your chosen skill area. Your capstone will demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities you have gained at Evergreen and is a great way to showcase what you have learned in a way that matters to you.
Capstone Design
Like everything else at Evergreen, your capstone experience is yours to customize. Capstones can take the form of a:
- Advanced coursework
- Independent project
- Individual Study or Internship
- Undergraduate research with a faculty member in your area of interest
Planning Your Capstone
Your faculty will provide guidance on how best to blend subjects, academic and creative experiences, and your personal academic journey. Capstone opportunities are offered through various programs and experiences, some options are:
- Programs with a research or internship component
- Individual Study – complete an ILC or INT with a faculty member in your Path
- Multi-quarter programs offering capstone opportunities
Faculty Mentorship and Support
Faculty are always excited to talk about their fields and welcome students to discuss your interests and answer questions about their Field of Study.
Faculty mentorship is a key piece of an Evergreen education. Your faculty are ready to support you not just through your course work, but through any experience you want to explore. Faculty act as mentors and advisors in many capacities and will be valuable resources throughout your academic journey and beyond.
We have a wide variety of faculty covering a range of disciplines ready to support you during your time at Evergreen.
Experiential Learning
Labs and Studios
Get hands-on experience in labs where you’ll learn the collaborative and analytical skills professional scientists use every day. You’ll have access to labs for:
- Introductory and advanced physics
- General, physical, and inorganic chemistry
- Environmental and water quality analysis
- Physical computing (robotics, 3D printing, and more)
- Electronics and metrology
- Advanced instrumentation and computer interfacing
Scientific Instruments
The independence and support you get as an undergrad scientist at Evergreen is a one-of-a-kind experience. In programs on this Path, you’ll learn to prepare and run your own samples and get to know advanced scientific instruments well enough to put them on your resume.
Graduating with skills in using these instruments will give you an edge over the competition when applying for graduate schools, research opportunities, and jobs in the field.