Science Degrees

The College of Natural Sciences at Grand Canyon University is proud to offer science degrees in a variety of fields that can help prepare you for graduate school or a career that can impact real people and real lives.

At GCU, various types of science programs are available for bachelor's or master's students that focus on addressing pressing global challenges, promoting health and wellness, and fostering educational excellence for future generations. These programs can help equip students with the knowledge and skills to work toward making meaningful contributions to environmental conservation, public health initiatives and educational advancement.

$101,650

Median annual wage for STEM occupations as of May 20231

10.4%

Estimated job growth for STEM occupations from 2023 to 20332

$69,680

Median annual wage for dietitians and nutritionists as of May 20233

7%

Estimated job growth for dietitians and nutritionists from 2023 to 20334

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There are an estimated 148,400 jobs expected to open each year, on average, for life, physical and social science occupations from 2023 to 2033.5

Apply for one of GCU’s degrees in science and start making your impact on the world.

Explore Specialized Science Programs for Various Fields

Discover the different types of science degrees offered at GCU, such as pre-medical studies, forensic science, environmental science or exercise science. You will be taught how to use analytical thinking skills and scientific principles to conduct hands-on projects in a curriculum that can help prepare you to pursue work in many different settings.

Our knowledgeable faculty leverage modern classrooms and technology throughout your coursework. As a science major, you’ll have the opportunity to develop a strong foundation and acquire essential knowledge that can support your career journey. Get your start in the medical and science fields with a science or health degree from GCU.

The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science and the MS in Forensic Science degrees are designed for science majors who are interested in analyzing, collecting and processing forensic evidence related to various types of legal and other investigations. The forensic science curriculum balances theory with practical applications.

If you’re interested in studying forensic psychology, our MS in Psychology with a forensic science emphasis or our online certificate program in forensic psychology may be a good fit for your academic and career goals.

The environmental science programs at GCU can help equip you to become a well-rounded scientist who explores environmental issues, eco-friendly health options, and remediation through inquiry, research and practical methodology. If you enjoy learning about humanitarianism and the principles of social and ecological responsibility with natural resources, this degree may be right for you. GCU's environmental degree offers a strong foundation in helping you understand the complex interactions between human activity and the natural world, preparing you for a career dedicated to sustainable solutions.

For students interested in the intricacies of chemistry, GCU offers the BS in Chemistry degree as an ideal pathway for academic and professional development.

For those interested in pursuing degrees in biology and exercise science, we offer a diverse range of programs tailored to various career paths within these fields. If you seek to pursue biology courses in pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-pharmacy, pre-physician assistance or pre-veterinarian medicine, GCU is proud to provide comprehensive bachelor’s degree programs designed to help equip you with the knowledge and skills in these health-related areas.

If you aspire to become a professional in exercise science, including athletic training, pre-physical therapy or to specialize in sports performance, we also offer bachelor’s degrees that can cater to your specific interests and career goals. Explore our exercise science programs including emphases in pre-athletic training, pre-physical therapy and sports performance to begin working toward your academic and career aspirations within exercise science.

Our science programs offer a cross-disciplinary approach to create well-rounded professionals. Explore our Bachelor of Science in Physical Education or our BS in Biology for Secondary Education, both of which lead to licensure and can provide opportunities in health education and teaching biology.

Notably, if you would like to teach at a higher level, you may find interest in GCU’s master’s in biology or master’s in chemistry with an education emphasis.

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Male exercise science degree student working with instructor in classroom

Accredited and Respected Science Degrees From GCU

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Accreditations demonstrate the quality of universities and their academic programs by meeting set criteria or specific standards. GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1968.

Additionally, the graduate program in nutrition and dietetics degree has been granted candidate status by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). ACEND is the accrediting agency for educational programs that prepare students to take the dietetics licensing exam.

Campus and Online Science Programs Designed to Fit Your Lifestyle

Utilize modern technology and learning tools while earning your degree in science. Most STEM degrees at GCU are offered on campus, while some science programs provide education through our online modality. This can offer you more flexibility in terms of classes and schedules, allowing you to study alongside your existing job and other commitments.

GCU’s Commitment to Affordable Education

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When you attend GCU for your science or any STEM-related degree, you can be sure of our commitment to providing you with access to affordable private education. Financing your education is a big investment in your future, which is why GCU is here to help with tools and resources to understand your costs for college.

Approx. $140 million

In scholarships for online students in 2023

Approx. $180 million

In scholarships received by campus students in 2023

GCU’s Science Degree Programs

GCU strives to provide a diverse array of science degrees catering to various academic and career paths. From biology to exercise science and specialized concentrations like pre-medicine and sports performance, our comprehensive offerings can help empower you to pursue your scientific passions.

Bachelor’s Degrees

An undergraduate science program offers a thorough education that can help you launch your career in the scientific field. GCU provides a range of science pathways, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your goals.

Female science major completing lab assignment in white coat and PPE at GCU

Master’s Degrees

By earning your master’s degree in science, you can explore new opportunities within your field. You will be taught skills to help you enhance your understanding as you engage with modern scientific practices.

Male and female master's science degree students completing lab assignment

STEM Certificates

GCU provides a diverse selection of science post-master’s certificate programs tailored to various specialties. Deepen your expertise by earning a certificate in your specific area of interest.

Group of male and female forensic science students smiling for Forensic Science Day at GCU

Find a STEM-Related Career in a Variety of Industries

Graduates who earn a STEM-related degree from GCU have the opportunity to acquire a wide range of skills, including scientific research.

STEM-related careers can be found in top industries such as:6

  • Technology
  • Healthcare
  • Nonprofits
  • Government
  • Corporate or private businesses
Male science degree student completing lab assignment on GCU's campus

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you considering a health and science degree? Find quick answers to the most frequently asked questions and discover why science majors are choosing GCU for their degree.

We offer a variety of STEM-related science degrees in the following categories:

  • Exercise, nutrition and health
  • Forensic science
  • Chemistry and environmental science
  • Biology with a variety of pre-clinical emphases (e.g., pre-med, pre-PA)

Degrees in health science typically focus on health, wellness and healthcare systems. They cover topics like biology, public health and healthcare management, helping you prepare for various careers in health-related fields. If you're passionate about improving health outcomes and understanding the healthcare system, this may be a good path for you.

To pursue a bachelor’s degree in science, one common path to achieving this goal involves exploring these steps:

  • High school: Earn a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Choose a college major: Pick a field like biology or chemistry.
  • Apply: Meet admission criteria for a college.
  • Complete courses: Finish required coursework and general education.
  • Gain experience: Participate in labs and projects.
  • Maintain GPA: Keep a good academic record.
  • Graduate: Fulfill all requirements and apply for graduation.

Although specific requirements will vary by state and what field or professional career you choose, advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics or biology can help you prepare to pursue careers that teach STEM. If you want to teach STEM at the primary or secondary levels, you will likely need student teaching experience and a degree that leads to licensure.7 It’s always a good idea to check teacher requirements in the state where you plan to teach. Learn more about various STEM degrees at GCU and career options by exploring our engineering or technology programs.

Our STEM program provides both BS and MS degrees with a focus on forensic science for science enthusiasts. If you're drawn to the psychological aspects of forensic science, we also offer programs for those seeking a more psychology-based or counseling-focused education in the field.

1 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), STEM Occupations, as of May 2023, retrieved on May 2, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as STEM occupations, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.

2 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective Aug. 29, 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Employment in STEM Occupations, retrieved on Oct. 2, 2024.

3 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Dietitians and Nutritionists, as of May 2023, retrieved on May 2, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as dietitians and nutritionists, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.

4 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective Aug. 29, 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dietitians and Nutritionists, retrieved on Oct. 2, 2024.

5 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective Aug. 29, 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Life, Physical and Social Sciences Occupations, retrieved on Oct. 2, 2024.

6 Stevens, A.P. (2023, July 23). 20 STEM Jobs (Plus Job Duties and Salary Information). Indeed. Retrieved on March 5, 2024.

7 If seeking licensure or certification, applicants to the program are responsible for contacting their state department of education for licensure requirements and program approval. In addition, fingerprint and background clearance is required.

Degree programs in science from Grand Canyon University can provide you with flexibility, while also providing a quality education to help you reach your educational goals.