Where Curiosity Drives Discovery
The natural sciences form the foundation of our understanding of the physical universe, encompassing disciplines such as physics, chemistry, biology, geosciences, mathematical sciences, and more. The study of natural sciences is both theoretical and experimental, driven by a systematic approach to observing, modeling, and explaining natural phenomena. Through rigorous inquiry and the application of the scientific method, students will uncover universal laws and patterns, from the behavior of subatomic particles to the dynamics of ecosystems and planetary systems. This knowledge not only advances scientific thought but also informs technological innovation, environmental stewardship, and evidence-based policy. As such, the natural sciences play a central role in addressing many of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century.
Natural Sciences Departments
Natural Sciences Programs
Pre-Professional Healthcare Tracks
Pre-Professional Programs refers to any program that prepares students for professional graduate school such as a medical school, law school, or dental school.
Specialized advisors are available for each of the programs listed on this page. These advisors help students with course planning and other advice related to the elements needed to be a successful applicant to these competitive graduate programs. Depending on the graduate program, students will need to dedicate time and effort during college to obtain the necessary hands-on experience through volunteer work, internships, or part-time jobs. Early planning is essential for anyone who is considering a graduate professional school, and it is advised that students meet with the pre-professional advisor beginning in freshman year.
Natural Sciences Centers & Facilities
Natural Sciences Featured Stories
- Reimagined Science Bag brings STEM to a new audience – and ice cream tooA vat of sugar, cream, egg whites, and vanilla sat on the table in front of a hungry group of eighth graders. There was one ingredient left to …
- UWM physics student researches the cosmosWhy would a young astronomer from India travel some 8,000 miles around the world to pursue his Ph.D. in physics? Simple. Pratyusava Baral wanted to study with the …
- Chemistry researchers’ start-up takes aim at triple-negative breast cancer – without chemo side effectsTriple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer, and it does not respond to any of the hormone therapies designed to …
- UWM biologist dives beneath Antarctica sea ice to study the impact of climate changeAntarctica is a barren, lonely place. Ice and snow stretch for miles, and the only sound is the howling of the wind. “But when you go underwater, there’s …
- Join L&S for the Dean’s Distinguished Lectures in Humanities and Natural ScienceThe College of Letters & Science invites the UWM campus community and the public to join us for the annual Dean's Distinguished Lecture in the Humanities and in …
- UWM astronomer discovers probable dark matter sub-halo in the Milky WayNew research by Philip Chang suggests that there is a dark matter sub-halo lurking in our cosmic neighborhood. Chang, a professor in UWM’s Department of Physics & Astrophysics, …
- UWM Planetarium has 60 reasons to celebrateUWM has something to celebrate in 2026: The UWM Planetarium turns 60! Often recognized as a hidden gem on campus, the UWM Planetarium has been projecting the stars …
- New math research opportunity trains mentors and mentees alikeUW-Milwaukee has a phenomenal undergraduate research program where students can learn from faculty and graduate student mentors. But how does a graduate student learn how to be a …
