The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service in the physical and biological sciences, computer science, and mathematics. NSM’s location in the nation’s fourth-largest city and energy capital of the world presents numerous opportunities for collaboration with the Texas Medical Center, NASA’s Johnson Space Center, and other entities.
Undergraduate Degree Options 19
Degrees awarded per year 900+
Research Centers 11
Buildings for NSM classes/activities 12
56:44 Male:Female
4,500+ Undergraduate Students
950 Incoming Freshman Class
210 Tenured Faculty
30+ Student Organizations
Biology and Biochemistry
Chemistry
Computer Science
Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Mathematics
Physics
Research. When our professors aren’t teaching class, they’re conducting real-world research in labs on campus or across the city, and they are often looking for hardworking undergraduates to assist them.
Quality of education. NSM courses are no joke, and you’ll find that NSM students invest a substantial amount of time and effort into course completion. Our graduates are not only knowledgeable in the subject matter when they leave here, but are extremely hard workers with robust skills in time management, problem-solving, and independent research.
Networking opportunities. Between peer mentorship, student organizations, faculty mentors, relationship-building with academic advisors, and connecting with members of our NSM Alumni Association, our students do not have to look far to find like-minded people and grow their professional network. It’s not always about who you know, but who knows you.
Student Success. NSM College leadership regularly observes trends in year-to-year retention rates, building towards higher 4-6 year graduation rates. We use recruitment as a retention tool, making sure incoming freshmen are “college ready” and then follow individuals throughout their academic career. We support our students from the time they step onto the UH campus until they cross the stage at graduation.
Student Leadership. Our Dean’s Office provides undergraduate student leaders across three organizational branches the opportunity to develop, implement, and lead student success programs, initiatives and events that directly impact the NSM student body.
More than 200 ranked faculty, including four National Academy of Sciences members
A solid research funding base with $31 million in annual research expenditures
Focused efforts to recruit and retain minority students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through the Houston Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation.
NSM offers a wide range of research opportunities for undergraduates at all levels. NSM students conduct research all over campus, as well as at the Texas Medical Center, the UH Coastal Center, and in industry labs. From programming computers, to pure and applied mathematics, to extended field work, wet lab experiments, and even marine research in the Galápagos Islands, NSM students gain valuable experiences that prepare them for medical school, graduate school, and their careers. Many NSM students spend multiple years working with a faculty mentor. NSM and the University offer competitive scholarships to support student researchers.
A $1.5 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute supports NSM faculty members’ efforts to redesign introductory chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics courses. Through the program, professors are changing the way the material is presented and increasing the amount of hands-on learning in the classroom. Students also have access to peer-led learning sessions designed to reinforce difficult topics and improve study skills.
This program focuses on improving the academic experience and performance of NSM students. Through peer-to-peer workshops that improve learning and problem-solving skills, SEP helps nearly 1,500 students each year succeed in basic science and math courses. SEP also has tutoring programs and funding to assist students with paying for school. SEP also offers a Summer Bridge program annually. Summer Bridge prepares high school students for their first semester of college and beyond.
teachHouston Student Society
A partnership between The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the College of Education. TeachHouston supports undergraduate natural science and mathematics teachers-in-training through opportunities to serve their community, network with potential colleagues, and gain mastery of pedagogy and STEM content. The TeachHouston Student Society provides all members with free professional development workshops, social events, and community service opportunities.
NSM Undergraduate Advising Center:
NSM’s Undergraduate Advising Center will help you through every step of your college career, from the first semester to graduation day!
All pre-health, pre-vet, pre-dental and pre-med students can schedule appointments with the university’s pre-health advisor who is stationed in the NSM Advising Center.
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Asian Medical Professions Society
1936 Science and math faculty total six professors in biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics and physics.
1967 UH opens one of the first computer science departments in the country.
1975 Formation of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics is approved.
1991 Science magazine names UH physics department 1 of 10 most influential programs in the nation.
2017 NSM celebrates 40th Anniversary with a gala recognizing 12 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients.
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Science & Research Building 1, Room 214
713-743-2611