School of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics

Dean: Dr. Peter Skoner, pskoner@francis.edu, 814-472-3085
Associate Dean: Dr. Lori Woods, lwoods@francis.edu, 814-471-1104

The School of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) provides preparation for students in specialized academic disciplines to succeed in graduate school or their chosen careers, while providing broad-based arts, humanities, and sciences education. This integrative approach results in accomplished professionals who consider the complex dimensions of our society - aesthetics, culture, economics, the environment, history, mathematics, morality, politics, science, society, and technology.

STEAM students acquire unparalleled depth and breadth of knowledge, skills, and values. Transformational experiences include small class sizes, personalized advising and interactions with faculty, laboratory applications, undergraduate research, internships and other experiential learning opportunities, field work, service projects, community engagement activities, leadership and mentorship experiences, membership in professional societies, presenting at professional conferences, and real-world learning projects.

School of STEAM graduates address challenges and seize opportunities. They are compassionate, responsible, motivated, and confident citizens who think critically and creatively; respect life; cherish continued learning; promote moral, spiritual, and social development; practice appropriate personal and professional ethical behavior; communicate clearly in writing and speaking; work effectively in teams; leverage technology responsibly; and recognize their responsibilities to family, community, country, and world.

The School of STEAM offers the following undergraduate majors: Aquarium and Zoo Science, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, Cyber Security Administration, English, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Studies, General Engineering, History, Mathematics, Medical Laboratory Science, Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering, Political Science, Spanish, and Women’s Studies.

Numerous concentrations, minors, specializations, and tracks are available within majors in the School of STEAM.

All STEAM programs are supported by the Career Services Office, Center for Academic Success, Center for Community Engagement, General Education Program, Honors Program, Office of Student Research, Office for Study Abroad, and Writing Center.

The School of STEAM encourages internship and research programs. These programs integrate classroom theory with practical work/research experience. Students attend classes and engage in employment/research, either full or part time, on or off campus. These learning experiences are logical extensions of what is learned in the classroom. Internships are undertaken as early as the sophomore year.

Several new and renovated facilities provide pedagogically enhanced learning spaces including the Bach Family Honors House, Center for Fine Arts Boiler House and Arts Garage, Our Little Portion and Torvian Gardens, Keirn Family World War II Museum, the Science Center, Scotus Hall, and the Tiny Classroom. Community outreach and education are provided through the Center for Fine Arts, Center for the Study of Government and Law, Center for Watershed Research and Service, Institute for Energy, Center of Intelligent Reservoir Research and Service, and Science Outreach Center.