McDaniel College announces new STEM majors

McDaniel College has received approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) to offer three new undergraduate majors in Astrophysics, Astronomy, and Engineering Mechanics. The new programs will be available beginning in fall 2027 for incoming fall 2026 students to be able to declare as their major in their sophomore year.

These new bachelor’s degrees expand the program offerings available through McDaniel’s Department of Physics while aligning with the interests of current and prospective students seeking STEM-focused career pathways.

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“The addition of these programs builds upon the current offerings in our Physics department and reflects McDaniel’s commitment to providing innovative academic programs that prepare students for success in growing fields,” according to Provost Flavius Lilly. “There is actually a rich history with astronomy in particular as the college’s namesake William Roberts McDaniel, an alum from the Class of 1880, taught astronomy courses here at the college.”

Physics Professor and Department Chair Apollo Mian said, “Astrophysics, Astronomy, and Engineering Mechanics share a common foundation in physics and mathematics, one that prepares students to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and engineering applications. All three programs embrace hands-on learning, allowing students to work closely with faculty on undergraduate research, contribute to peer-reviewed publications, and take part in internships. That kind of experience, at the undergraduate level, is what sets a McDaniel education apart.”

Including these new degrees, McDaniel has added 16 undergraduate majors since fall 2020, including other STEM majors in Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Health Sciences, and Nursing.

More about McDaniel’s new majors in Astrophysics, Astronomy, and Engineering Mechanics:

Astrophysics
Astrophysics students use the tools of physics and mathematics to investigate the physical nature of the universe, ranging from the nuclear processes that power stars to the gravitational dynamics of black holes and galaxies. The major is built for students who want to understand not just what exists in the cosmos, but why it behaves the way it does.

Astronomy
Astronomy at McDaniel is a rigorous observational science that takes students from the fundamental laws of physics to the grand questions of cosmic structure and origin. Using telescopes and specialized instruments, students study the motions and histories of celestial objects ranging from extrasolar planets to stars and galaxies.

Engineering Mechanics
Engineering Mechanics prepares students to analyze how structures and materials respond to forces under various physical constraints. The field is grounded in applied physics and bridges the liberal arts with the analytical demands of engineering, preparing students for graduate study or careers across engineering-related fields.

For more information about McDaniel College, visit www.mcdaniel.edu.

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McDaniel College, founded in 1867, is a four-year, independent college of the liberal arts and sciences offering over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. One of the original “Colleges That Change Lives,” McDaniel emphasizes experiential learning and student-faculty collaboration to develop the unique potential in every student. Represented by the Green Terror, over 20 athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division III Centennial Conference. A student-centered community of 1,600 undergraduates and 1,400 graduate students offers access to both Baltimore and Washington, D.C., plus a European campus in Budapest, Hungary. www.mcdaniel.edu