Dean's Welcome

Welcome to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) College of Sciences! 
 
The faculty, staff, and students in the College of Sciences share a common goal of increasing our understanding of how the Universe works at all scales, from the microscopic to the cosmologic and from the abstract to the applied. Our research spans genetics, living organisms, our environment, chemical and physical processes, the Universe, statistics, mathematics, and the interplay between these and other disciplines.  
 
The 200+ faculty across the five academic units of our college are deeply committed to academic success and supporting learning at a scale that touches every corner of the University. We will find a place for you among the over 68,000 seats we offer during an academic year across all our classes, including introductory courses, specialized seminars, and research opportunities. Our college has over 3,000 majors seeking one of our 20 Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS), or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees, and our graduates can pursue a great variety of impactful careers, from academia to industry. 
 
The College of Sciences is one of the leaders at UTRGV in terms of research activity, with over 140 active grants totaling $60 million in external funding. Our faculty and research staff are tackling major scientific challenges while providing hands-on research experiences for students at all levels. This strong research culture directly supports UTRGV’s trajectory towards obtaining and sustaining classification as a Carnegie R1 institution. 
 
Students drive our research, and our faculty both enjoy and benefit from their expertise as they engage in cutting-edge work. MS and PhD students are core to our research workforce, and BS students contribute as paid research assistants or participate in research projects with a faculty mentor as part of their coursework. Working in one of our research labs is an excellent way to explore a career path, acquire valuable job skills, and establish relationships with potential employers and future colleagues. 
 
We offer many opportunities for students, families, and UTRGV alumni to connect with our college beyond the classroom and lab. Come experience the wonders of the Universe at the H-E-B Planetarium in Edinburg, wander through Brownsville’s blooming pollinator garden, or dive into our coastal connections in South Padre Island and Port Isabel.  
 
Let’s keep exploring and learning! 

Dr. Lucas Macri, Dean, College of Sciences