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Office of Education Abroad

Major Advising Page - Comprehensive Science

Comprehensive Science encompasses a wide variety of program options: in-classroom instruction, field studies, internships--just a few of the many programs out there for you to explore!

The interdisciplinary course of study lends itself extremely well to study abroad, though planning is key. Plan on taking at least one or two major-related courses while studying abroad,  allowing you to compare and contrast with your VU academic experience.

Comprehensive Science majors should begin the study abroad advising process as early as possible. Tell your academic advisor that you are interested in study abroad at each registration appointment. Together, identify the best terms to go abroad,  for summer or semester, based on the courses in your four-year-plan.

Specific things to consider: 

  • Generally speaking, courses that have a two-semester sequencing can be difficult to complete abroad (Gen Bio, Gen Chem, Physics). It is often suggested taking these courses in the summer or before/after study abroad. 
  • Pre-Health: If you are considering a Pre-Health focus, please speak with your advisor and the HPA office to make sure you can fulfill your professional school requirements. 

Search the OEA Course Approval History database to select from more than 3,000 study abroad courses that have already been pre-approved for liberal education requirements and a growing list of technical courses.

The Course Approval History database is not all-inclusive and students can work with an OEA advisor to submit additional courses for review.

Don't forget - CLAS has a list of policies and limitations specifically focused on study abroad. Make sure you're aware of these as you plan your overseas experience.

Timing
This image shows when students can study abroad for their specific major. For Biology students, summer study abroad is possible after first year through end of junior year. Semester study abroad is possible beginning spring semester of sophomore year through fall semester of senior year. Senior year study abroad must be approved by the College.

Due to sequencing, students should work with their academic adviser to determine the best time to study abroad. 

The Comprehensive Science program encourages students to consider programs that provide practical experiences. Internships, field work and lab research are wonderful ways to gain hands-on, professional experience. 

Study abroad opportunities are not limited to formal instruction. Consider taking advantage of the unique research, internship, and fieldwork opportunities available in different regions of the world. 

In the past, students have:

  • Shadowed various London doctors during clinical placement including general practitioners, osteopaths, and a sexual health clinic
  • Interned with the Standards Unit team of the Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Radiology where student was able to assess, organize, and present statistical data analysis of the continuous professional development requirements and certifications of the RANZCR radiologists and radiation oncologists. health care / infections disease (Sydney)
  • Researched ruthenium-based organometallic linkers for photoactive porous materials (VU Galway)
  • Conducted a research experiment along a wilderness trail to determine whether more bird species lived in sections dominated by hardwood trees, such as red maple, versus sections with more softwood trees, such as white spruce and balsam fir (VU Nova Scotia)
  • Researched Marine protected areas, rainforest biodiversity assessment, tourism impacts, ecosystem monitoring, community livelihoods, perceptions on conservation (SFS Panama)
  • Designed and completed a 4-week research project on the cutaneous microbiology of various species of Panamanian amphibians
  • dressed how safe-sleep practices can decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other unexpected infant deaths.= (SIT Argentina)

Comprehensive Science encompasses many disciplines. Please use the Major Advising Pages for these disciplines when researching your program options:

Looking for more? 

If a program is not listed above, it does not limit your eligibility to study abroad. Visit Passport Villanova to discover other programs. 
 
Course Approval Database 
Students should consult with the  OEA Course Approval Database  to view a full list of pre-approved courses for most programs.  The Course Approval Database may not contain updated/new courses and students may need to submit additional courses for review and approval. Programs and universities are continually updating course offerings so and the program’s website will list most accurate course offerings for the planned term abroad.  

 

It is important to plan ahead as it is not uncommon for scholarship deadlines to occur much earlier than a Villanova or program application deadlines.

There are many scholarships available for students through Villanova University, our partner programs and other external sources, like the US Government. The OEA can help students with the scholarship search and application process. If a scholarship is found outside of the OEA scholarship page, students should have it reviewed by the OEA to determine if it is a viable option. 

Browse the scholarships opportunities found on the OEA website.

CLAS

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