Traditions of Excellence and Discovery

The work of our four science departments is the primary reason U.S. News & World Report has ranked Furman fourth nationally, behind Michigan , Stanford and MIT, in the category of “Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects.” The magazine notes that Furman students do “intensive and self-directed research or creative work that results in an original scholarly paper or other product that can be formally presented.”

Furman's science programs focus on original research by student-faculty teams, resulting in publications in journals and student presentations at national conferences. As a result, chemistry ranks among the top departments in the nation, and the other science departments are gaining recognition as well. Improvements in Furman's science facilities will enhance and facilitate this distinctive “engaged learning” philosophy.

Furman stands second among liberal arts colleges in the nation in both the number and percentage of undergraduates participating in summer research. Furman ranks first in the number of different disciplines studied during summer research.

Science students at Furman consistently win academic scholarships, for both undergraduate and graduate work. In 2005, three Furman science students received prestigious awards given to the nation's top college students.

The number of science majors at Furman, particularly in chemistry and biology, has steadily increased in recent years. Today these are two of the university's flagship departments and both receive several million dollars annually in research grants from the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health and other sources for undergraduate research projects, equipment, and student research stipends.

Furman's most illustrious alumnus is a graduate of our physics and language departments. Charles Townes '35, received the 1964 Nobel Prize in Physics for development of the laser and maser; and on May 4, 2005, at Buckingham Palace, HRH Prince Philip presented Townes the 2005 Templeton Prize—the world's most prestigious prize in religion—for his efforts to understand the confluence of science and religion.

Only one other person has won a Nobel Prize and a Templeton Prize: Mother Theresa. With his balance of faith and reason, Townes embodies Furman's mission to educate the ‘whole person.' Townes donated one half of his award toward Furman's new science complex, which he helped design.