Grow as a Thinker and Leader
Elevate your critical thinking and leadership through advanced study in the liberal arts.
The Graham School’s exceptional instructors will guide you through readings and discussions that introduce the principles behind the scientific processes of experimentation and observation. You will gain a deeper understanding of how the scientific method allows us to reason through complex problems as well as the social and cultural impact of new discoveries.
Our non-credit classes are designed to be accessible to all lifelong learners. Rather than technical terms, hands-on labs, or precise calculations, our courses focus on the history and current implications of scientific innovation. Past courses have examined topics such as how advances in biology changed the way that societies viewed race, the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on society, the contributions that cultures around the world have made to astronomy, and the responses of global health systems to infectious diseases.
Spotlight Programs
Immerse Yourself in the Great Books
Explore timeless works of literature, philosophy, history, and social thought.
All Science Courses
Basic Program Year 1 Winter
Cynthia Rutz, Simon Friedland & 5 more
Science from a Liberal Arts Perspective
In this era of rapid transformation, it helps to have a working knowledge of scientific concepts to understand many of the most urgent issues facing our world. Some of our biggest challenges can only be addressed with strategies informed through reasoning, experimentation, and observation. A liberal arts approach can broaden your understanding of why and how these scientific principles matter.
Science Instructors
Lin Atnip
Basic Program Instructor
Noah Chafets
Cyril O. Houle Chair of the Basic Program
Simon Friedland
Basic Program Instructor
Richard Hoskins
Basic Program Instructor
Clare Pearson
Basic Program Instructor
Cynthia Rutz
Basic Program Instructor
Kendall Sharp
Basic Program Instructor
Jacqueline Victor
Basic Program Instructor
Technology can answer the what and how questions, however, you will need a liberal arts education to answer the why question. Otherwise, it is a pursuit of progress without any real end in mind.
Omer Imtiaz MLA’19
We believe at Graham that the liberal arts have a unique opportunity to contribute to this moment in society. We are living in a time of rapid scientific innovation and technological disruption and we need to make sure that we’re constantly asking the foundational questions about how these advancements both strengthen and challenge our humanity.
Seth Green Dean of the University of Chicago Graham School
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the Graham School’s science offerings.
Why is learning about science important for non-scientists?
Studying science is valuable for people in any profession or walk of life. Applying the scientific method helps us to think critically about complex topics and solve problems. Scientific knowledge is essential to understand the technological breakthroughs that drive today’s economy as well as many of the greatest challenges we face, from climate change to public health.
Do I need to have an extensive background in any area of science to succeed in these classes?
The Graham School’s goal is to provide a broad foundation of scientific knowledge, exposing students to different forms of scholarly inquiry and the methodologies that underpin scientific disciplines. Our science courses are designed for learners of all backgrounds.
Will the assigned readings be highly technical?
We avoid reading assignments that have heavy jargon or that require technical expertise. Instead, we focus on texts that explain concepts clearly to a general audience to ensure learners with any level of prior knowledge are able to engage with the texts.
UChicago has a reputation for academic rigor. Will I be able to meaningfully participate in the classroom discussions?
Yes. Our non-credit courses are built for adults who have life experience and want to learn. Our instructors create an inclusive learning environment by encouraging all students to participate, regardless of their previous background in science.
What’s it like to take a course in a Socratic seminar format?
You’ll come to each session prepared to engage in lively, respectful discussions about the assigned reading. With a small group of peers and your instructor, you’ll examine fundamental questions through the lenses of multiple disciplines and lived experiences.
Are these offerings online or in person?
The Graham School offers both online and in-person class experiences. The description for each course specifies whether it will be offered online through Canvas or in person at the Gleacher Center in downtown Chicago.
Do I have to complete an application?
No application is required for the Basic Program or open enrollment courses. There is a required application for the Master of Liberal Arts.
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Dr. Kerry Burnight, gerontologist and former faculty member at UC Irvine School of Medicine, joined us for a conversation about her new book ‘Joyspan’.
The Science of Longevity: A Conversation with Coleen T. Murphy
Professor Coleen T. Murphy from Princeton University joined us for an illuminating discussion on her book ‘How We Age: The Science of Longevity’, exploring groundbreaking research on aging.