Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis was formed in 1969 by bringing together independent Indiana University programs in the liberal arts and the professional schools and Purdue University programs in science, engineering and technology. Although these programs were drawn together under the IUPUI umbrella, they remained physically separated for many years. The Purdue programs were located at a satellite campus on 38th Street while the IU programs were located on the main campus downtown. This separation ended in 1993 when the School of Science moved into the $42 million Science, Engineering and Technology Complex. The School of Science at IUPUI has grown and developed in concert with the campus.

1973

• "Sciences" becomes the School of Science with financial responsibility vested in Indiana University.
• William A. Nevill, professor of chemistry, is appointed the first dean of the School.

1977

• Purdue degrees are awarded in all disciplines except geology, whose students are awarded degrees from Indiana University.

1981

• Marshall Yovits, professor of computer science, becomes dean.
• The Department of Computer and Information Science is formed.
• Science students are admitted to Ph.D. programs.

1986

• First student to graduate with a Ph.D. earns a degree in mathematics.

1989

• David L. Stocum, professor of biology, becomes dean.

1991

• Phase II of the Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) building is completed.

1993

• Phase III of SET is completed.
• All sciences are relocated from the 38th Street campus (across from the Indiana State Fair grounds) to the main campus downtown.

1997

• The Center for Earth and Environmental Science is established in the Department of Geology; the center has become a renowned resource for environmental science education and research.

2004

• Carl C. Cowen, professor of mathematical sciences, becomes the school's fourth dean.
• The School of Science offers the state's first bachelor's degree in forensic science.

2005

• The Department of Chemistry is renamed the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology to reflect the growing importance and impact of the health and life sciences on both the department's curriculum and research, as well as the career paths open to students and graduates.
• The Department of Geology becomes the Department of Earth Sciences and offers a new bachelor's degree in environmental science.