Online Science Degree Programs

Online Science Degree Programs

Science is a vast discipline that encompasses many different fields. Science is a major part of many careers from healthcare professions to computer information systems. Many science related careers require a bachelor degree and many people working in science field start their career with a bachelor degree in science. All undergraduate science degree programs provide students with a solid and well-rounded science education with specialization on a specific scientific area. Students typically choose one area of focus, but can often merge into different career fields. Read more about online science degree programs.

Some Stats

In 2006, there were 2,060 associate, 75,151 bachelor, 8,747 master, and 6,354 doctorate degrees conferred in biological/biomedical sciences. There were also 2,015 associate, 20,783 bachelor, 5,811 master, and 4,844 doctorate degrees in physical sciences; 145,436 associate, 101,810 bachelor, 54,531 master, and 8,355 doctorate degrees in health professions/related sciences; 6,673 associate, 129,737 bachelor, 14,521 master, and 3,037 doctorate degrees in social sciences; 27, 712 associate, 12,570 bachelor, 5,761 master, and 749 doctorate degrees in computer and information sciences; and 14,473 bachelor, 2,089 master, and 778 doctorate degrees in agricultural sciences (1).

Employment Outlook

The job outlook for science jobs varies greatly on position and discipline, but many science related occupations are experiencing the fastest employment growth through year 2016 (2). Employment of agricultural and food scientists is expected to grow 9% from 2006 to 2016, which is about as fast as average for all professions. Biological scientists are also projected to experience a 9% employment increase and employment of social scientists is expected to grow 10% (3).

Specialties

Since science is so large with many different fields, students who are interested in a science related career could can from a very large variety of specializations from the natural sciences that involve natural forms and life to social sciences that deal with behavior and societies. Science specializations include animal science, biology, chemistry, botany, computer science, food science, environmental science, biomedical science, zoology, anatomy, ecology, family and consumer science, health science, library science, physical science, and social science. The specializations are endless and students should choose institutions that offer their desired topic of interest.

What to Expect

Many people entering the science fields have a bachelor degree and specialization usually starts at the undergraduate level. All undergraduate science degree programs include a strong foundation in general education courses such as English, mathematics, writing, history, and humanities. Science degree programs focus on curiosity and inquiry and provide students with a thorough understanding of their specialization. The coursework varies by discipline, but most areas require courses in chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and engineering. Most specializations also require a great deal of laboratory and hands-on experience. Graduate degrees are typically required for research and teaching positions as well as more advanced scientific study.

The End Result

An undergraduate degree in science gives graduates a variety of career options. Students who decide to advance their education and pursue master or doctorate degrees will be prepared for upper level positions in a variety of areas in the diverse science field. Careers for science degree graduates include:

Individuals who enjoy discovering new things and answering science related questions would find enjoyment in a science career. Graduates of science degree programs use their strong mathematical and scientific knowledge and apply it to their careers.

(1) SOURCE: U.S. National Center for Education Statistics, Digest of Education Statistics
(2) SOURCE: Bureau of Labor Statistics, The 30 Occupations with the Largest Employment Growth, 2006-2016.
(3) SOURCE: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008-2009 Edition