Career Close-Up: The Sciences

You don’t have to be Bill Nye the Science Guy or Mr. Wizard to excel in the sciences and contribute meaningful work to society as you follow your career path. Nor do you have to be a “rocket scientist” or a “brain surgeon” to make an impact. There are numerous paths that a degree in the sciences can lead to, allowing you to utilize your skill and understanding of how things work. Below, we highlight some key schools and potential careers which you might pursue with a degree in the sciences.

Astronomer
If you’re skilled at interpretation, analysis, and problem solving and you also have a fascination with the great unknown, this field may be perfect for you. Not only do astronomers look into practical questions and attempt to increase public knowledge, they also embark on research projects and develop new theories. According to the American Astronomical Society, “astronomers working in planetariums, science museums, or in other public service positions provide an important information link between the world of professional astronomy and the general public.” A career in astronomy is definitely more than just looking through a telescope, and may be something to consider if you are a “science” and “space” person.

Key Schools: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of California, Berkeley

Veterinarian
What could be better than working with what James Herriot called “all creatures great and small?” A career in veterinary medicine includes diagnosing, researching, and treating animal diseases and injuries. This is not relegated to only dogs and cats; indeed, some vets are skilled in working with rare animals, livestock, exotic birds, working animals, and more. In fact, there are a number of different paths within the field.  Mix this knowledge with compassion and a love for animals and nature, and you’ve got a truly interesting career path before you. Making a difference is one of the tenets of a career in veterinary medicine, so if you plan to be influential and improve creatures’ quality of life, this could be a great career for you.

Key Schools: North Carolina State University, University of California, Davis

Chemist
Did you have a chemistry set when you were a kid? Were you fascinated by laboratory processes and analyzing compounds and substances? If so, this is a career you might be interested in. Chemistry as a career has its place in industry, government, academia, the nonprofit sector, the military, the medical field, and other areas. It is, indeed, a far-reaching career with important implications that can serve many areas of society. Luckily, over 600 colleges offer undergraduate degrees in chemistry, and around 300 offer graduate degrees, so there is no shortage of solid institutions to study this important field.

Key Schools: University of Chicago, Pomona College

Epidemiologist
If there is, unfortunately, one thing we can count on it’s that disease will always be something humans have to deal with. Epidemiologists not only investigate and study diseases (in fact, they are often known as “disease detectives”), but also look into prevention and cures. This field is important as public health and understanding of illness is always something that requires special attention in our society. Epidemiologists may work in public health, statistics, or research, all in a unique position to treat existing disease and prevent future outbreaks.

Key Schools: University of Michigan, George Washington University

Environmental Scientist
We hear a lot about the great debate over climate change that we are currently experiencing. Now, more than ever, we need qualified individuals who can research pertinent topics regarding our environment. Environmental scientists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. They may clean up polluted areas, advise policymakers, or work with industry to reduce waste. As we continue to deal with issues like pollution, climate change, and other threats to our natural resources, professionals in this field become ever more valuable to our ability to sustain our way of life and preserve our environment.

Key Schools: Washington University in St. Louis, Northwestern University

Written by Phil Lane

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