Science Degree - Get a Degree in Science

Education and Training

The requirements for obtaining a science degree may vary somewhat according to the area of specialization you choose to focus on. You may choose to pursue a general science degree or to focus on one particular area, such as chemistry, forensic science, or biology. Regardless of the area of specialization you may choose to pursue, you will need to take a few courses in each area of science in order to earn a science degree. In addition, you will need to take several mathematics courses to complement that degree.

Employment Opportunities

After earning a science degree, you can pursue a number of different careers within the field. Some of these include:

- Biological technician
- Chemical technician
- Environmental science and protection technician
- Forensic science technician
- Forest and conservation technician
- Geologic and petroleum technician
- Nuclear technician

As a biological technician, your job will involve studying living organisms. Often, a biological technician puts his or her science degree to work in order to conduct medical research and find cures for deadly and troublesome diseases. As a chemical technician, you would work closely with chemical engineers and chemists in order to develop and use chemicals. Chemical technicians are typically divided into two areas: research and development or process control. Research and development chemical technicians work in experimental laboratories while process control technicians work in industrial or manufacturing plants.

Environmental science and protection technicians are responsible for performing field and laboratory tests in order to monitor the environment, including pollution. As such, they collect samples, perform tests, and develop methods for reducing the amount of pollution in the environment. A forensic science technician specializes in DNA analysis, firearm examination, and other methods of using bodily fluids and other substances to help solve crimes. They are often called upon to testify in court in order to explain their findings. A forest and conservation technician collects data in regard to the content, size, and condition of forest lands. They typically work with foresters in order to monitor these lands. They also lead conservation workers in completing seasonal activities, such as putting out forest fires, planting tree seedlings, and maintaining recreational facilities.

Geologic and petroleum technicians are responsible for measuring and recording geologic and physical conditions of gas and oil wells. Some also collect data about gas and oil well-drilling operations. As a nuclear technician, you would put your science degree to work researching and testing nuclear tests, assisting nuclear engineers, and monitoring radiation.

Job Outlook and Salary

According to the United States Department of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for science technicians are expected to grow as quickly as the average occupation over the next several years. The Bureau reports that those who put their science degree to work as nuclear technician earn the most, with a median hourly wage of $28.46 . Forest and conservation technicians earned the least with a median hourly wage of $13.14.