Science & Engineering

The fields of science and engineering—commonly referred to as “STEM” when we’re also talking about technology and mathematics—have some of the greatest opportunities for students looking to build stable and lifelong careers. Salary ceilings tend to be very high, while the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts strong job growth across most areas, too. If you’re willing to work hard and gain experience early, then you have a great chance to progress up the ladder. 

What’s more, there are plenty of opportunities for students who graduate with an associate’s degree; a bachelor’s degree isn’t necessarily the minimum expectation for students looking for a role in science and engineering. Many industries employ technicians in a variety of roles, and these are perfect positions in which to gain experience and confidence before progressing into a more senior position with greater earning potential. 

So, whether you’ve settled on a subject and career already or not, there’s a wealth of information in this article that should help you decide whether a career in science and engineering is for you. 

What Degrees Are There in Science and Engineering?

Science and engineering are some of the STEM fields—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—which are some of the most challenging yet financially rewarding careers around. However, while it’s a short and simple acronym, STEM covers a huge range of degree types, concentrations, and lines of work. Below, we’ve highlighted some examples of the types of degrees you can find in science and engineering. 

Associate’s Degrees in Science and Engineering

Associate’s degrees typically comprise 60 credits and last for two years when you’re studying full time. That said, some colleges and universities offer accelerated programs that let you finish the program more quickly. With an associate’s degree, you’ll be qualified for certain entry-level roles, though many of the careers we’ve researched further down the page require a bachelor’s degree. 

In most cases, you’ll begin as a technician in your field, which is similar to an apprentice role; you’ll work alongside qualified professionals while gaining experience. With an associate’s degree in science and engineering, you’ll be sufficiently qualified to work as an agriculture and food science technician, chemical technician, or nuclear technician, for example. And should you choose to work towards your bachelor’s degree, many institutions will allow you to transfer credits, saving you money on tuition and reducing the time it takes to top up your degree. 

Bachelor’s Degrees in Science and Engineering

Bachelor’s degrees are typically the most popular types of programs for students studying a STEM field. Usually lasting for four years of full-time study, a bachelor’s degree will leave you prepared to take on an entry-level role or progress onto a postgraduate course of study (such as a master’s degree). While you may find work as a technician, you could also take on roles such as civil engineer, aerospace engineer, conservation scientist or forester, or microbiologist. 

While your courses will vary depending on your choice of degree program, many programs share general education and introductory courses. In a science and engineering degree program, you might take courses such as General Chemistry, Principles of Psychology, and Principles of Physics. These foundation courses help you to gain the basic knowledge of all scientific areas of study that you’ll need to succeed. 

Master’s Degrees in Science and Engineering

A master’s degree in a STEM field will allow you to dive deeper into a specific subject area, becoming a subject matter expert (SME). These programs normally last for two years. Some of the most popular postgraduate subjects in science and engineering include data science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, and biology. 

As study at this level becomes more specialized, so do the types of courses that make up your curriculum. For example, a student studying for a master’s degree in biology might expect to see courses such as Advanced Pharmacology and Biology of Diseases. It’s also common for practicums to be included in the curriculum for specialized master’s degrees, particularly in the sciences. 

Doctoral Degrees in Science and Engineering

Doctoral degrees are some of the most challenging programs of study you can find. Lasting on average for several years, you have the opportunity to focus on a specific area of study while participating in research activities. You’ll spend a large amount of time conducting analysis on existing research, in addition to having the chance to conduct your own studies. 

Types of Degrees in Science and Engineering

Now you have an idea of the different levels of study available at a postsecondary level. Read ahead to see some examples of degrees that exist in science and engineering, in addition to the type of courses you can expect to take. 

Aviation

Aviation is a very broad term; the truth is, there’s a huge range of careers and degrees to choose from in this field. You could study flight management, leading to a career as a pilot. You could take a program in air traffic management, with a future career in air traffic control. There are also programs in flight operations, management, aeronautical technology, aerospace administration, and many more. Salary ceilings are particularly high for graduates from aviation degree programs. 

Agriculture

Bachelor’s degrees in agriculture tend to fall into one of two subcategories; there’s usually an emphasis on plant, animal, or crop management, or on the management of an agricultural business. Depending on your career aspirations, your future career could involve working directly with and caring for livestock, or managing a food production facility. It’s common for these degrees to include practical, hands-on work placements. 

Engineering

There are a huge number of engineering degree programs available, and they’re all very different. You should have an idea of the type of engineering that you’re passionate about. For example, you’ll easily find degree programs in aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, and more. While aerospace engineering would see you working with aircraft, civil engineering would have you involved in the construction of critical infrastructure. 

Environmental Science

Environmental science degrees call for a deep understanding of all the traditional sciences (biology, chemistry, and physics). However, these diverse programs also lean on other popular areas of study, including the social sciences like economics and sociology. You’ll typically have the opportunity to specialize in a key area of sustainability, such as green energy or conservation. And as you might expect, environmental science degrees almost always include some form of laboratory or practical work experience. 

Geography

Geography degree programs are less popular than others among the fields of science and engineering, but as a graduate, you’ll be qualified to work in many areas, such as government agencies, non-profit organizations, and higher education institutions. Career paths for geography graduates could include environmental work, project management, natural resources management, and climatology. 

Mathematics

Qualified mathematicians are in high demand; just look at the projected growth statistics from the BLS: a 30% increase in new positions over the next decade. According to the same source, these professionals also earned more than $90,000 on average in 2019. Common roles include accountant, actuary, research roles, and statisticians. 

Sciences 

Degree programs in the three core sciences—biology, chemistry, and physics—are a good choice for students who want to work in a STEM field but who perhaps haven’t made up their mind on a specific career. The skills learned in these programs are broadly applicable to a wide range of careers. Biological and chemical technicians—both entry-level roles—earned a median salary of $45,000 to $50,000 in 2019, according to the BLS. Microbiologists earned around $75,000, and natural sciences managers earned nearly $130,000. 

Sustainability

Sustainability is a field that’s made up of many different types of professionals. You could be working with engineers and scientists, trainers and educators, or business leaders. As a result, courses in a sustainability degree program tend to be mixed, including both technical and theoretical subjects. You’ll gain practical skills through real-world training, but you’ll also study subjects like sustainability assessment and environmental law. 

What Are the Admission Requirements for a Degree in Science and Engineering?

Admission requirements vary from one institution to the next, so it’s tricky to list exactly what requirements each university might have. Generally speaking, admission into STEM degree programs can be highly competitive—particularly in subject areas such as mathematics and physics, and especially for the highest-ranking universities in the country. 

Institutions might ask for a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 to 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, depending on the college or university in question. You’ll also normally be required to provide evidence of your high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores, alongside your resume. Additionally, it’s not uncommon to be asked for up to three letters of recommendation, and in some cases, to be required to write a personal essay. 

Prior to applying for any degree program, if there’s still time, it’s advisable to focus on extracurricular activities that can enhance your college application. While this can help to set your application ahead of competing students, these days it’s incredibly common for applicants to have a variety of extracurricular clubs or events on their resume; it’s becoming more important than ever to make sure you go the extra mile. 

What Can I Do with a Degree in Science and Engineering?

Science and engineering degrees are hugely varied and so are the careers that they can lead to. They’re also some of the most intensive subjects, highlighting to prospective employers that you’re intelligent, hard-working, and can commit to a difficult course of study over a long period of time. This is why some of the most respected and well-paid roles exist within these fields. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the potential roles you could secure as a graduate from a degree program in science and engineering. 

Agriculture

Agricultural and Food Science Technicians

Agricultural and food science technicians work alongside agricultural and food scientists. As an agricultural technician, your responsibilities will typically include monitoring the quality of crops and other agricultural products, operating farm and laboratory equipment, and analyzing test results. As a food science technician, you could be testing crops to ensure they meet safety standards, assisting on food research and development projects, or collecting samples for analysis. 

Agricultural Engineers

Engineers often spend their time maintaining power supplies, sophisticated machinery, and buildings. As an agricultural engineer, these are just some of the jobs you may be tasked with while working in an office or outdoor worksite. This could be on a farm, out at sea, or in a forest; it’s certainly a varied role in terms of where you’ll find yourself working day-to-day. 

Architecture and Engineering

Architects

The role of an architect is well known: you’d be involved in the design and planning of new buildings, whether they’re residential, commercial, or government buildings. You’ll work with complex computer software to prepare scale drawings, meet with a range of other professionals to plan requirements and goals, and manage the implementation of contracts. You’ll typically seek out new work, so you’ll need a strong understanding of business. 

Civil Engineers

Civil engineers keep our essential infrastructure maintained and running efficiently. In this role, you could be involved in the designing, building, or supervision of major infrastructure projects, including maintenance or construction of buildings, roads, airports, railway stations, bridges, and other structures. You’ll also be required to present to the public on subjects such as environmental impact studies or new-build proposals. 

Materials Engineers

Materials engineers work in the development and testing of various materials that are used to manufacture goods. This could be computer components, sports equipment, medical equipment, or even the wings of an aircraft. As a material engineer, you’ll ensure that these materials meet stringent requirements around safety, durability, and suitability. 

Mechanical Engineers

Mechanical engineers, like materials engineers, work with the development of new equipment. However, their focus is on mechanical equipment rather than inanimate materials or objects. You might be analyzing how a piece of equipment could be used to solve a specific issue, developing new prototypes, or investigating when a piece of equipment has failed. 

Conservation

Conservation Scientists and Foresters

Conservation scientists and foresters have slightly different roles. Conservation scientists will typically spend time coming up with new proposals for managing the land forests sit upon, in addition to negotiating terms for any work intended to take place on such protected land. They’ll work with local agencies and governments on any contracts designed to improve forested land, too. Foresters, on the other hand, might locate new sites for trees to be planted, supervise any work taking place in forests or conservation sites, and even participate in the suppression of forest fires. 

Environmental Engineers

As an environmental engineer, you’ll apply your training to help resolve issues affecting the environment. You might be developing new infrastructure or technology to help improve recycling, sanitation, or pollution. Your responsibilities might include the design of new projects, obtaining any necessary clearances needed for implementing a new project, gathering and analyzing samples from the environment, and advising agencies on how to resolve contaminant spillages. 

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians

These professionals are responsible for monitoring changes in the environment, identifying causes of pollution so that they can be rectified. You might be conducting inspections within companies or public spaces, collecting samples for analysis, and using scientific equipment to evaluate specimens for signs of contamination. You could be employed by a consulting agency, government, or laboratory. 

Mathematics and Statistics

Actuaries

Actuaries apply their financial knowledge, in addition to mathematical and statistical models, to calculate the risk involved with different events or business strategies. Using the data they’ve gathered and analyzed, a good actuary can safeguard a business against massive financial loss. They work in a number of industries, including pension and retirement benefit offices and insurance companies. 

Economists

Economists study complex theory concerning the supply, demand, and overall production of goods and services. They have a strong theoretical understanding of how the economy works and what factors can influence it in a positive or negative way. You could be conducting research, analyzing data, predicting market trends, and providing recommendations to businesses, the government, or other organizations. 

Market Research Analysts

Market research analysts study the economy to predict what products are in demand and by which target audience. This data is then used to devise new products and create marketing campaigns. On any given day, you could be gathering data on target audiences and competitors, conducting research studies, or visualizing data through graphs, tables, and official reports. 

Mathematicians and Statisticians

Mathematicians and statisticians are needed in a broad range of industries across the nation. They apply their techniques to the analysis of data, helping to solve real-world issues in areas from business to health care, and everything in between. You could be gathering data, determining what theoretical model or formula to apply, designing surveys or experiments, and interpreting the results you gather. 

Scientific Careers

Biological Technician

Biological technicians work alongside biologists and medical scientists. They assist in the implementation of laboratory testing, which might include ownership and maintenance of laboratory equipment, gathering samples for testing and analysis, or even conducting your own experiments as required. This role is also often referred to as laboratory assistant, though you’ll need a bachelor’s degree and almost certainly laboratory experience gained through education. 

Chemical Technician

As a chemical technician, you’ll work in a laboratory alongside other professionals that could include chemists, chemical engineers, and research analysts. You’ll be involved in the research and development of new products and processes, or you might be assisting in the development of more efficient work processes.

Microbiologist

Typically based within a laboratory, you’ll spend your time studying microorganisms, including infectious diseases, parasites, algae, and other specimens. This could be in support of diagnoses within a health-care organization, or to participate in research studies at the cutting edge of science and medicine. For an entry-level role, a bachelor’s degree is sufficient, but you’ll need a Ph.D. to carry out your own research or work in a university teaching role. 

Natural Sciences Managers

As the name suggests, these professionals directly supervise the work of scientists, coordinating research and development projects. You’ll work with senior management to determine your departmental goals and objectives, manage budgets, hire and train new members of staff, and provide input into research, analysis, and reporting activities. 

Physicists and Astronomers

Physicists study complex theories surrounding subjects such as atoms and molecules, time, space, and energy. You may be designing and executing experiments, the kind that you’re probably used to seeing in national news (such as the Hubble Telescope or Large Hadron Collider). Astronomers study planets, stars, and other entities within the universe. You’ll be well-versed in the use of complex equipment, both on the ground and in space. 

How Much Can I Earn with a Degree in Science and Engineering?

The fields of science and engineering are extremely broad. They encompass a huge range of degrees, and these are programs that can lead to careers that are in huge demand. Take mathematics, for example: the BLS predicts a 30% increase in the demand for qualified professionals in this area between 2018 and 2028. Actuaries and economists—two roles open to mathematics or statistics graduates—were paid a median annual salary of over $100,000 in 2019, too. 

Below, we’ve highlighted a range of careers in various subject areas, then researched the earning potential and job growth statistics that are published by the BLS. Bear in mind that these are median annual salaries; there’s a potential to earn an even greater salary than we’ve listed here. What’s more, we couldn’t possibly list every single potential career in the STEM fields, so this is by no means an exhaustive list. 

Agriculture

Architecture and Engineering

Conservation

Mathematics and Statistics

Scientific Careers

Can I Get an Online Degree in Science and Engineering?

There are certainly many online colleges and universities—or established institutions with distance learning platforms—that offer online degree programs in science and engineering. One of the major benefits of distance learning is that it can cost you less to complete your degree, as tuition is typically charged at the same rate as an in-state student; this means you won’t usually pay more in tuition fees, even if you’re not from the area. What’s more, you won’t have to pay for room and board like a student living on campus. 

However, the drawback to distance learning is that you’re not located close to campus for any real-world, practical experience. Some courses and programs require you to accrue a certain number of hours of hands-on experience. So, if you plan on studying remotely, you should research your degree program carefully. In some cases, distance learning institutions are able to help you find a placement location that’s close to home, so it’s worth asking. 

While it may be tempting to find an online program that has no requirement for hands-on experience, it’s also inadvisable if you have the ability to study on campus. Many of the careers in this article ask for you to have at least some experience in the field, even if this takes the form of hands-on experience gained during the course of your degree. Not having this experience could make it more difficult to find employment after you graduate. 

The Best Colleges for Degrees in Science and Engineering

When you’re choosing a college or university and you’re going to be studying for two to four years, you want to know you’ve made the right choice. So, we’ve put together a list of rankings for the best institutions across a variety of subject areas. These accredited institutions will ensure that you’re getting the best value for money, and the best possible education. We’ll also continue to add to these lists over time, so check back regularly if you’re going to be applying soon. 

Aviation

• Best Online Aeronautics/Aviation Degrees

Agriculture

• Best Online Agriculture Degrees
• Best Online Master’s in Agriculture

Engineering

• Best Online Master’s in Biomedical Engineering
• Best Online Master’s in Civil Engineering
• Best Online Electrical and Electronics Engineering Degrees
• Best Online Master’s in Electrical Engineering
• Best Online Master’s in Engineering
• Best Online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering

Environmental Science

• Best Online Master’s in Environmental Science

Fire Science

• Best Online Fire Science Degrees

Geography

• Best Online Geography Degrees

Mathematics

• Best Online Mathematics Degrees
• Best Online Master’s in Mathematics

Sustainability

• Best Online Sustainability Degrees
• Best Online Master’s in Sustainability