In the grand puzzle of science, your unique insights and contributions drive progress. Embrace your role with confidence, knowing that the puzzle remains incomplete without your piece.
Are you interested in science, but find the path to becoming a scientist confusing?
Knowing about the different science majors is a great start. Here, you'll find a description of the 25 most common science majors and professions.
Sources: NCES, AIP, ACS, U.S. BLS, NSF
Description: The study of celestial objects and phenomena beyond Earth's atmosphere. It involves understanding the formation, evolution, and dynamics of stars, planets, galaxies, and the universe as a whole.
Common Professions:
Related Majors: Physics, Space Science, Engineering Physics
Description: The study of living organisms and their interactions with the environment. It encompasses various subfields such as genetics, ecology, and microbiology.
Common Professions:
Related Majors: Genetics, Ecology, Biomedical Science, Zoology
Description: Focuses on the application of biological and physiological principles to clinical medicine and research.
Common Professions:
Related Majors: Biology, Biotechnology, Health Sciences
Description: The use of computational tools to analyze and interpret biological data, especially in genomics and molecular biology.
Common Professions:
Related Majors: Genetics, Computer Science, Molecular Biology
Description: Involves the use of living organisms or their systems to develop or make products and technologies for various applications, including medicine, agriculture, and industry. It combines biology with technology to solve problems and improve processes.
Common Professions:
Related Majors: Biology, Biomedical Science, Chemical Engineering
Description: The study of matter, its properties, how it interacts with other matter, and how it changes. It includes organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry.
Common Professions:
Related Majors: Biochemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Materials Science
Description: The study of computational systems, software, and algorithms.
Common Professions:
Related Majors: Mathematics, Cybersecurity, Data Science
Description: The study of interactions between organisms and their environments, focusing on ecosystems and biodiversity.
Common Professions:
Related Majors: Environmental Science, Biology, Environmental Studies.
Description: The study of chemical processes and substances in the environment and their effects on ecosystems and human health.
Common Professions:
Related Majors: Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering.
Description: The study of environmental systems and the impact of human activities on the environment, aiming to find solutions for sustainability.
Common Professions:
Related Majors: Ecology, Environmental Chemistry, Earth Science.
Description: The study of the distribution, determinants, and control of diseases and health conditions within populations.
Common Professions:
Related Majors: Public Health, Biostatistics, Medicine.
Description: The application of scientific principles to design, build, and maintain systems, structures, and devices across various disciplines.
Common Professions:
Related Majors: Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science.
Description: The study of the physical, biological, and chemical properties of food, including its production, processing, and safety.
Common Professions:
Related Majors: Nutrition, Biochemistry, Agricultural Science.
Description: The study of genes, heredity, and genetic variation in organisms.
Common Professions: Geneticist, Genetic Counselor, Molecular Biologist, Research Scientist, Bioinformatics Specialist.
Related Majors: Biology, Biomedical Science, Bioinformatics.
Description: The study of the Earth’s solid materials, including rocks, minerals, and the processes that shape the Earth's structure over time. It involves understanding the formation, composition, and changes of Earth's crust and its processes, such as volcanism, erosion, and plate tectonics.
Common Professions:
Related Majors: Earth Science, Environmental Science, Geography.
Description: The study of health, disease, and medical practices. This includes fields such as medicine, nursing, public health, and biomedical research.
Common Professions:
Related Majors: Biomedical Science, Public Health, Nursing.
Description: The study of materials' properties and applications, including metals, polymers, and ceramics.
Common Professions:
Related Majors: Chemistry, Engineering, Physics.
Description: Focuses on the study of oceans, seas, and marine organisms. Marine Science includes physical, chemical, biological, and geological aspects of marine environments.
Common Professions:
Related Majors: Biology, Environmental Science, Oceanography.
Description: The application of mathematical techniques and models to understand biological systems and processes.
Common Professions:
Related Majors: Mathematics, Biology, Bioinformatics.
Description: The study of numbers, quantities, shapes, and patterns, and their relationships and applications.
Common Professions:
Related Majors: Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematical Biology.
Description: The study of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and neural networks. It explores how these components interact to influence behavior, cognition, and various neurological functions.
Common Professions:
Related Majors: Psychology, Biology, Biomedical Science.
Description: The study of drug development, formulation, and testing, focusing on improving therapeutic drugs and their delivery.
Common Professions:
Related Majors: Chemistry, Biomedical Science, Biotechnology.
Physics is the study of matter, energy, and the fundamental forces of nature. It explores concepts such as motion, force, energy, and the fundamental particles of the universe.
Common Professions:
Related Majors: Mathematics, Engineering, Astronomy/Astrophysics.
Description: The field focuses on improving health outcomes at the population level through prevention, education, and policy development.
Common Professions:
Related Majors: Epidemiology, Health Sciences, Environmental Science.
Description: The scientific study of behavior and mental processes, including perception, cognition, emotion, and social interactions.
Common Professions:
Related Majors: Neuroscience, Sociology, Behavioral Science.
Why is that? Feeling like you don't belong in science is a common experience for many people. Below are several concerns that often come up and strategies to address each.
Many individuals, especially those from underrepresented groups, feel like they don’t belong because they worry they aren't as capable or qualified as their peers. They might fear being exposed as a "fraud" despite evidence of their competence.
Strategies:
Seeing few role models or mentors who share similar backgrounds or experiences can make it hard to envision yourself in a scientific career. This lack of representation can amplify feelings of not fitting in.
The critical nature of peer review and the emphasis on data and results can be discouraging.
Strategies:
The keyword is "constructive". If you are an advisor, then be sure to provide constructive, realistic feedback.
Structural issues such as biases in hiring, promotion practices, and funding opportunities remain prevalent and hinder the growth of next-gen scientists.
Strategies:
The nature of academic or research work can be isolating. Long hours, intense focus, and a competitive environment might contribute to feelings of loneliness or exclusion.
Strategies:
The rigorous demands of scientific work, including high expectations for publication and grant success, can be overwhelming and might make people question their place in the field.
Strategies:
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