Students who love all types of science may consider a major in Natural Sciences. This involves the study of biology, chemistry, environmental studies, and physics. You will become scientifically literate and will participate in innovative research.
This is a challenging major. Be prepared to take classes in advanced mathematics and learn complex scientific formulas. This major involves learning a broad range of material; students will need to connect information from a variety of subjects.
Courses in Natural Sciences will include: chemistry, biology, environmental studies, physics, astronomy, botany, geology, ecology, microbiology, and zoology.
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Natural Sciences Degrees Trends
#208Most Popular Major
2.5kDegrees Awarded
239Schools Offering Degrees
Natural Sciences was the 208th most popular major in the 2021-2022 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 2,514 degrees in this year alone.
This year's Best Natural Sciences Schools ranking compares 21 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of natural sciences programs later in this article.
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Requirements for Getting a Degree in Natural Sciences
This major allows you to dive deeply into the topic of natural sciences. Students will be required to juggle labs, readings, research, and attending lectures. Classes will require self-motivation as well as the ability to work with others. Your math and computer skills will be used often as you work through difficult problems, record and interpret your data.
Your assignments will require you to apply different theories to real life situations. You will develop enhanced critical thinking and analytical skills in order to evaluate your work and results. Students are required to communicate findings in oral presentations and written reports. This will require logical reasoning as well as flexibility and creativity.
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Natural Sciences Degree Program Entry Requirements
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. Once you obtain your degree, additional natural sciences certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
Types of Natural Sciences Degrees
There are many different natural sciences degree levels. You can spend many years getting as high as a in natural sciences to something that takes less time like a . How long it takes to complete some common natural sciences degree levels is shown below.
Degree
Credit Requirements
Typical Program Length
Associate Degree
60-70 credits
2 years
Bachelor’s Degree
120 credits
4 years
Master’s Degree
50-70 credits
1-3 years
Doctorate
Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation
At least 4 years
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to natural sciences, with approximately 39.6% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for natural sciences workers below.
Level of Education
Percentage of Workers
Bachelor’s Degree
40.1%
Master’s Degree
32.1%
Doctoral Degree
16.8%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
6.1%
Post-Doctoral Training
4.6%
ADBLOCK #172
Most workers in natural sciences have at least a master's degree. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in natural sciences have received.
This of course varies depending on which natural sciences career you choose.
Natural Sciences Careers
Below AverageNumber of Jobs
$19.6kAverage Starting Salary
9% GrowthJob Outlook 2016-26
A degree in Natural Sciences will prepare you for a career in a myriad of occupations. Graduates find work as a researcher, lab technician or consultant in the areas of science education, science journalism, or public health. A foundation in Natural Sciences will also allow you to go into pharmacy, medicine, law, dental, or nursing. Some of these career paths will require you to continue your education.
Solid Growth Projected for Natural Sciences Careers
Want a job when you graduate with your natural sciences degree? Natural Sciences careers are expected to grow 9.0% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to natural sciences.
Occupation Name
Projected Jobs
Expected Growth
Natural Sciences Managers
62,300
9.9%
Physical Scientists
25,100
6.8%
Life Scientists
9,700
9.0%
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How Much Money Do Natural Sciences Grads Make?
Recently graduated natural sciences students earned an average of $19,571 in <nil>. Earnings can range from as low as $6,394 to as high as $69,242. As you might expect, salaries for natural sciences graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Highest Paid Natural Sciences Careers
Salaries for natural sciences graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers natural sciences grads often go into.
Occupation Name
Median Average Salary
Natural Sciences Managers
$139,680
Physical Scientists
$110,090
Life Scientists
$89,150
ADBLOCK #173
Getting Your Natural Sciences Degree
With over 180 different natural sciences degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased natural sciences school rankings to help you with this.
by our College Data Analytics Team
