16 things to do with a science degree

Want to work with science, but don’t know where to start? Here are some careers to consider if you’re a scientist without a specialty.

You could become a nuclear physicist, a scientist who studies the nuclei of atoms. Nuclear physicists study fission and fusion, how reactions have shaped the earth’s past and how they can be used in daily life in the future.

Consider physics education research, a relatively new field in college physics in which physicists examine what difficulties students who are learning physics have and develop better ways to teach the subject.

Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry and engineering to solve problems involving the production or use of chemicals. They design equipment and develop processes for large-scale chemical manufacturing and plan and test methods of manufacturing and supervise production.

Anyone watch CSI? Forensic scientists analyze any physical evidence found on victims at the scene of crimes and compare it to evidence found on suspects. They also provide expert testimony during trials.

Mineralogists study the physics and chemistry of natural, solid and  crystalline materials.

Computer scientists build computers and program them to run. They are constantly introducing society to new technologies that allow computers to work quicker and more efficiently. If you’re considering this field, minor in computer science.

High-energy physicists study the physics of the fundamental forces and matter of the universe.

If you want to solve water-related problems in society such as quantity, quality and availability, become a hydrologist. They apply scientific knowledge and mathematical principles to find water supplies for cities, farms and explore ways to control flooding. They also protect the environment and work on ways to prevent pollution and to responsibly dispose of harmful wastes.

Marine biologists are interested in the processes of how marine organisms develop, adapt to and interact with their habitats. These scientists also study how marine ecosystems contend with changes such as global warming, pollution in the environment, even damage caused by tourism and natural disasters. Marine biology could also include a career in oceanography.

If the environment is your thing, look into becoming a geologist to study the earth and its environment.

Herpetologists study reptiles and amphibians. They also work to perfect the science of breeding snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises and amphibians.

Microbiologists investigate the world of organisms too small to be seen with the naked eye. A microbiologist studies living organisms and infectious agents. Many can only be seen with a microscope. They also study the interaction of microorganisms with people.

If you were one of those kids who used to dig for worms all the time, you should consider becoming a nematologist to study nematode worms and their environments.

Photobiologists study the interactions of light with living organisms.

Looking to be involved with a park or zoo? Pursue aviculture, the study of the culture of birds. Aviculturists feed, monitor the health and clean the exhibits of a park or zoo’s bird collection, from penguins to macaws, ostriches to hummingbirds. They also raise young hatchlings.

Neuroscientists study the human nervous system, brain and the biological basis of consciousness, perception, memory and learning.

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