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Elly
Student
Bloomfield, New York
1
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How long is college for a degree in science?
How long would you be in college for if you wanted to go into science?
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7 answers
Raquel Davis
Registered Nurse, premed student
148
Answers
Providence, Rhode Island
Updated
Raquel’s Answer
Hi Elly, it really depends on your individual path. It used to be that getting a bachelor's degree, no matter what major, took four years. In recent years it takes more people 5 years to complete. How long it will take you will depend on the course load you take each semester, your school's graduation requirements, and what you do outside of school. Some science degrees contain a lot of extremely difficult classes and in order to do well in them you may need to take fewer at a time, which would take longer. Working while in school can also increase the time it takes to finish. It's important to talk with your college counselor to find the best course load and plan for you. Everyone is different and whatever your path through college ends up being will be right for you.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Elly
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
472
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
A science degree is an undergraduate degree that typically takes four years, assuming the student is going full time, and is in a field related to science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Earning a science degree can lead to a successful career in multiple fields, including in non-scientific areas like management, engineering, manufacturing, energy and others. Most science degrees and science-related careers require specific technical and analytical skills. Below I've listed some science careers that are available in the US.
1. Computer science and mathematics
As knowledge of mathematics is crucial for understanding computer science, the two disciplines can be studied together. Graduates should be able to have enough knowledge of both so they can apply it in complex roles involving machine learning, artificial intelligence, robotics, data science and other similar branches of computer science.
2. Petroleum engineering
Students who graduate and earn a petroleum engineering degree learn the basics of working with oil and gas. Some of their acquired skills include knowing how to assess potential oil and gas reservoirs, design various collection and treatment facilities and supervise the actual drilling. Earning this degree can lead to a very lucrative degree and the availability of oil and gas in different places around the world means that it can also be an opportunity to work in multiple countries.
3. Management science
A management science degree teaches students to take a scientific approach to management by using specific methods and tools to come up with solutions to complex problems. Most companies that need management science graduates are also science-related and need their expertise in handling complex situations. Ultimately, the role of management science graduates is to save their hiring organization time and money.
4. Computer engineering
Computer engineers typically work on creating information processing devices and systems. Although most computer engineering graduates work in fields like communications, electronics, robotics, aerospace and healthcare, technology's huge growth in popularity over the past decades means that they can find a job in virtually any domain.
5. Biological sciences
Biological science majors gain deep knowledge of biology, zoology, botany and ecology. They can pursue a career as biological scientists or biologists and specialize in any of the specialties listed above.
6. Biological and physical sciences
Earning a degree in biological and physical sciences is helpful for students who want to get a broad education in life sciences and biological principles. They study molecular, cell, developmental and human biology, along with other related fields such as developmental biology and microbiology. The best application for this degree is becoming the manager of a science-based facility or department.
7. Biochemistry
Biochemists need strong backgrounds in both biology and chemistry. Graduates are usually employed in the pharmaceutical, medical, chemical or cosmetic industry and work on conducting research that can potentially set their employer apart from the competition.
8. Statistical science
Statistics majors work for a wide range of businesses, typically as business analysts, data analysts, cost estimators, biostatisticians and other similar professions. They use their knowledge and expertise to collect, tabulate, analyze and interpret data in a wide range of industries and for multiple purposes, from increasing sales on existing products to developing new ones.
9. Computer science
Computer science graduates have both strong mathematical skills and software development capabilities. They usually work as IT consultants, software developers, technical writers, database administrators and other similar professions. The demand for computer science majors is always increasing, due to technology's continuous increase in popularity and widespread use.
10. Microbiological sciences and immunology
Students who want to be involved in studying potential new drugs and conducting clinical trials can choose a degree in microbiological sciences and immunology. The hiring institutions vary from state agencies to pharmaceutical companies and medical corporations.
11. Sustainable and renewable energy
Careers that involve studying ways to generate clean energy are constantly growing in popularity, especially those related to renewable energy, such as wind, solar, water and geothermal. A degree in sustainable and renewable energy can also be useful for a career in studying energy-efficient building and transportation.
12. Behavioral economics
Behavioral economics is a field that mixes psychology and economics, with the purpose of studying how human behavior is influenced by money. It's based upon the premise that most people do not make unbiased and rational decisions when spending money and aims to study exactly what makes them behave that way. Most job opportunities for behavioral economists are in marketing.
13. App development
Application development graduates are skilled in designing, developing and improving apps for various devices, like smartphones, computers and tablets. They usually work for app development companies or independently and focus on various aspects of software development.
14. Robotics
A robotics degree teaches graduates to pair machines with artificial intelligence technology and to program them to respond to their environment. It is a constantly growing field with more and more practical applications. Depending on the exact specialization, a career in robotics may involve being an engineer or technician, a software developer or other less specialized roles, such as sales engineer.
15. Mechatronics
Mechatronics is a subcategory of engineering that focuses on designing, developing and producing automated equipment for a wide range of purposes. Due to the constant demand for automation, a mechatronics degree is likely to increase in value in the future.
16. Health science
Students who earn a health science degree typically wish to work in the healthcare industry but are not sure in which capacity. As a health science major, you learn about matters directly related to medical practices, but also administrative and policy issues. This general approach to the field of medicine allows students to decide on a specialization later on.
17. Economics
As a general definition, economics is the science that focuses on producing maximum results with the minimum amount of used resources. Economics majors study various commercial, social and political processes that influence economic activity and are prepared for a future career in finance, international relations, politics, law, commerce and other related fields.
18. Aeronautical engineering
Aeronautical engineering students learn how to design, build and test various types of aircraft. They also learn how the laws of physics impact flight, including notions like aerodynamics, lift and drag. It can lead to many lucrative career opportunities for aircraft companies, both nationally and internationally.
19. Paleontology
Unlike many other science degrees that focus on modern discoveries and technology, paleontology uses that modern technology to develop new ways of looking into the past. Paleontology students learn about zoology, structural geology, geowriting and other similar disciplines, allowing them to draw accurate conclusions regarding ancient species.
20. Mining and mineral engineering
The field of exploring, extracting and processing various minerals is usually highly valued, due to the multiple applications that these minerals can have on people's everyday lives. Most graduates become mining engineers, but other mining and consulting roles are also available.
1. Computer science and mathematics
As knowledge of mathematics is crucial for understanding computer science, the two disciplines can be studied together. Graduates should be able to have enough knowledge of both so they can apply it in complex roles involving machine learning, artificial intelligence, robotics, data science and other similar branches of computer science.
2. Petroleum engineering
Students who graduate and earn a petroleum engineering degree learn the basics of working with oil and gas. Some of their acquired skills include knowing how to assess potential oil and gas reservoirs, design various collection and treatment facilities and supervise the actual drilling. Earning this degree can lead to a very lucrative degree and the availability of oil and gas in different places around the world means that it can also be an opportunity to work in multiple countries.
3. Management science
A management science degree teaches students to take a scientific approach to management by using specific methods and tools to come up with solutions to complex problems. Most companies that need management science graduates are also science-related and need their expertise in handling complex situations. Ultimately, the role of management science graduates is to save their hiring organization time and money.
4. Computer engineering
Computer engineers typically work on creating information processing devices and systems. Although most computer engineering graduates work in fields like communications, electronics, robotics, aerospace and healthcare, technology's huge growth in popularity over the past decades means that they can find a job in virtually any domain.
5. Biological sciences
Biological science majors gain deep knowledge of biology, zoology, botany and ecology. They can pursue a career as biological scientists or biologists and specialize in any of the specialties listed above.
6. Biological and physical sciences
Earning a degree in biological and physical sciences is helpful for students who want to get a broad education in life sciences and biological principles. They study molecular, cell, developmental and human biology, along with other related fields such as developmental biology and microbiology. The best application for this degree is becoming the manager of a science-based facility or department.
7. Biochemistry
Biochemists need strong backgrounds in both biology and chemistry. Graduates are usually employed in the pharmaceutical, medical, chemical or cosmetic industry and work on conducting research that can potentially set their employer apart from the competition.
8. Statistical science
Statistics majors work for a wide range of businesses, typically as business analysts, data analysts, cost estimators, biostatisticians and other similar professions. They use their knowledge and expertise to collect, tabulate, analyze and interpret data in a wide range of industries and for multiple purposes, from increasing sales on existing products to developing new ones.
9. Computer science
Computer science graduates have both strong mathematical skills and software development capabilities. They usually work as IT consultants, software developers, technical writers, database administrators and other similar professions. The demand for computer science majors is always increasing, due to technology's continuous increase in popularity and widespread use.
10. Microbiological sciences and immunology
Students who want to be involved in studying potential new drugs and conducting clinical trials can choose a degree in microbiological sciences and immunology. The hiring institutions vary from state agencies to pharmaceutical companies and medical corporations.
11. Sustainable and renewable energy
Careers that involve studying ways to generate clean energy are constantly growing in popularity, especially those related to renewable energy, such as wind, solar, water and geothermal. A degree in sustainable and renewable energy can also be useful for a career in studying energy-efficient building and transportation.
12. Behavioral economics
Behavioral economics is a field that mixes psychology and economics, with the purpose of studying how human behavior is influenced by money. It's based upon the premise that most people do not make unbiased and rational decisions when spending money and aims to study exactly what makes them behave that way. Most job opportunities for behavioral economists are in marketing.
13. App development
Application development graduates are skilled in designing, developing and improving apps for various devices, like smartphones, computers and tablets. They usually work for app development companies or independently and focus on various aspects of software development.
14. Robotics
A robotics degree teaches graduates to pair machines with artificial intelligence technology and to program them to respond to their environment. It is a constantly growing field with more and more practical applications. Depending on the exact specialization, a career in robotics may involve being an engineer or technician, a software developer or other less specialized roles, such as sales engineer.
15. Mechatronics
Mechatronics is a subcategory of engineering that focuses on designing, developing and producing automated equipment for a wide range of purposes. Due to the constant demand for automation, a mechatronics degree is likely to increase in value in the future.
16. Health science
Students who earn a health science degree typically wish to work in the healthcare industry but are not sure in which capacity. As a health science major, you learn about matters directly related to medical practices, but also administrative and policy issues. This general approach to the field of medicine allows students to decide on a specialization later on.
17. Economics
As a general definition, economics is the science that focuses on producing maximum results with the minimum amount of used resources. Economics majors study various commercial, social and political processes that influence economic activity and are prepared for a future career in finance, international relations, politics, law, commerce and other related fields.
18. Aeronautical engineering
Aeronautical engineering students learn how to design, build and test various types of aircraft. They also learn how the laws of physics impact flight, including notions like aerodynamics, lift and drag. It can lead to many lucrative career opportunities for aircraft companies, both nationally and internationally.
19. Paleontology
Unlike many other science degrees that focus on modern discoveries and technology, paleontology uses that modern technology to develop new ways of looking into the past. Paleontology students learn about zoology, structural geology, geowriting and other similar disciplines, allowing them to draw accurate conclusions regarding ancient species.
20. Mining and mineral engineering
The field of exploring, extracting and processing various minerals is usually highly valued, due to the multiple applications that these minerals can have on people's everyday lives. Most graduates become mining engineers, but other mining and consulting roles are also available.
Gloria Ortiz
Instructional Designer
850
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
Hi Elly,
There are many variables that impact how long it takes to graduate. The first is how do you want to use science - medicine, chemistry, engineering. You also need to consider what degree program do you need to complete to do the job that you desire. Most people can begin working in their field with just a bachelor's degree. I have known many people who do advanced education while they have a job. Another thing to consider is did you earn college credit in high school? I had a family member who earned a year of college credit in high school, then earned her bachelor's degree in 3 years.
Gloria
There are many variables that impact how long it takes to graduate. The first is how do you want to use science - medicine, chemistry, engineering. You also need to consider what degree program do you need to complete to do the job that you desire. Most people can begin working in their field with just a bachelor's degree. I have known many people who do advanced education while they have a job. Another thing to consider is did you earn college credit in high school? I had a family member who earned a year of college credit in high school, then earned her bachelor's degree in 3 years.
Gloria
Thank you so much for the advice.
Elly
Leslie Lai
Social Impact @Roku
3
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Leslie’s Answer
A Bachelors degree is usually 4 years but it can be shorter if you have college credit accumulated during high school from Advance Placement courses or similar level coursework. Every college also has different requirements so you can think about which college you may want to attend and look up their different science offerings and requirements for graduation.
For example, I have a Bachelors degree in Biology which I finished in 4 years but could have chosen to finish in 3 because it didn't require as many math courses as other Science majors like Chemistry and Physics. Engineering majors have the most intensive level of course work and are generally a minimum of 4 years at almost every college.
For example, I have a Bachelors degree in Biology which I finished in 4 years but could have chosen to finish in 3 because it didn't require as many math courses as other Science majors like Chemistry and Physics. Engineering majors have the most intensive level of course work and are generally a minimum of 4 years at almost every college.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Elly,
Earning a science degree's duration can fluctuate based on the specific discipline and degree level. Generally, a Bachelor's degree in science is a four-year journey, inclusive of mandatory coursework, lab sessions, and other practical experiences like internships or research projects.
**If you're considering a Master's degree in science, anticipate an additional two years post-Bachelor's. This period will involve specialized coursework, research, and occasionally, a thesis or capstone project.
**For those with sights set on a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in science, anticipate approximately 4-6 years or even more post-Bachelor's. Doctoral programs are heavily research-focused, requiring students to undertake original research under a faculty advisor's supervision. The duration might vary, depending on the research topic's complexity and the student's progress rate.
To summarize:
Bachelor’s Degree: Roughly 4 years
Master’s Degree: Extra 2 years post-Bachelor’s
Doctorate (Ph.D.) Degree: About 4-6 years or more post-Bachelor’s
Remember, these timelines are general approximations and can fluctuate based on factors like program requirements, course load, student progress, and any study breaks.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) - As a leading federal entity for collecting and analyzing U.S. education data, NCES offers comprehensive statistics on educational institutions and programs, including average completion times for various degrees.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - BLS provides valuable insights into various science occupations, including information on educational requirements and typical pathways to enter these professions.
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) - As a respected organization promoting scientific advancement and education, AAAS offers resources and information on academic programs in science fields, which can provide insights into different degree program durations.
These sources were referenced to ensure the information provided about the duration of science degrees is accurate and reliable.
MAY YOU BE RICHLY BLESSED, ELLY.
JC.
Earning a science degree's duration can fluctuate based on the specific discipline and degree level. Generally, a Bachelor's degree in science is a four-year journey, inclusive of mandatory coursework, lab sessions, and other practical experiences like internships or research projects.
**If you're considering a Master's degree in science, anticipate an additional two years post-Bachelor's. This period will involve specialized coursework, research, and occasionally, a thesis or capstone project.
**For those with sights set on a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in science, anticipate approximately 4-6 years or even more post-Bachelor's. Doctoral programs are heavily research-focused, requiring students to undertake original research under a faculty advisor's supervision. The duration might vary, depending on the research topic's complexity and the student's progress rate.
To summarize:
Bachelor’s Degree: Roughly 4 years
Master’s Degree: Extra 2 years post-Bachelor’s
Doctorate (Ph.D.) Degree: About 4-6 years or more post-Bachelor’s
Remember, these timelines are general approximations and can fluctuate based on factors like program requirements, course load, student progress, and any study breaks.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) - As a leading federal entity for collecting and analyzing U.S. education data, NCES offers comprehensive statistics on educational institutions and programs, including average completion times for various degrees.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - BLS provides valuable insights into various science occupations, including information on educational requirements and typical pathways to enter these professions.
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) - As a respected organization promoting scientific advancement and education, AAAS offers resources and information on academic programs in science fields, which can provide insights into different degree program durations.
These sources were referenced to ensure the information provided about the duration of science degrees is accurate and reliable.
MAY YOU BE RICHLY BLESSED, ELLY.
JC.
Chirayu Rupani
Data Analyst
295
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Chirayu’s Answer
A Bachelor's degree in science typically takes four years to complete, assuming that a student attends college full-time and does not take any breaks or gaps in their education. However, some Bachelor's degree programs may take longer if they require a larger number of credit hours or if a student takes longer to complete their degree requirements. If you wish to pursue an advanced degree in science, such as a Master's or Ph.D., the length of time it takes to complete your degree can vary depending on the specific program and your individual progress. A Master's degree in science typically takes 1-2 years to complete, while a Ph.D. in science can take an additional 4-6 years or longer, depending on the field of study and the research required for the dissertation.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Elly
david kirk
Retired Computing Manager
480
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
david’s Answer
Hi, Ellly,
That is a good question, primarily because good questions don't have quick answers. A BS degree takes four years, but if you are pursuing a highly focused career area, then you will want to then pursue a master's degree and possibly a PHD. As you narrow your career thoughts to specific areas, you will be better positioned to see your next steps. Talking to your professors will be a huge help in giving you more precise answers. Good luck in your pursuits.
That is a good question, primarily because good questions don't have quick answers. A BS degree takes four years, but if you are pursuing a highly focused career area, then you will want to then pursue a master's degree and possibly a PHD. As you narrow your career thoughts to specific areas, you will be better positioned to see your next steps. Talking to your professors will be a huge help in giving you more precise answers. Good luck in your pursuits.
Thank you, david for the advice.
Elly