When you study science, you’re mastering the art of identifying problems, then developing creative and practical solutions. You have to be flexible and adaptable and learn constantly in an ever-evolving environment. And let’s not forget the need for outstanding communication skills to explain your latest project or seek support for a new idea. In the words of Jack Leeming in an August 26, 2016, blog post,“…the average scientist is a wholesome blend of technician, odd-jobber, salesperson, researcher, writer, presenter and a general jack-of-all-trades.” And there’s no better place to explore all the facets of studying science than here.
In the Dietrich School, students in introductory biology classes conduct real, meaningful research in their labs. Check out the video to see them in action.
Popular Majors
Students interested in science often explore such majors and minors as:
- Astronomy
- Bioinformatics
- Biological Sciences
- Chemistry
- Ecology and Evolution
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Studies
- Geology
- History and Philosophy of Science
- Mathematical Biology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Neuroscience
- Physics
- Physics and Astronomy
- Psychology
Enrichment Opportunities
Students interested in science have enhanced their studies with some of the following opportunities:
- First Experiences in Research (Read Anthony Sciulli's story here.)
- London Field Studies (Watch video)
- Neurons and Chemicals Academic Community
- Psychology Supervised Field Placement
- Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology
- Research in the departments
- Summer Undergraduate Research Award (Read Mark Sullivan's story here.)
- Undergraduate Mentors (Read Faiz Kabbinavar's story here.)
- Yellowstone Summer Field Course
Career Choices
Recent graduates in science have gone on to exciting careers, with such titles as:
- Attorney, Woodcock Washburn LLP
- Bioinformatics scientist, UPMC
- Content architect, Thermo Fisher Scientific
- Director of federal relations, Northern Illinois University
- eLearning specialist, Tableau Software
- Medical doctor
- Patent attorney, Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
- Physicist, Argonne National Laboratory
- Principal scientist, Proctor & Gamble
- Professor
- Project ecologist, Golder Associates
- Research and development analyst, Progressive Insurance
- Research ecologist, USDA Forest Service
- Research associate, U.S. Army Center for Environmental Health Research
- Science researcher and writer, HistoryMakers
- Scientific director, C4 MedSolutions
- Senior Science Editor, JoVE
- Teacher
- Technical sales specialist in cell therapy, Irvine Scientific
- Technology consultant, JLYT Industry Group