Careers: biological technician, chemical technician, medical laboratory technician, chemist, and microbiologist. Majors: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Medical Laboratory Science.
College majors for science and research
Biology
Studies living things, from cells and genes to ecosystems.
Chemistry
Studies matter: what substances are made of and how they react.
Physics
Studies matter, energy, motion and the fundamental laws of the universe.
Mathematics
Studies numbers, structures, patterns and logical reasoning.
Medical Laboratory Science
Prepares you to run the lab tests doctors use to diagnose and treat disease.
Forensic Science
Applies science to analyze evidence in criminal and civil investigations.
Public Health
Studies how to prevent disease and improve the health of whole communities.
Health Sciences
A broad science-based major that prepares you for clinical programs and health careers.
Nutrition and Dietetics
Studies food, nutrients and diet and how they affect health and disease.
Careers in science and research
Biological Technician
Run experiments and lab work that power biology and biotech research.
- Typical training: 4 years
Chemical Technician
Run chemical tests and experiments that support research and production.
- Typical training: 2 years
Medical Laboratory Technician
Run the lab tests doctors use to diagnose and treat patients.
- Typical training: 2 years (technician) or 4 years (technologist)
Chemist
Study substances and create new materials, medicines and products.
- Typical training: 4+ years
Microbiologist
Study bacteria, viruses and microbes to protect health and make products.
- Typical training: 4+ years
Environmental Technician
Collect and test air, water and soil samples to monitor pollution and protect health.
- Typical training: About 2 years
Forensic Science Technician
Collect and analyze evidence that helps solve crimes.
- Typical training: 4 years + training
Medical Scientist
Research diseases and develop treatments to improve human health.
- Typical training: 5–8 years after a bachelor’s
Skills these careers use
- Aseptic technique
- Analytical chemistry
- Data analysis
- Cell culture
- PCR and molecular biology
- Microscopy
Minors that fit this interest
- Biology: Adds a foundation in living systems, cells, genetics and ecology.
- Chemistry: Adds lab skills and an understanding of substances and reactions.
- Mathematics: Adds advanced math and quantitative reasoning.
- Physics: Adds a deeper understanding of matter, energy and motion.
- Statistics: Adds the tools to collect, analyze and interpret data.
Start building skills now
A self-paced online course on what biological technicians do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: cell culture, PCR and molecular biology, and microscopy
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Science and Research
A self-paced online course on what chemical technicians do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: analytical chemistry, instrument operation, and solution preparation
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Science and Research
A self-paced online course on what medical laboratory technicians do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: clinical chemistry, hematology, and microbiology
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Science and Research
Science and Research: frequently asked questions
What careers are there in science and research?
Careers connected to science and research include biological technician, chemical technician, medical laboratory technician, chemist, microbiologist, environmental technician, forensic science technician, and medical scientist.
What should I major in if I am interested in science and research?
Majors connected to science and research include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Medical Laboratory Science, and Forensic Science. Compare what each includes, the skills it builds and where it leads.
What science and research careers do not require a four-year degree?
Examples include chemical technician, medical laboratory technician, and environmental technician. They typically start with a high school diploma, a certificate, an associate degree, an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.
Which science and research careers usually require a bachelor’s degree or more?
Examples include biological technician, chemist, microbiologist, forensic science technician, and medical scientist. Some also need a license or certification.
What skills do you need for a career in science and research?
Skills that come up often in these careers include aseptic technique, analytical chemistry, data analysis, cell culture, PCR and molecular biology, and microscopy, along with communication and problem solving.
What minors fit an interest in science and research?
Minors connected to science and research include Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics.
How do I start a career in science and research?
Learn about the careers in the field, choose one or two that fit you, check the education or training each requires, and build practical knowledge early through classes, part-time work, volunteering or short career training.
Can I explore science and research careers before choosing a college major?
Yes. Career profiles, job shadowing and short online career training let you learn what jobs in science and research involve before you commit to a major or program.
Does Career Education Institute offer training related to science and research?
Yes. Related online trainings include Biological Technician Training, Chemical Technician Training, and Medical Laboratory Technician Training. They are general, non-credit courses that teach what a job involves; they do not grant a degree or license.
Which colleges offer programs related to science and research?
Use the college search to find U.S. colleges that report awarding degrees in related majors, filtered by state, city, ZIP code, online programs and type of school.