Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Forensic Science, and Geology and Earth Sciences. Each major below links to what it includes, the skills you build, career paths, suggested minors and how many colleges report awarding it.
| Major | Typical degrees | Career paths | Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | Associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees | Biological Technician, Microbiologist, Medical Laboratory Technician | 1,695 |
| Chemistry | Associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees | Chemist, Chemical Technician, Food Science Technician | 1,162 |
| Physics | Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees | Physicist, Astronomer, Materials Scientist | 799 |
| Mathematics | Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees | Mathematician, Statistician, Actuary | 1,352 |
| Forensic Science | Associate, bachelor's and master's degrees | Forensic Science Technician, Detective, Chemist | 261 |
| Geology and Earth Sciences | Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees | Geoscientist, Geological Technician, Environmental Technician | 480 |
Colleges: active, degree-granting U.S. schools that reported awarding at least one degree or certificate in the field, IPEDS completions, awards conferred July 2023 to June 2024 (C2024_A).
Biology
Studies living things, from cells and genes to ecosystems. Biology majors study cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution and physiology, with laboratory courses throughout.
Skills: Laboratory techniques, Scientific method, Data analysis, and Scientific writing. Pairs well with: Chemistry, Statistics, Public Health.
Chemistry
Studies matter: what substances are made of and how they react. Chemistry majors study general, organic, inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry, with extensive lab work.
Skills: Lab techniques, Instrument operation, Chemical safety, and Data analysis. Pairs well with: Biology, Business, Occupational Safety.
Physics
Studies matter, energy, motion and the fundamental laws of the universe. Physics majors study mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and optics, with strong math and lab work.
Skills: Mathematical modeling, Programming, Experimental design, and Problem solving. Pairs well with: Mathematics, Computer Science, Education.
Mathematics
Studies numbers, structures, patterns and logical reasoning. Mathematics majors study calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, abstract algebra, analysis and statistics.
Skills: Logical reasoning, Problem solving, Quantitative analysis, and Programming. Pairs well with: Computer Science, Economics, Education.
Forensic Science
Applies science to analyze evidence in criminal and civil investigations. Forensic science majors combine chemistry and biology with crime scene investigation, evidence handling and courtroom testimony.
Skills: Evidence handling, Lab analysis, Documentation, and Attention to detail. Pairs well with: Criminal Justice, Chemistry.
Geology and Earth Sciences
Studies the Earth: rocks, water, soil, natural resources and natural hazards. Geology and earth science majors study minerals, rocks, earth processes, hydrology and geophysics, with field work.
Skills: Field mapping, Sampling, GIS, and Data analysis. Pairs well with: Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Environmental Studies.
Practical training for science and mathematics careers
These Career Education Institute courses connect to the careers above. Each is a short, self-paced online course about one job.
A self-paced online course on what forensic science technicians do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: evidence collection, crime scene photography, and chain of custody
Why it fits: Connected to your Biology major
A self-paced online course on what chemists do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: analytical chemistry, instrumentation, and method development
Why it fits: Connected to your Chemistry major
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: Connected to your Biology major
A self-paced online course on what materials scientists do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: materials chemistry, characterization, and synthesis
Why it fits: Connected to your Chemistry major
A self-paced online course on what data scientists do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: python or R, SQL, and statistics
Why it fits: Connected to your Physics major
A self-paced online course on what biochemists do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: protein biochemistry, molecular biology, and assay design
Why it fits: Connected to your Biology major
Why consider career training alongside college?
Your college major gives you an academic foundation. Short career training can add practical knowledge of a specific job: what the work involves day to day, its vocabulary, common tasks, tools and safety rules. You do not have to wait until graduation: many students take a short course to test a career before choosing a major, to prepare for an internship or a part-time job, or to show employers they understand the work.
Science and Mathematics majors: frequently asked questions
What are the best science and mathematics majors?
The best major depends on the career you want. Common choices include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Forensic Science. Compare the careers, coursework and skills for each.
How many science and mathematics majors are there?
This guide covers 6 majors in science and mathematics: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Forensic Science, and Geology and Earth Sciences. Colleges may use different names for similar programs.
What careers can you get with a science and mathematics major?
Careers connected to these majors include biological technician, microbiologist, chemist, chemical technician, physicist, astronomer, mathematician, and statistician. Some require a degree and a license, while others start with a certificate or on-the-job training.
Which science and mathematics majors are offered at the most colleges?
Biology (1,695 colleges), Mathematics (1,352 colleges), Chemistry (1,162 colleges), and Physics (799 colleges), based on IPEDS completions data.
Which science and mathematics programs can you start with a certificate or associate degree?
Biology, Chemistry, and Forensic Science are commonly offered as certificates or associate degrees, as well as at higher levels at some schools.
What skills do science and mathematics majors build?
Common skills include laboratory techniques, scientific method, lab techniques, instrument operation, mathematical modeling, programming, logical reasoning, and problem solving.
Can I study science and mathematics online?
Many colleges that offer these majors also report offering fully online programs. Use the college search with a major selected and “Offers fully online programs”, then confirm with each school which programs are online.
Can I start training for a science and mathematics career before I finish college?
Yes. Short online career training can help you learn what a specific job involves and build practical knowledge while you study. It does not replace a degree or a required license.