Content

 Introduction

 Science & Technology Degrees And Career Paths

 Pathology Laboratory Technologist

 Biological Science

o Environmental Science Technicians

 Aviation

o Avionics And Aircraft Equipment Mechanics

 Software Developers

 Geographer

 Veterinary Science

o Veterinary Technologist
 INTRODUCTION

As a broad field, science and technology cover a breadth of

disciplines, including biotechnology, life and physical science,

animal and plant science and information technology. Science

and technology professionals can be found in almost any sector,

from government to manufacturing to pharmaceuticals. The

following guide offers a high-level overview of the various

degree programs and employment avenues within science and

technology, details the major areas of opportunity, discusses

common skillsets, and provides insight into education,

employment and potential earnings.

Science & Technology Degrees And Career Paths

Those interested in science and technology have an opportunity

to work on some of the most pressing issues of today (e.g.

climate change), in cutting edge research (e.g. drug development),

and at the forefront of technological innovation (e.g. mobile

applications). Below is a review of some of the major career

pathways within science and tech:

Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a professional field that spans an array of

industries, including agriculture, human health, biofuels,

industrial products, environmental protection, and

pharmaceuticals.
 Pathology Laboratory Technologist

Pathologic technologists work in laboratory settings, performing

tests on biological samples, such as cells, fluids and body tissues.

A diverse profession, technologists may work in areas ranging

from oncology (cancer research) to immunology (immune system

research). They work with sophisticated testing equipment, are

responsible for tracking and logging data, and collaborating

with physicians and other researchers. Approximately half of all

technologists work in hospital laboratories, while others work in

private physician offices, university research laboratories, and

diagnostic laboratory settings. An aging population, along with

greater demand for health services through the Affordable Care

Act is expected to spur employment growth of 22 percent

nationally between 2012 and 2022.

Education requirements

Although an associate degree in human biology or clinical

laboratory science can open the door to a career, most pathology

technologists hold a bachelor’s degree. Certification and

licensure is required by most states to work in the field.

 Biological Science

Biological science is an interdisciplinary area of study that has

applications in multiple areas, such as biology, ecology,

neuroscience, immunology, medicine and conservation.

Environmental Science Technicians

are research specialists tasked with investigating the sources of

environmental hazards, such as pollution and water

contamination. Typically working under the supervision of an

environmental scientist, technicians are responsible for a variety

of tasks. Responsibilities vary from collecting samples to

analyze water quality in a lake to performing scientific tests to

identify radon in a commercial building. Increased public

awareness of environmental concerns, coupled with the loss of

natural resources through population growth is expected to

generate a 19 percent increase in employment opportunities

nationwide between 2012 and 2022.

Education requirements

Environmental science technicians are generally required to have

an associate degree in environmental science, public health or

related field. However, some employers prefer candidates with a

bachelor’s degree.
 Aviation

Aviation is an industry that deals with the design, production,

operation and maintenance of aircraft and their systems.

Avionics And Aircraft Equipment Mechanics

handle two similar but distinct roles: aircraft mechanics

typically work on aircraft, diagnosing and repairing electrical

and mechanical problems, while avionic mechanics test, install

and maintain the electronic equipment on aircraft. They are

tasked with keeping aircraft flight worthy and participate in

Federal Aviation Administration Inspections. The occupation

provides for multiple entry points, including on-the-job training

and trade school training programs. A specialized field, nearly

140,000 individuals work in aircraft and avionic mechanics

throughout the United States.

Education requirements

A high school diploma and on-the-job training or a certificate

from an FAA-approved training program are the typical

educational requirements for employment.

Aviation

Aviation is an industry that deals with the design, production,

operation and maintenance of aircraft and their systems.

 Software Developers

use programming languages (e.g. C+, Python) to design, develop,

code and build software programs and applications that run on

computers, websites, mobile devices, networks, and other

computing systems. A highly technical field, the field is

generally divided into two specialties: systems/software

development and application development. Developers may

choose to concentrate in a certain programming language (e.g.

PHP) or technology – such as databases or mobile applications.

Demand is surging nationally for skilled professionals in the

field, due to growth in information technology, particularly

mobile device use, big data analytics, and cybersecurity. Job

opportunities are projected to surpass 20 percent nationally for

both specializations.

Education requirements

Software developers typically need at least an associate degree

in computer science or related field. However, other degree

options – including bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are

traditionally recommended by employers in a growingly

competitive space.

Natural Science

Natural Science is a broad area of practice that covers several

disciplines including chemistry; geology; physics; astronomy;

atmospheric science; and oceanography.

 Geographer

Geography has two distinct branches: physical and human

geography. Geographers use quantitative and qualitative

research methods to gather and analyze geographic data as it

relates to physical characteristics (e.g. climate patterns, soil,

water, vegetation) or human elements (e.g. economy, health, and

environment). Using advanced technical equipment such as

GPS, geographic information systems (GIS) or remote sensing,

geographers seek to identify trends, patterns and relationships

in geographic data in the form of maps, satellite images, charts,

and photographs. Although it is a small field, geographers are

expected to see 29 percent job growth between 2012 and 2022.

Factors driving this growth includes the greater adoption and

need for geographic technologies, as well as increased research

into environmental change.

Education requirements

Although a bachelor’s degree can lead to entry-level positions in

the profession, a master’s degree is typically required for

employment. For research positions, a master’s degree with

multiple years of experience or Ph.D. is traditionally the

minimum educational requirement.

 Veterinary Science

Veterinary science is a branch of medicine concerned with the

diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries in animals.

Veterinary Technologist

Working under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian,

veterinary technologies perform a range of tasks in the medical

care of animals. For example, they may help collect laboratory

samples for testing, assist in medical examinations, administer

anesthesia, take X-rays, and prepare animals for surgery.

Veterinary technologists work in a range of settings, including

animal hospitals, private offices, and laboratories and with a

variety of animals—from small (cats) to large (horses). A

growing career field, the skills of technologists are in demand as

the need for animal care in areas such as public health and

animal safety increases. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics

projects 30 percent job growth for the profession between 2012

and 2022.

Education requirements

Veterinary technologies must complete a four-year program that

culminates with a bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology.

They must pass the Veterinary Technician National

Examination and meet state licensing requirements in order to

practice legally.