Natural science as a major

In today's world, where people are exploring and trying to find the balance between science and religion, all-natural processes, and science, studying natural science is an excellent option. Students of natural science studies are taught to find quantitative data on this balance by studying formal sciences and their application to natural processes.

What does the study include?

The study of the natural sciences has five branches, viz. Astronomy, Earth Science, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. Here is a brief outline of what a natural science student often studies:

Biology

The study of biology as a natural science helps examine the phenomena of life through living organisms. This includes the study of complex ecologies and the relationship of organisms with their environment.

Chemistry

Studying matter in all its forms is integral to natural sciences study. From cells to crystals and metals, their formation and reaction to various elements come under the interesting gamut of natural sciences. This also includes an analysis of metallurgy, including the study of ceramics, metals, artificial polymers, and more.

Physics & Mathematics

As a student of natural science, you can learn the fundamental forces constituting the universe and their relation with each other. Understanding various physical forces requires quantifying principles and logical thinking that is rendered through the study of mathematics.

Astronomy

Combining chemistry, meteorology, mathematics, and physics, natural science students can study the universe's formation and development over the ages. They study the science and life of various natural phenomena outside the Earth's atmosphere, including stars, galaxies, planets, comets, etc.

Earth & Atmospheric science

This branch of natural science includes the study of soil, oceans, the earth's physical geography, geology, minerals, meteorology, and everything related to geosciences. Apart from these studies, some colleges also include a study in atmospheric science, sometimes in conjunction with earth science studies and sometimes as a separate branch of education.

Who should study natural science as a major?

A major in natural science studies is a perfect option for pre-medical, pre-dental, and health professionals looking to pursue graduate studies in life sciences, public health, science journalism, and science education.

B.Sc. or B.A. degree

At least 80 courses are offered in natural science as a major across the United States. While some are offered as B.Sc. or B.A. courses, others (like the University of Texas) offer natural science as an interdisciplinary major in Arts and Science.

Such a course is especially effective for students seeking a 120-hour degree program with various electives. The B.Sc. or B.A. course is mostly divided in the following manner:

• 48 hours of mathematics and pure sciences
• 30 hours of non-science courses
• 15-18 hours of cross-disciplinary minor courses such as anthropology, economics, linguistics, etc.
• 12 hours of interdisciplinary major studies
• Remaining time dedicated to earning certifications offered on campus about the branch of their study.

M.Sc. degrees

Students who pursue a master's degree in Natural Science examine the ideas that enable them to describe and clarify the natural world. Graduate studies are one step forward from undergraduate studies, meaning that students who enter a graduate program must extensively engage in research in their field.

A graduate degree is comparatively less time-consuming than an undergraduate degree. As mentioned above, undergraduate students must complete 120 credit hours for their degree program; however, graduate students have to complete anywhere between 30 and 60 hours. The number of hours depends entirely on the electives and courses undertaken by the student.

Eligibility

Undergraduate studies

The following is the basic eligibility criterion for students opting to study natural science as a major in undergraduate studies:

• A high school transcript with a minimum 3.0 GPA overall.
• Two to three recommendation letters.
• SAT or ACT scores, which include a writing test. It is not essential to show both test scores; one is sufficient.
• An essay that states the purpose of the student undertaking the course in a certain university.
• Many natural science colleges often prefer a strong mathematics background. However, this is entirely optional and related to the nature of the course; the student will undertake that.

Graduate studies

A graduate program in natural sciences includes either an M.Sc. or a Ph.D. Higher studies in natural sciences are especially beneficial for students looking to do a Ph.D. in any branch of natural science, those looking at research, and those looking at careers in education.

The following is the basic eligibility criterion for students opting to study natural science as a major in undergraduate studies:

• A bachelor's degree from a reputed and renowned university with at least a B+ grade throughout the program duration.
• TOEFL or IELTS scores.
• Additional documents include a Statement of Purpose, two to three letters of recommendation, writing samples, financial documents, and portfolios. It should be noted that not all the previously mentioned documents will be required by every university. The documents required by every university and the courses they offer are subjective to them.

Top Universities for Natural Sciences

University of Chicago

The University of Chicago offers several courses on Natural Sciences. However, the most popular natural sciences courses are B.Sc. in Biological Chemistry and B.A. in Physics.

Both courses are different but fall under the category of Natural Science study. Additionally, the courses offer and focus on a practical approach, combining it with theory.

As for a Master's degree in natural sciences, the University of California does not offer one. Instead, the university offers a Ph.D. in astronomy & astrophysics as a part of higher studies in natural sciences.

California Institute of Technology

The California Institute of Technology is another popular destination for pursuing an undergraduate degree in Natural Sciences. However, the focus is on two subjects under Natural Sciences - Astronomy and Geochemistry. The California Institute of Technology offers a Bachelor's in the abovementioned subjects.

For both courses, students select one specialization (related to the subject's focus) and can choose other subjects from various electives. However, students must be mindful of the credit mark and not overload themselves with electives.

California Institute of Technology offers master's courses in natural sciences, including an M.Sc. in Biochemistry and an M.Sc. in Chemistry.

Northwestern University

Northwestern University is situated in Illinois and is arguably one of the most affordable universities for higher studies. Additionally, the courses offered in the field of Natural Sciences by Northwestern University are unique from what other universities provide.

At Northwestern University, students can choose between a B.Sc. in Physics & Astronomy or a B.Sc. in Chemistry (this program is also available in B.A.); both the courses are on a full-time basis and are geared towards providing students with a well-rounded experience of being able to practice application of theory. Hence, the university focuses on lab activities and other ways of application during the term of the program.

As for a master's degree, Northwestern University offers an M.Sc. in Physics. Other subjects are available, such as Ph.D. degrees.

Duke University

Duke University is well-known for its affordable tuition fee, excellent education, and student employment rate. Unsurprisingly, Duke University also offers a great course in Natural science - the most popular being a B.Sc. in Biology Chemistry and a B.A. in Physics. It is rare to see a degree in Biology Chemistry in the vast field of Natural Science. However, it is by no means a wrong choice.

Instead, Duke University's courses open a gate full of opportunities and possibilities for students to mix and match subjects and make their subjective path toward their careers. Additionally, students can choose two majors within the courses and other electives as part of their degree to enhance their career paths more.

When it comes to a master's degree in natural science, the university offers a unique degree known as an M.Sc. in Electrical & Computer engineering, coupled with Engineering Physics.

Brown University

Brown University is quite famous for its courses in architecture and engineering. The reason is that the university introduces various ways to mix and match subjects to their students, helping them to create a degree that best suits them. Regarding natural science, Brown University uses the same approach as mentioned above. At Brown, students can choose between a B.Sc. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology or a B.Sc. in Geology Chemistry.

The mix-and-match of subjects allows students to take up new, challenging subjects that would benefit them long-term or choose subjects they are most confident in. Biochemistry is usually prevalent in biotechnology; however, it may not be every student's cup of tea. Furthermore, Brown University allows students to build a research background while studying, giving them an edge.

Like the University of Chicago, Brown University does not offer a master's degree in natural studies. However, the university provides a range of Ph.D. programs in the field, from biochemistry to mathematics.

Career prospects

Students majoring in Natural Sciences today have a bright future with many opportunities opening up. Especially with CERN, the European organization involved in recreating the God particle, making vast progress, career opportunities in natural sciences have begun taking newer dimensions with several specializations coming to the fore.

There are several career options available to students of natural science. However, some of the most popular jobs include:

Environmental scientist

As an environmental scientist, you can be involved in research where you help identify environmental hazards and create solutions. Natural science students working as ecological scientists earn an annual median salary of about $73,000.

Atmospheric scientist

Earning a median salary of about $99,000 annually. Natural science graduates working as atmospheric scientists actively gather information on atmospheric characteristics and their environmental interaction. This career is especially beneficial to those who have studied meteorology as well.

Food & Agricultural scientist

In the present scenario of a food shortage scare, the food and agricultural scientist helps check agricultural productivity and safety. This vital job can earn a scientist an average annual salary of $69,000.

Forester & conservationist scientist

Aiding the protection and development of natural forest resources, this lucrative job of a natural scientist can earn an average annual salary of $65,000.