What Can You Do With a Natural Sciences Degree in 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Many students start their career journey with a passion for science, yet also wonder which path to take. If a "science of discovery" piques your mind more than a "science of invention," then natural sciences suit better. The field offers a foundation for research, as opposed to applied science, which focuses on practical skills. With job demand for natural science roles projected to grow 6% by 2028, the potential for long-term, impactful careers is strong in this field.

The key is knowing how to build upon your degree strategically. This guide is your roadmap. It is built on over a decade of career planning expertise to help you turn your interest in science into a confident and successful career.

What is a natural sciences degree?

A natural sciences degree focuses on understanding the fundamental principles of the natural world through subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics. It builds a solid foundation for exploring scientific concepts, solving real-world problems, and pursuing specialized paths such as accelerated online physics degree programs. This broad-based approach prepares graduates for diverse roles in research, education, healthcare, and technology.

While an applied sciences degree prioritizes hands-on training and immediate industry application, a natural sciences degree places greater emphasis on theory, experimentation, and research methods. Education in natural sciences often serves as a gateway to advanced degrees or research roles, whereas applied sciences training typically prepares students to enter the workforce with ready-to-use technical skills.

For students particularly interested in biochemistry, understanding what jobs can you get with a biochemistry major can help guide course selection and career planning, opening pathways in pharmaceuticals, clinical research, biotechnology, and laboratory science.

What jobs can I get with a natural sciences degree?

A natural sciences degree opens doors to careers in healthcare, research, and environmental fields, as well as many roles outside of a traditional lab. Here are some of the key job types you can pursue:

• Research Scientist: You will conduct experiments and analyze data in academic, government, or private industry labs to advance scientific knowledge.
• Healthcare Professional: This degree provides an excellent foundation for roles like a clinical laboratory technician or for pursuing further education in medicine, dentistry, or pharmacology.
• Environmental Consultant: You will use your scientific expertise to advise clients on issues like resource management, conservation, and regulatory compliance. Some students prepare for this career by completing an accelerated environmental engineering online degree, which offers a faster pathway into the field.
• Science Writer: This role allows you to communicate complex scientific topics to the public through articles, websites, or educational materials.
• Technical Sales Representative: You will leverage your deep product knowledge to sell scientific equipment or pharmaceuticals to laboratories and healthcare organizations.
• Policy Advisor: Your scientific background will help you inform government agencies or non-profit organizations on important issues related to public health and the environment.

How much can you earn with a natural sciences degree?

The earning potential with a natural sciences degree is a spectrum influenced by several key factors. While entry-level salaries may begin around $50,824, your income can grow substantially based on the strategic decisions you make throughout your career. 

The following are the primary factors that determine your salary:

• Educational Attainment: Advancing your education or adding specialized skills, such as data analysis, can significantly enhance your earning potential.
• Industry Sector: Working in high-growth private sectors like biotechnology or pharmaceuticals often yields higher compensation compared to roles in academia or government.
• Geographic Location: Salaries are frequently higher in major innovation hubs where a dense concentration of science-based companies creates competitive demand for talent.
• Career Advancement: Progressing into leadership positions, such as a natural sciences manager, leads to substantial salary growth, with median earnings exceeding $137,000 annually.

What is the job outlook for graduates of natural sciences degree programs?

The job outlook for natural sciences graduates is strong and stable. This security is driven by broad growth across all STEM fields, with natural science occupations projected to grow 6% in the coming years. Key industries that hire science graduates are also expanding rapidly. For example, the global life sciences market is forecasted to reach nearly $239.56 billion by 2033.

An aging population, for instance, increases the demand for new medicines and healthcare innovations. This drives significant investment and job creation in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. At the same time, a global focus on sustainability requires experts in environmental science. These professionals are essential for managing natural resources and addressing the challenges of climate change.

For students exploring this field, understanding jobs for environmental science majors can help guide career choices, with opportunities in conservation, environmental consulting, policy, research, and renewable energy sectors.

Where can I work with a natural sciences degree?

A natural sciences degree prepares you for work in diverse settings, from laboratories to corporate offices and even outdoor fieldwork. While jobs exist nationwide, the highest-paying opportunities are often concentrated in specific geographic innovation hubs. Making location a key part of your career strategy is essential.

Common work environments include:

• Research Laboratories: Professionals in this setting work at universities, government agencies, or private companies in industries like pharmaceuticals.
• Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals and clinics rely on staff with a strong science background for diagnostics and clinical research.
• Corporate Offices: Many graduates work in non-lab roles like technical sales, marketing, or management for science-based companies.
• Government Agencies: Roles in regulatory affairs, public health, and environmental protection are common career paths. This work often involves managing public resources, a key skill taught in programs like the fastest online geography degree programs.
• Field Locations: Environmental scientists and geologists often work outdoors, collecting data and monitoring conditions.

What skills do you need for natural sciences degree jobs?

Success in natural sciences jobs requires a strategic mix of technical knowledge, applied data skills, and professional soft skills. Below are the key competencies you should focus on developing to become a competitive candidate.

• Technical Laboratory Skills: These are the core hands-on competencies in biology and chemistry that are fundamental to conducting scientific research.
• Data Analysis and Interpretation: This is the ability to use statistical software and computational tools to make sense of complex scientific data.
• Scientific Writing and Communication: You must be able to clearly document your research and effectively present your findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Employers value professionals who can analyze complex problems, design experiments, and develop innovative solutions.
• Project Management: This involves organizing research timelines, managing resources, and ensuring that projects are completed efficiently and on schedule.

For those wondering what can you do with an environmental science degree, many of these skills directly apply to careers in environmental consulting, conservation, sustainability analysis, and regulatory compliance, demonstrating the practical value of this training.

What are the education requirements to enroll in a natural sciences degree program?

Most bachelor's degree programs in the natural sciences require a high school diploma or GED. Admissions committees typically look for a strong academic record, especially in science and mathematics courses. An associate's degree program is often more flexible and can serve as an excellent starting point.

Here are the common requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED: This is the standard prerequisite for admission to any undergraduate program.
• Strong Science and Math Foundation: Solid grades in courses like biology, chemistry, physics, and algebra are critical for success.
• Standardized Test Scores: While many universities have become test-optional, good SAT or ACT scores can still strengthen your application.
• Letters of Recommendation: Positive endorsements from teachers or mentors can highlight your passion and readiness for college-level work.
• Personal Statement: This is your opportunity to articulate your interest in the field and explain your career goals.

What alternative paths are available for natural sciences degrees?

Alternative paths like certificates and bootcamps are highly effective tools for entering the natural sciences field. These focused programs are excellent for career changers who want to add specific, high-demand skills without committing to a full degree. They offer a lower-risk, faster way to build on your existing professional experience.

The key is to view them not as replacements for a degree, but as powerful accelerators and bridges into a new career.

Skill Accelerators and Career Bridges

These credentials are most powerful when they amplify your existing skills or help you pivot into a new industry. Here are some of the most effective options:

• Undergraduate Certificates: These are bundles of college courses that provide specialized knowledge in a specific area.
• Graduate Certificates: These are ideal for those with a bachelor's degree who want to pivot into a technical field like the one in the accelerated online graduate certificate in biotechnology.
• Bootcamps: These intensive, short-term programs are excellent for quickly acquiring job-ready technical skills, especially in data analysis.
• Professional Certifications: These credentials from industry organizations validate your expertise in a specific technology or methodology.
• Individual College Courses: Taking a few key science courses can demonstrate your commitment and ability to employers when you are changing careers.

What career paths are available to graduates with a natural sciences degree?

A natural sciences degree provides a launchpad for a wide range of long-term career trajectories. The skills you gain open doors to opportunities in leadership, specialized research, and many related professional fields.

Below are some of the primary career paths you can pursue:

1. Technical Specialist

This path involves deepening your scientific expertise to become a leading authority in a specific area of research. Many specialists work in laboratories, universities, or private companies, contributing directly to innovation and problem-solving.

Median salary: $87,353 per year

2. Science Manager or Director

This leadership track focuses on directing research strategy, managing teams, and overseeing project budgets for an organization. Successful managers often bridge the gap between scientific research and organizational goals, ensuring projects meet both technical and business needs.

Median salary: $96,560 per year

3. Healthcare Professional

The degree serves as a strong foundation for pursuing advanced studies to become a doctor, dentist, pharmacist, or physician assistant. This path also allows graduates to specialize in emerging areas of healthcare, such as personalized medicine or biomedical technology.

Median salary: $44,000 per year

4. Policy Advisor

This path allows you to inform government agencies on important issues, a role for which a degree like a fast track bachelor's in political science online can be a valuable addition. Advisors with scientific backgrounds are in high demand for crafting evidence-based policies that address complex societal challenges.

Median salary: $104,760 per year

5. Patent Lawyer

You can use your scientific knowledge to help inventors and companies protect their discoveries and technologies through the legal system. Many patent lawyers work with cutting-edge innovations, ensuring intellectual property rights are upheld worldwide.

Median salary: $149,437 per year

How do you get started on your natural sciences degree?

Getting started on your natural sciences degree involves creating a strategic plan before you even apply to college. Taking a thoughtful approach to your preparation and program research will set you up for long-term success.

For students exploring interdisciplinary paths, it’s also useful to consider what can you do with an energy policy degree, as many skills from natural sciences—like data analysis, environmental assessment, and research methodology—transfer directly to careers in energy regulation, sustainability consulting, and policy development.

Here is a step-by-step guide to begin your journey:

• Build a Strong Academic Foundation: Focus on excelling in your high school science and math courses, as this is the single most important factor for admission.
• Gain Hands-On Experience: Seek out opportunities to volunteer at a local lab, museum, or nature center to confirm your interest and build your resume.
• Research Programs Strategically: Look for accredited programs and consider the financial investment. Annual tuition can range from around $6,630 for in-state public schools to over $35,000 for private institutions.
• Connect with People in the Field: Reach out to current students or professionals for informational interviews to learn about their experiences and get advice.
• Define Your Initial Career Goals: Having a clear idea of potential careers, even if it changes later, will help you choose the right program and coursework from the start.

What advancement opportunities are available after a natural sciences degree?

Advancement in a science career depends on building expertise and delivering strong on-the-job results. The following are the primary advancement opportunities available after earning your degree:

• Technical Leadership: This path involves becoming a subject-matter expert within your organization, guiding research and technical strategy without formal management duties.
• Project and People Management: Transitioning into leadership allows you to direct teams and oversee budgets, a path where experience is critical, as over 57% of science managers are over 40 years old.
• Cross-Functional Expertise: Leveraging your science background in adjacent departments like business development or regulatory affairs opens up unique and valuable career paths.
• Strategic Graduate Studies: Pursuing a master's or PhD becomes a targeted investment to unlock specific senior roles, such as leading an independent research laboratory.
• Entrepreneurship: A strong scientific foundation provides the credibility and knowledge needed to launch a startup company based on a novel technology or discovery.

Is a natural sciences degree worth it?

A natural sciences degree is worth it. It provides a powerful and flexible foundation for a successful career, but its value is unlocked when you treat it as a strategic starting point, not a final destination. The key is to actively build upon your education by developing a skillset with data analysis, seeking hands-on internships, and being strategic about your location.

Think of your degree as the platform on which you will build your career. It gives you the scientific literacy and critical thinking skills to open the door to opportunity. Your career, however, is built by the choices you make to combine that foundation with other high-demand fields, which is why professionals in related areas earn average salaries over $100,000. The degree provides the platform, but you determine how high you will build upon it.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say about Their Natural Sciences Degree Program

Other Things You Need To Know About a Natural Sciences Degree

How important are internships for a natural sciences degree?

Internships are extremely important for students pursuing a natural sciences degree. They provide critical hands-on experience that employers look for when hiring for entry-level positions. An internship allows you to apply your classroom knowledge in a real-world setting, build a professional network, and confirm your interest in a specific career path before you graduate. Many companies also use their internship programs as a primary pipeline for recruiting full-time talent.

What is the best minor to pair with a natural sciences degree?

The best minor to pair with a natural sciences degree is one that builds your applied skills. A minor in computer science, data analytics, or statistics is an excellent choice, as it provides the computational abilities that are currently in high demand across all scientific fields. Minors in business or technical writing are also very valuable, as they can prepare you for leadership or science communication roles within technology-driven industries.

Should I join a professional scientific society as a student?

Yes, joining a professional scientific society is a highly strategic move for any student. Organizations like the American Chemical Society or the American Institute of Biological Sciences offer access to invaluable resources. These include academic journals, career development workshops, and networking events where you can connect with professionals and potential employers in your field. Student membership rates are typically very affordable.

Can I transfer credits from an associate's degree to a bachelor's program?

Yes, you can almost always transfer credits from an accredited associate's degree program to a bachelor's degree in the natural sciences. Most community colleges have formal articulation agreements with four-year universities to ensure a seamless transfer process for their students. To make it work, you must plan and work closely with academic advisors at both institutions to confirm exactly which credits will apply to your bachelor's degree requirements.