Unlock career success with an undergraduate science degree from these universities

Scientists are some of the world’s biggest movers and shakers, often engaging in work that directly or indirectly has the potential to change the world. Whether your interest lies in the biosciences, microbiology or even physics, pursuing an undergraduate science degree can pave the way to a wealth of career opportunities across a host of industries.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that employment in life, physical and social science occupations is projected to grow 7 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations, resulting in about 97,400 new jobs. They note that the increasing demand for expertise in the sciences, particularly in occupations involved in biomedical research, psychology, energy management and environmental protection, could result in significant employment growth.

This is great news for students who want to engage in meaningful work with their science degree. Science graduates can find employment in both private and government sectors, and may find work in offices or laboratories, depending on their role and area of study.

Whether it involves making key advances in curing a particular disease to deepening our understanding of climate science, a science undergraduate degree serves as an important steppingstone towards solving some of the world’s most pressing issues, improving the quality of life for everyone and everything on the planet.

The US is home to some top institutions that are making waves in the scientific realm, moulding students to become tomorrow’s generation of forward and innovative thinking scientists. This makes it a promising place for students keen on studying abroad. If your interest is piqued, here are four American institutions worth considering that serve as your launchpad to career success:

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY

This international research university is nestled in the city of Corvallis, granting students access to a diverse landscape of forests, mountains and beaches. The College provides hands-on experiences that maximise classroom learning, making studying the sciences an incredibly exciting endeavour.

Oregon State University is ranked in the top 1 percent of more than 27,000 degree-granting institutions worldwide by the Center for World University Rankings (2017). At OSU, scientists and students engage in a wide range of exciting studies; be it tracking the effect of human actions on climate change in state-of-the-art facilities, or discovering drugs that destroy cancer cells, among countless other things.

To prepare students for jobs now and in the future, OSU’s College of Science exposes undergraduate students to research early in their academic careers, which is not always readily available to students in other schools. Career Development is an essential part of students’ day-to-day life, from freshman to senior year. The College offers resources, guidance and professional training that will enhance their academic life, help students explore internships in their field of interest and be equipped with professional skills. This paves the way to a fulfilling career upon graduation, or help students transition smoothly into postgraduate and professional degrees.

Source: Oregon State University, College of Science

The College also offer Science Professional Pursuits (SP3), a three term (3-credit) professional development programme which provides science undergraduates with the tools and guidance to identify, assess and compete for experiences beyond the classroom that accelerate their professional and academic goals. As networking is a crucial piece of the puzzle in graduate success, the College offers Science Pro, which helps students meet science professionals, explore careers and grow their professional community.

There’s also Integrated Professional Development, a career preparation programme that’s embedded into students’ science courses. This unique training instils professional development skills and prepares students for experiential learning to stand out in the job or graduate school market.

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO

The University in New Mexico (UNM) offers a wide range of academic programs through its twelve Colleges and Schools. More than 215 degree and certificate programs are offered here, including 94 baccalaureate, 71 master’s and 37 doctoral degrees.

Founded in 1889, UNM sits in the heart of Albuquerque, a metropolitan area of more than 500,000 people. The city offers a unique blend of culture and cuisine, making it an attractive place to study. Prospective undergraduate students keen on studying the sciences can choose programs from several Colleges, including the College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy and the College of Arts and Sciences.

Students keen on having an immediate impact in the lives of people of all ages and cultural backgrounds may want to enrol in the BSc in Nursing program, which offers three options for students to earn their Nursing degree: Pre-licensure BSN, Dual Degrees and the RN to BSN program.

The College of Nursing partners with UNM’s Project ECHO to deliver both didactic and in-depth case-based presentations by community clinicians and specialists to increase support for clinical providers. This is crucial for nurse practitioners and nurse-midwives who may be the main provider of primary care in rural clinic sites, away from teaching institutions and specialists.

Students can also pursue the Sustainability Studies minor, which is linked to rapidly growing career opportunities in business, education, government and the non-profit sector. It grants students from all disciplines the chance to acquire pertinent knowledge and skills that complement their major, thereby preparing them for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS, KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY

Kennesaw State University (KSU) is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the US, offering over 150 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to more than 35,000 students. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, entrepreneurial spirit and Division I athletics have attracted students from throughout the region and from 92 countries around the globe. KSU has two campus locations just north of metro Atlanta, and boasts of strong rankings, including being ranked among National Universities in the “2020 Best Colleges”.

Source: Kennesaw State University, College of Science and Mathematics

The College prepares students for success through innovative, quality academic experiences in the areas of physical sciences, life sciences and mathematical processes. It combines high-level research activity and state-of the-art teaching facilities along with interdisciplinary courses, preparing students for graduate studies and careers to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

Undergraduate majors prospective students can choose from include a BSc in Biology, BSc in Biochemistry, BSc in Chemistry, BSc in Computational and Applied Mathematics, BSc in Environmental Science, BSc in Mathematics and BSc in Physics. Students can also choose from various minors, including

Applied Mathematics, Applied Statistics and Data Analysis, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Mathematics and Physics.

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

Arizona State University (ASU) is a public research university that prides itself on advancing research and discovery of public value. The university has carved itself a stellar reputation, recognised by US News & World Report as the country’s most innovative school; also a place where students and faculty work with NASA to develop, advance and lead innovations in space exploration.

Source: Arizona State University, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

ASU gives aspiring science undergraduates the opportunity to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge by preparing students to question, critically examine and test certain laws, principles and practices that would facilitate their transition into the working world and beyond.

The College offers a wide range of undergraduate science degrees that’ll suit students’ unique interests and individual needs. Some of their majors include a BSc in Chemistry, BSc in Biological Sciences (Biology and Society), BSc in Biochemistry and BSc in Biophysics. Students can also expand their studies with a minor or certificate, allowing them to study fields of interests, be it medicinal chemistry to Arabic and Asian Pacific studies.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International

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