by our College Data Analytics TeamDo you desire to work in a lab setting to help other scientists in performing research or running tests? Majoring in science technologies will allow you to prepare to become a science technician in a number of different fields. This major will prepare you by teaching you the scientific method, how to perform tests and think analytically in order to run meaningful tests in the lab.
For example, you could become a biological, chemical, environmental, forensic or medical technician - depending on the industry you're interested in. Biological and chemical technicians run lab experiments working with biologists and chemists creating new processes and compounds. Environmental technicians monitor the environment looking to ensure the area assigned to them is healthy and free from contaminants. Forensic technicians work with law enforcement agencies to analyze forensic evidence. Medical\clinical technicians take lab samples from patients and analyze it according to doctor's lab orders.
Most science technician positions require an associate degree with a focus on your science discipline of choice. However, you can obtain a bachelor's degree in this subject at some colleges.
In 2020-2021, general science technologies/technicians was the 349th most popular major nationwide with 60 degrees awarded. This represents a 50.0% reduction in science tech degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 90.
Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of science tech programs later in this article.
In this subject of study, it is helpful to have good attention to detail and an analytical mind. You'll need to come up with tests to run and be able to accurately track your tests to ensure they are repeatable. You must also be an excellent communicator - both written and oral so you can accurately convey test results. You will also need to be able to run technical equipment, so technical aptitude is a must.
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. Once you obtain your degree, additional science tech certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
There are many different science tech degree levels. You can get anything from a in general science technologies/technicians to the highest science tech degree, a . The time it takes to complete a science tech degree varies depending on the program.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to science tech, with approximately 54.8% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for science tech workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 54.3% |
| High School Diploma | 13.3% |
| Some College Courses | 11.2% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 10.2% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 3.8% |
Most workers in science tech have at least a bachelor's degree. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in general science technologies/technicians have obtained.
This of course varies depending on which science tech career you choose.
Want a job when you graduate with your science tech degree? General Science Technologies/Technicians careers are expected to grow 9.7% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to general science technologies/technicians.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Science Technicians | 83,500 | 9.7% |
Recently graduated general science technologies/technicians students earned an average of $60,154 in 2019-2020. Earnings can range from as low as $60,154 to as high as $60,154. As you might expect, salaries for science tech graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for general science technologies/technicians graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers science tech grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Science Technicians | $52,940 |
With over 17 different science tech degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased science tech school rankings to help you with this.
General Science Technologies/Technicians is one of 4 different types of Science Technologies / Technicians programs to choose from.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Physical Science Technicians | 2,909 |
| Other Science Technologies/Technicians | 2,451 |
| Biology & Biotech Lab Technician | 732 |
| Nuclear & Radiological Technicians | 299 |
Image Credit: By Chrissy Cuttita, 45th Space Wing Public Affairs under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
