2020 Science Technologies / Technicians Degree Guide
Scientific experiments require extremely controlled conditions. However, sometimes the project is too large for the scientist to complete alone. By choosing a major in the field of Science Technology, you will learn the Required Skills to aid research scientists and ensure experiments are successfully conducted.
Science Technician majors learn how to use all the necessary tools and technology used in performing research along with the skills to set up and run experiments without error. Students take classes in biology, chemistry, microbiology, statistics, physics, and technical writing to prepare for a career in the lab.
Since there are specific scientific disciplines, technicians must learn the appropriate skills to perform necessary tasks and have the technical skills to aid research specific to each area of specialization. Those interested in biology can major in Biology and Biotech Lab Technology, while students interested in working with nuclear energy can major in Nuclear and Radiological Technology; another option is a major in Physical Science Technology. All of these majors are usually offered as Associate's degrees; however, students also have the option of pursuing a Bachelor's at select colleges.
Science Technologies / Technicians Degrees Shrinking in Popularity
In 2017-2018, science technologies / technicians was the 36th most popular major nationwide with 6,550 degrees awarded. This 306 less than the prior year, a decrease of 4.7%.
Approximately 37 colleges in the U.S. offer a science technologies / technicians degree of some kind. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of science tech programs later in this article.
Requirements for Getting a Degree in Science Technologies / Technicians
As a science technician, you must be extremely observant and pay close attention to detail. Since you will be responsible for properly executing experiments along with writing down data, it is imperative to ensure everything is accurate and the experiment is kept controlled. Critical thinking and analytical skills are important when analyzing data, while strong communication skills will help you explain your findings.
Experience the field will greatly help your job search after graduation. Look into internships or part time work in a lab or completing research.
Science Tech Degree Program Entry Requirements
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most science tech degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Once you obtain your degree, additional science tech certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
Types of Science Technologies / Technicians Degree
There are many different science tech degrees levels. You can spend many years getting as high as a research / scholarship based doctorate's in science technologies / technicians to something that takes less time like a first year certificate. The type of science tech degree you choose will determine how long it takes to get your diploma.
| 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 32.0% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to science tech tend obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 31.3% |
| High School Diploma | 25.4% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 18.7% |
| Some College Courses | 10.0% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 7.0% |
Most workers in science tech have at least a associate's degree. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in science technologies / technicians have received.
This of course varies depending on which science tech career you choose.
Career Opportunities for A Degree In Science Tech Graduate
Science Technician majors typically find jobs in a variety of research labs. These labs can include research and development, pharmaceutical research, collegiate research, energy research, or biological research for a variety of companies. A degree in this field will prepare you to assist research scientists in any industry.
The field is growing at an average pace, meaning graduates will face some competition for jobs after graduation. Those with previous experience will have better job opportunities.
Growth Projected for Science Tech Careers
Want a job when you graduate with your science tech degree? Science Technologies / Technicians careers are expected to grow 3.5% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to science technologies / technicians.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Biological Technicians | 90,400 | 10.1% |
| Science Technicians | 83,500 | 9.7% |
| Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | 70,400 | -5.0% |
| Chemical Technicians | 70,000 | 4.0% |
| Industrial Engineering Technicians | 64,300 | 0.6% |
Science Tech Degree Salary Potential
Science Technologies / Technicians graduates between 2015-2017 reported earning an average of $47,462 in the 2017-2018 timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $22,400 to as high as $86,400. As you might expect, salaries for science tech graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
High Paying Careers for Science Tech Majors
Salaries for science technologies / technicians graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top 5 highest paying careers science tech grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Power Reactor Operators | $95,310 |
| Nuclear Technicians | $79,970 |
| Chemical Plant and System Operators | $61,570 |
| Industrial Engineering Technicians | $58,860 |
| Science Technicians | $52,940 |
Getting Your Science Technologies / Technicians Degree
With over 456 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.
Top Ranking Lists for Science Technologies / Technicians
Study Areas in Science Technologies / Technicians
Science Tech Majors to Study
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Physical Science Technicians | 2,922 |
| Other Science Technologies/Technicians | 2,313 |
| Biology & Biotech Lab Technician | 786 |
| Nuclear & Radiological Technicians | 402 |
| General Science Technologies/Technicians | 127 |
View All Science Tech Related Majors >
Most Popular Related Majors
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer & Information Sciences | 209,723 |
| Engineering | 197,582 |
| Biological & Biomedical Sciences | 157,997 |
| Engineering Technologies | 92,253 |
| Physical Sciences | 53,768 |
View All Science Tech Related Majors >
References
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