Physical, Earth & Life Science
Science offers a diverse range of career opportunities, spanning numerous specialties and fields of study. Within the realm of science, three primary branches exist physical science, earth science, and life science. Each branch holds different applications for various careers. If you aspire to pursue a career in science, gaining an understanding of these three main branches can assist you in determining the most suitable science career path for your goals.
Physical science centers around the investigation of non-living matter, aiming to understand its properties and unravel universal phenomena. Experts in this field conduct innovative research to reveal fresh knowledge about how matter functions. Physical science encompasses disciplines like physics, astronomy, and chemistry.
Earth science is a branch of natural science that focuses on studying the materials of the Earth and its atmosphere. Professionals in this field play a crucial role in enhancing our understanding of the Earth and finding ways to preserve it. Earth science encompasses various types, including meteorology, geology, and oceanography.
Life science is a branch of science that focuses on studying living things, such as plants, animals, and human biology. It helps us understand the world around us. Life science is a vast field with various sub-branches and career opportunities. Some sub-branches of life science include biology, ecology, and agriculture.
EXPLORE CAREERS
Physical Science: Chemistry
Chemists are scientists who study and analyze the chemical compositions of various substances and study how they form and interact with other materials. They use advanced software, analytical tools, and other forms of instrumentation to conduct experiments and quality control tests, produce technical reports, and refine materials. There are many specialties within chemistry, including biochemistry, analytical chemistry, chemical engineering, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry. Chemists can work in a variety of job sectors such as academia, government, industry, and nonprofit.
- Some job titles for entry-level positions with a bachelor's degree include Chemical Technician, Analytical Chemist, and Material Scientist.
- Advanced specialized positions within chemistry will require a graduate degree. Some examples of job titles include Toxicologist, Biochemist, and Chemistry Instructor.
Physical Science: Physics
Physicists study the universe and everything in it, from the very small (quantum) to the very large (cosmology). A physicist explores and identifies the basic principles that govern the structure and behavior of matter, the interaction between energy and matter, and the generation and transfer of energy. These principles can be used in both theoretical and practical areas. There are a variety of specialties within physics such as nuclear physics, geophysics, astrophysics, engineering, atomic, molecular, and optical physics. Physicists can work in a variety of job sectors such as academia, government, industry, and nonprofit.
- Some job titles for entry-level positions with a bachelor's degree include Research Assistant, Systems Analysis, and Engineer.
- Advanced specialized positions within physics will require a graduate degree. Some examples of job titles include Applied Physicist, Nuclear Engineer, and Astronomer.
Earth Science: Geology
Geologists are scientists who study the Earth: its history, nature, materials, and processes. There are many types of geologists: environmental geologists, who study human impact on the Earth system; and economic geologists, who explore and develop Earth's resources, are just two examples. There are also engineering geologists, structural geologists, petroleum geologists, petrologists, sedimentologists, hydrogeologists, and more. A career in geology offers broad scope to anyone interested in the Earth and how it works. Jobs in geology are found in government agencies, private companies, non-profit, and academic institutions.
- Some job titles for entry-level positions with a bachelor's degree include Geology Technician, Environmental Scientist, and GIS Technician.
- Advanced specialized positions within geology will require a graduate degree. Some examples of job titles include Seismologist, Engineering Geologist, and Mineralogist.
Life Science: Biology
A biologist is a scientist who studies living organisms, including their structure, function, evolution, behavior, interactions with each other and the environment, and the processes that govern their existence. Biologists explore the diversity of life, from the smallest microorganisms to the largest mammals and everything in between. There are a variety of specialties within biology such as cellular biology, zoology, marine biology, microbiology, and evolutionary biology. Biologists can work in a variety of job sectors such as academia, government, industry, and nonprofit.
- Some job titles for entry-level positions with a bachelor's degree include Lab Technician, Food Scientist, and Research Assistant.
- Advanced specialized positions within biology will require a graduate degree. Some examples of job titles include Molecular Biologist, Research Scientist, and Biology Instructor.
Life Science: Ecology
Ecologists are scientists who study natural ecosystems and the organisms that live in them. They work to minimize environmental damage, conserve species, predict the impact of proposed actions on an ecosystem, design more sustainable practices, and advise organizations on ecological policies. Ecologists may work for or advise private businesses, universities, research centers, natural history museums, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. There are a variety of specialties within ecology such as botany, invertebrate zoology, mycology, wetlands ecology, and medicinal botany.
- Some job titles for entry-level positions with a bachelor's degree include Aquatic Ecology Technician, Entomology Technician, and Ecological Field Surveyor.
- Advanced specialized positions within ecology will require a graduate degree. Some examples of job titles include Wetland Scientist, Ecologist, and Restoration Ecologist.
FIND OPPORTUNITIES
To help you explore different employers within physical, earth, and life sciences you can utilize the job boards below. Please note this is not an exhaustive list, just a starting point!
- Science Jobs
- Conservation Jobs
- American Chemical Society Jobs
- APS Physics Jobs
- Geoscience Jobs
- Conservation Biology Jobs
- National Aeronautical and Space Administration
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory
- New Scientist Jobs
- Sandia National Laboratories
- Society of Ecological Restoration Jobs
- 500 Queer Scientists Job Board
- Black Professionals in STEM Job Board
- Zoological Association of America
DEVELOP YOUR INTEREST
There are many options to get involved at Colorado College and develop your career competencies. Get involved to deepen your understanding of an industry and help you decide if a job in this field is of interest to you. Planning your experience can feel daunting, so check out some industry specific ideas both on and off campus below. As you plan, meet with the Advising Hub to discuss your major and academic interests to ensure you’re on track for your academic plans as well.
- Colorado College Clubs: CC Student Farm, Colorado College Chapter: American Institute of Professional Geologists, Colorado College Science Outreach, Pre-Health Club, and Gender Minorities in STEM.
- On-Campus Job Examples: Research Assistant, QRC Tutor, Herbarium Assistant, Stockroom Assistant, GIS Lab Technician 1, Lab Assistant, Field/Lab Assistant, Greenhouse & Animal Suite Assistant, and Student Assistant Research Ecologist.
- Check your academic department's webpage for specific events and to join the email mailing list!
- Check out different offices on campus that could provide additional experiences. Such as the Center for Global Education & Field Study, Outdoor Education, Office of Sustainability, and State of the Rockies.
- Research Opportunities within Colorado College: Student Research Opportunities, Chemistry Department, Physics Department, Geology Department, Molecular Biology Department, and Organismal Biology & Ecology.
- Research Opportunities outside of Colorado College: Research Experiences for Undergraduates REU.
- Interested in Engineering? Columbia University 3-2 or 4-2 Program or Scientist to Engineer Program.
- If you are interested in working in a health profession (for example a medical doctor) please connect with the Pre-Health Advisor in the Advising Hub.
- Familiarize yourself with laboratory protocols and procedures, emphasize safety, learn how to use specific processes and equipment, and become versed in software used to document and interpret results. For example, the software can include ArcGIS, Excel, Tableau, and Python.
- If you are interested in attending graduate school ensure to start graduate school preparation early. Such as identifying programs of interest, knowing admission requirements, and talking to faculty and career center about your interest in graduate school.
- Engage in service work through the Collaborative for Community Engagement.
- Test out specific areas of interest by engaging in micro-opportunities, such as ones offered by Paragon One, Forage, Open Avenues Foundation, Parkey Dewey, and Mind Sumo.
- Continue to develop professionally by doing an Internship. You can search for experiences online or connect with your faculty to see if they know of industry-specific opportunities. A few places to start your search include Handshake and Find Opportunities Page.
- If you are unable to take classes at CC on specific data analysis programming, consider taking an online course from LinkedIn Learning, Grow with Google, and Coursera.
- Attending scientific conferences and presenting can be a great way to network and show off your work to potential employers.
show all / hide all
CURIOUS TO LEARN MORE
If you are interested in learning more about certain career paths you can start with professional associations, they offer insight on what it is like working within the industry and provide tips for getting started.
- Chemistry: American Chemical Society and American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Physics: American Institute of Physics, American Astronomical Society, American Physical Society, and National Academy of Engineering
- Geology: American Institute of Professional Geologists, American Geosciences Institute, Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists, and Association for Women Geoscientists
- Biology: American Institute of Biological Sciences, American Society for Microbiology and Society for Conservation Biology
- Ecology: Ecological Society of America, Society for Ecological Restoration, Society of Wetland Scientists, and Botanical Society of America
- DEI: Association for Women in Science, American Indian Science & Engineering Society, National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineer, Latinos in Science and Engineering, Out in STEM, and American Association for the Advancement of Science
Contact the Career Center
719.389.6893
Physical Address: 1130 N. Cascade Avenue, Morreale House, Colorado Springs, CO 80903