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.

 

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.

  • 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.

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Contact the Career Center

CareerCenter@ColoradoCollege.edu
719.389.6893
Physical Address: 1130 N. Cascade Avenue, Morreale House, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
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Report an issue - Last updated: 08/07/2024