Online Masters Degree in Science

A master's degree in science can take you down different paths ranging from teaching to lab management to industry research. You could find careers in diverse fields such as manufacturing, medicine, technology, agriculture, computers and biomedical engineering.

Earning master's degrees in science

Most science programs at the master's level focus on a discipline like astronomy, atmospheric science, biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, geosciences, life sciences, marine biology, physics, pre-med, pre-veterinary science or science technology. You will delve into advanced coursework in the specific field. Other courses vary but can include related science courses, mathematics, computer science and statistics. Some programs target both a discipline and a career, for example, a master of arts in teaching physics.

The professional science master's degree, or PSM, is a relative newcomer. In addition to science coursework, it emphasizes communication, leadership, project management and team building skills for science careers in business, nonprofits or the government. Programs are often set up in collaboration with local industry. Industry internships provide training for specific job markets.

Science career options

Career opportunities for graduates with master's degrees in science are wide-ranging: community college teacher, environmental meteorologist, oceanographer, hydrologist, botanist, natural resources manager, wildlife biologist, mining consultant or environmental engineer, to name only a few. With the necessary licensing, you could choose high school teaching or occupational therapy.

Science career outlook and salaries

For related careers, the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides the following median annual salaries from 2010, along with the projected job growth from 2010 to 2020:

1. Anthropologist/archaeologist: $54,230; 21 percent
2. Environmental scientist: $61,700; 19 percent
3. Hydrologist: $75,690; 18 percent
4. Occupational therapist: $72,320; 33 percent

With a master's degree, you can also move into R&D, science management and administrative roles. Most research positions require at least a master's degree, while positions in academia and industry generally call for a Ph.D. Community colleges accept teachers with master's degrees, but you would need a doctorate for most university faculty positions and high level managerial and policy positions.

Although many science careers have entry-level positions for graduates with bachelor's degrees, more employment and promotion options are available if you have a master's degree, according to the BLS. Online master's degree programs offer a flexible and convenient way to work in your area of scientific interest while continuing your education in pursuit of greater opportunities in your future.

A master's degree in science can take you down different paths ranging from teaching to lab management to industry research. You could find careers in diverse fields such as manufacturing, medicine, technology, agriculture, computers and biomedical engineering.

Earning master's degrees in science

Most science programs at the master's level focus on a discipline like astronomy, atmospheric science, biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, geosciences, life sciences, marine biology, physics, pre-med, pre-veterinary science or science technology. You will delve into advanced coursework in the specific field. Other courses vary but can include related science courses, mathematics, computer science and statistics. Some programs target both a discipline and a career, for example, a master of arts in teaching physics.

The professional science master's degree, or PSM, is a relative newcomer. …