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What can you do with a science degree?

At Willamette University, Smalley draws on the whiteboard to teach the two students around her about data science.

Career paths of Oregon State science graduates

Oregon State science graduates pursue careers across healthcare, research, technology, business, education and more. Explore career pathways by major to discover the jobs our alumni hold, where they work and the opportunities they've pursued after graduation.

See where a major in science can take you

The possibilities are endless.

Finding the right path starts with exploring your interests and learning what different careers involve. Oregon State's College of Science offers hands-on experiences and career development resources to help you discover opportunities and make informed decisions about your future.

Explore your future by:

  • Connecting with professionals through informational interviews on LinkedIn or OSU Connections.
  • Exploring careers through job shadowing.
  • Meeting with a career advisor in the Science Success Center.

Best jobs for science majors

You might define the “best” job for science majors differently from other students. All career paths in the sciences have their advantages. There are many factors to consider when deciding on a job, including trends, salaries and job forecasts. We compiled a list of resources below that highlight emerging fields and top jobs for science majors that may help you explore your career path in science.

Research potential science careers

The Science Lives podcast provides information about lesser-known careers that rely on a science education and scientific way of thinking. Scientists working in these fields discuss their jobs and the personal journeys that led to them.

Handshake is a tool that OSU offers all students, faculty and alumni. It is a helpful career tool that you can use to research job titles, requirements and how you can focus your science education, skills and training to the career you want. Get the most out of Handshake with these tips

Indeed is another helpful online job search tool. You can use it to get a sense of the job market in different geographic regions of the country, gauge salaries, learn about specific job requirements and job titles, read company profiles, find out required skills and other helpful information to help you target the best career for you.

LinkedIn is a great platform for job searches and professional networking. You can manage your professional identity, build and connect with your professional network of people and learn about job opportunities. Download the mobile app for a convenient way to monitor job openings.

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Departmental resources

Some of our departments have put together great career resources for students to aid in your career discovery. You might also explore outside your major because science degrees have immense flexibility: