Graduating with a science degree doesn’t just prepare you for the expected careers like researcher, environmental scientist, biologist, or lab technician. Sure, those are solid careers – but science can lead you into some of the most fascinating and unexpected corners of the professional world.
Take forensics, for example. Does the word forensics immediately bring to mind crime scene investigators solving crimes against humans? That is definitely an option, but did you know there’s an entire field dedicated to solving crimes against wildlife? Wildlife forensic scientists investigate poaching, illegal animal trade, and environmental violations. Prefer bugs? Enter the world of forensic entomology, where insect activity helps determine time of death in both human and animal investigations.
Maybe you’re drawn to natural wonders. Imagine forecasting the northern lights. As an aurora forecaster, you could help tourists and researchers catch the elusive beauty of the aurora borealis in real time.
Or perhaps your passion lies in the craft of brewing. A career in zymology – the science of fermentation – could have you working in the beer industry, or in food production, biotech, or pharmaceuticals.
Love science and video games? A niche but growing field like bioinformatics game design – developing simulations and educational games that model complex biological systems in ways people can interact with and learn from – might just be the career for you.
The point is, a science degree can take you just about anywhere – across disciplines, industries, and even continents.
And here’s the best part: you don’t have to dive straight into a big university to start your journey. Institutions like College of the Rockies offer smaller class sizes, more face time with instructors, and plenty of hands-on-learning – all with a more affordable tuition bill. Starting small can give you the confidence and foundation to go far.
So, if you’re considering a science degree, don’t limit your vision to the obvious. Science is a launchpad – not a box. Your future could involve DNA sequencing, beer brewing, bug tracking, or building games that help cure diseases.
Let your imagination run wild. The world of science is bigger – and cooler – than you think.
Learn about science and other STEM programming at College of the Rockies at: cotr.ca/stem