Online Science Degree Programs

In this section of our website we look at what the science degree entails and the different sub-areas that fall under the discipline.

First, let us define the term “science”. The word science comes from the Latin word scientia which means “knowledge”. Science is then defined as a systematic processes that builds and organizes knowledge in the form explanations which can be tested, and predictions about our universe. It is the effort to understand the history of the natural world and how it works, using observable physical evidence as the basis of that understanding. This is done through observation of natural phenomena, and experimentation that aims to simulate natural processes under controlled conditions. Humans have been exploring the natural world from the very beginning, seeking to deepen our understanding. Beginning as infant, we explore our natural world. We are curious, touching, feeling, tasting, asking questions and more.

Science Degree Programs

Science Degree Programs

Science is a very broad field but the one thing that holds scientists together is their methodology. In order to deepen their understanding, they gather evidence, organize it, they analyze it, and then present their findings. The idea is to use a variety of quantitative research methods to test hypotheses, which can then become theories, and this is confirmed by observation and scientific measurement.

The broad common branches of science are physics, biology, and chemistry. Other branches of science then tend to fall under these three. In most cases, certain skills are required, including quantitative skills, logical reasoning, and a meticulous approach to problem solving. Science also requires a creative, innovative, and original approach to problems posed.

The natural sciences are those that aim to explain the rules that govern our natural world via the application of scientific methods. The term "natural science" is distinguish from the social sciences. Natural sciences are the basis for applied sciences which is the is the application of scientific knowledge transferred into the physical environment.

In turn natural science is distinguished from fundamental science or pure science which describes the basic objects and forces, and relations between them and laws governing them. Although computer science, mathematics, and statistics are not considered natural sciences, they provide tools and frameworks which are used in the natural sciences.

The sciences are organized into various sub-disciplines with include the following with examples. The list is however not exhaustive and the sampling of science degree programs is intended as an illustration of the vastness of the field.

Natural Science

Space Science: Astrobiology, Astronomy, Astrophysics, Planetary science

Earth Sciences: Environmental science, Environmental chemistry, Gemology, Geochemistry, Geography, Geology, Hydrology, Soil science, Paleontology, Tectonics, Mineralogy, Glaciology, Oceanography, Volcanology, Geophysics, Hydrogeology, Meteorology, Planetary science

Life sciences: Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Botany, Cryobiology, Genetics, Cell biology, Marine biology, Anatomy, Microbiology, Molecular biology, Nutrition, Neuroscience, Endocrinology, Virology, Biophysics, Zoology, Pathology, Physiology

Chemistry: Analytical chemistry, Biochemistry, Cheminformatics, Computational chemistry, Materials science, Mathematical chemistry, Quantum chemistry, Inorganic chemistry, Organic chemistry, Physical chemistry, Theoretical chemistry

Physics: Atomic, molecular, and optical physics, Biophysics, Applied Physics, Astrophysics, Cryogenics, Electromagnetism, Geophysics, Materials science, Mathematical physics, Medical physics, Mechanics, Molecular physics, Nuclear physics, Optics, Quantum physics, Thermodynamics

Formal Science

Computer Science: Algorithms, Data structures, Computer security, Software engineering, Artificial intelligence, Human-computer interaction, Information systems

Logic: Mathematical logic, Philosophical logic, Logic in computer science

Mathematics: Algebra, Number theory, Analysis, Geometry and Topology, Probability theory, Applied mathematics

Statistics: Computational statistics, Design of experiments, Sample Survey, Statistical modeling, Statistical theory

Applied Sciences

Agriculture: Agroecology , Agronomy, Agricultural economics, Food science, Horticulture, Hydrology, Plant science

Architecture and Design: Historic preservation, Industrial design, Textile design, Urban planning, interior architecture, Landscape architecture

Business: Business administration, Business analysis, Risk management, Finance

Engineering: Electronic engineering, Instrumentation engineering, Engineering physics, Environmental engineering, Industrial engineering, Petroleum engineering, Safety engineering, Software engineering, Structural engineering

Environmental Studies and Forestry: Environmental management, Toxicology, Environmental policy,

Health Science: Clinical laboratory sciences/Clinical pathology/Laboratory medicine, Dentistry, Health informatics/Clinical informatics, Nursing, Hepatology, Nutrition and dietetics, Optometry, Orthoptics, Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy, Speech and language pathology, Medicine

Human Physical Performance and Recreation: Biomechanics / Sports Biomechanics, Ergonomics, Exercise physiology, Kinesiology, Sport psychology, Sports medicine

Military Sciences: Military engineering, Logistics, Military engineering, Military medicine, Naval Science, Tactics, Strategy

The information revolution and the fast-paced technology developments have made scientific understanding and application grow even faster, where an academic background that includes a science degree, and professional experience in the sciences prepare students for careers in a research and develop in laboratories, universities, government, the public and private sector and other areas.

Whether you wish to pursue a career in natural or applied sciences, earning a campus or online science degree can help you accomplish your goals. After all, in today’s employment sector, virtually any field that one can think of applies science principles one way or another, be it education, manufacturing, forensic science, business and other areas.

Science degree online programs and chemistry degrees