Science degrees
Biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, geology, astronomy and several more: science degrees are studied at university.
If you keep wondering why things happen, if you enjoy chemistry class experiments or you like solving problems until you get them right, there are studies that start from that curiosity.
What science degrees have in common
Studying science is learning to ask questions and look for answers methodically: observing, measuring, testing, calculating and verifying. Many have a strong mathematics foundation, and several combine theoretical classes with laboratory or field practice. Some are called natural sciences (they study life, matter and Earth) and others exact sciences (they work mostly with numbers and models).
They are degrees that require perseverance: you advance step by step and you need to understand the previous material well to get to what comes next.
The degree title and length depend on the institution and the country, so confirm them in the program you're interested in before enrolling.
The science degrees
Science intersects with many fields, and several of these degrees are close to health, engineering or technology.
Living beings and food
For those interested in life and how it works: Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Genetics, Biotechnology and the science behind the food you buy every day.
Matter, energy and universe
For those who want to understand what everything is made of and how it behaves, from the smallest to the most distant: Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy, Nanotechnology and Chemical Engineering.
Earth, environment, past and clues
For those who enjoy investigating the planet, the environment and the traces left by events: Geology, Paleontology, Geography, Environmental Sciences, Archaeology and Forensic Science.
Numbers, data and computing
For those who feel comfortable with numbers, logic and algorithms: Mathematics, Statistics, Actuarial Science, Data Science and Computer Science.
Where to study science
Universidad de Chile (UChile)Santiago · PublicGeographyChemistryBiological SciencesBiotechnologyMathematicsPhysicsGeologyChemical EngineeringAstronomyBiochemistryArchaeologyData Science
Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP)La Plata · PublicGeologyAstronomyPhysicsBiochemistryBiotechnologyFood Science and TechnologyMathematicsChemistryBiological SciencesGeographyChemical Engineering
Universidad Antonio Nariño (UAN)Bogotá · PrivateBiochemistryBiotechnologyMathematicsBiological SciencesStatisticsForensic ScienceChemical EngineeringPhysicsData ScienceGeography
Universidad Austral de Chile (UACh)Valdivia · PrivateBiological SciencesBiochemistryGeographyGeologyEnvironmental SciencesMathematicsPaleontologyFood Science and TechnologyArchaeology
Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC)Mexicali · PublicMathematicsBiological SciencesChemistryChemical EngineeringPhysicsComputer ScienceEnvironmental SciencesBiotechnologyNanotechnology
Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (UMSA)La Paz · PublicBiological SciencesBiochemistryStatisticsPhysicsGeographyGeologyChemical EngineeringMathematicsChemistry
Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)BahÃa Blanca · PublicBiochemistryBiological SciencesPhysicsGeographyGeologyEnvironmental SciencesChemical EngineeringMathematicsChemistry
Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP)Mar del Plata · PublicFood Science and TechnologyBiochemistryBiological SciencesMathematicsPhysicsChemistryGeographyChemical EngineeringHow to choose between them
Pay attention to what you do when no one asks you to: if you watch videos about animals or space, if you feel like repeating the class experiment, if you like putting together logic puzzles, if you play with data and statistics from your favorite sport. Each of those interests points to a different science.
Then ask yourself which part attracts you most: life, matter, Earth or numbers. If you like math and also programs and data, check out Data Science; if you're interested in the planet and how to care for it, compare Geology with Environmental Sciences.
If you're torn between two, like Chemistry and Biochemistry, compare the subjects in each profile and the admission requirements. The career test compares your answers with these degrees.
To read before choosing
Frequently asked questions
Are there science degrees without math?
Almost all include some math subject, although with more or less weight depending on the degree. Check the subjects for each one in its profile and in the institution's program.
How long do science degrees last?
Geology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Archaeology, Astronomy and Computer Science are among the longest; Forensics and Nanotechnology among the shortest, and the rest, like Physics, Mathematics or Biological Sciences, fall in the middle. Each university sets its own plan.
What is the difference between studying Chemistry and Biochemistry?
Chemistry studies the composition and transformations of matter; biochemistry deals with the substances found in living beings. Compare their profiles: Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Will I spend a lot of time in a laboratory?
In several degrees, yes; in others the work is more about calculations, data or fieldwork. Look at each profile to see what studying is like and what practical work the program includes.
Can I study science if I still don't know which one to choose?
Yes. Start with what catches your attention most (life, matter, Earth or numbers) and compare the profiles for those degrees; several share basic subjects. If it helps, take the career test.