Natural Sciences: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Natural Sciences is an interdisciplinary academic pathway designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in both physical and biological sciences. This program equips students with analytical and investigative skills essential for understanding the fundamental principles that govern the natural world.
- Physics: The study of matter, energy, motion, and the fundamental forces that shape the universe, from subatomic particles to cosmic structures.
- Chemistry: An exploration of the composition, structure, properties, and transformations of substances, including reactions at molecular and atomic levels.
- Biology: The scientific investigation of living organisms, covering cellular processes, genetics, evolution, ecosystems, and the diversity of life.
- Earth Sciences: A multidisciplinary approach to understanding the Earth’s systems, including geology, meteorology, oceanography, and environmental processes.
- Environmental Science: An integrative field that examines the interactions between human activity and natural systems, emphasizing sustainability and ecological balance.
Natural Sciences Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Natural Sciences Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Natural Sciences degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Physical Scientists, All Other and Life Scientists, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 282,300 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Physical Scientists, All Other 19-2099 | $117,960 | $61,990 - $191,880 | 22,580 | $56.71 |
| Life Scientists, All Other 19-1099 | $87,800 | $52,360 - $168,860 | 7,320 | $42.21 |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other 25-1199 | $78,490 | $39,720 - $172,850 | 151,530 | N/A |
Salary Comparison
Natural Sciences Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $59,300 in Vermont to $147,015 in Massachusetts—a 148% difference. The highest-paying states include Massachusetts, California, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 282,300 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Natural Sciences by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 99 institutions offering Natural Sciences programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Natural Sciences is found at San Jacinto Community College (504 graduates), Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) (200 graduates), Mesa Community College (MCC) (163 graduates), Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) (155 graduates), and Glendale Community College (GCC) (105 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 2,640 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Natural Sciences programs
How much can I earn with a Natural Sciences degree?
Salaries for Natural Sciences graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Physical Scientists, All Other earn around $117,960. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Massachusetts average $147,015 compared to $59,300 in Vermont. Approximately 282,300 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Natural Sciences programs?
Currently 108 accredited institutions offer Natural Sciences degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include San Jacinto Community College (504 graduates), Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) (200 graduates), and Mesa Community College (MCC) (163 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Natural Sciences growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 1,523 in 2010 to 2,648 in 2023-24. This represents a 74% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Natural Sciences degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Physical Scientists, All Other, and Life Scientists, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 282,300 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Interdisciplinary Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Interdisciplinary field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Systems Science and Theory
A program with a multidisciplinary approach to the analysis and solution of complex problems, requiring a combined approach using data and models from...
Mathematics and Computer Science
A program with a general synthesis of mathematics and computer science or a specialization which draws from mathematics and computer science.
Biopsychology
A program that focuses on biological and psychological linkages, especially the linkages between biochemical and biophysical activity and the functioning of the central...
Gerontology
A program that focuses on the human aging process and aged human populations, using the knowledge and methodologies of the social sciences, psychology...
Historic Preservation and Conservation
A program that focuses on the design and implementation of plans to restore and maintain historic buildings, districts, and landscapes in a way...
Cultural Resource Management and Policy
A program that focuses on the application of cultural studies, public policy analysis, and management skills to planning, promoting, and implementing programs to...
Found something useful? Help others discover it too! Share with friends, on social media, or save for later - every share helps someone find the information they need.