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 |
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.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jacinto Community College |
Associate's
|
504 | Pasadena, Texas | Public | sanjac.edu |
| Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
200 | Chandler, Arizona | Public | cgc.maricopa.edu |
| Mesa Community College (MCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
163 | Mesa, Arizona | Public | mesacc.edu |
| Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
155 | Avondale, Arizona | Public | estrellamountain.edu |
| Glendale Community College (GCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
105 | Glendale, Arizona | Public | gccaz.edu |
| Daemen University |
Bachelor's
|
98 | Amherst, New York | Private | daemen.edu |
| California State University |
Bachelor's
|
65 | Los Angeles, California | Public | calstatela.edu |
| Kapiolani Community College (KCC) |
Associate's
|
63 | Honolulu, Hawaii | Public | kapiolani.hawaii.edu |
| University of Puerto Rico (UPR Cayey) |
Bachelor's
|
62 | Cayey, Puerto Rico | Public | cayey.upr.edu |
| Kansas State University (K‑State) |
Bachelor's
|
52 | Manhattan, Kansas | Public | k-state.edu |
| New York University (NYU) |
Bachelor's
|
51 | New York, New York | Private | nyu.edu |
| Leeward Community College (LCC) |
Associate's
|
49 | Pearl City, Hawaii | Public | leeward.hawaii.edu |
| Harvard University |
Bachelor's
|
46 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Other Award
|
42 | Amherst, Massachusetts | Public | umass.edu |
| Xavier University (XU) |
Bachelor's
|
42 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Private | xavier.edu |
| Loyola Marymount University (LMU) |
Bachelor's
|
40 | Los Angeles, California | Private | lmu.edu |
| University of Puerto Rico (UPR) |
Bachelor's
|
38 | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Public | uprrp.edu |
| Colorado State University (CSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
36 | Fort Collins, Colorado | Public | colostate.edu |
| Phoenix College (PC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
35 | Phoenix, Arizona | Public | phoenixcollege.edu |
| Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) |
Associate's
|
34 | Bossier City, Louisiana | Public | bpcc.edu |
| Texas Christian University (TCU) |
Bachelor's
|
32 | Fort Worth, Texas | Private | tcu.edu |
| American Public University System (APUS) |
Bachelor's
|
28 | Charles Town, West Virginia | Private | apus.edu |
| South Mountain Community College (SMCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
25 | Phoenix, Arizona | Public | southmountaincc.edu |
| Scottsdale Community College (SCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
23 | Scottsdale, Arizona | Public | scottsdalecc.edu |
| Dominican University |
Bachelor's
|
23 | River Forest, Illinois | Private | dom.edu |
| Logan University |
Bachelor's
|
23 | Chesterfield, Missouri | Private | logan.edu |
| Rio Salado College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
22 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | rio.maricopa.edu |
| Johns Hopkins University (JHU) |
Bachelor's
|
22 | Baltimore, Maryland | Private | jhu.edu |
| Temple University |
Bachelor's
|
22 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Public | temple.edu |
| Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) |
Postbac Cert.
Doctorate (Research)
|
20 | Richmond, Virginia | Public | vcu.edu |
| Windward Community College (WCC) |
Associate's
|
19 | Kaneohe, Hawaii | Public | windward.hawaii.edu |
| College of the Mainland (COM) |
Associate's
|
19 | Texas City, Texas | Public | com.edu |
| Felician University |
Bachelor's
|
17 | Lodi, New Jersey | Private | felician.edu |
| National Park College (NPC) |
Associate's
|
16 | Hot Springs, Arkansas | Public | np.edu |
| Lee College |
Associate's
|
16 | Baytown, Texas | Public | lee.edu |
| College of Western Idaho (CWI) |
Associate's
|
16 | Nampa, Idaho | Public | cwi.edu |
| University of Alaska (UAF) |
Associate's
|
15 | Fairbanks, Alaska | Public | uaf.edu |
| GateWay Community College (GWCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
15 | Phoenix, Arizona | Public | gatewaycc.edu |
| Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) |
Bachelor's
|
15 | Harrisburg, Pennsylvania | Private | harrisburgu.edu |
| Honolulu Community College (HCC) |
Associate's
|
14 | Honolulu, Hawaii | Public | honolulu.hawaii.edu |
| Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU) |
Associate's
|
14 | Lawrence, Kansas | Public | haskell.edu |
| Texas Southmost College (TSC) |
Associate's
|
14 | Brownsville, Texas | Public | tsc.edu |
| Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
14 | Phoenix, Arizona | Public | paradisevalley.edu |
| Hofstra University |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Hempstead, New York | Private | hofstra.edu |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico (UIPR) |
Bachelor's
|
13 | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Private | metro.inter.edu |
| Mohave Community College (MCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
12 | Kingman, Arizona | Public | mohave.edu |
| Christian Brothers University (CBU) |
Bachelor's
|
12 | Memphis, Tennessee | Private | cbu.edu |
| University of Hawaii |
Associate's
|
11 | Kahului, Hawaii | Public | maui.hawaii.edu |
| Universidad Central de Bayamon (UCB) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Bayamón, Puerto Rico | Private | ucb.edu.pr |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico (UIPR) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Bayamon, Puerto Rico | Private | bayamon.inter.edu |
| Kauai Community College (KCC) |
Associate's
|
10 | Lihue, Hawaii | Public | kauai.hawaii.edu |
| Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) |
Associate's
|
10 | Carlsbad, New Mexico | Public | senmc.edu |
| Erie Community College (SUNY Erie) |
Associate's
|
10 | Buffalo, New York | Public | ecc.edu |
| Bucks County Community College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
10 | Newtown, Pennsylvania | Public | bucks.edu |
| Excelsior University |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Albany, New York | Private | excelsior.edu |
| Oklahoma State University (OSU) |
Master's
|
9 | Stillwater, Oklahoma | Public | okstate.edu |
| Bethel College |
Bachelor's
|
8 | North Newton, Kansas | Private | bethelks.edu |
| Missouri State University |
Master's
|
8 | Springfield, Missouri | Public | missouristate.edu |
| University of Nebraska (UNO) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Omaha, Nebraska | Public | unomaha.edu |
| University at Buffalo (UB) |
Master's
|
8 | Buffalo, New York | Public | buffalo.edu |
| Franciscan University of Steubenville |
Associate's
|
8 | Steubenville, Ohio | Private | franciscan.edu |
| Indiana University (IUE) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Richmond, Indiana | Public | iue.edu |
| California State University |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Chico, California | Public | csuchico.edu |
| Lewis-Clark State College (LC State) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
6 | Lewiston, Idaho | Public | lcsc.edu |
| Redlands Community College |
Associate's
|
6 | El Reno, Oklahoma | Public | redlandscc.edu |
| Laramie County Community College (LCCC) |
Associate's
|
6 | Cheyenne, Wyoming | Public | lccc.wy.edu |
| Pepperdine University |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Malibu, California | Private | pepperdine.edu |
| St. Thomas University (STU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Miami Gardens, Florida | Private | stu.edu |
| East Georgia State College (EGSC) |
Associate's
|
5 | Swainsboro, Georgia | Public | ega.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Other Award
|
5 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| University of Wyoming (UW) |
Master's
|
5 | Laramie, Wyoming | Public | uwyo.edu |
| Universidad del Sagrado Corazon |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Santurce, Puerto Rico | Private | sagrado.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Master's
|
4 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas (UA Cossatot) |
Associate's
|
4 | De Queen, Arkansas | Public | cccua.edu |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Colorado Springs, Colorado | Public | uccs.edu |
| Judson University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Elgin, Illinois | Private | judsonu.edu |
| Northeastern State University (NSU) |
Master's
|
4 | Tahlequah, Oklahoma | Public | nsuok.edu |
| University of Puerto Rico (UPRU) |
Associate's
|
4 | Utuado, Puerto Rico | Public | uprutuado.edu |
| Hawaii Community College |
Associate's
|
4 | Hilo, Hawaii | Public | hawaii.hawaii.edu |
| Shorter University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Rome, Georgia | Private | shorter.edu |
| Inver Hills Community College (IHCC) |
Other Award
|
3 | Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota | Public | inverhills.edu |
| Oglala Lakota College (OLC) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Kyle, South Dakota | Public | olc.edu |
| Alverno College |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Private | alverno.edu |
| Western Wyoming Community College (WWCC) |
Associate's
|
3 | Rock Springs, Wyoming | Public | westernwyoming.edu |
| EDP University of Puerto Rico Inc (EDP) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | San Sebastian, Puerto Rico | Private | edpuniversity.edu |
| Arkansas State University (ASUN) |
Associate's
|
3 | Newport, Arkansas | Public | asun.edu |
| University of Hawaii (UHWO) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Kapolei, Hawaii | Public | westoahu.hawaii.edu |
| Boston College (BC) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts | Private | bc.edu |
| Augustana University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Sioux Falls, South Dakota | Private | augie.edu |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico (UIPR) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Aguadilla, Puerto Rico | Private | aguadilla.inter.edu |
| California State University (CSUSB) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | San Bernardino, California | Public | csusb.edu |
| University of Hawaii (UHH) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Hilo, Hawaii | Public | hilo.hawaii.edu |
| North Central College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Naperville, Illinois | Private | northcentralcollege.edu |
| Loyola University New Orleans (LOYNO) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | loyno.edu |
| College of Saint Benedict (CSB) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Saint Joseph, Minnesota | Private | csbsju.edu |
| Georgian Court University (GCU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Lakewood, New Jersey | Private | georgian.edu |
| Colgate University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Hamilton, New York | Private | colgate.edu |
| Duke University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Durham, North Carolina | Private | duke.edu |
| Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Cleveland, Ohio | Private | case.edu |
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.
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