What is an applied science degree – and should you study for one?
Completing an applied science degree can open up a wealth of career opportunities, so it is an educational path that you may want to follow.
First, let’s look at precisely what an applied science degree is – and find out if you should study for one.
So, what is an applied science degree?
Alright, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of what an applied science degree program is all about.
Picture this: you are aiming for a career that is rooted in practicality rather than just theory – something that merges classroom knowledge with real-world application. This is where an applied science degree enters the scene. It is like the Swiss army knife of degrees, giving you the tools to tackle specific industry needs head-on.
Plus, you have the option of studying at a brick-and-mortar university or completing an online degree course.
Applied science typically covers chemistry, biology and many other scientific disciplines, such as forensic science, biomedical science, and nutritional science. It can also include study areas related to sectors like healthcare, engineering, and technology – so, an applied science degree can enable you to specialise in a particular area of interest.
While applied science covers a lot of different ground, ultimately, a degree in this subject will focus on the practicality of sciences rather than theory. During a degree course, you will develop your scientific, investigative and analytical skills.
Where traditional science degrees often revel in theories and foundational principles, an applied science program gears up aspiring professionals with specialised skills tailored for immediate entry into technical or scientific fields. The best part? You get a smorgasbord of concentrations to choose from – think anything from environmental management, and engineering technology to medical lab sciences.
Employers dig candidates with these qualifications because they know you have rolled up your sleeves and gotten a taste of actual work environments during internships or lab sessions as part of your curriculum.
You will graduate not only with book smarts but also with hands-on experience, which makes you a hot commodity in the job market. So, completing an applied science degree can help you to be job-ready in a field that is your passion as soon as you leave university.
Types of careers you could pursue with an applied science degree
Seeing as an applied science degree can cover a lot of different areas, you can potentially forge a career in various fields once you have completed your degree course.
For instance, you could become a:
- Medical Laboratory Technician.
- Radiologic Technologist.
- Environmental Science Technician.
- Computer Network Architect.
- Forensic Science Analyst.
- Renewable Energy Technologist.
- Biotechnology Research Associate.
- Civil Engineering Technologist.
- Information Systems Manager.
- Agricultural Tech Specialist.
Why should you study applied science?
There are some compelling reasons why you might like to complete an applied science degree. After all, it is not your run-of-the-mill academic path – it is a targeted launchpad into the workforce that equips you with the hands-on skills that employers are practically lining up for.
Industry-aligned skills
These courses have their fingers on the pulse of industry trends. They are crafted to fill skill gaps in the market—meaning they train you for jobs that actually exist and are in demand.
Career-focused curriculum
Every module or credit in an applied science degree is selected with one goal: getting you job-ready—fast! It essentially trims the fat, skipping over extraneous theory in favour of practical skills and knowledge.
Flexibility and specialization
Applied science degrees come with a buffet of specialisations. Craving a niche? There is probably a concentration for that—from cybersecurity to renewable energy tech or even brewing science (cheers to that). This means you can align your studies with specific interests or career trajectories while still basking in the adaptability these programs offer.
So, if all of that appeals to your interests and skill set, you should definitely consider studying for an applied science degree.
