Choosing a university degree in science means you could study in chemistry, or geography, or computer science, or even criminology — and so many more subjects. In fact, at Laurier, there are over 70 different science programs you can choose from! Different universities may group their science programs in different ways but at Laurier you can find science programs in five different categories:

1. Computer Sciences

Programs that focus on computer sciences include Computer Science (of course!) but also other technical programs like Data Science or Business Technology Management. With so many opportunities in computer programming and technical innovation, a degree in computer sciences offers a variety of career options, like software developer, database administrator, chief information officer or information system manager.

2. Environmental Sciences

Environmental Science can be the name of a program as well as a science program category. Other environmentally focused programs include Biology, Biotechnology, Geography and Environmental Studies.

These programs focus on the physical world around us so career opportunities can include natural resource manager, environmental technologist, environmental scientist (and more!) across industries like renewable energy, agriculture, environmental consulting, natural resource management and environmental consulting.

3. Health Sciences

Programs in health sciences can cover physical and mental health as well as broader topics like public health and global health. If you’re interested in a career in medicine, a health science program like Biology, Kinesiology, Health Sciences and even Honours Science can get you there. If you’d like to pursue a healthcare career focused on counselling or the social aspects of health, consider a program like Psychology, Health Studies or Music Therapy.

4. Life Sciences

Life sciences is a category that covers a broad range of programs, including physical sciences (like Chemistry or Physics), natural sciences (like Biology or Health Sciences), environmental sciences (like Geography or Environmental Studies) and even health sciences (like Kinesiology or Psychology).

Since life sciences overlaps with so many other categories, why does it have its own category? Life sciences are the scientific study of life and studying in a life sciences program can lead to careers as a research scientist, lab technician, biologist, and more. And if you continue your education with graduate studies, you can explore careers as a pharmacologist, medical technologist or medical doctor.

5. Social Sciences

Let’s be honest: sometimes social sciences get a bad reputation for being too artsy and not science-y enough. But programs in the social sciences are always worth considering because they take a scientific approach to examining the social and cultural contexts that influence human behaviour.

Social sciences programs include so many options, from Anthropology, Sociology and Criminology to User Experience Design, Game Design and Development, and Political Science. And the career opportunities are just as diverse. A degree in a social sciences program can lead to a career as a counselor, market research analyst, sociologist, political scientist, education administrator and so many more.

Choosing a science-based program in university is a great choice. With so many areas of science to focus on and so many different professional opportunities, you’re sure to find one that will give you the education you need for the career you want.