Explore the Types of Science Majors at Northwest

If you’re interested in living systems, human health and the science behind how organisms and the body work, Northwest offers several science majors focused on biology and biomedical study.

• Biology, B.S.: Study living organisms and biological systems while building knowledge in areas such as ecology, cell biology and molecular biology. 
• Biology: Biomedical Sciences, B.S.: Build a strong foundation in biology and chemistry while preparing for advanced study in health care and other health-related fields. 
• Biology/Psychology, B.S.: Explore how biology, genetics and neuroscience connect to behavior, brain function and mental health.
• Biology Education, B.S.Ed.: Prepare to teach biology at the secondary level while building knowledge in the life sciences and gaining classroom experience.
• Biomedical Sciences: Chiropractic, B.S.: Build a science foundation in areas such as anatomy, physiology and chemistry while preparing for advanced study in chiropractic care.

These science degrees prepare students for a range of opportunities in biological research, health care, science education and advanced study in health-related fields.

If you’re interested in chemical reactions, laboratory work and understanding what matter is made of, Northwest offers science majors focused on chemistry and chemistry education.

• Chemistry, B.A., B.S.: Study chemical processes, laboratory methods and the structure of matter while building a strong foundation in scientific analysis and problem-solving. 
• Chemistry Education, B.S.Ed.: Prepare to teach chemistry at the secondary level while building knowledge in chemistry and gaining classroom experience. 

These degrees in science prepare students for opportunities in laboratory science, scientific research, science education and advanced study in chemistry-related fields.

If you’re interested in health care, patient care and the science behind diagnosis and treatment, Northwest offers several science majors focused on clinical and imaging sciences.

• Clinical Laboratory Science, B.S.: Study how laboratory testing supports the diagnosis and treatment of disease while building knowledge in biology, chemistry and clinical analysis.
• Echocardiographic Sciences, B.S.: Learn how diagnostic imaging is used to evaluate heart function and support patient care.
• Radiologic Science, B.S.: Study how medical imaging technology is used to help diagnose and treat patients in health care settings.
• ​​Sonographic Sciences, B.S.: Build knowledge in diagnostic ultrasound and learn how imaging is used to support patient care.

Through these different types of science degrees, students can prepare for a variety of opportunities in health care, clinical settings and diagnostic science.

If you're interested in the Earth, marine ecosystems, wildlife and the natural environments that support life, Northwest offers several science degrees focused on earth and environmental study.

• Geology, B.A., B.S.: Study rocks, minerals, Earth systems and environmental processes while learning how the planet has changed over time.
• Marine Biology, B.S.: Learn about marine organisms, ocean ecosystems and the relationships between life and marine habitats.
• Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, B.A., B.S.: Study wildlife populations, habitats and conservation practices while learning how species interact with their environments.
• Earth Science Education, B.S.Ed.: Prepare to teach earth science while building knowledge in topics such as the atmosphere, water systems and the makeup of our planet.

Through these various types of science degrees, students are prepared for opportunities in environmental work, conservation, field and laboratory science, and science education.

If you’re interested in how the physical world works, how data can be used to solve problems, or how science and technology connect in new ways, Northwest offers several science majors focused on physics, data science and emerging scientific fields.

• Physics, B.S.: Study matter, motion, energy and the laws that explain how the universe works while building strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Physics Education, B.S.Ed.: Prepare to teach physics at the secondary level while building knowledge in physics and gaining classroom experience.
• Nanoscience, B.S.: Explore science at the nanoscale while studying ideas that connect biology, chemistry and physics through hands-on laboratory work.
• Data Science: Molecular Biology, B.S.: Learn how to collect, analyze and interpret data while focusing on bioinformatics, the crossroads between lab science and analytics.

These majors in science prepare students for opportunities in research, technology, scientific analysis, data-focused careers and science education. 

Yes. Many students begin as an undecided major while they learn more about their options. Northwest’s sciences meta major gives you a way to compare degrees in science while continuing to make progress toward graduation.

Start by thinking about the subjects, lab experiences and kinds of scientific questions that interest you most. At Northwest, the sciences meta major gives you time to compare science programs, take introductory coursework and meet with an advisor before selecting a science degree.

Are you asking, “What career options do I have with a science degree?” A science degree can prepare you for work in research, health care, education, environmental fields, technology and other specialized areas. At Northwest, you can use advising, coursework and career resources to learn more about where different types of science degrees can take you.

Yes. Many students use their undergraduate program at Northwest as preparation for graduate school, teacher licensure or professional school. Northwest’s degrees in science can help you build the foundation for advanced study.