15 Common Bachelor of Science Degrees

Updated June 24, 2022

A bachelor's degree can open up opportunities to unique positions in many industries. A B achelor of Science degree is one of the most popular pathways for college students looking to gain technical skills and apply scientific knowledge in their careers. Understanding what certain degrees can do for your career can help you make an informed choice about your education. In this article, we cover 15 common Bachelor of Science degrees, including information about what you study in each program and where you might find work.

What is a Bachelor of Science degree?

A Bachelor of Science degree is a document that shows a student meets the standards of education for a degree in the field of science and inquiry. For example, a student might pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing to become a registered nurse. Typically, a Bachelor of Science degree takes about three to four years to complete.

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15 common Bachelor of Science degrees

There are many Bachelor of Science degrees that students can pursue at universities and technical schools. Here are 15 of the most common:

1. Chemistry (B.S.Ch.)

Chemists study the chemical makeup of the world around them, including what elements exist, how humans use those elements and how they interact with one another in the natural world. Chemists can perform research, conduct experiments or design chemical compounds or systems for private corporations. The two kinds of chemistry in the industry are applied chemistry and pure chemistry. Pure chemistry allows chemists to study whatever subjects they want, whereas applied chemistry means the chemist works for a private business.A Bachelor of Science in chemistry can open up new opportunities in multiple fields, including:

Agriculture
Healthcare
Education
Laboratory research
Quality control

2. Physics (B.S.Phy.)

A Bachelor of Science in physics typically takes four years to complete. Students study how physical forces and laws control the natural world. These forces include gravity, light and sound waves. A physics program typically includes coursework in chemistry, mathematics and geology. Some programs cover specific sciences or disciplines, depending on the school and the student's intentions once they graduate.Physicists typically find work in these fields:

Education
Laboratory research
Government research
Aeronautics
Engineering

3. Agricultural engineering ( B.S.Ag.E.)

Agricultural engineering is the study of engineering principles within an agricultural setting. Agricultural engineers help design, build and maintain agricultural equipment and research new ways of increasing agricultural efficiency, yields and safety. A Bachelor of Science in agricultural engineering allows a student to study chemistry, mathematics, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. Agricultural engineers often work for government agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).Agricultural engineers can find work in fields like:

Agriculture
Environmental safety
Government research
Laboratory research
Design

4. Game design (B.S.G.D.)

Game design programs teach students the fundamentals of designing and implementing video games across various consoles. Students learn basic and advanced design concepts, such as coding and graphic design and some industry knowledge in marketing and research. A game design degree can help prospective designers earn a position in the top game design firms around the world, and it gives them the skills to succeed in a competitive industry.A bachelor's degree in game design can open up many opportunities, including:

Game design and development
Marketing
Coding
Software design
Writing

5. Computer science (B.S.C.S.)

Computer science is the study of computers and how they work, as well as design and development concepts. Computer science students learn to write software programs, design new computer applications, create hardware and solve problems using computer technology. A Bachelor of Science in computer technology typically takes about four y ears to complete and students can expand on their knowledge with a master's or doctorate degree.Computer scientists typically find work in the following fields:

Healthcare
Personal technology
Industrial technology
Government research
Software design

6. Electrical engineering (B.S.E.E.)

Electrical engineering is the study of electrical components and currents. Electrical engineering programs teach students the basics of electrical theory, component design and maintenance. Engineering students may also study physics, chemistry and advanced mathematics. Electrical engineers design and build electrical systems, create new ways to move currents safely and make electrical systems more efficient.Electrical engineers can work in many fields, including:

Aerospace technology
Vehicle design
Computer engineering
Telecommunications
Utilities

7. Civil engineering (B.C.E.)

Civil engineering is the study of how to design, build and maintain commercial, industrial, civil or residential structures. Engineering students learn the principles of engineering, including physics and advanced mathematics, and how to inspect structures for damage or routine maintenance. Civil engineers, sometimes called structural engineers, often work for private engineering firms or government agencies and are part of a larger design and engineering team. They help design and build houses, industrial plants and other buildings and structures.Civil engineers typically work in the following fields:

Civil engineering
Structural dynamics
Disaster prevention
Construction
Laboratory research

8. Criminal justice (B.S.C.J.)

Criminal science is the study of criminal activity, behavior and bringing criminals to justice. A Bachelor of Science in criminal justice can provide a foundation for further study in other fields like law enforcement or forensics. Many criminal justice majors complete their degrees in four years and earn additional credentials while working in the field.Criminal justice majors can pursue careers in:

General criminal justice
Prison management
Law
Law enforcement
Forensics

9. Accounting science or accountancy ( B.S.Acc)

Accountants are professionals who track and manage financial resources for businesses, governments or individuals. Students in a Bachelor of Science in accountancy or accounting science program learn the fundamentals of accounting, including using accounting software, managing payroll and following tax requirements. Accountants typically work in any industry that generates income and needs to track its financial activities.Accountants can work in many fields, including:

Banking
Investing
Tax preparation
Healthcare
Small business

10. Geographic information science (B.S.GIC.)

Geography is the study of the earth's physical features and the human impact on them. Geography students learn earth science s, such as physics, chemistry and geology, and study the various locations of human settlements across the globe. A Bachelor of Science in geography can open up new opportunities in various subfields of science for private institutions or government research agencies.Geography majors can typically find work in:

Education
Laboratory research
Environmental protection
Disaster prevention and response
Government research

11. Geology (B.S.Geo.)

Geology is the study of the earth's physical features and forces and how they interact with one another. This includes tectonic plate movement, rock formations, volcanic activity, earthquakes or other natural disasters. Geology students learn the fundamentals of the earth's physical forces, including weather and plate tectonics, and advanced concepts like physics, chemistry and earth's elements. A Bachelor of Science degree in geology provides a student with the foundation for greater knowledge through field or institutional studies.A Bachelor of Science in geology can create opportunities in various fields, including:

Disaster prevention and response
Education
Laboratory research
Forestry
Hydrology

12. Architecture (B.S.Arch.)

Architecture is the study of structural design. Students learn the fundamentals of construction design, structural integrity and how to design safe, modern structures. Architectural students typically spend four years in the bachelor's program and work in a variety of fields. Here are some examples of where an architectural major might work:

Construction
Architectural design
Building safety and inspection
Government regulations

13. Aerospace engineering (B.S.A.E.)

Aerospace engineering is the design, development and testing of aircraft, spacecraft and equipment. These engineers work with advanced mathematical concepts, including calculus and trigonometry, and learn the physics of flight. Aerospace engineers typically work for private companies but can also find government work in the military.Aerospace engineers can work in various fields, including:

Military or government research and development
Aircraft manufacturing
Space exploration
Navigation

14. Nursing (B.S.N.)

Nursing is the study of patient care and management. Nurses are part of a team of healthcare professionals that help care for patients, interact with families and help physicians monitor and diagnose illnesses. The nursing field encompasses dozens of specific environments and studies. Here are some examples of specialized nursing careers a student can pursue with a Bachelor of Science in nursing:

Palliative care
Emergency medicine
Psychiatric nursing
Nursing management
Nursing administration

15. Biological Systems (B.S.B.S.)

Biology is the study of living things and how they interact with one another. A Bachelor of Science in biological systems helps students learn the fundamentals of biology, chemistry, microbiology and botany. Biologists work in a variety of fields and general conduct research on specific biological concepts. Here are some common fields where a biologist might work:

Disease prevention
Immunology
Education
Laboratory research
Wildlife management