Albert Einstein once said, "The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science." Students who gravitate to this sense of mystery and necessity to understand the unknown are perfect fits for continuing their education in physical science.
Whether your interest lies in astronomy, chemistry, earth science, or physics, makes no difference as all fall under the umbrella of physical science. But which you choose will definitely affect whether you are looking through at the stars through a telescope or studying microorganisms through a microscope.
Popular Physical Science Careers
Some of the more popular careers in physical science include meteorology, geology, and physiology. These areas of study have produced some of the most famous names of all time: Aristotle, Copernicus, Galileo, and Sir Isaac Newton.
Preparing for the GRE
Before applying to a graduate program, you'll need to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). While physical science graduates tend to do very well in the general GRE, the subject test in physics may prove to be more difficult. This portion of the test consists of 100 multiple choice questions which must be answered in 170 minutes.
Concentrations Are Varied
If you aren't interested in one of the more well known concentrations, don't be discouraged—there are plenty of other areas you can spend your time focused on—and in some cases you may enter the job market ahead of those who choose the more “popular” fields. Plus, as many physicists and astronomers are currently approaching retirement, you may even consider getting your doctorate to fill these open jobs right out of school.
Other areas to consider studying further in include:
- Biochemistry
- Biomedical engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Energy engineering
- Geography
- Mechanical engineering
- Nuclear engineering
- Scientific instrumentation
What to Expect from Your Graduate Study
At the master's level, you will gain knowledge on subjects not usually covered in undergraduate programs. Students are generally required to take courses for one or two years. Sometimes students are required to write a thesis and take departmental examinations. After successfully completing the examinations, you can take a master's degree and enter the workplace or proceed into a PhD program (often required to do research and teach at the university level).
A master's in physical science is unique
What makes getting a degree in the physical science discipline different than getting another master's degree is that in physical science, master's degrees are earned on the way to the PhD. Most master's degrees are considered professional degrees—sometimes called the professional master's—and are highly valued in traditional fields such as engineering and nursing, as well as in newer fields such as microbiology, bioengineering, computer science, and environmental studies. A professional master's might teach such specific skills as instrumentation design, project management, systems integration, counseling, solving of complex problems, and risk analysis. Those skills are often enhanced by internships or field work. The MS degree involves less commitment and time than a PhD, but it can lead to careers with greater responsibility and higher pay than a BS alone.
So narrow your list and get to it! Studying physical science at the graduate level will open doors, and you might find yourself being offered a chance to be the next Bill Nye!
