What is applied science and technology? The word science comes from the Latin word, scientia, which means knowledge. Science includes the way that knowledge is obtained and what is learned. It includes research and scientific methods. Pure science involves theories that describe the forces and objects of nature without concern for practical applications. In contrast, applied science deals with the transfer of scientific knowledge into practical applications. In applied science, theoretical models are tested to prove or disprove a theory.
Here is an example. When you solve a practical problem using natural sciences, that is applied science. Coming up with the theories in the first place is the realm of theoretical science. For example, engineering falls within applied sciences. In an industrial setting, research and development lead to the application of scientific theories for commercial use. Technology is greatly dependent on applied science.
Technology derives from a Greek word, technologia — from techne (craft or art) and logia (to study something). So, technology has a broad scope encompassing the knowledge and use of tools. This can include other species but typically represents tools and crafts used by humans. Technology refers to techniques, methods and systems use to organize knowledge for a certain purpose. This could be to solve a problem or to create a product. Technology is often applied to the fields of information, medical and construction but can apply to different fields as well.
What is applied science and technology? Applied science uses theories to develop practical applications to create technology. Technology develops from the incremental improvement of pure science and applied science.
Most Popular Schools with Online Scientific Technology Degree Programs
Career Spotlight: Biological Technicians
Biological technicians typically work in laboratories.
Breakdown of Work Environment of a Biological Techs
Biological technicians held about 87,500 jobs in 2019. The largest employers of biological technicians were as follows:
| Workplace | percentage of jobs |
|---|---|
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 32% |
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private | 27% |
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | 10% |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 8% |
| Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing | 5% |
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What Can You Do with a Scientific Technology Degree?
The technology and science jobs sample list below provides examples of jobs in applied science and technology students might pursue after graduating. This is just an example of what applied science and technology jobs some graduates have pursued.
Jobs in applied science and technology include:
- Blogger
- Brand Strategist
- Archivist
- Biologist
- Editor
- Entrepreneur
- Chemist
- Cultural Consultant
- Author
- Food Scientist
- GIS systems
- Government Agency Worker
- Historian
- Industrial Relations Consultant
- Journalist
- Market Researcher
- Human Resources Specialist
- Lawyer
- Lobbyist
- Medical Technology Developer
- Pharmaceutical Sales
- Public Policy Analyst
- Political Strategist
- Politician
- Medical Writer
- Researcher
- Non-Profit Organization
- Museum Curator
- Public Relations
- Scientific Writer
- Speech Writer
- UN Representative
- Publisher
- Professor
- Social Program Director
Some science and technology jobs require licensing, professional development or experience in addition to a science and technology degree. Science and technology jobs include a lot of room for growth. In general, technology and science jobs require a bachelor’s level degree or higher, but there are also applied science and technology jobs you can get with an associate’s degree.
Degree Types: Associates, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
You can start out with an associate’s degree and work your way through a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree. It all depends on what your goals are. Below, we provide examples of online programs at various levels to help students understand their options at each level.
Associate’s
Hudson County Community College has a computer technology program the teaches graduates practical and theoretical applications of computer technology. Associates in applied science degree online courses include hardware, systems and software components including electronics engineering. The program prepares graduates for analysis and testing of computer equipment. This two-year program is available online and students can take courses part-time or full-time.
Purdue University also offers an associate of applied science degree online. Finding a job in a field students truly enjoy can be difficult. With an associates degree in applied science online, students can explore their interest and go on to pursue further education or get a job in a related field.
As an example of associates in applied science degree online available at Purdue, see the following list:
- Education Programs
- Business Programs
- Criminal Justice Programs
- Health Sciences Programs
- Fire Science Programs
- Information Technology Programs
- Human Services Programs
- Professional Studies Programs
- Nursing Programs
An associate of applied science degree online is a great way to explore whether this is the right career path for you. With an associates degree in applied science online, graduates can pursue a wide variety of career options. For some jobs, an associates of applied science online degree is the terminal degree. These jobs include dental hygiene, ultrasound technician and entry-level computer hardware jobs.
With an associates of applied science online degree, students can also further their education with a bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor’s
With an online bachelor of applied science, many students go on to work in management or medicine. A bachelors in applied science online gives students the flexibility to continue their education while working or caring for their family. For example, an applied science bachelor degree online can lead to a health care management job.
Some students with an online bachelor of applied science degree go on to become construction managers. If you already work in construction and have supervisory experience, you may be able to find an entry-level job in construction management. A bachelor of applied science online degree can also kick start a career in information technology or computer science. A BAS degree in website designer network administration can lead to highly lucrative jobs that are currently in demand.
Indiana University has an online bachelor of applied science for those who already hold an AAS from an accredited college or university. Indiana’s bachelors in applied science online provides knowledge and experience needed to become a supervisor or manager in one of many fields.
Indiana University has applied science bachelor degree online programs that focus on science and business and include the following career paths:
- Office manager
- Hospitality manager
- Human resource manager
- Allied health professional
- Construction manager
The program, like many others, is taught solely online and uses the same instructors as in-person classes.
Boise State also has an online bachelor of applied science degree. This BAS concentrates on leadership and management roles. Graduates go on to pursue entry-level roles in management or seek supervisor positions at their current jobs. With this bachelor of applied science online degree, students learn transferable skills that applied to a number of disciplines.
Students who would like to eventually teach or advance in their current management jobs may decide to pursue a master’s degree. The next section helps students understand what a master’s in applied science and technology involves and whether it might be right for them.
Master’s
Johns Hopkins has a masters of applied science online that allows students to pursue their education online part-time or full-time. This program is offered by the university’s Bloomberg School of Public Health. Students choose from interdisciplinary programs that help them build skills and progress with their education while they hold down full-time or part-time jobs. The MAS degrees provides many opportunities for graduates of this prestigious university. If students are looking for advanced training and innovative courses, this may be the ideal choice for them. Graduates emerge ready to tackle public health questions using the latest scientific findings.
The program includes core courses and workshops for professional development. This can help students with their networking abilities. Public health seminars enable students catch up on the latest trends in the industry. Students synthesize their skills and knowledge to complete a final project, which demonstrates their competency in the subject matter as applied to public health problems.
The MAS programs at Johns Hopkins are designed for students who will become researchers, practitioners and policymakers. By addressing public health challenges in their education, graduates emerge ready to handle problems facing their respective fields. Current and future public health professionals must develop skills that include the latest knowledge available. An online degree allows working professionals to take these skills back to their workplaces.
Examples of masters of applied science online programs include:
- Global Health Management
- Humanitarian Health
- Population Health Management
- Patient Safety
- Spatial Analysis for Public Health
Accreditation
The Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission falls under ABET. ANSAC evaluates colleges and universities offering applied and natural science courses. The Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commissionevaluates program educational objectives and student outcomes as well as inclusion of college-level mathematics and natural Sciences, as follows:
- Program Educational Objectives: Educational objectives include the expectations of graduates. They are based on the components of the program as well as the needs of the industry at large.
- Student Outcomes: Graduates are expected to master certain knowledge and skills in order to obtain jobs or go on to higher levels of education.
- Assessment: This involves the collection of data to determine whether students have attained the stated outcomes. Assessments use direct and indirect methods to obtain qualitative and quantitative data regarding students and graduates.
- Evaluation: In order to receive accreditation, schools must pass an evaluation process that can last from 18 months to three years. During the evaluation process, ANSAC interprets data and accumulated information about each school it assesses. The evaluation determines whether student outcomes have been achieved and make suggestions for improving various programs.
ANSAC has specific requirements for offering mathematics and natural science courses. Colleges and universities that fail to offer these courses risk losing their accreditation. This requirement is to maintain consistency among colleges and universities in the United States. Science and math are also the foundation of applied science and technology degrees. Therefore, these programs must offer a variety of science and mathematics courses to prepare students for real-world applications as well as advanced degrees.
- College level Mathematics: This requirement includes sophisticated mathematical courses such as college algebra and above. Some examples include precalculus, college algebra, differential equations, calculus, statistics, probability, and discrete mathematics.
- Natural Science: ANSAC also requires natural science courses for colleges and universities seeking accreditation. Applied science and technology accreditation requires natural sciences that include both research and theory. These sciences deal with the study of the natural world. Examples of natural Sciences required by ANSAC include physics, chemistry, biology, geology and earth science. These are just a few examples of relevant subjects that meet the commission’s requirements.
- Applied Science: This includes courses that apply natural science theories to various problems.
Certifications/Licensure
There are many choices for those seeking a certificate in science and technology. Here is an example of a 1-year certificate of science and technology designed to prepare students for longer coursework.
Auckland University of Technology gives students a taste of college life and allows them develop skills needs to pursue a BAS degree. This program includes an introduction to engineering, design, computer science or math. This is a great option for those returning to study after an interruption.
Rutgers has a certificate in science and technology that focuses on management. This program is ideal for students looking for supplemental training in math, science or engineering. For those who already have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or science, this certificate can round out their knowledge and improve their chances of moving on to a master’s level program or ascending in their career trajectory.
This program suits anyone enrolled in a doctor of philosophy, master’s of science or postdoc program in math, science or engineering. The certificate can help professionals update their skillset and knowledge.
The program includes 19 credits and eligible candidates have at least five years of industry experience. Courses include the following:
- Communication and Leadership
- Ethics
- Accounting and Finance
- Management in Science and Technology
- Market Assessment and Analysis for Business and Science
Scholarships
Applied science scholarships include the following examples:
- Species On The Edge 2.0″ Social Media Contest
- PixelPlex Bi-Annual STEM Scholarship
- 100 Black Men of Prince George’s County, Inc. Scholarship
- 7X24 Exchange Rocky Mountain Chapter Scholarship
- AAUW Return to Learning Scholarships
- ABC Humane Wildlife Control & Prevention, Inc. Academic Scholarship
There are thousands of applied science scholarships available online. Seek out scholarships that require a similar background to your experience for the best results. Many scholarships go unawarded each year. Apply for as many as you can to keep your student debt down and to provide living expenses while you study.
You can find scholarships at the associate’s level through to doctoral programs. So, budget time to find the best scholarships for the program you choose.
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