Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations

Agricultural and food science technicians help scientists with testing and research related to plants, animals, fibers, and food and beverage products.

Agricultural and food scientists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products.

Anthropologists and archeologists study the origin, development, and behavior of humans.

Atmospheric scientists study, report on, and forecast the weather and climate.

Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes.

Biological technicians help biological and medical scientists conduct laboratory tests and experiments.

Chemical technicians conduct laboratory tests to help scientists analyze the properties of materials.

Chemists and materials scientists research and analyze the chemical properties of substances to develop new materials, products, or knowledge.

Conservation scientists and foresters manage the land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources.

Economists conduct research, prepare reports, and evaluate issues related to monetary and fiscal policy. They also may collect and analyze statistical data.

Environmental science and protection technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination, including those affecting public health.

Environmental scientists and specialists conduct research or investigations to protect the environment or human health.

Epidemiologists are public health workers who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury.

Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence.

Geographers study the Earth and the distribution of its land, features, and inhabitants.

Geological and hydrologic technicians support scientists and engineers in exploring, extracting, and monitoring natural resources.

Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth.

Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past by studying historical documents and sources.

Hydrologists study water and how it moves across and through the Earth’s crust.

Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health.

Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi.

Nuclear technicians assist physicists, engineers, and other scientists in nuclear power generation and production activities, such as operating or maintaining nuclear testing equipment.

Physicists and astronomers study the interactions of matter and energy.

Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems.

Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how people relate to one another and to their environments.

Sociologists study society and social behavior.

Survey researchers design and conduct surveys and analyze data.

Urban and regional planners develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities in cities, counties, metropolitan areas, and other jurisdictions.

Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals, those both in captivity and in the wild, and how they interact with their ecosystems.