Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations

Agricultural and food science technicians assist agricultural and food scientists.

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 study substances at the atomic and molecular levels and analyze the ways in which the substances interact with one another.

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

Economists collect and analyze data, research trends, and evaluate economic issues for resources, goods, and services.

Environmental science and protection technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination.

Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and 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Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past by studying historical documents and sources.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 how water moves across and through the Earth’s crust.

Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health.

Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and some types of parasites.

Nuclear technicians assist physicists, engineers, and other professionals in nuclear research and nuclear energy production.

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 individuals 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 land use plans and programs that help create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities.

Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals and other wildlife and how they interact with their ecosystems.