What’s the Average Salary with a Masters in Science?

Masters in science degree programs allow you to make more money in your desired field than you would make with just a bachelor’s degree. Exactly how much you’ll make depends on a number of factors; let’s take a look at some of the job opportunities out there for students interested in science.

Salary by Industry / Position

With an interest in science, there is a wide spectrum of fields you could pursue, from aviation to to computer sciences. Here’s a sample of some of the jobs you could take, depending on the educational program you choose, along with common salary ranges:

Senior Software Engineer: $82,232 – $115,552
Physician Assistant: $71,515 – $88,288
Biologist: $39,072 – $61,745
Environmental Engineer: $45,000 – $79,275
Aviation Program Manager: $80,852 – $123,158
Forensic Scientist: $39,646 – $71,068
Clinical Laboratory Scientist: $50,006 – $82,473

In general, you can expect to make five to ten percent more than you’d make if you only had a bachelor’s degree. In many science-related fields, however, you won’t even qualify for most jobs unless you have a master’s degree or higher.Keep in mind that, depending on your field of study, you might also be able to go into consulting, working for yourself to help multiple clients instead of working for a single employer.

Other Factors Affecting Salary

Your job title and industry isn’t the only thing that affects your salary after you graduate with a masters in science. Other common factors affecting salary include location (in urban locations, you’ll typically earn more money), years of experience (as you work in your field, you’ll make more money), and type of employer (larger employers typically make more money than smaller employers). In addition, going to a top school in your field can help you make more money after you graduate. U.S. News and World Report (as well as a number of other publications) ranks graduate schools annually, so this is a great place to start if you want to go to a top college for your specialization.

Benefits

Along with salary, most jobs come attached to benefits packages, which include things such as health coverage, dental coverage, retirement packages, paid travel expenses, tuition reimbursement or loan repayment programs, and more. Every benefits package is different depending on your employer and the base salary you’re offered. In some positions, you may also be offered annual bonuses.

Top Online Master's Degrees in Science

The master's of science degrees listed below are offered by the top online colleges that have received official accreditation. Degrees confered through 100% online study are available in the subjects of computer science, engineering, biotechnology, aviation, science education, space studies, and more. Peruse the list below to request additional information from each school.

Master of Natural Resources MS: Science & Math Edu.	Oregon State University – Oregon State's Master of Natural Resources degree and Master of Science degree in science & mathematics education both explore the examination and education of complex natural resource issues. Join an award winning science community at one of the nation's preeminent scholarly centers studying fisheries, wildlife, forestry, rangeland, and water resources.
MS: GIS & Technology	University of Southern California – Southern Cal offers an MS in Geographic Information Science & Technology (GIST) through their online program. This degree equips its students with the fundamntal skills to cope with increasing GIST data complexity and more robust computer applications for GIST analysis, suitable for professions in real estate, telecommunications, government, infrastructure development, and more.
Master of Aviation Science	Everglades University – The Master of Aviation Science degree from Everglades University offers aviation specialists an opportunity to significantly augment their knowledge of the aerospace industry and aviation community. Students will gain a mastery of the field of aviation in the broad-based program that centers on technical aviation coursework that will include analysis of transportation systems, airport operations, aerospace communications systems, aerospace logistics, aircraft simulation, advanced crew resource management procedures, aerospace systems safety, and advanced security and safety program management.
MS: Imaging Science	Rochester Institute of Technology – RIT's MS in Imaging Science degree prepares its students for positions in research in the imaging industry or in the application of various imaging modalities to problems in engineering and science. The program emphasizes a systems approach to the study of imaging science. The course work comprises of the physics and chemistry of radiation-sensitive materials and processes, the applications of physical and geometrical optics to electro-optical systems, the mathematical evaluation of image forming systems, and the statistics of experimental design and quality control.
MS: Science Education	University of Massachusetts – This MS degree in Science Education combines the expertise of educators ranging from science faculty from the University of Massachusetts to K-12 teachers in establishing a pro-science curriculum that is inquiry-based and has strong hands-on components. The degree was created jointly by UMass Amherst and UMass Lowell faculty in Education, Science, and Engineering. Upon completion of this program, participants will earn a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree, and may be eligible for Massachusetts Professional Licensure.
MS in Electrical Engineering MS: Computer Science	DeVry University – DeVry University prides itself in giving its students a competitive edge in such complex fields as engineering and computer science. The MS in Electrical Engineering will further your engineering education in analyzing, designing and developing computer and electronic systems. The MS in Computer Science is another program that provides for flexibility with onsite and online learning, and also 10 choice concentrations ranging from Information Security to Health Management Systems.
MS: Space Studies	American Military University – Space technology and advancements have made great impact on today's world. This degree will explore how space is connected to politics, economics, commercial industry, law, and various scientific and operational issues associated with space. The Master of Science in Space Studies Program gives students the education and tools to make further breakthroughs and overcome future challenges in the field of space exploration and technology.
MS: Biotech Mgmt MS: Biosecurity MS: Bioinformatics MS: Environmental Mgmt	University of Maryland University College – The University of Maryland offers several different Masters degrees pertaining to Biotechnology including Biotechology Management, Biosecruity & Biodefense, Bioinformatics, and Environmental Management. In Biotechnology Management, students will get a broader understanding of how their managerial and executive roles are an integral part of shaping their industry while teaching them the skills to make the indispensable to their respective companies. Biosecurity & Biodefense focuses on homeland security and how information technology can be used to deter the threat of bioterrorism. Bioinformatics is geared towards learning the broader application of analysis and managerial skills needed to climb the ranks in business or working in government. Students in the Environmental Management program are given the opportunity to learn managerial skills of how to function in various environments and to be successful in each situation.
MS: Software Engineering	University of Liverpool – This MS in Software Engineering program is designed for give students a comprehensive understanding of the engineering principles required to develop the correct application first time. The degree will cover all the classical aspects of the software development process which include concept, design, testing, QA and implementation. Ranking among the top 10 eLearning institutions in the world, University of Liverpool provides flexibility and reputable education that is completely accessible online.
MBA: Computer Science	Northcentral University – This MBA in Computer Science degree program presents prospective managers with practical abstract modern theory and practice in each of the key areas of managerial responsibility. Students are encouraged to apply the theory learned in the classroom and problem solve via the use of computers in practical business situations for a uniquely rewarding and educational experience. The curriculum is designed to provide preparation for professional careers in the areas of Software and Network Administration. A bachelor's degree or its equivalent is necessary to apply to this program.
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