If you are an international student with an interest in science, but are unsure exactly what scientific field you want to study, you might consider studying applied science in the United States. Read on to determine whether or not applied science is the area for you.
What is Applied Science?
Applied science is a discipline that is used to apply existing scientific knowledge to develop more practical applications, for example: technology or inventions.
In natural science, basic science (or pure science) is used to develop information to explain phenomena in the natural world. This information is then put to use for practical endeavors through applied science. Applied science is generally engineering, which develops technology, although there might be dialogue between basic science and applied science (research and development).
Medical sciences such as medical microbiology are examples of applied sciences. These sciences apply biology toward medical knowledge and inventions, although not necessarily medical technology, which is developed more specifically through biomedicine or biomedical engineering. Epidemiology, the study of the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations, is an application of the formal sciences of statistics and probability theory. Genetic epidemiology is an applied science applying both biological and statistical methods.
The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, offers an undergraduate minor in applied science, as well as Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The courses and research fields required for these degrees cover a variety of fields including neuroscience, optics, materials science and engineering, nondestructive testing, and nuclear magnetic resonance.
If you need additional funding to study applied sciences, explore financial resource options like scholarships and loans.
Bachelor of Applied Science
The Bachelor of Applied Science (often abbreviated as B.AS., BAS, BSAS, BASc, or BAppSc) is an undergraduate degree earned after a course of study that generally lasts about four to six years in the United States. In the US, a BAS is considered a highly specialized professional technical degree. The Bachelor of Applied Science is an applied baccalaureate, and typically contains advanced technical training (such as military training) in sciences as well as liberal arts.
The BAS degree is meant to teach students professional management skills in order to meet the demand for leadership of highly technical professionals in the workplace. A Bachelor of Applied Science degree requires an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, a minimum of 4-years of professional development or additional classes in an approved field, professional certifications or approved military training, and 2-years of upper level college courses.
Associate of Applied Science
An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is a technical degree in the United States. They generally take two to three years to complete. To apply for a degree program, you will need a high school diploma (or its equivalent) and entry level testing. An AAS can transfer to an accredited Bachelor of Applied Science program.
Specific Areas
A BAS program generally requires students to take the majority of the courses in the applied sciences while specializing in a specific area such as one of the following:
- Applied Physics
- Applied Mathematics
- Architectural Science
- General engineering
- Automotive engineering
- Biological engineering
- Biochemical engineering
- Chemical engineering
- Civil engineering
- Computer science
- Computer engineering
- Communication
- Applied Physics & Electronic Engineering
- Criminal Justice
- Criminology
- Electrical engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Engineering science and mechanics
- Engineering management
- Engineering Science
- Geological engineering
- Industrial engineering
- Information Management
- Integrated engineering
- Information Systems
- Management of Technology
- Manufacturing engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Mechatronics engineering
- Mining engineering
- Nanotechnology engineering
- Forensics
- Astrophysics
- Software engineering
- Sound engineering
- Systems engineering
- Business Management
- Social Science
- Business informatics
If any of these areas are of particular interest to you, then studying applied sciences in the United States might be the right path for you.
Applied Sciences Programs
Visit the Study in the USA School search to find schools that offer programs of study in Applied Sciences.
