Department of Physical Sciences

DESCRIPTION OF THE ENGINEERING PROGRAM

The Engineering Science degree program (Associate of Science) provides the foundation courses needed to transfer into four-year programs in engineering. Students who graduate from this program are able to employ mathematics, science, and computing techniques to support the study and solution of engineering problems, understand the principles and methods of engineering, demonstrate practical skills in modern laboratory techniques, methods, instrumentation, and data analysis and communicate clearly their understandings of engineering and of their specific activity in the field orally and in writing.

SKILLS

Creativity. Mechanical engineers design and build complex pieces of equipment and machinery. A creative mind is essential for this kind of work.

Interpersonal skills. Electrical and electronics engineers must work with others during the manufacturing process to ensure that their plans are implemented correctly. This collaboration includes monitoring technicians and devising remedies to problems as they arise.

Problem-solving skills. Mechanical engineers need good problem-solving skills to take scientific principles and discoveries and use them to design and build useful products.

CAREER INFORMATION

Mechanical engineers plan and design tools, engines, machines, and other mechanical systems that produce, transmit, or use power. They may work in design, instrumentation, testing, robotics, transportation, or bioengineering, among other areas.

Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, and power generation equipment.

EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

Employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Overall employment of electrical and electronics engineers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2018 to 2028, slower than the average for all occupations.

CAREER PATH

Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology. You will need to take courses in geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. Finally, because computers are such an important part of engineering, computer science courses are also good choices. The median annual wage for mechanical engineers was $87,370 in May 2018. Prospective electrical and electronics engineers need a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, electrical engineering technology, or a related engineering field. The median annual wage for electrical engineers was $96,640 in May 2018.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE EARTH & PLANETARY SCIENCES PROGRAM

The Earth and Planetary Sciences Associate of Science (A.S.) degree program provides the foundation courses needed to transfer into four-year programs in earth and planetary science. Students who graduate from this program are able to demonstrate an understanding of the earth’s subsystems, describe the interaction and evolution of these subsystems on different temporal and spatial scales, demonstrate an understanding of the nature of human interactions with the earth subsystems, recognize the relevance of the earth system to the individual and to society, and demonstrate an understanding of the nature of scientific knowledge and its historical development.

SKILLS

Communication skills. Geoscientists write reports and research papers. They must be able to present their findings clearly to other scientists and team members, as well as clients or professionals who do not have a background in geoscience.

Analytical skills. Environmental scientists and specialists base their conclusions on careful analysis of scientific data. They must consider all possible methods and solutions in their analyses.

Critical-thinking skills. Environmental science and protection technicians reach their conclusions through sound reasoning and judgment. They have to determine the best way to address environmental hazards.

CAREER INFORMATION

An Earth & Planetary Sciences degree can be the foundation that leads to a variety of careers.

Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its composition, structure, and processes, to learn about its past, present, and future.

Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. They may clean up polluted areas, advise policymakers, or work with industry to reduce waste.

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

EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

Employment of geoscientists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as average for all occupations.

Employment of environmental science and protection technicians is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

CAREER PATH

Geoscientists typically need a bachelor’s degree in geoscience or a related field, such as physical science or natural resources. Employers sometimes prefer to hire candidates who have a master’s degree. The median annual wage for geoscientists was $83,680 in May 2021.

Environmental scientists and specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related natural resources field. However, a master’s degree may be needed for advancement. The median annual wage for environmental scientists and specialists was $76,530 in May 2021.

Environmental science and protection technicians typically need an associate degree in environmental science, environmental health, or public health, or a related degree. Because of the wide range of tasks, environments, and industries in which these technicians work, there are jobs that do not require postsecondary education and others that require a bachelor’s degree. The median annual wage for environmental science and protection technicians was $47,370 in May 2021.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE PHYSICS PROGRAM

The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Physics program enables students to express themselves effectively in written exams and laboratory reports using the terminology, notations, and symbols of Physics. Upon completion of the program the student will be able to evaluate empirical evidence supporting the fundamental laws, theories, and ideas of physics, in addition to utilizing the tools and methods.

SKILLS

Interpersonal skills. Physicists and astronomers must collaborate extensively in both academic and industrial research contexts. They need to work well with others toward a common goal. Interpersonal skills also help researchers secure funding for their projects.

Problem-solving skills. Materials engineers must understand the relationship between materials’ structures, their properties, how they are made, and how these factors affect the products they are used to make. They must also figure out why a product might have failed, design a solution, and then conduct tests to make sure that the product does not fail again. These skills involve being able to identify root causes when many factors could be at fault.

Writing skills. Materials engineers must write plans and reports clearly so that people without a materials engineering background can understand the concepts.

CAREER INFORMATION

Materials engineers must have a bachelor’s degree in materials science and engineering or in a related engineering field. Completing internships and cooperative engineering programs while in school can be helpful in getting a position as a materials engineer.

Physicists and astronomers typically need a Ph.D. for jobs in research and academia. However, physicist jobs in the federal government typically require a bachelor’s degree in physics. After receiving a Ph.D. in physics or astronomy, many researchers seeking careers in academia begin in temporary postdoctoral research positions.

EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

Employment of materials engineers is projected to show little or no change from 2018 to 2028. Overall employment of physicists and astronomers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2018 to 2028.

CAREER PATH

The median annual wage for materials engineers was $92,390 in May 2018. Most materials engineers work full time. Some materials engineers work more than 40 hours per week.

The median annual wage for astronomers was $105,680 in May 2018. Most physicists and astronomers work full time. Astronomers may need to work at night, because radiation from the sun tends to interfere less with observations made during nighttime hours. Astronomers typically visit observatories only a few times per year and therefore keep normal office hours.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE SCIENCE FOR FORENSICS PROGRAM

The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Science for Forensics is designed to provide academic and professional training for students interested in working in forensic science laboratories, or who are planning to pursue careers as research scientists, teachers or medical professionals. This degree draws from many disciplines, including math, physics, criminal justice, technology and psychology. As part of the CUNY Justice Academy, students can transition to John Jay College of Criminal Justice to complete this program at the baccalaureate level.

SKILLS

Math and science skills. Forensic science technicians need a solid understanding of statistics and natural sciences to be able to analyze evidence.

Communication. Forensic science technicians must be able to communicate clearly. During the course of an investigation, they may need to consult with experts in other fields.

Critical thinking. At the lab, technicians not only analyze each piece of evidence individually, they must then put all of that data together to form a picture of what happened at the crime scene.

CAREER INFORMATION

Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence. Many technicians specialize in either crime scene investigation or laboratory analysis. Private detectives and investigators search for information about legal, financial, and personal matters. They offer many services, such as verifying people’s backgrounds and statements, finding missing persons, and investigating computer crimes.

EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

Employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 14 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of private detectives and investigators is projected to grow 8 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations.

CAREER PATH

The median annual wage for forensic science technicians was $58,230 in May 2018. Crime scene investigators may work staggered day, evening, or night shifts and may have to work overtime because they must always be available to collect or analyze evidence. Technicians working in laboratories usually work a standard workweek, although they may have to be on call outside of normal business hours if they are needed to work immediately on a case.

The median annual wage for private detectives and investigators was $50,090 in May 2018. Private detectives and investigators often work irregular hours because they conduct surveillance and contact people outside of normal work hours. They may work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

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