Great Websites For Future Science Majors

One of the most important parts of any college search is learning which questions to ask as you look at and compare colleges. What are the characteristics of a "good" program in your intended major? What types of courses will you need to reach your career goals? How can you be sure that your intended major or career is even right for you?

Prospective science majors have it lucky. The Internet provides a wealth of information about science education and careers in science-related fields. In fact, the amount of information can sometimes feel overwhelming. To help students get started, I've identified some of the best resources for potential science majors on the Internet. A few hours spent browsing these websites will put students interested in science on the right path towards asking the right questions as they search for colleges.

I've mentioned the Sloan Career Cornerstone website before, but it bears repeating. This site is probably the best site out there for students interested in science, technology and math. Here you'll find detailed descriptions of science-related careers, including excellent discussions on educational requirements. I particularly like the extensive list of links to other resources, such as professional and accreditation organizations, provided for each science and technology area. Smart college shoppers will follow those links to learn more about educational programs and careers in their area of interest.

Two other resources can also give potential science majors great insights into science careers. The Science Careers website from the Journal Science and the National Institutes of Health Office of Science Education website both offer wonderful information on careers related to science, including some you may not have thought of, such as science journalism, biostatiscian, and surgical technologist. Explore Healthcare Careers is another terrific site for those considering careers in health fields.

Prospective biology majors should check out the research and resources of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, one of the leading organziations supporting biology and medical programs in higher education. Anyone looking at college biology programs should read the Institute's report on undergraduate biology education, Beyond Bio 101. The online report discusses the qualities that distinguish excellent undergraduate biology programs, and profiles some of the best undergraduate biology departments. Wondering about the differences between biology programs at liberal arts colleges and research universities? The Institute's report on science education at liberal arts colleges is also worth reading.

Want to major in neuroscience? The best resource for tracking down colleges that have undergraduate majors in neuroscience is the the Directory of Undergraduate Neuroscience Departments maintained by the Association of Neuroscience Departments and Programs.

Fascinated by chemistry? The American Chemical Association's career and education website is a wonderful resource for prospective chemistry majors. The ACA accredits undergraduate chemistry programs, and the site maintains a list of accredited programs. Even if a school you're considering isn't accredited by the ACA, reading through the standards for accreditation will give you plenty of questions to ask when comparing programs.

Prospective physics majors should check out the resources provided by the American Institute of Physics. Start with the website's very good article on careers for physics majors I'd also strongly recommend that future physics majors read the excellent article, "Does It Matter where I Go To College? which compares outcomes for physics majors from large and small departments. Finally, the AIP site also has a descriptive list of degree-granting undergraduate physics programs in the United States with links to each department's website. If you're looking for profiles of specific physics programs, the American Association of Physics Teachers National Task Force on Undergraduate Physics has compiled detailed profiles of the physics programs at about 15 colleges.

Are you interested in earth sciences? The Enviromental Education website is a great college search resource. You'll find a searchable database of colleges offering programs in earth sciences, from agriculture to zoology. If you're interested in geology, the American Geological Institute offers a website with information on careers and links to undergraduate programs. If weather is your thing, check out the American Meteorological Society's Career Center. Finally, for a list of colleges offering programs in atmospheric, oceanography, and related sciences, see this website.