Are you trying to figure out if you should pursue an engineering or science degree? Should you become a biomedical engineer or a biologist? A chemical engineer or a chemist? An aerospace engineer or an astrophysicist?
If so, this page is for you!
I know firsthand how stressful and confusing it can be to decide what career path to start pursuing. After all, science and engineering careers have a lot of similarities! While I ended up pursuing aerospace engineering, maybe you have a different calling. So, below, we’ll discuss some questions you should ask yourself. At the same time, I’ll point out some of the key differences between engineers and scientists. Use this page to guide you as you make your own career path decisions.
To ease some of your stress right now, I want you to know that it’s not the end of the world if you begin your journey and realize “this isn’t for me”. It is always possible to change course, especially early on in college. Those experiences you gained, no matter how unrelated they are to your next career, give you different perspectives and strengths that you can use to your advantage throughout life.
Engineering is not science
Before we get into the career guide, let’s start off with this basic idea: engineering is not science. So often engineering gets lumped into science classes for K-12 students. While I absolutely love seeing various STEM initiatives, career paths for each branch (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) are not always discussed. I didn’t really know what an engineer was until I won a scholarship to Space Camp in high school. At that point, I already knew I loved astronomy, but that week put me on a new trajectory towards an aerospace engineering career.
This quote from Boston University summarizes this sentiment well:
Engineers are not a sub-category of scientists. So often the two terms are used interchangeably, but they are separate, albeit related, disciplines. Scientists explore the natural world and show us how and why it is as it is. Discovery is the essence of science. Engineers innovate solutions to real-world challenges in society. While it is true that engineering without science could be haphazard; without engineering, scientific discovery would be a merely an academic pursuit.
– Boston University, College of Engineering
Career Guide: Should you become an engineer or a scientist?
Below I’ve listed guiding questions to help you choose between becoming an engineer or a scientist. As we discuss each question, I’ll point out some of the differences between engineering careers and science careers.
The goal of this guide is simply to give you resources and knowledge so you can make your own informed career path decision.
There’s also nothing stopping you from becoming both! I’ve seen scientists go back to school to get an engineering degree and engineers pursue a science degree. Maybe you’ll even manage to get both degrees at the same time if you’re feeling ambitious. Or, maybe, neither option sounds good to you. That’s okay too! Engineering and science teams need a whole lot of support. Technicians. Lawyers. Logistics specialists. Human resources. Media liaisons. The list goes on and on. If you’re not sure where to even start, these career path exercises will help get you on the right track.
1. Do you like to research or innovate?
Engineers and scientists both work to advance our knowledge of the world, but the methods and mindsets they use are a bit different.
Scientists tend to be researchers. Scientists dig deep into their specific field to understand what’s happening in the world around them. They’re constantly asking “what” and “why” questions. What’s going on? Why does this happen? They’re busy discovering, experimenting, collecting data, or reviewing data to answer those whys and whats. Scientists use the scientific method to test theories and predictions about the world…or universe.
On the other hand, engineers tend to be innovators and makers. Engineers are focused on figuring out practical solutions to various problems. They’re constantly asking “how” questions. How does this work? How can I solve this issue? Engineers use the engineering method and their critical thinking skills to solve problems.
Of course, these are just generalizations. An oversimplification meant to help you figure out which career path you’d enjoy the most. There are, of course, exceptions. Some engineers (especially in academia) focus on research. And some scientists’ discoveries turn into inventions, like Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin.
Example: The International Space Station
Let’s talk about an example using the International Space Station.
The ISS has been orbiting around Earth for over 23 years. It’s an amazing science lab that operates in space. It’s also home to astronauts who live there for weeks or months at a time to conduct research and keep the station maintained. The ISS’s main purpose is to advance science and technology for humankind, but it’s also an amazing engineering feat by itself.
Here are a few scientists and engineering functions that make the ISS successful:
- Scientists and medical doctors define the atmospheric conditions to enable human habitation on ISS (oxygen concentration, ideal temperature range, etc.). They come up with those conditions using data from human studies. Engineers then design, build, and test the pressurized modules and environmental systems to meet those defined conditions.
- In mission control, engineers actively monitor the environmental systems on the ISS (24/7, 365 days a year) and are ready to troubleshoot an issue at a moment’s notice. Flight surgeons (medical doctors) are there to ensure the astronauts remain healthy.
- Scientists come up with the experiments that astronauts perform in space. Engineers design the device to make that experiment possible in a microgravity environment.
- Astronauts themselves are usually engineers, scientists, medical doctors, and/or jet pilots.
Even this example is an oversimplification. We could create an entire library of books if we wanted to highlight all the job functions involved with building and maintaining the ISS! But, I hope you see the general trend.
2. Are you willing to pursue a PhD?
Both scientists and engineers are lifelong learners. Whether researching or innovating, there’s always something new to learn.
However, when it comes to formal training, many scientists need an advanced degree, like a PhD, to advance in their field. Whereas, many engineers can advance in their career with a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Undoubtedly there are exceptions. So, let’s talk in generalities first. Then, we’ll discuss specific actions you can take based on your own career aspirations.
Scientist education trends
In general, the science community tends to value scientists with PhDs. In some fields, entry-level positions may require a master’s degree or PhD to even get hired. In other fields, you may be able to get an entry-level position with a bachelor’s degree, but, not obtaining a PhD later could hold you back from progressing in your career.
That being said, it completely depends on what kind of career you want as a scientist. This article from the Associate of Women in Science (AWIS) will give you some more ideas to consider when it comes to science PhDs.
Science in the medical field
While this article is focused on scientists, medical doctors also need a strong scientific background. Instead of earning a PhD, which is very research-based, medical doctors earn an applied doctorate degree, like an MD, DO, OD, or PsyD. There’s also a term called “physician-scientists” for medical doctors that have also earned a PhD in science.
Many other medical professionals, like nurses or medical technicians, also have specific education and training requirements. Look for websites focused on medical fields, like this one, to learn more about those careers.
Engineering education trends
In industry, it’s less necessary for engineers to pursue a master’s or a PhD. You’ll notice most engineering job postings only require a bachelor’s in engineering. In some positions, a master’s in engineering is also required or preferred, however, “relevant experience” can often replace the need for a master’s. You’ll often see engineering job requisitions say something like “master’s in engineering or 3 years of relevant experience”.
“Relevant experiences” are incredibly important for engineers. Engineers are constantly learning by doing. The knowledge you gain on-the-job is often more important than having a PhD when applying to an engineering job in industry.
Alternatively, instead of pursuing a master’s or PhD in engineering, some engineers may seek other forms of formal training. For example, engineers that want to become program managers or executives may decide to pursue an MBA. Or an engineer might pursue specific certifications or licenses, like a professional engineer license or an INCOSE certification depending on the career path they want.
Side note on engineers vs technologists: If you want to become an engineer, the type of bachelor’s degree matters. It must be a bachelor of science (or a bachelor of engineering, depending on the college). Applied engineering or engineering technology degrees are generally used for technologist positions. This can cause some confusion because “engineering” is used in multiple contexts. The engineering vs engineering technology programs have completely separate criteria for accreditation. You’ll often see engineers inventing solutions to real-world problems and technologists implementing those solutions.
The world of academia and research
If you dream of working at a prestigious university or in a specialized research laboratory, you may want to pursue that PhD regardless of whether you choose science or engineering. The world of academia strongly favors PhDs and many positions require a PhD. Since PhD programs train students on how to conduct research, you may also see PhDs favored in many research lab positions.
Here’s an interesting read on biomedical engineering career paths in academia. While it’s focused on biomedical engineering, the article may be helpful to anyone thinking about a career in academia.
Action: Investigate your specific career interests
Now, what does this all mean to you? I highly recommend you do some research on the specific career aspirations you have. Below are some exercises and questions to help get you started.
As you’re completing these exercises, focus on the big picture. You don’t need to figure out your entire life today! Your priorities in life will change and grow over time. Today, you’re only taking one step. Lean towards the degree that resonates with you the most, the one that has the most potential to foster a happy, fulfilling life.
Online research suggestions
- Start with some generic searches. What level of education is required for the science and engineering careers you’re considering?
- Example: a google search for “chemist career paths and education” led me to this indeed.com article that lists out 15 different chemistry positions, many of which only require a bachelor’s degree. I also googled “does a chemist need a PhD” and I found this thoughtco.com article and this pros/cons article.
- Look at open job positions and see what requirements they posted. Consider both entry-level positions and senior-level “dream job” positions. Entry-level positions will show you the minimum requirements you’ll need just to get your foot in the door. Senior-level “dream job” positions will show you what else you’ll need to advance in that field later on.
- Research real people. Read biographies or skim through profiles on LinkedIn. Are you interested in a similar career? What degree(s) do they have?
As you research, look for answers to these questions:
- Is it best to get a PhD right away? Or, can you wait to make that decision later on in your career?
- Are there other degrees or certifications that are desired?
- For example, if you’re interested in being a pharmacist, you may notice that also having an MBA could give you an advantage when applying for some jobs.
- What other experiences or training do people have?
Talk to professionals
Find opportunities to actually talk to a few professionals in those fields. This could be in an online forum, an email, a phone/video call, a message on social media, or in person. Professionals can give you things to consider that are not easy to discover just by googling it.
Just keep in mind that some people are better at advising others. While it’s valuable to consider different perspectives, you don’t always need to follow someone’s else advice. No one knows your goals and dreams better than you do.
3. What industry are you interested in?
Every industry has both scientists and engineers. When you’re trying to narrow down your career path options, it can be enlightening to focus on a specific industry (or a few industries) and research specific job functions in that industry.
So, what industry (or industries) are you interested in working in? There are so many industries out there to discover! If you don’t have an industry in mind, check out this Wikipedia page for some ideas.
Next, do some research on careers in that industry. Here are some example questions to consider:
- What job functions sound exciting in that industry?
- Are those jobs very competitive?
- Is there a demand for more engineers or scientists in that field?
- Where do people work? At their desk, in a lab, in the field?
- What kind of work schedule is expected? Maybe it’s a typical 5-9. Maybe you’ll need to work 30 days onsite on an oil rig or ship, but then you get 30 days off. Maybe you’ll need to be willing to work nights, such as jobs that are performed 24/7 or jobs that need to be periodically performed at night (looking at you astronomers).
4. Do you want to specialize in one field?
When picking any science or engineering career (or, really, any career), there are two primary paths you can take:
- The specialist. A specialist’s knowledge is narrow but runs deep. This is the person who digs into a specific field. The person everyone goes to for answers in that area. The expert who is recognized in their team, company, or even worldwide for their knowledge or skills.
- The generalist. A generalist’s knowledge is broad. They know a little bit about a lot of things. This is the person who can move around to different types of jobs to help out where needed. You’ll often see this person in management or integration positions. After all, someone needs to corral all those specialists towards a common purpose!
Both specialists and generalists are incredibly important. There are many pros/cons lists (like this indeed.com article) that compare specialists and generalists. But for now, let’s focus on how this can help you decide between science and engineering.
When it comes to comparing scientists and engineers, there’s more pressure on scientists to specialize. In engineering, there tends to be more emphasis on building interdisciplinary skills.
Let’s break this down a bit further.
The specialist vs generalist debate in science
In the science community, there can be a lot of pressure on students and scientists to specialize. Collectively, our scientific knowledge is immense. If scientists want to continue to discover new things, it’s only natural to focus on areas where knowledge is sparse. Scientists are also often pressured to constantly publish papers based on their specialized research, especially in medical and life science fields. So, if you’re really excited to find your niche and report your findings, becoming a scientist might be the perfect fit for you!
That being said, there’s still hope for those of you leaning toward a science degree, but who also want to be a generalist… or those of you that simply don’t know what you want yet. There’s growing pushback on specializations and too many published papers. There are many science opinion articles (and, ironically, even published research papers) that discuss this subject, like this Scientific American opinion article and this published paper.
Engineers: jack of all trades, master of some
If you look at the career paths for multiple successful engineers, you’ll often see people who are a “jack of all trades, master of some”. Engineers tend to need to know a little bit about a lot of things, but the best engineers also have some in-depth knowledge in a couple of functions, disciplines, and/or skills. Some people call this term a “generalized specialist”. Engineers tend to be less specialized than scientists, but they still need enough knowledge to be effective as engineers.
What do I mean by function, disciplines, and skills? You’ll often see a whole list of engineering degrees posted for a single job. Once you have an engineering degree, experiences are arguably more important in determining your career path. That’s why I recommend that engineering students get an internship.
Those on-the-job experiences can break down into three main categories: functions, disciplines, and skills.
- Functions are often associated with your job description or title. Examples: mechanical designer, test engineer, safety engineer, thermal analyst.
- Disciplines describe the field of study that you’re performing your function in. For example, within the aerospace industry, a mechanical engineer may have worked in one (or all) of these disciplines: life support systems, launch structures, or robotics.
- Skills are the things you learn while completing your functions. Examples: CAD modeling, computational fluid analysis, failure mode analysis… and a variety of “soft” skills like communication.
Many engineering companies have rotational opportunities for engineers so that engineers can build new skills, learn about new functions, or get cross-discipline experience. The career path flexibility I have as an engineer is one of the reasons I’m glad I decided to pursue an engineering degree.
5. Is money an important factor for you?
Money can be a sticky subject, but something to consider. How much money you want to earn is completely dependent on your personal goals and lifestyle. For some of you, money might not be important at all. For others, maybe money is your driver. Regardless, we’re not here to judge each other. Just be honest with yourself. And, hey, you might not even know how to answer this question yet, and that’s okay! Continue to educate yourself on personal finances as you go along.
Fortunately, when it comes to wages, both engineers and scientists tend to make good salaries.
If you’re just looking at general statistics comparing engineers v. scientists in the US, engineers overall tend to make more money, have more job growth opportunities, and require less formal education. But, let’s dig into the specifics. The specific industry or field you want to work in can play a huge role in how much you’ll actually get paid.
Action: Compare statistics
An easy place to compare salaries in the US is the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). If you’ll be working in another country, see if your government has similar labor statistics.
Go to their website and search for the engineering and science fields you’re interested in. Then, compare each entry for the following:
- Median salary – In case you need a reminder from math class, the median is the middle number, so it’s not skewed by outliers like an off-nominal, extremely high salary.
- Job outlook – While many people just focus on the salary, job outlook is also very important. Job outlook can help predict the likelihood of you getting the job you want after you graduate. For job outlook, consider how many positions are available today and how many new positions are expected to be created in the future.
- Level of education – This relates to question #2 above.
Examples: How to compare careers using labor statistics
Example #1
Say you have an interest in space science or aerospace engineering. If you look at the BLS listings, you’ll see that physicists’ and astronomers’ median salaries are a bit higher than aerospace engineers, but it may take longer to reach that salary since you may need to get a PhD. Job growth is predicted to be the same, but aerospace engineering has more positions in the US today, which could mean more job opportunities for you later.
| Note: Based on 2021 BLS data | Median Salary | # of jobs today | Job growth | Min education level |
| Aerospace Engineers | $118,610 per year | 61,400 | 8% (As fast as average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| Physicists and Astronomers | $128,950 per year | 19,500 | 8% (As fast as average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
Example #2
If you compare geoscientists and geological engineering, salary and minimum education levels are about the same, but, geoscientists have more positions and have more job growth potential.
| Note: Based on 2021 BLS data | Median Salary | # of jobs today | Job growth | Min education level |
| Mining and Geological Engineers | $93,800 per year | 6,300 | 4% (Slower than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| Geoscientists | $93,580 per year | 29,000 | 8% (As fast as average) | Bachelor’s degree |
Example #3
For our last example, let’s compare chemical/materials science and related engineering jobs. You can see that chemical engineers, followed by materials engineers, make the most salary and have a higher job growth potential. Whereas chemists and material scientists make up a larger workforce today.
| Note: Based on 2021 BLS data | Median Salary | # of jobs today | Job growth | Min education level |
| Chemical Engineers | $108,540 per year | 26,300 | 9% (As fast as average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| Materials Engineers | $95,640 per year | 25,100 | 8% (As fast as average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| Chemists and Materials Scientists | $80,680 per year | 92,400 | 6% (As fast as average) | Bachelor’s degree |
Other notes on salary and statistics
While these statistics are great for a quick comparison between engineering and science careers, they don’t show us everything. For example, they don’t predict how many people you’ll be competing against to get a job after you graduate.
There are also additional statistics you can consider. If you like the idea of becoming a manager later, the median salary for an engineering manager is $152,350 (per BLS 2021 data). You also research how salary differs between cities or how salaries change based on level of education.
6. What kind of life do you want to live?
The purpose of this question is simply a reminder to look at the big picture. A career is a huge part of your life. It’ll be hard to love your job if it doesn’t support your values or how you want to live your life.
Luckily, there are so many amazing careers in both science and engineering. So, how can those careers build the life you want?
If you’re not sure how to even start answering this question, start with career path exercise #1 here.
Research real engineers and real scientists in the fields you’re interested in. Look at what they do at work and how they live their lives. What careers will give you the most opportunities to live your ideal life?
You can find out this information in a variety of ways. Google-searching, posting questions on Quora, following engineers/scientists on social media, and attending career fairs to name a few. You can even send a private message to an engineer/scientist – it never hurts to reach out and ask questions (just don’t be too pushy!).
Example: let’s say you love being an indoor homebody. You love modern plumbing and traveling stresses you out. Look at how much traveling is involved in the careers you’re considering. You’ll notice that both geologists and geological engineers often work in the field, which requires travel and working outdoors. So, maybe a career in that industry would make living your ideal life harder to achieve.
Think outside the box
Whether you decide to start off with an engineering or science degree, you can use that degree as a stepping stone toward other amazing careers. There are so many options.
Follow trends in the areas you are interested in. Is a new field of research starting to gain popularity? What does the world need and how can you step in to meet those needs?
In the space industry, there were 146 orbital rocket launches across the world in 2021, and space tourism is starting to take off. This will create even more opportunities for non-traditional engineers and scientists in the space industry. Space law and policies need scientists and engineers who understand the growing space industry. An aerospace engineer can become a private jet sales representative, a space policy lawyer, or a logistics specialist. You can even become a private astronaut!
Not even the sky can limit you!
Some lighthearted scientist vs engineer humor for you today:
