Students who major in applied science take a variety of courses ranging from biochemistry and biotechnology to human biology, physics and environmental science. While some students use a bachelor’s degree in applied science as a stepping stone to medical, dental, pharmacy or optometry school, the degree is also sufficient to pursue a variety of careers in the field of science.

Laboratory Managers

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Graduates with management skills may pursue a career as a laboratory manager. Laboratory managers are natural science managers who supervise the activities of such scientists as chemists, biologists and physicists in laboratory settings. They ensure that the laboratory is stocked with the necessary supplies and equipment and that administrative policies and procedures are followed. According to 2013 salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, laboratory managers earned a median annual pay of $116,840. While the salary sounds lucrative, from 2012 through 2022, the BLS projects a 6 percent growth rate, which is slower than the average for all occupations.

Materials Scientists

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Students who concentrated in materials science may be interested in working as a materials scientist. In this role, they study and analyze chemical properties and properties of a variety of materials to develop or improve such products as pharmaceuticals and metallic alloys. The BLS projects a 6-percent growth rate for materials scientists, which is slower than average. The median annual pay for this position was $88,660, according to 2013 BLS wage data.

Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives

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Applied science graduates with excellent persuasive and customer-service skills might consider a career as a pharmaceutical sales representative. Their scientific background helps them to explain features, benefits and side effects of various types of prescription drugs to doctors, pharmacists and other medical professionals. The median annual pay for pharmaceutical sales representatives was $74,520 according to 2013 data from the BLS. From 2012 through 2022, jobs in this field are anticipated to grow by 9 percent, which is as fast as average.

Environmental Scientists and Specialists

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Students who concentrated in environmental science can pursue employment opportunities as an environmental scientist or specialist. Job duties include testing air, water, soil and other materials for evidence of contamination. Environmental scientists and specialists also develop ways to eliminate or reduce such problems as water pollution. With a 15 percent through rate anticipated from 2012 through 2022, demand for these professionals is growing faster than average. Environmental scientists and specialists earned a median annual pay of $65,090, according to 2013 wage estimates from the BLS.