Careers in Science
More than 13,000 UVic Science graduates have amazing careers all over the world. A degree from the Faculty of Science will teach you how to work in labs, conduct fieldwork, gather and analyze data and apply the concepts you've learned to a wide range of careers.
Pathways in science
A degree in science can open doors to a wide range of career paths. Whether you're passionate about research, communication, health care or making a difference in your community, science offers diverse opportunities to apply your skills and curiosity.
Scientist / researcher
Pursue discovery by designing experiments, analyzing data and contributing new knowledge to your field. Whether you work in academia, government or industry, as a researcher you will tackle complex questions to advance our understanding of science and solve real-world problems.
Science supporter
Support the scientific process through hands-on roles like lab manager, technician or quality control analyst, or act as a consultant to a scientific project. These careers are essential for maintaining lab operations, ensuring data accuracy and helping research teams succeed.
Health care
Apply your scientific knowledge to improve human health and well-being in roles such as doctor, dentist, pharmacist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist or genetic counsellor. These careers often involve diagnostics and patient care, and typically require additional study after your undergraduate degree.
Public impact
Shape policy, sustainability and community well-being by applying scientific insights to societal challenges. Roles in government, non-profit organizations and advocacy groups focus on using science to inform decisions and drive positive change.
Communication
Bridge the gap between science and society by translating complex ideas into accessible content. Science communicators work in media, outreach, policy and education to inform and engage diverse audiences, or for scientific companies as grant writers, technical writers, social media coordinators or in marketing and sales.
Education
Inspire the next generation and spread your knowledge of science by teaching science in schools, colleges or informal settings like museums and science centres. Education careers combine subject expertise with communication skills to make science accessible and engaging.
Data science & engineering
Use computational tools and analytical thinking to solve scientific problems, model systems and interpret complex datasets. Careers in this area span industries from tech to energy and often involve programming, statistics and machine learning.
Program-specific career options
Select your program to see some career options and discover what some of our graduates are up to.
Professional designations
A professional designation is a recognition granted by a professional body to individuals who have demonstrated a specific level of expertise, competence and commitment in a particular field through education, training and/or examinations. Professional designations demonstrate expertise and enhance credibility and are sometimes required by law to work in specific fields or roles.
Professional geoscientist (P.Geo.)
Geoscience is a regulated profession in Canada, and those planning on working as a geoscientist must either be registered as a Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) in the province or territory where the work will take place or work under the direct supervision of a P.Geo. Students can take the courses required to become a P.Geo as part of several programs offered by the School of Earth & Ocean Sciences; however, you must plan your program carefully with those requirements in mind.
Registered Professional Biologist (RPBio)
The Registered Professional Biologist designation is an accreditation granted by the College of Applied Biologists (CAB). It recognizes independent practitioners with a wide scope of practice including experimental design and interpretative analysis and reporting. Many government jobs require the RPBio designation.
Professional Chemist (P.Chem)
The P.Chem designation is an accreditation granted by the Association of the Chemical Profession of British Columbia. UVic chemistry graduates meet the educational requirements to be registered as a P.Chem in British Columbia.
Certifications & trainings
Certifications and other trainings confirm that you have reached a certain level of achievement, typically with regard with a specific skill, and can make you stand out as a candidate when applying for a job. Some roles may require certain certifications or trainings. Common certifications or trainings that science students may seek out, depending on their discipline, include:
UVic trainings
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- biosafety level 1 training
- radiation and x-tray training
- laser safety
External trainings and certifications
- wilderness, remote or marine first aid
- diving certifications (e.g. PADI, commercial diving)
- wilderness navigation
- restricted radiotelephone operator's certificate (marine)
- small domestic vessel basic safety
- small vessel operator proficiency
- electrofishing certification
These certifications are often offered by organizations external to UVic. Course unions will sometimes organize certification opportunities for students.
Career support
You don't have to navigate a career in science alone. Career Services is here to help you succeed at work during your time at UVic and beyond. They offer one-on-one support, run workshops and programs and provide many online resources to help you navigate your career.