How useful is a science degree?

'A national study of employment outcomes for Science degree holders 1990-2000' was commissioned by the Australian Council of Deans of Science and carried out by the Centre for the Study of Higher Education, University of Melbourne. A key finding is that a science degree is a strong factor in gaining employment, especially in the areas of computing and math, where between 93 - 99 percent of graduates are employed.

At the same time there are mixed perceptions about how science undergraduates are being prepared for the workforce in other areas, particularly in relation to communications.

The study is part of an ongoing program to monitor the state of science education in universities and looks at the initial and subsequent employment of science degree holders and their perceptions of the skills an undergraduate science degree provides for employment and advancement over the first ten years of work.

To obtain a full copy of the report go to the Australian Council of Deans of Science website.