<p>I have an idea of what school I want to go to, Iowa, Minnesota or ndsu. But no idea what I want to do. I would like a job where I do research outside and something to do with science. But I don't know what the job outlook is like in the future or even what I would major in or what the salaries are or jobs available to this. As you can tell I'm clueless :p so please help!!!!!</p>
<p>Bryanwalt,
One thing that distinguishes Iowa is that there are opportunities for undergrads to do research with professors - but these don’t fall into your lap. </p>
<p>As to your question of which major, if you have aptitude in both math and science, I’d start looking at engineering or computer science as jobs are decent there. If you study straight-up science like biology, it will be necessary for you to go to grad school to get any kind of job, be it in industry or research. If you are interested in health sciences, Iowa has many programs as they are the health sciences campus in the Iowa University system (vs. Iowa State, for example). You might go to their website and pour through the list of majors and see what jumps out at you. This is not a fast process but you should do it whether you go to Iowa or elsewhere.</p>
<p>And do some soul-searching about the things that captivate you in high school. And talk to your parents. My son, for example, really enjoyed bio in HS and I was trying to find a program for him that suited his interest (beyond just getting a BS in bio, of course) and in our conversation with him we remembered his fascination with Lego and building in general, which led us to biomedical engineering which combines both biology and mechanical design.</p>
<p>Best of luck.</p>
<p>Computer science definitely won’t get you outside.</p>
<p>I’d suggest looking at environmental/earth/life science programs. There are a lot of scientists employed by agencies such as USGS, NPS, BLM, USFS, etc. who research and monitor the environmental conditions of public lands and ensure that development of those lands is done sensitively and responsibly. Biologists of all stripes, ecologists, geologists, hydrologists, etc.</p>
<p>What’s the pay like and do I have to go to grad school?</p>
<p>You don’t have to go to grad school, but applicants with master’s degrees can apply for more advanced (and higher-paying) positions.</p>
<p>I’m a GS-5 right now ($32k starting) but will qualify for anything up to a GS-9 ($47k starting) when I finish my MS. There are regular step increases in each grade. Further up the grade ladder, managers and research specialists can make well past $100,000.</p>
<p>You won’t get rich working for the government, but the benefits are solid and you make a difference for the land and people.</p>