Associate Scientists: How to Become One
If you were to ask a group of associate scientists about how they arrived at their current job, there's a good chance you would get several different answers about the paths and steps that each person took.
That said, there are still ways that you can develop a baseline understanding of the preparation that is necessary to become one.
The Best Adult Colleges and Careers Guide has gathered data to provide you with insight into the type of education that's commonly required for associate scientists to land a job. This page contains information, sourced from real job postings, that describes the experience levels and specific skills that employers of associate scientists expect candidates to have. In the end, this information will help you create an education or professional development plan that aligns with your career aspirations.
Keep reading to learn more about career steps for associate scientists.
What Education & Experience is Needed for Associate Scientists?
Do associate scientists need a degree? What kind of experience do associate scientists typically need? Thanks to data sourced from Lightcast™ from real job postings, we can get some clarity on those questions, as well as the level of education that is commonly required for associate scientists to secure jobs.
Education Level Required in Job Postings for Associate Scientists
Jobs Postings for Associate Scientists By Education
- Bachelor's degree: 126,139 (42%)
- Master's degree: 64,079 (21%)
- No Education Listed: 52,109 (17%)
- Ph.D. or professional degree: 45,310 (15%)
- High School or GED: 16,114 (5%)
A bachelor's degree is the level of education sought the most by employers of associate scientists. According to job data, a bachelor's degree was required for 42% of positions. In 21% of job listings a master's degree was required and in 17% of postings no education level was listed.
Experience Level Required in Job Postings for Associate Scientists
Jobs Postings for Associate Scientists By Experience
- 0-1 Years: 25,615 (18%)
- 2-3 Years: 49,637 (35%)
- 4-6 Years: 39,685 (28%)
- 7-9 Years: 11,331 (8%)
- 10+ Years: 14,019 (10%)
While the amount of required experience will vary based on the responsibility and seniority of the position, an aggregate view of job posting data can help paint a picture of the experience level sought for most job openings for associate scientists. In 35% of job postings for Associate Scientists, employers were looking for candidates with 2-3 years of experience. In 28% of listings employers were looking for candidates with 4-6 years of experience, while 0-1 years of experience was sought in 18% of job postings for associate scientists.
What Kind of Degree Do Associate Scientists Need?
So far this page has provided detail into the level of education and the amount of experience required in job openings for associate scientists, but what type of education or degree will help prepare you for a career in the field?
According to occupational data obtained through Lightcast,™ there are 9 key academic programs that can help prepare prospective associate scientists, and in 2021 a total of 94,745 of those programs were completed at institutions in the United States.
Check out the information below to learn more about the specific programs that should be considered by prospective associate scientists.
Top Degree Programs for Associate Scientists
Top 5 Degree Programs for Associate Scientists (2021)
| Program | Completions |
|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | 29,750 |
| Management Science. | 23,510 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other. | 13,371 |
| Management Information Systems, General. | 11,636 |
| Operations Management and Supervision. | 7,115 |
| Program | Completions |
|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | 29,750 |
| Management Science. | 23,510 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other. | 13,371 |
| Management Information Systems, General. | 11,636 |
| Operations Management and Supervision. | 7,115 |
| Business Statistics. | 4,292 |
| Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management. | 2,897 |
| Operations Research. | 1,698 |
| Management Information Systems and Services, Other. | 476 |
Top Online College For Working Adults
Franklin University is a top choice for adults who need to balance school with busy lives. Founded in 1902 in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin's main focus has been serving adult students and tailoring education to fit their needs. Nonprofit and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org/800.621.7440), Franklin offers more than 50 affordable bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs — all available 100% online.
Degree Options for Associate Scientists
With an associate of science in business administration degree, you’ll dig into the functional areas of business and learn how to connect each function with the others to advance business goals and further outcomes while you prepare for a variety of roles in operations, sales, management and coordination.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Build a strong foundation of real-world business knowledge suitable for a variety of career options in your industry of choice.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
- Accreditation: IACBE
Bridge the gap between business and technology and develop the interpersonal skills to become an IT liaison in your organization.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Harness the power of data by creating data-driven strategies and communicating data insights with a B.S. Information Systems-Analytics Focus.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Develop your ability to lead, communicate and make strategic decisions that impact projects and processes with a B.S. Information Systems-Business Analysis & Project Management Focus
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Build technical savvy and business acumen that bridges the gap between business and technology with a B.S. Information Systems with a Business Information Systems focus.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Get the knowledge to manage healthcare data, navigate regulations and inform ethical decision-making with a B.S. Information Systems-Healthcare Information Systems Focus
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Get theory-to-practice knowledge in data management, data visualization and data-informed decision making to improve efficiency and effectiveness in all areas of business with Franklin’s online accredited MBA with a Specialization in Business Analytics.
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Develop into a well-rounded, adaptive and strategic business leader with a comprehensive mindset.
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
What Skills Do Associate Scientists Need?
Education and experience have been covered, so what are the specific skills and traits needed by associate scientists to secure a job?
A good way to understand this is to examine actual job postings for skills commonly sought by employers. Continue reading for a breakdown of specialized skills found in job postings for associate scientists, as well as common skills that can help you thrive in the workplace.
In-Demand Skills for Today's Associate Scientists
Based on 226,769 job postings
Top 5 Specialized Skills for Associate Scientists
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Data Analysis | 40,136 | 18% |
| Project Management | 30,589 | 13% |
| Biology | 25,466 | 11% |
| Business Development | 23,131 | 10% |
| Finance | 22,956 | 10% |
Top 5 Common Skills for Associate Scientists
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Research | 137,703 | 61% |
| Communications | 95,085 | 42% |
| Management | 68,218 | 30% |
| Operations | 68,140 | 30% |
| Writing | 52,431 | 23% |
Based on 226,769 job postings related to associate scientists, data analysis was the top specialized skill sought by employers, with 18% of all postings looking for that skillset. Skills for project management, biology, business development, finance and marketing were also highly sought.
As for common skills, research was the most desired skill found in job postings for associate scientists, followed by communications, management, operations, writing and leadership.
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Data Analysis | 40,136 | 18% |
| Project Management | 30,589 | 13% |
| Biology | 25,466 | 11% |
| Business Development | 23,131 | 10% |
| Finance | 22,956 | 10% |
| Marketing | 22,807 | 10% |
| Data Collection | 18,170 | 8% |
| Python (Programming Language) | 18,132 | 8% |
| Process Improvement | 15,332 | 7% |
| Biochemical Assays | 14,942 | 7% |
| Computer Science | 14,935 | 7% |
| Molecular Biology | 14,790 | 7% |
| Workflow Management | 14,604 | 6% |
| Accounting | 13,888 | 6% |
| Auditing | 13,642 | 6% |
| SQL (Programming Language) | 13,596 | 6% |
| Biochemistry | 13,481 | 6% |
| New Product Development | 12,961 | 6% |
| R (Programming Language) | 12,934 | 6% |
| Cell Cultures | 10,935 | 5% |
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Research | 137,703 | 61% |
| Communications | 95,085 | 42% |
| Management | 68,218 | 30% |
| Operations | 68,140 | 30% |
| Writing | 52,431 | 23% |
| Leadership | 48,062 | 21% |
| Detail Oriented | 45,585 | 20% |
| Presentations | 41,899 | 18% |
| Problem Solving | 40,052 | 18% |
| Microsoft Excel | 38,260 | 17% |
| Planning | 32,765 | 14% |
| Microsoft Office | 28,413 | 13% |
| Sales | 27,664 | 12% |
| Verbal Communication Skills | 27,187 | 12% |
| Customer Service | 27,130 | 12% |
| Innovation | 26,913 | 12% |
| Interpersonal Communications | 26,563 | 12% |
| Self-Motivation | 25,808 | 11% |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | 24,597 | 11% |
| Organizational Skills | 24,080 | 11% |
Additional Links
Ready to dig deeper into career information about associate scientists? Visit our other pages focused on salary and education for associate scientists.
What do associate scientists do?
How much do associate scientists make?
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