Why are there so few natural science majors?

The graph shows B.S. degrees earned from College of the Pacific in about 5 year increments from 1960 to 2022. The rise in popularity of STEM related degrees in the country reflects the increase that Pacific has seen in B.S. degrees earned through the years.

https://www.pacific.edu/academics/graduate-programs Another contributing factor for choice of undergraduate program is grad school oppurtunities. Many college students want to get to work in their chosen career field as soon as posible after completing their college education. "Almost all STEM careers require a postsecondary degree." So grad school is a must if you want to be highered for a high paying job. One may be tempted to select a university that offers the oppurtunity to study in one place for your whole college career. The link directs you to the grad programs currently offered at Pacific. As you can see, there are no options for the natural sciences. Though it is not uncommon to attend a graduate school that is different from your undergrad school, The competative nature of STEM programs may deter applicants from applying to Pacific if they have no future with that university after obtaining thier B.S.

Best colleges in California to enroll for natural science degree.

Map of best cities to work in california with a natural science degree.

Overlapping map of career oppurtunites and best schools .

Students may be choosing other universities over Pacific becuase of proximity to the best career opportunies for natural science degress. Though Stockton is on both lists for best college to study and best cities to work, Pacific is located more inland California. There are majority of Califonia STEM career oppurtunites are in the bay area or southern California. Though there are many Californa universities that have large programs for specific natural science degrees (chemistry, physics, etc.). The data shown is for natural science degrees as a whole.