Making Science Make Sense

Bayer Facts of Science Education Survey

Science Literacy

Question 11

Some jobs require a basic level of science literacy - that is, a general knowledge of science, math and technology - in order to understand information, think critically, solve problems and make decisions. Do you consider yourself to be science literate?

Question 12

Given your career plans, how important is it for you to be scientifically literate? Is it very important, somewhat important, not very important, not important at all?

More than eight in ten (84%) students, when asked, feel they are science literate. Sixteen percent do not think they are science literate. Among students majoring in science-related fields, 94% consider themselves to be science literate. However, even among those who are not majoring in a science-related field, 76% believe they are science literate. Male college students are more likely than females to hold this opinion (92% vs. 79%).

Three in every four students feel science literacy is important for them in their chosen career plans, 44% say this is very important to them, and 30% report this is somewhat important in their career. Among students majoring in a science, engineering, math or medicine field, 96% believe this is important. In contrast, among those who are majoring in a non-science field slightly more than half (56%) believe it is important to be scientifically literate given their career plans. Those who consider themselves to be science literate are nearly ten times more likely to feel it is very important to their career (51% vs. 6%). Male students are more apt to say that science literacy is very important to their career plan (52%) than are female students (38%). On the other hand, more than one in five (22%) do not believe they need to be scientifically literate given their own career plans. It is important to note that among non-science majors, a sizable number (38%) do not feel science literacy is important for their chosen career.