Career Options Involving Methodology
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines methodology as the body of rules, methods or postulates used by a particular discipline. Many different fields involve methodology in some form, whether through scientific methodology, teaching methodology and more. Here are a small sample of the career options that involve methodology and range across various fields.
| Job Title | Median Salary (2020)* | Job Growth (2019-2029)* |
|---|---|---|
| Actuaries | $111,030 | 18% |
| Instructional Coordinators | $66,970 | 6% |
| Physicians and Surgeons | $208,000 or higher | 4% |
| Epidemiologists | $74,560 | 5% |
| Physicists | $129,850 | 7% |
| Psychologists | $82,180 | 3% |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Information for Careers Involving Methodology
Actuaries
Actuaries utilize research methodology to gather information concerning risk so they can estimate the financial cost of various events. Their work is then applied to testing and developing things like insurance policies or investments. For example, they may try to predict the likelihood of a natural disaster in a particular area, and their findings may influence insurance prices. Actuaries use advanced math and statistical methods to calculate and analyze the financial costs of these risks and then help develop strategies to maximize profits for their organization. Most of these professionals hold a bachelor's degree and must pass multiple exams for certification.
Instructional Coordinators
Instructional coordinators help teachers and administrators in schools apply current teaching methodologies and standards to their curriculum. They help create new learning material, offer workshops and trainings for teachers, observe teachers in the classroom and evaluate how effective different teaching methods and techniques are. They may review textbooks, research new advancements in education and submit or present their findings to administration and/or school boards. Instructional coordinators usually need a master's degree, experience in the field and a state license.
Physicians and Surgeons
Physicians and surgeons work very methodically to diagnose and treat an array of human illnesses and injuries. They usually begin by taking and analyzing a patient's medical history, examining and checking the patient for symptoms and then developing an individualized treatment plan that takes all of it into account. Physicians may specialize in a particular area of medicine, such as pediatrics or gynecology, while surgeons specialize in a particular kind of surgery or area of the body, such as a reconstructive or neurological surgery. These professionals also work closely with patients to answer any questions or concerns that they may have about their condition. Physicians and surgeons must first complete a bachelor's degree program, followed by 4 years of medical school and then 3-7 years of residency to train in their specialty.
Epidemiologists
Epidemiologists combine research methodologies to the fields of medicine and public health. They oversee the investigations of various patterns of disease or injuries and collect data for analysis. They may use samples, surveys and more to help determine the cause of a disease or condition, and then they work to implement or improve health programs to combat the issue. Epidemiologists can specialize in multiple areas, such as infectious disease, environmental health, injury, chronic disease, oral health or child health. These professionals typically need a master's degree, but some may even hold a doctoral degree in medicine.
Physicists
Physicists, like most scientists, implement scientific methodology to observe and test various theories and hypothesis. They focus their studies on how matter and energy interact, which often requires the use of high-tech laboratory equipment, such as lasers. They also use computer software and models to make and test predictions about the properties of matter and energy. Their work is reported in scientific papers and presentations to other scientists and the public. Physicists in research and academia usually need a Ph.D., but some work is available for those with a bachelor's degree.
Psychologists
Psychologists use research and scientific methodologies to study human behavior. They may specialize in areas such as counseling psychology, school psychology, forensic psychology or clinical psychology. All psychologists must make observations and collect information to research and evaluate the emotional, cognitive and/or social processes of their patients. They watch how their subjects interact and respond to their environments to try and predict, and then later modify, the subject's responses and behavior. Their findings are recorded in reports and research papers. Most psychologists need a Ph.D. and license, but some positions are available for those with a master's degree.
