What Can I Study With General Science? 30+ University Courses in Ghana

If you studied General Science in SHS, congratulations — you have one of the widest ranges of university course options available to any Ghanaian student. General Science, with its foundation in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Elective Mathematics, opens doors to virtually every science-based programme in the country. But with so many options, the challenge becomes deciding which path is right for you. This guide maps out every major university course available to General Science graduates in Ghana, complete with career prospects and salary expectations.

The General Science programme in Ghana's SHS system covers four core subjects — English Language, Core Mathematics, Integrated Science, and Social Studies — plus elective subjects typically drawn from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Elective Mathematics. This combination provides the prerequisite foundation for admission to science, health, technology, and engineering programmes at every university in Ghana. Your specific elective combination may determine which programmes you qualify for, so it is important to understand the requirements early.

Medical and health science programmes represent some of the most popular choices for General Science graduates. Medicine (MBChB) is the most competitive, requiring aggregate scores of 6 to 10 at most universities. But medicine is just one option in a vast healthcare landscape. Programmes like BSc Nursing, BSc Medical Laboratory Science, BSc Diagnostic Medical Sonography, BSc Radiography, BSc Clinical Dietetics, BSc Community Nutrition, BSc Public Health, Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), BSc Physician Assistantship, and BSc Ophthalmic Dispensing all offer excellent career prospects with less competitive entry requirements than medicine.

Engineering programmes are another major pathway. General Science graduates can pursue Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Computer Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Agricultural Engineering. Engineering graduates are among the highest earners in Ghana, particularly those in petroleum and mining-related fields. Most engineering programmes require strong performance in Physics, Chemistry, and Elective Mathematics.

Pure and applied sciences offer rich intellectual and career rewards. Options include BSc Mathematics, BSc Statistics, BSc Actuarial Science, BSc Physics, BSc Chemistry, BSc Biochemistry, BSc Biotechnology, BSc Microbiology, BSc Zoology, BSc Botany, BSc Environmental Science, and BSc Food Science and Technology. While some of these fields have smaller job markets, they serve as excellent foundations for postgraduate study, research careers, and specialised industry roles. Actuarial Science graduates, for instance, are among the highest-paid professionals globally.

Technology and computing programmes have surged in popularity and relevance. BSc Computer Science, BSc Information Technology, BSc Software Engineering, BSc Cyber Security, and BSc Data Science are all open to General Science graduates. These programmes lead to some of the fastest-growing career paths in Ghana and globally. The beauty of tech careers is that they often value skills over specific degree titles, so even graduates from adjacent science programmes can pivot into technology with additional training.

Agricultural sciences remain critically important to Ghana's economy. BSc Agriculture, BSc Agricultural Engineering, BSc Food Science and Technology, BSc Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, and BSc Animal Science all accept General Science graduates. With growing global attention on food security and sustainable agriculture, these fields offer both local employment and international research opportunities.

Architecture and the built environment is an often-overlooked pathway for science students. BSc Architecture, BSc Quantity Surveying, BSc Construction Technology and Management, and BSc Land Economy are all available. These programmes combine scientific principles with creative design, leading to careers in construction, urban planning, real estate development, and project management.

Among all these options, health sciences deserve particular attention for several reasons. First, Ghana has a critical healthcare worker shortage that guarantees strong employment prospects for the foreseeable future. Second, health science programmes typically take three to four years, shorter than medicine's six to seven years. Third, health science salaries are competitive — medical laboratory scientists earn GHS 3,800 to GHS 6,000 at entry level, sonographers earn GHS 4,000 to GHS 7,000, and these figures grow substantially with experience. Fourth, health science qualifications are internationally recognised, giving graduates the option to work abroad.

How do you choose among these options? Start with your interests and strengths. Did you enjoy Biology more than Physics? Health sciences, biological sciences, or agriculture might be your best fit. Were you strongest in Mathematics and Physics? Engineering or actuarial science could be ideal. Do you love technology and problem-solving? Computer science or software engineering may be your calling. There is no single "best" course — the best course is the one that aligns your natural abilities with a field that has strong career demand.

Consider also the practical factors: tuition costs, programme duration, and the location of the university. Some of Ghana's best health science programmes, for instance, are available at specialised institutions like Klintaps University College of Health and Allied Sciences (KCoHAS) in Accra, where tuition ranges from GHS 5,500 to GHS 7,500 per year — significantly more affordable than some larger universities while offering specialised, hands-on training with small class sizes.

Do not let anyone tell you that General Science limits your options. The truth is the opposite — it gives you the broadest foundation of any SHS programme. The key is to research thoroughly, visit universities during open days, speak to students and graduates in your fields of interest, and make an informed decision rather than following the crowd. Your WASSCE results will determine which doors are open to you, but your ambition and effort will determine how far you walk through them.

Frequently Asked Questions: Can General Science students study law? Yes, any SHS graduate can study law in Ghana, though most law faculties prefer a first degree before admission to law school. What aggregate do I need for health science programmes? Most health science programmes require an aggregate of 24 or better, with credits in English, Core Mathematics, and Integrated Science. Do I need all four science electives? Not always — most programmes require three relevant elective subjects, so check specific university requirements for your chosen course.