Sign In Get Started
Prepositions before nouns

“Of science” vs. “in science”

Both combinations are possible, but they are used in different grammatical contexts.

Quick answer

Which preposition fits with “science”?

Use “in science” for fields, study, skill, or activity within science. Use “of science” when science is the subject, source, or possession in a larger phrase such as “the history of science.”

She has a degree in science education.
The museum explores the history of science.
He works in science publishing.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
in science

Field of study or work

Use “in science” for education, careers, or activity within science.

Many students specialise in science at university.
2
degree in science

Academic qualification

Use “in science” after “degree,” “course,” and similar education nouns.

She earned a degree in science.
3
of science

Science as the subject of something

Use “of science” when another noun is followed by the topic “science.”

They discussed the philosophy of science.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
in science
He is interested in science and engineering.
within the field of science
of science
The history of science is fascinating.
science as the topic of another noun
science degree
She completed a science degree.
compound noun without a preposition

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using “of science” after “degree”

Academic qualifications normally take “in.”

✕ a degree of science ✓ a degree in science

Using “in science” after topic nouns

Nouns such as “history” or “philosophy” usually take “of science.”

✕ the history in science ✓ the history of science

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She completed a master’s degree ___ science.
2. The philosophy ___ science examines scientific thinking.
3. He works ___ science communication.

Check your sentence in context

Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.

Free to try · No signup required

Frequently asked questions

Can both “of science” and “in science” be correct?

Yes. The correct choice depends on the surrounding noun or meaning.

Do we say “degree of science”?

Usually no. Standard English uses “degree in science” or “Bachelor of Science.”

What does “of science” usually follow?

It commonly follows nouns such as “history,” “study,” “future,” or “philosophy.”

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

Write with confidence in Linguix

Create a free account to check complete texts, apply suggestions, and save your documents.

Create a free account