Biology degrees are useful for a wide range of careers. There are virtually no limitations. As a result, biology graduates are in high demand. If you have a biology degree, you know you can do a lot, but what are your options besides saving the world one cell at a time?
Most people are aware of the fact that medical doctors often have some sort of degree in biology. But how about teaching or being an educator? Or working for the government? The list goes on.
Biology is an excellent major for aspiring researchers, teachers, genetic counselors, and those seeking a career in biology. Learn all about what you can do with a biology degree in this article.
1. Become a Biological Technician
Biological technicians work in the labs of biology organizations. At the lowest level, you may act as a lab assistant. Depending on your roles, you do basic lab analysis or even execute studies or experiments.
You may also be involved in the general supervision of other workers. You will also work under the supervision of biologists, chemists, and other professionals.
Biological technicians are skilled in biology, chemistry, and laboratory procedures, which allows them to conduct complex tests to ensure the safety of various foods. Your work can also help solve crimes.
2. Work as a Biochemist
Biology is the study of life. This includes all organic beings; plants, animals, and even humans. A biochemist is one of many careers that you can choose to pursue with your degree in biology.
Also, a biochemist is a type of scientist who studies the chemical activities in living organisms. Biochemists have a broad range of career opportunities within a variety of organizations and institutions.
Consider pursuing postgraduate studies in biochemistry if you are considering this field of study.
3. Health Communications Specialist
Public education and awareness regarding health risks such as smoking, obesity, and environmental hazards are the duties of a Health communications specialist.
They translate research information into practical information for healthcare providers, organizations, or the public. For example, they write pamphlets to encourage people to get colon cancer screening tests.
They also may edit journals and magazines for health care professionals. If you like communicating information about health to the public, you might like to become a health communication specialist.
4. Biology Teacher/Lecturer
For many students, high school and college biology courses proved to be difficult: they did not understand some of the topics or theories especially in molecular and cell biology and genetics.
A biology degree can open up a lot of job opportunities for you. Once you graduate, your biology degree can lead you to teach at a high school or grade school, or even be a professor at a major university.
However, this job may be challenging because you must be creative enough to present difficult topics in simple terms for your students. You also have to be resourceful by having all the materials that your students need.
5. Pharmaceutical Sales
Pharmaceutical sales staff members work for pharmaceutical companies that manufacture or wholesale prescription drugs.
People in this field spend their days at the company’s marketing offices, meeting with doctors to determine which medications they will prescribe to patients.
Consider joining one of the nation’s fastest-growing pharmaceutical companies to benefit from the numerous growth opportunities in today’s market.
6. Agricultural and Food Scientist
People who consider a job as an agricultural and food scientist have a background in biology, chemistry, or even nutrition. This career allows you to work in farms, research institutions, and manufacturers of food products. Duties will vary depending on what you choose to specialize in.
In addition, agricultural and food scientists provide the link between science and technology, and society.
You will help design, develop, produce, process, transport, market, and evaluate a variety of food and agricultural products. This career path includes research in plant genetics, molecular biology, or biochemistry.
7. Microbiologist
A biology degree can be excellent preparation for a career in microbiology. A microbiologist is a scientist who studies the process of life at a microscopic level.
The role of a microbiologist is to make sure that the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe are safe.
This is accomplished by studying bacteria, viruses, molds, algae, fungi, and other microscopic organisms. You will also perform tests in clinical or medical laboratories to prevent, control or treat diseases.
8. Environmental Scientist
Environmental scientists study the interactions between humans and the environment. These scientists look for ways to make industries, cities, and even natural ecosystems greener. They are biologists with advanced training in ecology, management & conservation.
They are experts on the impact of human activities on the environment, sustainable development, pollution control, conservation, ecosystems & endangered species. Working conditions can vary depending on the specialty area of an environmental scientist.
Some may spend a lot of time outdoors conducting field studies, while others might spend most of their time in an office doing research.
9. Wildlife Biologist
A wildlife biologist studies the distribution, ecology, and behavior of wildlife. You will study plants or animals in their natural habitats or work in laboratories. Some study ecological changes due to human activity.
Wildlife biologists can also work as extension agents, environmental consultants, fisheries scientists, park rangers, conservation biologists, and epidemiologists among others.
Additionally, most wildlife biologists work for government agencies, such as the Fish and Wildlife Service, state forestry services, or state fish and game departments.
10. Start a Professional Biology-Related Blog
A biology degree can earn you a steady job, but there are also lots of great careers that require a background in the biology field.
Furthermore, if you’re looking to work more independently, blogging is a great option. Building a blog and earning income from it are both great ways to earn while learning more about the exciting world of biology.
Many biology grads start their own websites and blogs to get their career started, and to stay connected to the field even without a manager or supervisor telling them what to do. If you have the time, motivation, and creative drive, starting your own biology-related blog can be an excellent fit.
11. Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner
A person with a biology degree can do many different things such as become a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner.
The physician assistant serves as the primary healthcare provider for patients under the supervision of physicians.
He or she can provide primary care, order lab work, and diagnostic tests, and perform procedures to diagnose and treat problems.
Your job is to make medical diagnoses when doctors encounter problems they don’t know how to handle (a rare occasion).
Nurses assist doctors by working closely with them—and often by managing patient records. Both of these professions require advanced degrees for licensure. While most PAs and NPs work in physicians’ offices or medical clinics, some also work in hospitals.
12. Medical Equipment Sales
Medical equipment sales is a specific job classification that is focused on selling medical supplies and equipment. It includes a wide array of careers, but one of the most popular types is the sale of home medical equipment.
Besides, medical equipment sales is a common job for people with a biology degree and the right experience.
Biology medical equipment salespeople sell to hospitals, clinics, and other settings. It is a medical products field job that has a great future in the competitive healthcare marketplace.
13. Become a Genetic Counselor
If you’re looking for a more niche path with your biology degree, you could always become a genetic counselor. A genetic counselor does some of the same things as doctors or registered nurses, but more on the molecular level.
They make sure that families are getting the right advice about risks associated with genetic diseases, and they help patients understand what those risks mean.
While it can be a very rewarding career field, earning a professional degree is the best option for those looking to start this career path.
14. Join the Science and Research Community
What can you do with a biology degree? There are many options. Besides, whatever you are passionate about, you can turn that passion into your line of work. One option is to work in the Science and research community.
Research and science haven’t been the primary focus of your biology degree to this point, but don’t worry. The skills you’ve developed as a biologist will prove valuable as you take those first steps into the world of research and science.
Become an integral part of teams that identify diseases, combat threats to human health, discover new drugs, track new species, develop new technology, and more. But, if you’re interested in majoring in it, you should know that there’s a lot to learn and a long way to go.
How Much Money Do Biology College Graduates Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a biologist with a bachelor’s degree in biology is $54,000.
The career outlook for biology majors is great because the demand for highly trained professionals continues to grow.
What Companies are Looking for in a Biology Major Today?
As technology advances, companies are seeking out individuals who can synthesize large amounts of data and provide accurate results.
The biology major combines precision with curiosity to take on these kinds of challenges.
A biology degree is very versatile. More specifically, a degree in biology will likely qualify you for employment in industries like pharmaceuticals, medical research, and forensic science.
You can also work with nature conservation, food research, and development, nature education, environmental analysis, and protection, or biological control.
In any of these careers, you might work with a range of specimens from tissue samples to environmental samples, analyzing them with the most up-to-date techniques.
FAQs
How do you determine what aspect of biology is the best fit for you?
Although biology is a challenging science and requires academic rigor, there are many biology jobs available to college graduates.
If you love to be outdoors and like physical activity and games, you might enjoy being an environmental biologist.
For those who like laboratory and medical procedures, a degree in medicine, microbiology, or veterinary medicine might be right for you.
Is it worth it to pursue a biology degree?
Yes. Biology degrees can be rewarding, whether you choose to research in a lab or in the field, in academia or the business world.
It’s important to find a balance between understanding how biology can be applied and knowing what you want to do specifically with your degree.
Final Thoughts
The job market for scientists is booming. Due to advances in technology, there are countless opportunities outside of the ivory tower for biology graduates to take advantage of.
Your biology degree can be used in many different ways, from working for a pharmaceutical company to becoming a freelance science writer.
Furthermore, if you’re interested in learning about what you can do with other careers, there are a few on the blog.
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