A degree in biology or biological sciences can lead to a career in the health care industry, allied health, the environmental industry, animal care & research, plant biology, education, government, mathematics, engineering, the legal field, and the art industry. Some of the best positions in each industry include:
·Health Care: Physician, Podiatrist, Dentist, Optometrist, Podiatrist
·Allied Health: Registered Nurse, Pharmacist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Speech Therapist
·Environmental: Agricultural Scientist, Conservation Biologist, Environmental Scientist, Forest Ranger
·Animal Care & Research: Gamekeeper, Marine Biologist, Marine Mammal Trainer, Zookeeper
·Plant Biology: Botanist, Ethnobotanist, Horticulturalist, Landscaper
·Education: Professor, Biology Teacher
·Government: City or Community Health Official, Bioterrorism Expert, National Health Professional (FDA, CDC)
·Math/Engineering: Bioinformatics, Biomechanical Engineer, Epidemiologist, Biometrician/Statistician, Nanotechnologist, Medical Physics
·Legal: Forensics & Criminal Investigator, Biotechnology Patent Lawyer
·Art: Medical Illustration, Bio-Animation and Films, Molecular Visualization
These are not the only career fields for biology degree holders. With a bachelor’s degree in biology or biological sciences, you can also become a bioethicist, clinical lab scientist, dietician, drug testing/quality control expert, food safety expert, genetic counseling, pharmaceutical researcher, pharmacist’s assistant or zymurgist (beer/winemaker).
Most biology degree careers pay extremely well. In fact, many of them pay well over the national average. The average American earns $46,326 per year and dual earner households average $67,348. Biomechanical engineer, for example, earn $74,920-$114,740 per year and botanists average $72,792 per year.
If you’re interested in a career in biology, you should enroll in a biology degree program at an accredited university. The accrediting agency must be recognized by the Department of Education, so visit U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs for listings.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
A Ph.D. is usually necessary for independent research, particularly in academia, as well as for advancement to administrative positions. A bachelor’s or master’s degree is sufficient for some jobs in applied research, product development, management, or inspection; it also may be sufficient to work as a research technician or a teacher. Many with a bachelor’s degree in biology enter medical, dental, veterinary, or other health profession schools, or find jobs as high school science teachers.
If you’re considering an Ph.D., your program will consist of classroom and fieldwork, laboratory research, and a thesis or dissertation. This requires 5-6 years of full-time study. For master’s degrees, two years of intense study is required. Undergraduate biology degree programs require courses in chemistry and biology, mathematics, physics, engineering, and computer science.
For more information about biology degree careers, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics at www.bls.gov.
