Careers
Career paths that begin with a B.S. in biology have mushroomed in recent years. Advances in technology and new discoveries in the fields of genetics, molecular biology, medicine, forensics, evolutionary biology, ecology and the environment make this an exciting time for biologists.
Tips for Career Development
These tips will ensure that you improve your chances of obtaining a desirable job or acceptance to a graduate or professional school program.
- develop your math, verbal, and writing skills
- develop your communication skills, including your ability to interact effectively with others
- acquire laboratory skills: elect to take laboratory courses or complete certificate programs
- maintain a competitive GPA
- become active in relevant on-campus clubs and organizations
- gain practical experience: volunteer, complete an internship, or conduct undergraduate research (independent study)
- understand your field of interest:
- talk with your professors
- join professional organizations
- read scientific journals, as well as the popular scientific press
- explore online resources
- get to know your faculty – you will need letters of recommendation
Job Outlook for Biologists
The U.S. Department of Labor and Statistics maintains the Occupational Outlook Handbook which is a searchable database. For each profession, there is information on: the training and education needed, earnings, expected job prospects, what workers do on the job, and working conditions. Please visit their web site at http://stats.bls.gov/oco/home.htm
Exploring the Professional Options
A bachelor’s degree in biology may qualify you to work as a laboratory or research assistant, or technician in any of the sectors listed below. (Master’s, Doctorate’s or professional degrees may be required for other types of positions). An undergraduate degree may also open doors into entry level positions in scientific illustration or photography, biological journalism, sales and legislation.
Sector |
Opportunities |
|---|---|
Research |
Potential employers may include: universities, government, museums, zoos, herbaria, hospitals, botanic gardens or private research facilities. Research can be conducted in any of the sub-disciplines of biology (ecology, evolution, molecular biology, zoology, etc.). |
Education |
Educators may be employed in K-12 school systems, community colleges, 4-year colleges, nature centers, museums, zoos, etc. |
Healthcare |
The health field is large and includes careers such as nursing, physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, physical therapy, etc. |
Environmental Management |
Jobs such as monitoring populations of plants or animals, working to protect the environment, forestry, and consulting work may be obtained through various government agencies (Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, National Parks, etc.) or through private or non-profit organizations. |
Industry |
Crop and animal science, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, and forensic occupations may be available primarily through private companies. |
Related Biology Fields
Biological Artistry (photography, illustration)
Biological Writing (technical writing, biological journalism)
Legislation/Law
Bioinformatics
Where to go for more information
Other Career Resources
Careers in the Biological Sciences from the American Institute of Biological Sciences - www.aibs.org/careers/index.html
The American Physiological Society: Careers -
www.the-aps.org/careers/careers1/index.htm
Careers in Plant Pathology, The American Phytopathological Society
- www.apsnet.org/careers/careers.asp
Center for Biological Informatics - http://biology.usgs.gov/cbi/
Careers in Human Genetics from the Genetics Education Center at the University of Kansas Medical Center - www.kumc.edu/gec/prof/career.html
Careers in the Microbiological Sciences from the American Society for Microbiology - www.asm.org/Education/index.asp?bid=1272
Careers with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - www.fws.gov/hr/hr/Careers_FWS.htm
Sources for Information on Careers in Biology, Conservation and Oceanography - www.si.edu/Encyclopedia_SI/nmnh/careers.htm
Careers & Jobs in Marine Biology & Oceanography http://hopkins.stanford.edu/careers.htm
The Institute for Genomic Research Career Opportunities - www.tigr.org/
Science Careers - http://aaas.sciencecareers.org/js.php
US Geological Survey Biological Resources - http://biology.usgs.gov
Science Jobs - www.sciencejobs.com/search.action
Cyber-Sierra’s Natural Resources Job Search - www.cyber-sierra.com/nrjobs/
Biology Jobs - www.biologyjobs.com/
BioSpace; Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical News & Careers - www.biospace.com/Default.aspx
Council for Biotechnology Information - http://www.whybiotech.com/
National Institutes of Health - www.nih.gov/
