Exploring Undergraduate Biology Degree Career Options

Biological science, the study of life in all its forms, presents a vast and diverse field of study. Consequently, a biology degree opens doors to an equally wide array of career paths. From research in medical and life sciences to roles in healthcare, government, environmental management, and education, biology graduates find opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in meaningful ways.

The Breadth of Biology

Biology encompasses the study of all living organisms, including microbes, plants, and animals. This includes various aspects of life, such as basic organization (molecular, cellular, tissues, organs), how organisms function, their roles in the natural environment, how hereditary information is transferred, and the development of biotechnology. As one of the "hard sciences," biology can be broken down and examined in a much more intricate and comprehensive manner. For instance, it’s widely agreed that there are seven main branches of biology, and within many of those main areas is an even greater number of subfields or subdisciplines in which biologists, and those pursuing a bachelor’s in biology, can focus their concentration.

Core Branches of Biology

Cellular Biology: This field involves the study of cells, both their structure and their function.
Environmental Biology: Environmental biology involves the exploration of how the various elements of the environment interact with each other and, ultimately, affect the natural world.
Evolutionary Biology: Evolutionary biology examines ways in which biology has evolved over time to try to determine how it may evolve in the future.
Medical Biology: Medical biology refers to the pursuit of new knowledge related to functions, alterations, and illnesses of the human body.

Research and Development

Many biology graduates pursue careers in research, contributing to advancements in medicine, biotechnology, and environmental science.

Medical and Life Sciences Research

Research within the medical and life sciences is a common path, covering areas such as health and disease, neurology, genomics, microbiology, and pharmacology. Research biologists study the natural world, using the latest scientific tools and techniques in both laboratory settings and the natural environment, to understand how living systems work. Many work in exotic locations around the world, and what they discover increases our understanding of biology and may be put to practical use to find solutions to specific problems.

Biotechnology

Biologists apply scientific principles to develop and enhance products, tools, and technological advances in fields such as agriculture, food science, and medicine. Scientists in this field may work in genetic engineering, pharmaceutical development, or medical technologies (such as nanomedicine), or as a lab technician or technologist.

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Pharmaceutical Industry

Biologists work with drug companies and providers of scientific products and services to research and test new products.

Healthcare Professions

Healthcare is a significant area for biology graduates, with opportunities ranging from direct patient care to research and development of new treatments.

Healthcare Biologists

Healthcare biologists with the necessary qualifications and experience also work as veterinarians, doctors, nurses, dentists, and other healthcare professionals.

Public Health

Biologists may develop public health campaigns to defeat illnesses such as tuberculosis, AIDS, cancer, and heart disease. Others work to prevent the spread of rare, deadly diseases, such as the now infamous Ebola virus.

Opportunities Beyond Medical School

With a biology degree, you have a solid foundation to pursue an array of fulfilling careers in health and medicine that don't require medical school. You can become an RN and provide patient care, educate the public on various health conditions, and offer support through treatment.

Environmental Management and Conservation

With a biology degree, you have a powerful tool to enter fields that are crucial for understanding and preserving our natural world. Your passion for zoology can lead you to protect and manage wildlife populations, and as a wildlife conservationist, your tasks may involve habitat restoration, population monitoring, and developing conservation plans. Addressing the impacts of climate change and pollution falls under the purview of environmental scientists. By choosing a career in environmental and conservation roles, you become an integral part of preserving the planet for future generations.

Conservation and Preservation

Biologists in management and conservation careers are interested in solving environmental problems and conserving the natural world for future generations. Conservation Scientists research and implement strategies to preserve natural resources, protect ecosystems, and promote sustainable land management.

Roles in Environmental Protection

An Environmental Scientist‘s role is to analyze human activities’ impact on the environment, devising strategies to protect and preserve ecosystems.

Wildlife Management

Wildlife Biologists study various animal species’ behavior, habitats, and population dynamics, conducting research to inform conservation efforts.

Park Services

Park rangers protect state and national parks, help preserve their natural resources, and educate the general public.

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Zoos and Aquariums

Zoo and aquarium biologists carry out endangered species recovery programs and serve as a vital education conduit to the general public.

Government and Policy

Biology careers in government will involve working closely with government officials and policy makers in order to advise on and create new legislation for growing topics such as biomedical research and environmental regulation. Your role will be to ensure that changes to the legal system are made based on solid science. You may work at regional or national level as a political advisor for scientific organizations and agencies or not-for-profit entities.

Science Advising

Science advisors work with lawmakers to create new legislation on topics such as biomedical research and environmental protection. Their input is essential, ensuring that decisions are based upon solid science.

Policy Advocacy

Professional biologists can serve as policy advocates for scientific organizations or non-profits, political advisors at the state or national level, or even as a representative serving on a political committee or working group.

Education and Outreach

Life science educators enjoy working with people and encouraging them to learn new things, whether in a classroom, a research lab, the field, or a museum.

Teaching

Colleges and universities: Professors and lecturers teach introductory and advanced biology courses. They may also mentor students with projects and direct research programs.

Primary and secondary schools: Teaching younger students requires a general knowledge of science and skill at working with different kinds of learners. High school teachers often specialize in biology and teach other courses of personal interest.

Informal Education

Science museums, zoos, aquariums, parks, and nature centers: Educators in these settings may design exhibits and educational programs, in addition to teaching special classes or leading tours and nature hikes.

Science Communication

Science Writers communicate complex scientific concepts to the general public, making research findings accessible and engaging. Journalists and writers with a science background inform the general public about relevant and emerging biological issues.

Other Career Directions

There are many careers for biologists who want to combine their scientific training with interests in other fields.

Forensic Science

Forensic biologists work with police departments and other law enforcement agencies using scientific methods to discover and process evidence that can be used to solve crimes.

Business and Industry

Biologists work with drug companies and providers of scientific products and services to research and test new products.

Economics

Trained professionals work with the government and other organizations to study and address the economic impacts of biological issues, such as species extinctions, forest protection, and environmental pollution.

Mathematics

Biologists in fields such as bioinformatics and computational biology apply mathematical techniques to solve biological problems, such as modeling ecosystem processes and gene sequencing.

Art

All of the illustrations in your biology textbook, as well as in newspaper and magazine science articles, were created by talented artists with a thorough understanding of biology. Individuals in this field may be employed by magazines and journals (e.g., Scientific American), museums and aquaria, hospitals and medical training centers, or even state and local government agencies.

Essential Skills and Characteristics

While there isn’t a defined set of personal characteristics that guarantee success in biology, certain skills and interests can contribute to a person’s ability to thrive in the field.

Interest in Science: For anyone thinking about a future as a biologist or a related field, it would obviously help to have a real interest in the basics of science.
Analytical Skills: The study of biology is a solutions-oriented endeavor. As a student in a biology bachelor’s program, much of your learning experience will take place in an active, hands-on setting.
Observational Skills: Biologists rely on several key skills, including observational skills and a detail-oriented outlook. Microbiologists closely monitor experiments, while wildlife biologists observe animals to record changes.

The Value of Research Experience

Experiencing research first-hand is an ideal way to evaluate and start a potential career in biology. The National Science Foundation supports active research participation by undergraduate students through the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program.

Advanced Education and Specialization

Many biology careers require education, specialization, and work experience. A bachelor's degree is the minimum educational requirement for many biology careers, although some require a graduate degree. Earning a bachelor's degree in biology is the first step toward becoming a biologist. Within the broad field of biology, scientists focus their career with a specialty.

Graduate Studies

A bachelor of science in biology opens up a broad array of potential career paths. One of the more common ways students utilize the degree is by using it as a foundation for an advanced professional degree in a health care field like medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine. Graduate programs in other, non-healthcare disciplines are another popular option. Earning a graduate degree such as a master’s degree or a Ph.D. can significantly enhance your expertise in biology.

Specialization

Biologists specialize in areas like cell biology, bacteriology, marine biology, and immunology. By finding a specialty, biologists prepare for focused career paths after graduation. Many biology degrees let students specialize their training through their major, concentration, or electives. For example, some colleges offer majors in microbiology or zoology.

Career Examples

Biological Technician: Assists scientists in conducting laboratory experiments and research, analyzing biological samples, and maintaining lab equipment.
Biochemist: Studies the chemical processes within living organisms, investigating the molecular mechanisms that drive biological systems.
Health Communications Specialist: Develops and disseminates public health messages to promote wellness and prevent disease.
Biology Teacher: Educates students on the intricacies of life sciences, fostering an understanding of living organisms and their interactions with the environment.
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative: Promotes and sells medications and medical products to healthcare professionals, leveraging their knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry.
Agricultural and Food Scientist: Researches ways to improve the quality, safety, and sustainability of food and agricultural production.
Microbiologist: Studies microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, to uncover their effects on human health, agricultural practices, and the environment.

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