Biology is, quite literally, the study of life and everything in it. If you're interested in nature, animals, or even health, studying biology may be a great choice for you. Read on to learn more about studying biology and what careers it can lead to!
Majoring in Biology
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Biology is an extremely diverse field that studies every single living thing on the planet—anything from the tiniest bacteria on up through the largest creature, on the land, in the sea, and in the air. You can earn an associate degree through a Ph.D.
One of the most repeated questions when it comes to biology degrees is, “What can you do with a degree in biology?” Despite what many think, there are actually many careers that can be obtained when you have your biology degree.
One of the most popular paths for those going into biology is research. Whether you’re in the field studying primates or in a lab studying diseases, you have a background in biology. Chances are, you’re drawn to one primary aspect of biology and will end up dedicating most of your career to it.
Depending on your course and your passion, your career in biology may take you to the far recesses of the world doing research, imparting your wisdom to a classroom filled with minds to be molded, or working in a lab as part of a team of researchers. So, if you’re still wondering what career options a degree in biology will open up to you, then just know you will be able to do many different things in many different locations.
The Biologist Career Path
If you’re going to school for a degree in biology, you have quite a lot of options. You can earn various types of Biology degrees, from associate up through the highest of doctorates. All you need to know is what you want to do and where you want to end up. Regardless of what degree you want, when you’re majoring in any type of science, you can expect a course load filled with lectures, labs, and field work.
If you’re in high school and know that you’ll be headed into biology, then there are some things you can do in advance to prepare. Take all the math and science courses available to you. Also, you could get a head start in your field by working in a veterinarian clinic, or work as an intern in a lab, or anything related to natural sciences. The more you know and understand prior to beginning college, the better foundation you’ll have.
Associate Degree: An associate degree in biology will take you approximately two years to complete if you’re attending school full time. Mostly, the careers you will be able to step into are technician careers, but the course credits and work experience will transfer should you decide to get your bachelor’s degree in biology. Popular careers for biology majors are: biology technician, medical or clinical lab technician, forensic science, and forest or conservation technician.
As with any associate degree program, you’ll need to first have your high school diploma or GED before beginning your studies. Depending on where you go, you may need your ACT or SAT scores to get accepted into the college. Much of an associate degree program is built around the idea that students will transfer to four-year programs. However, you’ll still have plenty of job options and opportunities with a two-year degree.
Bachelor’s Degree: Getting into a university, there are different requirements based on each school. You’ll need your high school diploma or GED, plus your ACT and/or SAT scores for acceptance. Alternatively, you can transfer from a community college or other associate programs. If you go this route, your credits may be able to transfer. Once you start your college education, you’ll be taking courses like chemistry, ecology, botany, biology, and other science-related courses. You also may end up picking out your specialty based on the area of study you enjoy the most. This may take you four to five years. A side note: The more lab experience you have during your education, the easier it may be to find a job once you graduate. With a bachelor’s degree in biology, you’ll be fully equipped to work on research teams, conduct experiments, teach at a high school level, and find jobs in the medical field. Should you decide to go even further with your education, there are master’s degrees and Ph.D. programs you can pursue.
Different Biology Careers
Because there are so many different career options within the field of biology, it would make for a very long and exhaustive list. Basically, biology is sectioned off into topics and fields of specialties fall under these. Topics are animal, human, marine, molecular, and computational.
- Research: There are many avenues to explore within biology research. You could study flora and fauna, medicine, diseases, or any thing related to the field. Many different companies require researchers to develop hardier plants, study diseases to create vaccines, or study genetics.
- Medical: When you consider biology as the study of life, many think about humans first. There are so many varied careers in the medical field. Doctors, nurses, technicians, physical therapists, or any job that needs working knowledge of the human body inside and out, can start with a degree in biology.
- Animal Science: If you love animals, studying biology can be a great start. Careers include marine biology, zoology, veterinarian, vet tech, and wildlife biology, to name a few.
- Education: If you love teaching and science, then education may be the right fit for you. You may be perfect in education. Become a biology teacher and inspire others to love science as much as you do. Once you get a bachelor’s degree, you’ll have to get licensed to teach.
- Plants: Plants are living organisms, and they are as interesting as humans to many biologists. Soil science, horticulture, and botany are just a few main career paths for biologists interested in plants.
- Molecular: Study all the molecules that make up organisms, as in, DNA and the effects of mutations and sequencing. You’ll analyze diseases and medicine and how they react to each other.
Popular Biology Careers (Salary per the Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Biology Technician: Biology technicians usually work as part of a team in a lab doing research and experiments. You may be able to find a job with an associate degree, but it might prove easier if you get a bachelor’s degree. The BLS reported that the average salary for biological technicians in 2023 was $56,540.
- Genetic Counselor: Every body tells a story, literally. And genetic counselors are there to discover what heritable traits a person carries, and the potential these have to affect them. To be a genetic counselor, you’ll need a master’s degree. The BLS stated the average salary of genetic counselors in 2023 was $98,130.
- Physician Assistant: Physician assistants hold master’s degrees and have the same type of responsibilities as a physician. However, PAs do not have complete autonomy; they work directly under the doctors they are employed with. The BLS reported that physician assistants earned an average of $130,490 in 2023.
- Nurse Practitioner: At the very minimum, nurse practitioners need a master’s degree. However, they first start out as an RN, which is another great career for biology majors. You’ll only need an associate degree to start. Nurse practitioners are highly trained, and in some states are allowed complete autonomy, similar to a physician. The BLS stated the 2023 average salary of nurse practitioners was $128,490.
- Wildlife Biologist: Animal lovers who adore biology are sure to flock toward careers in wildlife biology or zoology. Studying animals, how they interact with their environment, their behaviors, their characteristics, and the impact they have on humans is all in a day’s work. Bachelor’s degrees are perfect for entry level positions, but if you want to do investigative, scientific, or independent research work, then master’s degrees through Ph.D.s are necessary. According to the BLS, the average salary for wildlife biologists in 2023 was $75,740.
- Microbiologist: The BLS reported the average salary for microbiologists in 2023 was $93,380. Microorganisms are under observation by microbiologists in order to study how they grow, live, and interact with their environment. A bachelor’s degree is needed for entry level positions.
- Environmental Science: Environmental scientists and specialists are superheroes who use their vast knowledge of the environment to protect it and the life that inhabits the earth. The BLS states that in 2023 the average salary for environmental scientists was $86,710.
- Occupational Health and Safety: These specialists analyze work environments and procedures to ensure employees safety. The BLS stated the average salary for occupational health and safety professionals in 2023 averaged $85,570.
- Pharmacy Technician: Pharmacy technicians are usually trained on the job. Pharmacy technicians need a high school diploma or GED before they are allowed to dispense medication and help pharmacy customers or other health professionals. The BLS states the average salary for pharmacy technicians in 2023 was $43,330.
- Veterinary Technician: Associate degrees are required of vet techs. Vet technologists have to have a bachelor’s degree. Both work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The BLS reported the average salary for a veterinary technician in 2023 was $44,040
Unusual Careers in Biology
Sure, some of the careers mentioned seem pretty standard, despite how interesting they can be. But there are also some pretty far-out careers that biology majors may find themselves fascinated by, such as:
- Scatologist: This is the study of poop. By studying the excrement of animals, you’ll be able to learn many things from their habits to their health.
- Venom Milker: This unusual job is not for the faint of heart. Scientists that study snake venom often have to obtain their samples themselves, meaning they have to force often extremely poisonous snakes to excrete their venom without getting hurt.
- Biological Illustrator: This cool career melds art and science. Biological illustrators create drawings or paintings to demonstrate the subject for others to use as a learning tool.
- Science Copywriting/Technical Writing: Combine your love of science and writing and write copy for anything from marketing products to technical manuals.
There are hundreds of different types of careers under the header of “biology.” No matter what your degree path is, your love of biology will help you find your place among like minded biology professionals.