Clearly, you may never need to know what to do with a biology degree—because you might not even need one. Help pharmacists organize, measure, package, label, and dispense prescription medications in a retail or hospital pharmacy setting. This is ideal if you intend to parlay your biology degree into a field like healthcare management, conservation, or agricultural management. Plus, students who've already completed college-level courses related to biology are sometimes able to receive credit for those courses, which can shorten their training even further. The easiest way to determine accreditation status is to contact your school of choice. This means you’ll have anywhere from six to eight years of training under your belt before you can even begin to undertake the sophisticated research necessary to make advancements in the field. Play a vital role in protecting our environment and people's health by using your understanding of biology to plan and oversee efforts to clean up pollution, reduce industrial waste, make policy recommendations, and analyze air, water, and soil quality. With a little bit of extra vocational training, you can work in the growing allied health care sector. Become a professional who gets to manage and monitor public or private lands in order to conserve natural resources or to maximize the use of those resources in a way that does the least possible harm to the environment. For instance, with a degree in computer science, you can pursue a PhD in computational biology. This is after at least four years of undergraduate work in a relevant discipline and a one- to two-year master’s degree. In comparison, the most popular major was business, representing over 19 percent of college graduates. Those with advanced degrees, for example, master's or doctoral degrees, do independent research. Khan Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Utilize your understanding of the physiology and structure of the human body while helping patients manage pain or bounce back from illnesses, surgeries, or injuries that have taken away some of their physical movement, strength, flexibility, or range of motion. One common reason for pursuing a graduate degree is that an undergraduate biology education is often more knowledge-based than skills-based. Be one of the first responders to situations in which people's lives might be saved as a result of your quick actions and knowledge of first-aid treatment for the sick or injured. (Some schools offer graduate programs that are more accessible and streamlined than what you'll find at many traditional universities.). I figured the "what are you going to do with it" thing would figure itself out along the way. Biology is one of the most rapidly expanding areas of research and one of the most relevant subjects for medical or life sciences. If you’re interested in teaching biology, you’ll want to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology while earning your teaching credentials. As a computational biologist, your career could involve developing computerized simulations that make it possible to study research questions without using a traditional laboratory. I just graduated from college with a Biology degree. But there are plenty of biology degree jobs that don’t involve going anywhere near a stethoscope or drawing up patient charts, including lab-based research, direct involvement in policy, or even the sale of new prescription drugs. Your career opportunities will likely depend on the specialty or sub-specialty you've chosen. Many occupational fields have roots in biology. If you are excited by the opportunity to step into the laboratory or collect samples in the field, then you might be a good candidate for a master’s degree in biology. The bottom line is that this field supports many different careers. Practical or Vocational Nurse. But that process is often relatively fast, especially if you attend a school that focuses on helping you prepare for such an exam. Less typical careers with a biology degree A biology degree will equip you with many transferable skills that are sought-after in the workplace, whether that workplace is within a scientific industry or not. As a Ph.D. student, you’d better really love biology, because you’ll spend at least two– to three-years completing supplemental coursework before you can begin your dissertation. But according to the National Center for Education Statistics, only about six percent of American college graduates majored in biological and biomedical sciences during the 2016-2017 academic year. Look for biology associations that correspond with your academic or professional concentration. Biology Teacher Graduates of advanced degree programs in molecular and cellular biology may choose to become instructors. It’s a great opportunity to realize your research potential and make an impact on the environment. As a master of biology, you’ll be qualified to conduct medical research, contribute to public policy discussions on environmental policy, work in pharmaceutical R&D, or in laboratory settings connected to your concentration. Combine your biology and technology interests in a career that lets you use advanced ultrasound equipment to capture images that aid doctors in diagnosing, treating, or performing surgical procedures on their patients. You can also combine your biology education with other major subjects of study. Of course, popularity is not necessarily a measure of value. Also i'm having trouble deciding what career path i … Potential careers can even include working as an assistant to a dermatologist or other medical esthetics practitioner. A biology degree opens the door to many possible careers, in fields as varied as medicine, genetic engineering, agriculture, and zoology. Average yearly job openings are based on employment projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the decade between 2018 and 2028. But this question often stems from the fact that jobs for biology majors can be hard to find—unless you have a practical career plan, understand the relevant alternatives, and know how to approach the challenge. You can also look at the Department of Education’s database of all recognized accreditors within its purview. The following list also includes many career possibilities that have significantly better job outlooks than what you might qualify for with a biology degree alone. If you are asking yourself, “What Can You Do With a biology degree?”, check out Life, Physical, and Social Sciences Careers, as well as Medical Careers. And starting the process is easy. Here are some example salaries based on nationwide averages. Daniel says biology degree recipients tend to have marketable skills in both science and math, which is a winning combination for many employers, and this skill set is something degree … Or maybe you're studying this field in college right now and have doubts about the value of your current educational path. Explore the structure and physiology of the human heart and circulatory system while assisting doctors by conducting diagnostic cardiovascular tests, monitoring patients, or performing other actions during essential cardiac procedures. Sources: PayScale.com, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Medical and scientific innovation continue to drive biology into new and thrilling directions. Actor Lisa Kudrow, or Phoebe from Friends, studied biology at Vassar College in New York, obtaining a bachelor’s degree. Council for Higher Education Accreditation. A Ph.D. in biology is also the basic requirement for becoming a university-level biology professor. This degree provides a solid foundation for continuing to a bachelor’s degree in biology. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median annual salaries, as of 2018, for a few of the most popular career options in your field: Professional associations are a fantastic way to make connections in a field, learn about valuable seminars or certifications, and improve your own credentials. The bachelor of science (BS) in biology places a greater focus on lab work and mathematics. Maybe you've already graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and haven't found suitable employment yet. For help safely navigating the For–Profit Sector, check out our Guide to For–Profit Colleges: What You Need to Know. They may not realize that those opportunities are often reserved for people who go on to earn more advanced graduate-level degrees. According to the OES program, a biologist makes from $67,760 to $105,940 per year, on average, depending on the specialty. I'm a 29 yr old guy and I too have a degree in Biological Sciences, a B.A., actually and have worked for about 3 companies now. Trade-Schools.net matches students with schools and is compensated when a visitor requests and receives information from our clients. Your biology degree could also help you get into medical, dentistry, or veterinary school. Answer these 3 easy questions to get started, The challenge of pursuing careers with a biology degree at the undergraduate level, A more practical approach that's often more satisfying, 19 biology-related vocations with great employment outlooks, 9 entry-level biology jobs that you can get with a bachelor's degree, Medical Careers That Offer High Pay & Low Stress, Zoologists and wildlife biologists: $67,200, Botanists (i.e., plant scientists): $69,860, Entry-level education: Certificate or diploma, Entry-level education: Certificate, diploma, or associate degree, Entry-level education: Associate degree (for technicians) or bachelor's degree (for technologists), Entry-level education: Certificate, diploma, or associate or bachelor's degree, Yearly job openings (for all sales reps of technical and scientific products): 36,000, Entry-level education: Bachelor's degree (plus teacher certification), Entry-level education: Associate or bachelor's degree. But unlike other areas of study with well-defined career paths, biology's professional outcomes can sometimes be trickier to figure out, mostly because the possibilities are so wide-ranging. Biological Technician. Below is a selection of some of the less conventional careers you … Upon completion of the MA in Biology (Traditional and Zoo Science option), graduates will be able to:. For some of them, all it takes is a few months. Now as graduation approaches, you wish you could go back and major in communications and become a writer instead. He wanted to be a doctor but his GPA is too low (2.66). Interested in all kinds of biology? This biology field is as diverse and expansive as the world it studies, which means that a degree in biology can equip you for a number of job opportunities and teach a wide range of marketable skills. Make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people by teaching them about the fundamentals of biology and why it is such an important science. For a detailed look at the differences between regional and national accreditation, check out What Do I Need to Know About College Accreditation? That's because the field of biology is so broad that it's practically impossible to develop deep expertise in all aspects of it. Or maybe just one particular field, … Accreditation of Colleges and Universities: Who’s Accrediting the Accreditors? General biology is an obvious choice, and in some schools \"biology\" may be the only biology major available. If you need more information about a degree in biology, continue on. Hi! So if you aren't fully committed to becoming a research scientist, college professor, genetic counselor, physician, dentist, veterinarian, or other type of specialized health practitioner, then pursuing that level of education might become more of a challenge than you're prepared to face. Many biologists also research ways to solve practical problems for the medical field or other industries. Increase your understanding of animal biology as somebody who gets to assist veterinarians with diagnostic testing and medical procedures related to the care of people's pets or other creatures. What Do I Need to Know About College Accreditation? This is ideal if you intend to use your biology degree in a field like healthcare management, conservation, or agricultural management. Wondering what to do with a biology degree? Begin right now by conducting a quick search for programs in your region. If you hope to conduct research and publish scholarly findings on genetic innovations, revelations in the field of pathology, or new and troubling evidence concerning threats to our ecological balance, this is the degree for you. Associate Degree Programs in Biology. The bachelor of science (BS) in biology incorporates a greater focus on lab work and mathematics, and is best suited for those who will advance into a medical or research-intensive profession. This means that your biology education will focus on issues that impact human, animal, and plant life and include subjects like genetic engineering, transhumanism, GMO farming, and global climate change. That's why this article explores the value of various options, including many good-paying occupations within industries that may surprise you. So that was tough to … Help patients in medical and health care settings in the most direct … Or perhaps you enjoyed biology in high school and want to know if it would be worth majoring in at the next level. Students who earn a biology degree have a multitude of opportunities ahead of them. Colleges and trade schools that focus on preparing students for in-demand vocations tend to have relatively easy admission requirements, short programs, and convenient class schedules. For many others, the biology associate’s degree provides an ideal stepping stone to further study in areas like nursing, health sciences, public health, and of course, biology. Changing your major now isn't a realistic option. Biology is brought to you with support from the Our mission is to provide a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere. To find out if a college or university on your list is regionally accredited, check the Department of Education’s Database of Postsecondary Institutions and Programs. Capitalize on your understanding of biological testing procedures by helping scientists keep track of their data, set up their laboratories, and analyze crop samples and other types of food products. You’ll gain an introductory-level education in human anatomy, animal and plant reproduction, ecology, and organic chemistry. You can even become a biology teacher at the middle school or high school level. A biology degree provides you with the foundational knowledge and undergraduate credentials to enter a medical profession or medical school. Provide preventive care and guidance to dental patients as a professional who understands the biological causes of gingivitis and other oral diseases. Highly informative resources to keep your education journey on track. So your options are not limited to scientific research, teaching, professional medicine, or other professions that require the most advanced educational credentials. For many people, a biology degree is a step on the way to medical school or another health care specialty. It may be more appropriate if you want to enter a medical or research–intensive profession. Help biologists conduct fieldwork or perform laboratory tests or experiments by carrying out tasks such as setting up equipment, collecting and preparing biological samples, and documenting results. I loved doing biology. To learn more about National Accreditation, check out Understanding National Accreditation. Help patients in medical and health care settings in the most direct way while using your knowledge of human illnesses, disabilities, and a lot more. So many other educational avenues are available that can still lead to good careers with a biological slant. A degree in general biology can also be a great choic… I originally wanted to go to med school but I took the MCAT and I did not do good plus my gpa is only 3.1. But when you pursue a doctorate degree in biology, you generally choose a special area of focus. Biology is perhaps the most interesting and unique degree field, … Your biology degree can be the key to a wide range of career possibilities. Please see our About page and our Privacy & Terms of Use for more details. But as a biology Ph.D., your ultimate objective is to become knowledgeable enough to contribute something unique to the field of biology. Legitimate regional and national accrediting organizations are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). Among the first things to consider for anyone studying biology is whether they want to use the undergraduate degree to enter a professional field directly, or as a foundation for … Demonstrate an in-depth mastery from a range of fundamental biological concepts and subjects, including cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, evolution and ecology, and principles of conservation biology. As a result, many employers may feel that biology graduates don't offer enough in the way of practical abilities that are relevant to their particular work settings. TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Now you have a more particular vision of your biology career. I just got fired from my last job as a grossing technician in the histology department of a laboratory. For example, here's what you can do with a biology degree: You can work as a research assistant, technician, or sales representative in the agricultural, food processing, pharmaceutical, or biomedical industries. The degree in biology allows you to choose one or more interesting directions. So, now I have this piece of paper with my name on it, and am a little freaking out about what I … Then consider a Master in Biology, a degree program that can advance your career to the next level. Famous people with biology degrees. Master's degrees in biology or teaching are not required to teach biology in middle or high school, but some school districts encourage it. These organizations are comprised of faculty from various accredited colleges and universities. At this level of education, people choose to study specialties such as microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, zoology, wildlife biology, biophysics, ecology, evolutionary biology, physiology, neuroscience, botany, or aquatic biology. Help physicians diagnose and treat patients who have breathing difficulties, chronic respiratory diseases like asthma, or other lung-related disorders. Biology is an increasingly complex and exciting field that incorporates other critical subdisciplines such as anatomy, pathology, ecology, chemistry, genetics, botany, and ecology. Help people with physical or developmental disabilities regain or develop the abilities they need to carry out routine activities for work or everyday living. The bachelor’s degree in biology is the basic point of entry for most biology professions. Put some of your biology skills to work by helping companies (such as food and pharmaceutical manufacturers) test the purity and effectiveness of the products they make as well as the materials they purchase from outside vendors. Life, Physical, and Social Sciences Careers, Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians, American Institute of Biological Sciences, National Association of Biology Teachers, The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. In general biology, students acquire a solid background in all areas of biology without necessarily having a specific focus. Biology is the science of life on planet earth—how living creatures form, evolve, grow, function and adapt on both the macro and micro levels. Your career goals changed. Students pursue a focused course of study designed to build entry-level career skills in a … In addition to diving deeper into animal physiology, ecology, organic chemistry and other foundational subjects, a master’s degree gives you the chance to specialize in topics like human genetics, neurology, or the mating habits of animals living in deep sea trenches. Research opportunities do exist for top students with biology backgrounds, but if you plan to conduct research for a living, you will most likely need to continue to an advanced degree program. Receiving a master's degree or Ph.D. in marine biology is the most common way for you to become a professional marine biologist, although a few entry-level jobs might require only a bachelor's degree. Many professionals, however, choose to pursue graduate-level work in environmental science to advance progress more quickly in their career. An associate degree in biology is an affordable point of entry into the subject that requires 60 credits and typically takes two years. A college or university must be accredited by a Department of Education-recognized accreditor in order for its students to receive federal financial aid. 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