what can you do with a biology degree

What Can You Do With A Biology Degree?

Are you wondering what you could do with your biology degree?

As a graduate in biology, you are well positioned to succeed in any position that requires data processing or research skills, and these positions wouldn’t necessarily have to be limited to employers in the scientific field.

Biology majors have a wide range of employment options, but choosing one after graduation might be challenging because there isn’t one clear path.

This article should assist you in considering your abilities, the jobs you can apply for, and your possibilities with a biology degree.

What Does A Biology Degree Teach You?

A biology student in the lab

A biology degree will teach you the scientific principles underlying living things. 

This will cover all forms of life, including plant and animal life, as well as the features, behaviors, and functions unique to each organism. 

Some significant subjects you will come across while pursuing your biology degree include:

  • Biochemistry
  • Physiology
  • Marine biology
  • Genetics
  • Ecology
  • Cell structure

You will also learn other soft skills that will help you thrive in the industry.

Some of these skills include:

  • Time and self-management
  • Data management, analysis, and interpretation
  • Concise and accurate writing and communication skills
  • Research skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Ability to identify and predict trends and patterns
  • Ability to interpret and evaluate events, information, and ideas
  • Computer literacy etc.

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What Do Biology Graduates Do?

It is estimated that almost one in five (14%) of biology graduates work as natural and social scientific experts, and 9% more are production technicians.

A bulk of them go into teaching careers, administrative, business, and research careers, sales, marketing, and related associate careers, and business associate careers.

Keep reading to find out the jobs you can do with your biology degree.

What Jobs Can I Do With A Biology Degree?

You can work in a wide range of life science fields with your biology degree such as becoming a dietician, biologist, or biomedical engineer. 

While some employers need a graduate degree, others will hire someone with only an undergraduate degree.

Some of the jobs you can do with a biology degree are listed below:

1. Dietician

Dietitians inform patients about a range of nutritional concerns. 

They advocate for health and wellness through their understanding of nutrition and cuisine. 

Dietitians can also give clients dietary recommendations to assist them to maintain a healthy lifestyle or accomplish a specific health objective.

2. Biologist

A biologist researches animals and plants. 

Here, you carry out studies, gather samples, and run experiments to comprehend how organisms interact with one another and their environment. 

Then you report on their results and analyze them to solve real-life problems.

3. Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical engineers use their technical expertise to build tools and gadgets to solve or diagnose biological and medical issues. 

They also do research to assist them in resolving clinical problems. 

Some of their innovations include artificial internal organs and limb replacements.

What are the different types of engineering? check out the full list.

4. Health Communication Specialist

Specialists in health communications keep people updated on dangers to public health, educate their community on public health issues, and make sure people are aware of the problems and the solutions. 

They produce educational material that they distribute via online media platforms. 

As a health communication specialist, you would assist in educating the public through advertising campaigns or printed materials.

5. Medical Laboratory Technician

Medical laboratory technicians collect patient samples for testing, including physiological fluids and tissues. 

They prepare samples for analysis, run tests, and keep an eye on the results. 

In this field, you will employ cutting-edge tools and equipment to conduct tests and you can work in hospitals, private labs, or doctor’s offices.

6. Science Teacher

A science teacher instructs students on key scientific ideas. 

You will be required to develop lesson plans, offer practical learning opportunities, and assess the progress of each student. 

You might be interested in What Are Social Sciences?: A Comprehensive Understanding.

7. Environmental Consultant

Environmental consultants assist their clients in making strategic choices about initiatives or laws that could have an impact on the environment. 

They carry out field surveys, gather information, and conduct studies to determine the consequences of different activities on the environment. 

Environmental consultants also prepare reports and handle legislative concerns for their customers.

8. Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

A pharmaceutical sales representative ascertains the demands of their customers and offers them the best products. 

They use sales tactics and methods to convince doctors to recommend their products. 

As a pharmaceutical sales representative, you would analyze each of the medications offered by an organization to guarantee that they provide their clients with the most correct information.

9. Microbiologist

Microbiologists research tiny creatures to learn more about how they affect human existence. 

They conduct research, compile their results, and produce written reports. 

Additionally, microbiologists carry out challenging research initiatives, conduct laboratory tests, and manage a lab team.

You can get the best biology degree jobs from The best job platforms in the world

10. Research Scientist

Research scientists design and carry out trials and tests in the lab. 

They draft proposals for new studies, gather samples for studies, and analyze data. 

Additionally, research scientists interact with researchers and manage less experienced employees.

11. Forensic Scientist

Forensic scientists gather and examine the evidence they discover at a crime scene.

They may also make deductions based on autopsies and elements discovered in bodily fluids or human tissues to assist in the investigation of a crime.

12. Agricultural Or Food Science Technician

Technicians in agricultural or food science work with scientists to manage data, keep lab equipment up to date, supervise food production, and assess the quality of crops, soil, and food items. 

They frequently work for regulatory bodies or for private companies.

13. Content Writer

Content writers conduct research and provide clear, interesting explanations of complex information. 

You have the option of working internally for a company or submitting your writing to journals and publications as a freelancer.

14. Quality Control Technician

Technicians in quality control labs guarantee a company’s products’ efficacy and quality. These experts frequently have a specialty, such as in food storage, quality control, or research.

They are largely employed in the pharmaceutical or food industries. 

In this capacity, you would be in charge of directing the testing or production of supplies obtained from external suppliers. 

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15. Food Scientist

Food scientists produce additives to enhance food safety and storage techniques. 

They frequently run tests in the lab and examine samples to assure product quality. 

These scientists collaborate often with governmental organizations, food producers, and academic institutions.

16. Ecologist

An ecologist typically investigates how organisms and their surroundings interact. 

Their responsibilities include fieldwork, data collection, analysis, and reporting, but many ecologists concentrate on endangered species or imperiled ecosystems. 

You can also choose to focus on a particular ecosystem, like a forest, tundra, or wetland.

17. Genetic Counselor

A genetic counselor provides guidance and advice to those undergoing genetic testing. 

They advise their clients about the outcomes and implications of testing so that they can comprehend them and take appropriate action. 

Genetic counselors frequently, but not always, assist people who have been identified as having or at risk for genetic illnesses. 

Many genetic counselors strive to comprehensively understand science and genetics in addition to human communication abilities.

18. Physical Therapist

Physical therapists aid patients in reducing pain and increasing mobility. 

They are crucial in the rehabilitation of patients, the prevention of injuries, and the management of persistent wounds.

19. Occupational Health And Safety Specialist

Workplace safety and occupational health specialists create prevention plans for accidents at work. 

Furthermore, they safeguard employees by checking workplaces to make sure businesses adhere to waste and safety rules.

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How Much Will I Earn From A Biology Degree?

According to a study by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW), graduates with a bachelor’s degree in biology made an average of 57,000 USD per year, while those with a master’s degree made 93,000 USD per year.

Do I Need A Masters Degree In Biology To Earn More?

No, you can earn enough from your bachelor’s degree.

But a master’s can increase your prospects, especially if you want to become a professor.

How Much Do College Professors Make? read to find out

Wrapping It Up

We’ve summarized what you can do with your biology degree below:

  • Biology graduates can work in research, medicine, sales, law, or finance.
  • Graduates of biology programs would need to complete additional coursework after receiving their four-year degrees in order to go further in their careers.
  • The following professions are open to biology majors: biochemist, nurse practitioner, manager of medical and health services, pharmaceutical sales representative, and health educator.
  • The future of employment in these industries is extremely diverse, with some positions rising far faster than others.

What Can You Do With A Biology Degree?: Frequently Asked Questions

Is a degree in biology worth it financially?

Yes, you can get financial fulfillment from your biology degree.

People with biology degrees typically make roughly $70,000 annually, which is $10,000 higher than the median American household income. 

But biology degrees are highly diverse, and your income potential may differ greatly depending on what you decide to do with your degree.

Is biology a tough major?

In comparison to other STEM disciplines like physics or chemistry, biology is a challenging major, but not quite as challenging as others. 

A majority of students find it challenging to pursue a biology degree because it contains a lengthy syllabus, a ton of lab work, multiple difficult ideas, foreign vocabulary, and a ton of material to memorize.

Are biologists in demand?

Yes, biologists are in high demand now.

In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the US predicts that demand for biologists will climb by about 5% during the next ten years.

What can I do with a biology degree and no experience?

You can work as the following:

1. Medical Laboratory Technician
2. Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
3. Environmental Consultant
4. Zoo Educator
5. Technical Writer
6. Data Analyst
7. Pharmacy Technician
8. Graduate Teaching Assistant

What jobs can I get with a biology degree without medical school?

Outside of medical school, you can go into the following fields with your biology major:

1. Education (public or private)
2. Health/biology content writing.
3. Food science.
4. Environmental science.
5. Forensic science.
6. Biological research assistant.
7. Biomedical engineer.

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