Biology majors focus on the worlds of microbes, plants, animals and people. While special knowledge of specific subject matter is necessary for certain occupational settings, not all employment settings require specialization. Some employers prefer liberal arts graduates who possess broad liberal skills, such as problem solving, critical thinking, communication, management and administration. These functional transferable skills combined with specific content knowledge are most useable and marketable in a broad span of occupational settings. Investigating, analyzing, systematizing, and evaluating are other crucial skills needed in the field of biology. Additionally, biology majors' work may require that they perform ambiguous or abstract tasks, solve problems through thinking, work independently, work outdoors or in a laboratory, conduct research, and collect and organize data. Biology majors can work for hospitals, research laboratories, industry, schools, environmental agencies, as well as federal and local government agencies. Master’s, Doctorate’s or Professional Degrees may be required for more specific positions.
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Sectors |
Notes |
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Research |
Potential employers may include: Universities, Government, Museums, Zoos, Herbaria, or private research facilities. Research can be conducted in any of the subdisciplines of biology (ecology, evolution, molecular biology, zoology, etc.). |
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Education |
Educators may be employed in the K-12 school system, Community Colleges, 4-Year Colleges, Nature Centers, Museums, Zoos, etc. |
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Healthcare |
The field of health is large and includes careers such as nursing, physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, physical therapy, etc. |
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Environmental Management |
Jobs such as monitoring populations of plants or animals, working to protect the environment, forestry, consulting work may be obtained through various government agencies (Fish & Wildlife, BLM, Forest Service, National Parks, etc.) or through private or non-profit organizations. |
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Industry |
Crop and animal science, pharmaceutical development, and forensic occupations may be conducted primarily through private companies specializing in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, biotechnology, and textiles. |
Related Occupations
- Agriculture Research and Development
- Animal Behaviorist
- Aquatic Biologist
- Biochemist
- Bioengineer
- Bioinformatics
- Biological Artistry (photography, illustration)
- Biological Writing (technical writing, biological journalism)
- Biostatisticians
- Biotechnologist
- Botanist
- Chiropractor
- Conservationist
- Coroner
- Dentist
- Dental Assistant or Hygienist
- Dietician
- Ecologist
- Educator
- Environmental Engineer
- Environmental Scientist
- Environmental Toxicologist
- Epidemiologist
- Fish & Wildlife Biologist
- Food Safety Specialist
- Food Technologist
- Forester
- Geneticist
- Genetic Counselor
- Horticulturist
- Science Legislation/Law/Patents
- Marine Biologist
- Medical Device Sales
- Medical Illustrator
- Medical Librarian
- Medical Transcriptionist
- Microbiologist
- Nurse
- Occupational Therapist
- Pharmacist
- Pharmaceutical Sales
- Physical Therapist
- Physician
- Quality Control Technician at a dairy plant, brewery, pharmaceutical company, etc.
- Research Assistant
- Respiratory Therapist
- Soil Scientist
- Veterinarian
Tips for Career Development
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.
These tips will ensure that you improve your chances of obtaining a desirable job or acceptance to a graduate or professional school program.
- Learn laboratory skills: elect to take extra lab courses
- Gain work experience: volunteer, complete an internship or conduct undergraduate research with a professor
- Develop your math, verbal, and writing skills
- Develop communication, interpersonal and group interaction skills
- Understand your field of interest:
- join professional organizations (see below)
- read scientific journals
- talk with professors in your field of interest
- explore other online sources (see below)
- Maintain a high GPA
- Participate in Biology clubs on campus
- Get to know a faculty member (you will likely need letters of recommendation): go to their office hours and participate in-class