I'm thinking to go to graduate school, but i don't know what major i want to study. 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. Degree Programs and Careers. But when you pursue a doctorate degree in biology, you generally choose a special area of focus. So your options are not limited to scientific research, teaching, professional medicine, or other professions that require the most advanced educational credentials. Biology PhDs may teach in colleges and universities. Become a specialist in biology-related areas like muscular anatomy, body mechanics, and human pathology while using the healing power of touch to help people relieve stress, ease physical tension, recover from injury, minimize pain, and more. And starting the process is easy. Let's pretend you're a senior biology major, but the only reason you chose biology in the first place is because you liked going to zoos and didn't really know what else to major in. I graduated on may with a bachelor degree in biology and now I feel totally lost. A bachelor’s degree in biology is a great pathway if you envision a career in horticulture, agriculture, genetics, zoology, or any field that involves the study of living organisms. The degree in biology allows you to choose one or more interesting directions. Biology is one of the most rapidly expanding areas of research and one of the most relevant subjects for medical or life sciences. A bachelor’s degree in biology is a great educational starting point if you ultimately plan to pursue a medical career. Average yearly job openings are based on employment projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the decade between 2018 and 2028. Many biology majors begin their educational journey with a goal to go … I have a friend who just got his Bachelors in Biology from a 4-year university. 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. 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. The main reason to get a PhD in this field is to become a biologist with the qualifications to perform independent research or work for post-secondary institutions, government agencies, or private employers that require advanced credentials. 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. The association or associations you choose to join will depend to an extent on the career path you take. 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. 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. As a computational biologist, your career could involve developing computerized simulations that make it possible to study research questions without using a traditional laboratory. Or you can pursue a graduate degree in biology and become a college instructor, research scientist, or genetic counselor. So if you're at the beginning of your journey into post-secondary education, then you could be employment-ready in a lot less time than it would take to earn a traditional biology degree. Sources: PayScale.com, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The problem is that a lot of smart, motivated people go into the field believing that an undergraduate degree in biology may be all they need to access the types of employment opportunities they want. Legitimate regional and national accrediting organizations are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). In addition, it's often possible to find jobs in government agencies that are charged with conserving natural resources and protecting public health and the environment. Your career could involve pure research, or you could apply your research to the development of solutions in areas like public health, agriculture, or environmental restoration. Of course, popularity is not necessarily a measure of value. It’s a great opportunity to realize your research potential and make an impact on the environment. But the process of getting into a traditional graduate-level program for a master's degree or PhD can be very competitive and time-consuming. Provide preventive care and guidance to dental patients as a professional who understands the biological causes of gingivitis and other oral diseases. An associate degree in biology can also be a direct path to a job as a lab tech or an entry-level healthcare professional. Medical and scientific innovation continue to drive biology into new and thrilling directions. Help patients in medical and health care settings in the most direct … Now as graduation approaches, you wish you could go back and major in communications and become a writer instead. You can also work in the field of environmental protection. In addition to introductory level studies in human physiology, plant and animal reproduction, ecology, and the taxonomy of living organisms, you’ll also have a chance to engage in in-depth studies of specific bodily systems; the connection between neurology and psychology; and the complex ethical questions that can arise from challenging biogenetic issues. To learn more about National Accreditation, check out Understanding National Accreditation. Many biologists also research ways to solve practical problems for the medical field or other industries. That's because the field of biology is so broad that it's practically impossible to develop deep expertise in all aspects of it. Provide individualized advice to patients and clients about the best foods to eat as part of an overall plan to become healthier or to better manage particular diseases. According to the OES program, a biologist makes from $67,760 to $105,940 per year, on average, depending on the specialty. 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. Upon completion of the MA in Biology (Traditional and Zoo Science option), graduates will be able to:. 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. Those with advanced degrees, for example, master's or doctoral degrees, do independent research. Your biology degree could lead to a career in academics, laboratory research, pharmaceuticals, or zoology, and more. Now you have a more particular vision of your biology career. Nearly 52 percent of public school teachers have a master's degree, reports Face the Facts. Your career goals changed. This is ideal if you intend to parlay your biology degree into a field like healthcare management, conservation, or agricultural management. 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. It may be more appropriate if you want to enter a medical or research–intensive profession. 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. So, now I have this piece of paper with my name on it, and am a little freaking out about what I … If you’re interested in teaching biology, you’ll want to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology while earning your teaching credentials. Check out these sections: Average salaries are current as of June 29, 2020 and are based on data from the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) program unless indicated as being from (1) PayScale. I graduated college withe a roughly 3.0 GPA, but i have no idea what to do next. You can also combine your biology education with other major subjects of study. Work for a science magazine. Different people have different reasons for asking, "What can I do with a biology degree?" 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 … 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. 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. Transform your interest in biology into an active and fascinating career in which you can prepare sterile and efficient operating rooms and assist surgeons during medical surgeries. Biology Teacher Graduates of advanced degree programs in molecular and cellular biology may choose to become instructors. There are innumerable specializations and degree combinations available for those interested in studying biology. Look for biology associations that correspond with your academic or professional concentration. Many occupational fields have roots in biology. 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. This degree provides a solid foundation for continuing to a bachelor’s degree in biology. 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. So you're not alone in wanting to pursue a career in it. Your career opportunities will likely depend on the specialty or sub-specialty you've chosen. A biology degree provides you with the foundational knowledge and undergraduate credentials to enter a medical profession or medical school. I knew I wanted to major in it since my sophomore year of high school, because it was so cool! And medical school, which is one of the most popular options for biology grads, often has the most discriminating entrance requirements of all. This is ideal if you intend to use your biology degree in a field like healthcare management, conservation, or agricultural management. In comparison, the most popular major was business, representing over 19 percent of college graduates. And a lot of these vocational fields can be entered with only two years or less of specialized training. But even if you've already earned a biology degree (or plan to), you can greatly boost your employment opportunities by getting some additional training that's more vocational in nature. Highly informative resources to keep your education journey on track. Plus, even if you already have a bachelor's degree in biology or are currently in pursuit of one, you may have a lot more options than you think. Take advantage of your scientific knowledge as well as your outgoing personality in order to help drug companies sell and promote their latest breakthroughs. Actor Lisa Kudrow, or Phoebe from Friends, studied biology at Vassar College in New York, obtaining a bachelor’s degree. If you are curious about the living world outside of the protective confines of your house or place of … In general, a biologist studies life, including its underlying processes and the relationships between living matter and the environment. An associate degree in biology is an affordable point of entry into the subject that requires 60 credits and typically takes two years. 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. Carry out laboratory tests on samples of bodily fluids, tissues, or other biological substances in order to help medical practitioners diagnose and treat patients. And earning your graduate degree doesn't have to be as difficult as what you may think. Now what? Explore the real-world aspects of human biology while working alongside doctors and caring for people in your community who are at their most vulnerable. Clearly, you may never need to know what to do with a biology degree—because you might not even need one. Students pursue a focused course of study designed to build entry-level career skills in a … Become a skincare specialist and help people attain healthier, better-looking skin through a variety of treatments. In some cases, after completing your program, you may also need to register with your state and/or pass a certification or licensing exam. Your biology degree could also help you get into medical, dentistry, or veterinary school. Biology is brought to you with support from the Our mission is to provide a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere. 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. The bachelor’s degree in biology is the basic point of entry for most biology professions. Here is maybe the most important point to remember: You don't have to pursue a biology degree in order to attain an enjoyable or good-paying career that capitalizes on your enthusiasm for the subject. The easiest way to determine accreditation status is to contact your school of choice. Khan Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Wondering what to do with a biology degree? Or maybe you're studying this field in college right now and have doubts about the value of your current educational path. Begin right now by conducting a quick search for programs in your region. Interested in all kinds of biology? Accreditation of Colleges and Universities: Who’s Accrediting the Accreditors? A bachelor of arts (BA) degree in biology provides a general overview of the discipline alongside a traditional liberal arts education. For help safely navigating the For–Profit Sector, check out our Guide to For–Profit Colleges: What You Need to Know. Now he is considering being an RN, and possibly Nurse Practitioner. A biology degree examines living organisms and their interactions with the environment. Colleges and universities that have earned accreditation have met the standards set by accrediting organizations. 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. One common reason for pursuing a graduate degree is that an undergraduate biology education is often more knowledge-based than skills-based. These organizations are comprised of faculty from various accredited colleges and universities. He wanted to be a doctor but his GPA is too low (2.66). 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. Students who earn a biology degree have a multitude of opportunities ahead of them. Also known as laboratory assistants, biological technicians use the laboratory … 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. You can even become a biology teacher at the middle school or high school level. Biological Technician. Choose your own path and start applying your talents in work. 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. So take a serious look at these options, and remember that they've enabled a lot of biology enthusiasts like you to have meaningful and prosperous careers. An associate degree in biology touches on the basic knowledge required for an assistant position in many laboratories or research facilities. Wow, that is awesome Krista! Here are some example salaries based on nationwide averages. 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. 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. 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. Biology majors are prepared for educator roles, environmental and wildlife management, research positions, professional degrees and graduate programs. That's probably why biology and life sciences majors experience the biggest increase in earnings out of all majors when they earn a graduate degree. For example, with at least a master's degree in biology, you can qualify for better teaching or research positions. Although you will likely be required to finish a doctorate degree if you wish to advance to the position of pharmacist, a biology degree – associate’s or bachelor’s – qualifies you for several pharmacy-related jobs, including that of a pharmacy technician. I loved doing biology. To learn more about navigating the tricky accreditation landscape, check out Accreditation of Colleges and Universities: Who’s Accrediting the Accreditors? Help pharmacists organize, measure, package, label, and dispense prescription medications in a retail or hospital pharmacy setting. 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. Here are a few of the top careers in biology: Depending on how far you take your studies, your biology education could be the pathway to a very well–paying career. 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