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What can you do with a biology degree? As it turns out, the possibilities are vast.
Collecting samples from bat populations in Zimbabwe, removing invasive plant species in California or drawing blood at your local health clinic are just a few of the many careers you can pursue with a biology degree.
Even if you’re uncertain about your ideal career path, there’s no need to worry. Biology is a diverse and expansive field, offering numerous opportunities to use your degree across various industries and positions.
Read on to discover the biology careers available to biology majors.
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What Is Biology?
Biology is the study of living organisms. Biologists observe and record the functions, anatomy and physiology of various life forms, from microscopic amoebas to giant blue whales. Biology also encompasses the study of groups of organisms and how they interact within their ecosystems and with other organisms.
A degree in biology can open the door to diverse career options. Many biology graduates pursue careers in healthcare or continue their studies in medical school. Others pursue careers in life, physical and social science positions, such as biochemists, conservation scientists and zoologists.
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Biology Careers
Whether you’re passionate about healthcare or prefer working in the field, you can pursue a range of opportunities. Below we list biology careers along with their average salaries and education requirements. The below salary data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Payscale or Glassdoor unless otherwise noted.
Environmental Scientist
Median Annual Salary: $76,480
Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s in environmental science or a related field
Job Overview: Environmental scientists apply principles of biology and other disciplines to conserve, protect and restore the environment. They collect soil, water and air samples for analysis. They assess how certain projects, like new construction builds, pose environmental risks. Environmental scientists often advise policymakers to promote regulations for polluting industries.
Pharmacist
Median Annual Salary: $132,750
Minimum Required Education: Doctorate of pharmacy
Job Overview: Pharmacists oversee and manage the delivery of prescriptions to patients. They fill prescriptions and advise patients on correct usage, dosage and potential side effects. They can also provide immunizations. Pharmacists maintain pharmacy records and ensure the accuracy of each filled prescription. Pharmacists follow standard pharmaceutical company dosages. However, in some cases, they may mix ingredients to create custom medications.
Registered nurses typically work in hospital settings, but they might also work in physicians’ offices, outpatient clinics or travel to patients’ homes.
Epidemiologist
Median Annual Salary: $78,520
Minimum Required Education: Master’s degree
Job Overview: Epidemiologists are public health workers who investigate and analyze public health issues to reduce the occurrence and frequency of diseases and injuries that affect the larger population. They collect data from surveys, interviews, surveys and fluid samples to identify the root causes of diseases. They communicate their findings to policymakers and health practitioners.
Epidemiologists also study certain populations to track the risks of specific illnesses or diseases.
Microbiologist
Median Annual Salary: $81,990
Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Job Overview: Microbiologists study small organisms such as bacteria, fungi and parasites. They observe and record how these microorganisms grow and interact with other life forms. Many microorganisms spread disease, which means a big part of a microbiologist’s job is studying how those diseases are spread and treated. They conduct experiments to determine the effect microorganisms have on their environment.
Microbiologists work with public health officials and other scientists to publish reports and communicate their findings to the public.
Biology Specializations
The biology field is categorized into different subdisciplines. Biology majors can pursue specializations such as virology, zoology, botany and microbiology. We’ll cover them in more detail below.
Virology
Virologists study the biology and molecular function of viruses. They develop new approaches for treating inhibiting viral infections. Virology also encompasses the study of therapy for those living with viral diseases.
Zoology
Zoologists study animal life both in the field and in a laboratory. They examine the structure and function of animals and how they interact with their environments. Zoologists apply their skills in positions such as wildlife management and environmental assessment.
Botany
Botany involves the study of plants and how they grow, reproduce, function and provide necessary sustenance to humans and animals. Plants are diverse, and so is the study of botany. Some botanists may study microscopic, single-celled algae, and others may study giant redwood trees.
Microbiology
Microbiology is the study of all living organisms that are known as microbes. Microbiology focuses on the growth, reproduction, functioning and genetic makeup of microbes. Microbiology research is central to maintaining the earth’s food, water and energy and is critical in disease control and treatment.
Professional Organizations for Biology Careers
The following professional organizations are committed to advancing biology and its specializations.
American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB)
The ASCB dedicates itself to the study of cells, the building block of all life. The ASCB aims to promote research, education, policy advocacy and professional development in cell biology for a community of over 7,000 scientists across 60 countries.
American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB)
The ASPB advocates for the advancement of plant science research and education. The society publishes three scientific journals and organizes conferences, meetings and events throughout the year.
Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (SICB)
The SICB is dedicated to the research and public awareness of organismal, functional and evolutionary biology. It aims to bolster the understanding of organisms, from the basic molecular level to ecology and evolution.
Genetics Society of America (GSA)
With almost 6,000 members across 60 countries, the GSA supports the professional development and continuing education of scientists dedicated to the study of genetics.
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