A degree in biology opens up a world of exciting career opportunities, offering the chance to explore diverse fields and contribute to society in meaningful ways. The field of biology continues to evolve and present new challenges, providing endless possibilities for those with a passion for understanding life. If you are considering a major in biology, embrace the adventure, and step into a world of discovery, innovation, and opportunity!
To help you better digest the overwhelming number of options for jobs in the biology field, we’re breaking down five exciting career sectors available to biology majors, highlighting diverse and impactful roles within each.
1. Research Science
For those with a curious mind and a love for investigation, a career as a research scientist could be a great fit. Research scientists work in laboratories, conducting experiments and analyzing data to contribute advancements in medicine, environmental science, genetics, or other specialized areas.
This role allows biology majors to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge. A rewarding aspect of this job is being able to report on and publish your own findings for other experts in the field to review.
Entry level positions include Laboratory/Research Technicians, Research Assistants, Food Scientists, and Research Analysts, all which provide opportunities to work in laboratories across industries, from universities to tech companies. Many professionals in research science go on to pursue master’s degrees in their area of specialty, which opens up more lucrative positions.
2. Environmental Science and Conservation
With the growing need to protect our planet, biologists play a crucial role in environmental science and conservation. Opportunities exist in areas such as: wildlife biology, marine biology, zoology, ecology, animal behaviors, conservation biology, and environmental consulting.
Due to the incredible diversity and abundance of plant and animal life on our planet, most professionals in these careers narrow down their interests and pursue specializations. In Zoology, for example, there are about 10 specialized areas, from Cetologists, who study marine mammals like whales and dolphins, to Paleozoologists, whose expertise lies in fossilized species and ancient animal remains.
Whether studying endangered species, assessing ecosystems, or working on sustainable development initiatives, biology graduates pursuing conservation efforts can make a positive impact on the environment and contribute to a more sustainable future.
3. Education and Science Communication
For biology enthusiasts with a passion for sharing knowledge, a career in education or science communication can be highly rewarding. Biology majors can become educators, teaching at various levels, from primary schools to universities, nurturing the next generation of scientists. Additionally, science writers, science journalists, museum curators, and outreach coordinators play a crucial role in translating complex scientific concepts for the general public, making science accessible and exciting.
Many students and professionals in biology-related careers have gathered massive followings on platforms like Instagram and TikTok by creating engaging content about their area of expertise. For instance Skyler, a marine biologist, has amassed an impressive audience of over 215,000 followers on TikTok by sharing captivating educational content related to her studies and career.
4. Healthcare and Medicine
Biology majors interested in the medical field can pursue a variety of rewarding careers. While there are career options that only require a biology degree, many roles in this sector require specialized and/or advanced degrees. For those looking to work directly with patients, popular roles include physicians, surgeons, or dentists are common results for those starting with a biology degree.
Alternatively, graduates can explore opportunities in medical research, developing new treatments, conducting clinical trials, or working in biotechnology companies focused on pharmaceutical development. Careers in public health, epidemiology, and genetic counseling offer the chance to impact population health and wellbeing.
5. Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals
The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries offer numerous career paths for biology majors. From research and development to quality control, these sectors rely heavily on individuals with a strong background in biology. Fascinating opportunities await in gene therapy, drug discovery, genetic engineering, and bioinformatics, where professionals contribute to groundbreaking innovations and the development of life-saving treatments.
Career and education advancement
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 58% of biology professionals also hold advanced degrees. While plenty of opportunities are available at the Bachelor’s level, it is important for those interested in studying biology to consider that many jobs in the field require additional education beyond a four-year degree, especially those related to higher levels of research.
Start your career exploration with EPI!
While EPI courses provide well-rounded skills and experiences applicable to many forms of personal growth and career opportunities, students interested in biology and science-related careers can hit the ground running and gain incredible experience and insight while on course:
Practical Application: Students have the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to real-life situations. This practical experience helps solidify concepts and also brings learning to life, allowing students to easily identify their interests and find clarity in future plans.
Real field work and immersive learning: Students live, work, and play at field sites, just like real biologists. They also use many of the tools and equipment used by scientists while working in the field.
Research Exposure: Creating and presenting a research project allows students to gain firsthand experience in the research process. They learn how to develop research questions, collect and analyze data, interpret results, and communicate findings effectively. Students also get experience gathering and interpreting data that is used by prominent conservation institutions. While on course with EPI Yellowstone, for example, students gather critical data that helps Yellowstone National Park’s Bison Management Team better understand and protect bison populations.
Environmental Stewardship: Engaging in wildlife and ecosystem conservation fosters a sense of responsibility towards the environment. Students learn about the importance of conservation efforts and gain a firsthand understanding of the issues facing ecosystems and wildlife. This experience can inspire a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship.
Overall, participating in hands-on experiences during EPI courses can provide students with a unique and enriching learning experience. It allows them to engage in hands-on wildlife and ecosystem conservation projects, explore scientific research and data collection, and gain valuable insights into potential career paths in biology and related fields.
Whether you are fascinated by research, committed to conservation, passionate about healthcare, or eager to educate others, there is a path in biology for you!