Job Opportunities

Available with a B.S. in Biology:

Pre-Professional: 
Many students use biology degrees with chemistry minors as a pre-requisite for applying to professional programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine. 

Education: 
Biologists with advanced degrees may teach at the University level.  Biologists with a bachelor’s degree may teach at the secondary level by taking additional coursework to earn a teaching licensure.  Graduates may also work in other education programs at zoos, parks, nature centers and museums.

Forensics: 
Biology majors with a strong chemistry background may go on to study forensics and work in crime scene analysis.

Natural Resources: 
Biology majors with a strong ecology background may obtain jobs in natural resource areas such as County Soil and Water Conservation Agencies and the Environmental Protection Agency. 

Research: 
Job opportunities exist for biology graduates in government, university, and private research facilities.   Research may be on human health, genetics, agriculture, biotechnology or environmental issues.  Some jobs are in a laboratory setting which others may be fieldwork, some in exotic locations.

Industry: 
Biologist work within companies to research and test products as well as in the sales and marketing of science-related products.

Science Writing:
There are journalists that inform the public about biological issues.  A background in both science and communication is needed for this.

Art:
Many textbooks, magazines, and websites need scientific illustrations.  Students with a background in both science and art can obtain jobs in this area.

Starting salaries for students who earn a bachelor's degree in biology are around $31,000, while the median salary for individuals who hold advanced biology degrees generally falls between $55,000 and $75,000.  Students with biology degrees who pursue careers in medicine or pharmaceuticals can earn six-figure salaries.