A biology degree can prepare you for many interesting careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and the medical industry. While rewarding and fulfilling, biology-related professions are also in high demand.
If you are thinking about a biology program today, you need to consider a variety of factors. Let’s take a closer look at what you can do with a biology degree.
Why Get a Degree in Biology?
Whether you’ve always wanted to study biology or are just considering this option for the first time, you must be worried about making the right decision. Understanding why a biology degree is worth it can help guide you.
Diverse Career Opportunities
A biology degree can jump-start many interesting careers. Graduates can find jobs in research labs and other types of medical facilities. They can also succeed in environmental agencies and biotech companies.
This degree allows you to work directly with patients or in a closed lab conducting investigations. Depending on your wishes and goals, you can find a perfectly suitable environment.
Strong Foundation for Graduate Studies
Many students use a biology degree as a stepping stone toward advanced degrees in medicine. Other options are dentistry, pharmacy, and veterinary science. Biology coursework helps develop the scientific knowledge and lab skills for succeeding in demanding graduate programs.
High Demand in Growing Industries
Such industries as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science are gaining momentum, and biology graduates are in high demand in all of them. As global health and sustainability challenges increase, biology professionals can see their career horizons widening.
Meaningful Work
A biology degree can lead to a career that improves lives and protects the planet. For many students, this becomes the deciding factor. You can help develop new medicine, study endangered species, or help shape the next generation of scientists. All of this can make a real difference.
Careers for Graduates with a Biology Degree
After finishing your biology program, you can consider a number of interesting and fulfilling careers, including:
- Environmental Consultant
- Microbiologist
- Biotechnologist
- Wildlife Biologist
- Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
- Physician Assistant
- Forensic Scientist
- Laboratory Technician
- Marine Biologist
- Public Health Analyst
- Science Writer
- Research Associate
- High School Biology Teacher
- Clinical Research Coordinator
- Ecologist
- Zoologist
- Veterinary Technician
- Biomedical Scientist
- Genetic Counselor
You can continue honing your skills while working or choose to continue your education.
Further Education for Those with Undergraduate Biology Degrees
The field of biology never stops developing. To get deeper into the subject and improve your career options even further, you may want to consider higher degrees.
- Master’s Degree: To specialize in areas like molecular biology, genetics, or environmental science. Usually takes 1–2 years.
- Master’s by Research(MScR): A research-focused master’s degree that revolves around research projects rather than coursework. It’s ideal for students who enjoy lab work and may want to continue into a Ph.D. program. It takes 1-2 years to complete.
- Ph.D. in Biology or a Related Field: This highest academic degree focuses on original research. It can take 4–6 years to complete.
- Professional Science Master’s (PSM): A career-focused degree that combines advanced biology training with business, policy, or communication skills. It takes 2 years to complete.
Higher biology degrees often translate into more rewarding careers and higher salaries. However, they usually require significant additional investment of time and effort.
Get Started on Your Bachelor’s in Biology
Now that you know what to do with a biology degree, it’s time to take action. At Barton College, we have an excellent Bachelor of Science biology program. After graduation, you’ll have a wide array of options to pursue in the world of medicine and science.
For more information, please contact us at any time.