What Does A Biologist Do
Biologists design and carry out experiments, manage research projects, and draw conclusions from their research. Their day-to-day tasks vary depending on their specialty. For example, clinical biologists work in a laboratory setting, while other biologists may work in an office or outdoors. Many biology jobs require teamwork and coordination with other scientists. In labs, biologists supervise biology technicians and other workers. Biologists often apply for grants to fund their work, write research papers and reports, and present their findings. They may also make recommendations based on their research.
Biologists work in several specialized fields, including microbiology, wildlife biology, and biochemistry. A biologist’s specialty shapes their working hours, work environment, and job tasks.
For example, microbiologists often work in laboratories or offices, where they conduct experiments. Wildlife biologists work in the field and in offices. Fieldwork may take these biologists to remote locations.
Biologists may run laboratories, work in academic settings, or collect samples in the field. As a result, the typical hours for careers in biology vary widely. Some biologists also specialize in management and work as laboratory managers or other natural sciences managers.
A More Practical Approach That’s Often More Satisfying
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.
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. For example, some biology majors have found success as biomedical technologists, conservation or environmental technicians, middle or high school science teachers, or even as forensic investigators, medical illustrators, or pharmaceutical sales representatives.
And the possibilities may expand even more if you’re prepared to get just a little bit of additional training at a vocational school. 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 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. And if you’ve earned such a degree already, then continuing your education at a vocational school may offer you a smoother and easier chance at getting truly employable skills for a career you’ll be happy with.
What To Do With A Biology Degree & 19 Practical Alternatives
Wondering what to do with a biology degree? Jobs in this area of science are appealing to all kinds of people. So you’re not alone in wanting to pursue a career in it. But unlike other areas of study with well-defined career paths, biology’s professional outcomes can sometimes be trickier to figure out, mostly because the possibilities are so wide-ranging.
For example, here’s what you can do with a biology degree: You can work as a research assistant, technician, or sales representative in the agricultural, food processing, pharmaceutical, or biomedical industries. You can also work in the field of environmental protection. You can even become a biology teacher at the middle school or high school level. With a little bit of extra vocational training, you can work in the growing allied health care sector. Or you can pursue a graduate degree in biology and become a college instructor, research scientist, or genetic counselor. Your biology degree could also help you get into medical, dentistry, or veterinary school.
Still feeling uncertain? Maybe you’ve already graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and haven’t found suitable employment yet. Or maybe you’re studying this field in college right now and have doubts about the value of your current educational path. Or perhaps you enjoyed biology in high school and want to know if it would be worth majoring in at the next level.
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Components Of A Successful Biologist Career: Skills Credentials Tools And Technology
Successful careers in biology start with building necessary skills and knowledge. Biologists rely on several key skills, including observational skills and a detail-oriented outlook. Microbiologists closely monitor experiments, while wildlife biologists observe animals to record changes. Jobs in biology also require strong communication and interpersonal skills, since many biologists work on research teams and communicate their findings to non-scientists.
Biology programs train students in biological theory and applied biology. Biology majors learn about the tools and technologies used in the field. Students also gain hands-on training through internships and laboratory coursework.
After earning a biology degree, biologists can pursue professional certifications to focus their skills. For example, clinical microbiologists, pharmaceutical biologists, and biologists who work in food safety can pursue certifications. Biologists can also stay current in their field by joining professional organizations.
Bachelor Of Arts Vs Bachelor Of Science In Biology
In general, a BS degree provides a more science-focused education, while a BA degree includes language and humanities courses.The type of major you choose should depend on your ultimate career goals.
If you plan to pursue advanced study in biology or medicine, a BS degree might be the best choice. Although most medical schools don’t specifically require a BS, earning this degree instead of a BA may help you meet more prerequisites.
If you’re not interested in going to grad school or specializing in a certain area, a BA might be a better choice. This could also be true if you want to use your biology knowledge in less-scientific fields, like business, education, law, marketing, or politics.
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The Bottom Line About Biology Degrees
Arguably the biggest factor to consider when deciding whether to get a biology degree is your own curiosity. The most successful people who study biology tend to be intensely and insatiably curious.
The most successful people who study biology tend to be intensely and insatiably curious.
This drive to learn can be especially useful when you’re spending hundreds of hours reading about how kidneys work, the physics of blood flow, or the math behind complex population models. Biology is a challenging field, and the rigors of a biology degree might prove too much for individuals who only feel lukewarm about the subject.
However, for those who begin their studies with a plan for how they want to use their education, it can be one of the most rewarding degrees available. There’s a reason it’s one of the most popular degrees, after all.
What Are The Education Requirements For Biology
Biology majors can pursue careers in many diverse fields. A lab or internship can help students further define their career paths. Learners may pursue an associate, bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree in biology. Students should consider their career aspirations when choosing degree levels.
- Associate
- Doctorate
An associate degree in biology can offer graduates significant career opportunities. For instance, the BLS projects jobs for medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians to grow 7% between 2019 and 2029 and jobs for veterinary technicians to grow 16%. Associate degree-holders can also work as medical assistants, agricultural and food science technicians, biological technicians, and plant science technicians.
Degree-seekers take many math and science classes, including general biology, chemistry, statistics, and human anatomy. Most associate degrees require 60 total credits.
A bachelors degree in biology can lead to a career in research, healthcare, environmental protection, or education. Students learn fundamental biological functions. Bachelors degree-holders may want to begin a biology career or enroll in graduate or medical school.
While bachelors degree-holders can qualify for many biology careers, masters degree-holders can pursue higher-paying positions. Some students pursue a masters before continuing their education in medical or veterinary school. Other learners choose to earn an advanced degree as part of their teaching careers.
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The Highest Paying Jobs With A Biology Degree: The Methodology
To make this list, GetEducated has pulled information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics , which provides expansive and consistent information on the job market. This list provides each career fields median salary, as well as the median salary for the top earners in that career. Readers should note the minimum educational and experience requirements for these positions, for this information can vary. For example, some employers may require a masters degree for a job as a wildlife biologist, even though this work generally calls for only a bachelors degree.
Provided as well is the outlook for industry growth, which the BLS currently projects from 2019 to 2029. The average expected job growth for all occupations in the U.S. is 3.7%. With that in mind, here are the highest-paying jobs one can obtain with a biology degree.
Biology Degree Career Paths
National average salary:$14.33 per hour
Primary duties: A park ranger or park warden is entrusted with preserving and protecting local, state or national parks and the natural resources within them. The requirements for this career can be differ based on location. The duties of park rangers are dynamic, and park rangers often serve as environmental experts, historians and law enforcement officers.
Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college.
National average salary:$15.45 per hour
Primary duties: Agricultural or food science technicians help scientists track data, maintain laboratory equipment, oversee food production and analyze the quality of food products, crops and soil. Food science technicians often work for regulatory agencies or private businesses.
Educational requirements: An associate’s degree in biology, crop or animal science, chemistry or related field.
National average salary:$15.88 per hour
Primary duties: Biological research assistants collect and prepare biological samples such as blood, food and bacteria for biologists or medical scientists. Biological technicians also assist scientists with other laboratory functions, such as maintaining equipment, documenting research results and performing fieldwork.
Educational requirements: A Bachelor’s Degree in Biology or associated field along with laboratory experience.
National average salary:$16.26 per hour
National average salary:$17.29 per hour
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Biologist Salary And Job Growth
Biologists earn strong salaries in many different specialties, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . For example, zoologists and wildlife biologists earned an annual median salary of over $63,000 in 2019, while microbiologists made more than $75,000. Other biological scientists earn a median annual income of $82,000 in 2019.
Several biology career paths offer even higher earning potential, including biochemists and biophysicists, who earned a median annual salary of nearly $95,000 per year, and natural sciences managers, who earned over $129,000 in 2019. Biologists also benefit from strong job growth projections, with a projected 5-6% increase in jobs in biology between 2018 and 2028.
Biology salaries vary depending on experience, education, and location. For example, biochemists typically hold a graduate degree, and experienced biologists earn higher salaries. As in other fields, certain specialties within biology offer a higher earning potential.
Research Scientist In Computational Biology
Youll likely need a PhD in the field as well as postdoctoral or other experience for this job. You might be required to know how to write computer programs as well as do statistical analysis, and will need highly developed analytical and communication skills. A record of journal publications and conference presentations will give you an edge in job search. Research scientists in computational biology create computer models of biological systems. They often work closely with researchers in bioinformatics.
Job titles: data scientist genome analysis , postdoctoral fellow , postdoctoral research fellow, postdoctoral research officer, postdoctoral researcher, postdoctoral scientist, research scientist in applied biological modelling, research scientist-computational biology, scientist, senior research officer.
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Jobs For Biology Majors That Dont Involve Medical School
In case you want to keep your options open
Medical school is a popular path for many bio majors , but becoming an M.D. isnt your only option, and many bio majors like to keep their options open. The skills youve honed for during your years in school will help you succeed in many roles you may not have considered before.
Here are eight jobs for biology majors that might interest you.
What Is The Average Salary For Those In The Biology Field
There are several different aspects of the biology field that affect the average salary, such as education level, industry type, experience, and location. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary is $80,000 a year in May 2017. The best approach to determining possible salaries is to research them on websites like Indeed.com and Salary.com.
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Careers You Can Pursue With A Biology Degree
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Business and Finance Expert
Biology is a fascinating field to study and even attain a career in.
Studying the molecular nature, physiological mechanisms, evolution and physical structure of life and living organisms is compelling, especially if youre able to earn a living doing this. And, believe it or not, there is a career in this area, but dont think you will be spending the next 23 years confined to a laboratory all day long.
When students begin their first year in university or college, they are excited about their future as they are consumed by every aspect of their biology major, thinking about the first steps they will take after completing their postsecondary studies. However, as the fourth year approaches, students start to wonder if there are jobs involving biology, creating consternation and fear of the future.
Is this concern justified? No, because there are plenty of careers with a biology degree that do not contain the job title biologist. You dont even need to be involved in science to land a job.
Dont believe it? Here is a list of professions you can pursue with a biology degree.
Medical And Health Services Manager
Medical and health services managers spend much of their time interacting with health service professionals and must be able to communicate with them about scientific policies and procedures.
They must be able to interpret scientific regulations related to medical services and modify programs accordingly.
Medical and health services managers often hire, supervise, and evaluate health professionals and researchers. They must be able to understand the nuances of their credentials and performance as they assess candidates and employees.
Salary and Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that medical and health services managers earned a median annual salary of $100,980 in May 2019. The top 10% earned $189,000 or more while the bottom 10% earned $58,820 or less. The BLS projected that employment in this field will grow by 18% between 2018 and 2028, much faster than average for all occupations.
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Skills Of Human Biology Grads
Knowledge of Biology
- Knowledgeable in theory and modern experimental techniques in Biology
- Comprehend the molecular, cellular and ;physiological mechanisms that control and coordinate the function of various systems within the body
- Acquire knowledge of mechanisms behind ;diseases;and therapeutic approaches
Research Skills
- Conduct and design experiments to test hypothesis
- Gather and analyze data using statistical methods to test predicted outcomes
- Learn modern laboratory technologies and; techniques
Critical Thinking Skills
- Examine and critically analyze biological problems and questions
- Analyze ideas and information to predict outcomes
- Research, analyze, and develop understanding from various scientific literature sources
Communication Skills
- Communicate information on biological phenomena
- Write literature reviews and scientific reports
Hospital Jobs With A Bachelors Degree In Biology
Hospital jobs with a bachelors degree in biology include;physicians assistants, radiation and nuclear medicine techs, and registered nurses. These types of jobs are also found in clinics, doctors offices, nursing homes, rehab centers, government agencies, the military and more.
You can get all the information you need on what to do with a biology degree besides medical school and conveniently obtain it right here on Collegelearners. This article addresses any questions on hospital jobs with a bachelors degree in biology, highest paying biology jobs, possible jobs for bs biology graduates so you dont have to go into inaccessible hunting anymore. I recommend saving time and effort when you visit the web for similar answers as soon as possible.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Jobs For Biology Graduates
What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in biology?
A B.S. in biology lays a foundation for a huge variety of career paths. With the relevant license, graduates can pass on their knowledge in a classroom, assess patients in a critical care facility, run delicate machinery during clinical lab trials, or prepare an orthodontics patient for surgery. New graduates may find lucrative entry-level career opportunities as clinical laboratory technologists and environmental scientists.
A B.S. in biology might also show a graduate-school admissions officer that you’re serious about a career requiring an advanced medical or scientific degree. It can also allow you to work in a lab or medical setting while you pursue that higher degree.
Is biology a good degree?
In general, earning a bachelor’s degree leads to more earnings and less unemployment over the span of a career. And our list of highest-paying biology jobs is full of careers that provide salaries well above the U.S. average. If you earn a biology B.S. and work in a fast-growing sector, ask your employer whether they would partially fund a further degree. Many health care companies provide tuition assistance, and one research organization found that Cigna earned a return on its investment in employee education.
Highlights Of The O*net 260 Database
In the 26.0 release, 100 occupations were updated by job incumbents and occupational experts. 821 occupations have been updated by job incumbents and occupational experts to date. This release includes the following:
- Addition and update of Task Statement ratings for 100 occupations
- Addition and update of Abilities, Skills, Work Activities, Knowledge, and Work Context data for 100 occupations
- Addition and update of Training and Work Experience and Education data for 100 occupations
- Addition and update of Work Styles data for 100 occupations
- Addition and update of Job Zones data for 100 occupations
- Addition and update of Detailed Work Activities and linkages for 238 occupations
- Addition and update of Alternate Titles and Sample of Reported Titles for 402 occupations
- Update of Level Scale Anchors descriptions for 89 anchors in the Abilities and Skills domains
For additional details on the Level Scale Anchors update, see O*NET Level Scale Anchor Updates: Abilities and Skills Domains in our Reports and Documents area.
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