Biology Degree Jobs – Common, Uncommon & Best

Are you are looking for biology degree jobs and are highly interested in living organisms’ forms, systems, and functions? Then, this article is for you. We look at the best and most popular professions you can opt for with a bachelor’s in biology. We delve into the intricacies of biology to help you make an informed decision when choosing a specialization or postgraduate study field.

Biology, the study of living organisms, is just as complex and diverse as the range of living organisms that span Earth. It encompasses everything ranging from the molecular, atomic, and subatomic study of organisms to the study of gigantic organisms such as animals, humans, and plant communities.

The field of biology has been around for as long as man, developing and growing exponentially over centuries. It is now a complex field with numerous branches, such as botany, zoology, medical science, etc., and innumerable career opportunities in laboratory research, academia, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, etc. Undergraduates in biology can pursue entry and mid-level positions, leading to senior roles with consistent hard work.

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Article Navigation: A Look into Biology | Should I Opt for a Bachelor’s in Biology? | What Do Biology Graduates Do? | Typical Employers for Biology Graduates | Skills Needed for Biology Degree Jobs | Common Biology Degree Jobs | Uncommon Biology Degree Jobs | Best Biology Degree Jobs for Bio Majors | Pursue Your Biology Degree Job Today! | FAQs about Biology Degree Jobs

A Look into Biology

We spend our entire lives around living organisms of various sizes, shapes, and systems, a majority of which are not even visible to the naked eye. Some organisms are so tiny that it takes a powerful microscope to glimpse them. In contrast, others are so huge that it is hard to fathom. The field of biology encompasses the study of all these organisms, irrespective of their size, functions, and forms. The diversity of various organisms on Earth is the beauty of biology.

It is almost impossible to define biology in a short answer because of its vast scope. Breaking the subject of biology into several branches and divisions helps to understand its nature.

Experts widely agree that biology has several major branches. Each branch possesses an even more significant number of subdivisions and subdisciplines. Let us look at some of these divisions and learn about the concentrations available to those seeking a career in this field.

Botany

Botany is the specialized study of plant life. It deals with the description, classification, and discovery of plant species and their physiology, morphology, and reproductive methods.

Environmental Biology

Environmental biology is the study of the processes of interaction between the various elements of an environment and, ultimately, their interaction with the natural world.

Subdivisions in the field of environmental biology include the following:

• Aerobiology: The study of organic particles and organisms of air
• Bioclimatology: The study of how climate change impacts animals, plants, and humans.
• Biochemistry: The study of chemical processes in living organisms
• Ecology: The study of how living organisms adjust to different habitats, and the evolution of life
• Geobiology: The study of the interaction between organisms and the environment they live in

Evolutionary Biology

Evolutionary biology deals with the evolution of biology over time to evaluate its prospective evolution pattern in the future.

Subdivisions within evolutionary biology include:

• Biogeography: The study of the geographical dispersion of living organisms throughout history
• Developmental Biology: The study of the growth processes of organisms: from birth to death
• Ichnology: The study of living creatures from the past by using trace elements as evidence
• Morphology: The study of the form and structure of living organisms as a means of their classification
• Paleontology: The study of prehistoric fossils
• Evolutionary Biology: The study of life changes in organisms over time
• Epigenetics: The study of the effect of nucleotide sequences in genetics on phenotypes

Medical Biology

Medical biology focuses on new knowledge pertinent to the human body’s physiology, functions, and disease processes.

Some of the branches within medical biology are as follows:

• Physiology: The study of the reproductive, nervous, and respiratory systems of the body, along with several other elements related to the functions of living organisms
• Genetics: The study of the passing of biological characteristics from one generation of species to another
• Anatomy: The study of the internal physical structures involved with multicellular organisms such as animals, plants, and humans
• Embryology: The study of embryos
• Endocrinology: The study of hormonal behavior in the human body by inspecting glands and their functions
• Epidemiology: The study of the impacts of diseases on populations and the ways through which humankind can eradicate or control these diseases
• Immunology: The study of the working and function of the immune system in a living body

Molecular Biology

Molecular biology is the specialized study of the interaction between different cell systems, viewed at the molecular level.

Should I Opt for a Bachelor’s in Biology?

Success in biology does not necessitate a specific set of personal traits or characteristics. As mentioned before, the beauty of biology comes from its diversity, may it be the organisms under study or the professionals conducting the investigation. Every individual working in this field holds a unique set of talents, professional goals, strengths, and background and thus contributes differently than others.

That does not mean skills and personal characteristics do not matter at all. Holding particular talents can help you thrive in a profession that your degree may lead to.

For instance, the personal preference of whether you wish to work indoors in a laboratory or outdoors by making the world your lab is crucial in determining your career choice. That is where prior knowledge about biology’s various divisions and subdivisions comes in handy. You can choose the most suitable career choice by applying your understanding of the field to your personal preferences. In this way, you can select the career choice that best aligns with your goals.

Some common areas of interest and overall characteristics can also aid an individual’s ability to succeed in biology and make a meaningful contribution to the field. Some of these interests and traits include the following:

An Interest in Science

Suppose you have a genuine interest in how the functions within living things work. In that case, a career in biology might be a suitable choice for you. A deep interest in the basics of science, reading about the “why” aspect of things and processes, and working out equations that unravel answers about science are all signs you should opt for this field.

A Love of Nature

Several divisions in biology involve exploring the various living organisms in natural environmental settings. It is a good sign if you look forward to spending time in nature or outdoor locations such as coastlines, rivers, forests, and other ecological habitats.

A Love for Laboratories

Even if you do not enjoy being outdoors, you can opt for a career in biology by choosing a specialty that requires work indoors in a laboratory. Suppose you are interested in working in a sterilized laboratory with top-notch equipment. In that case, you will surely enjoy your time working as a research biologist.

A Knack for Solving Problems

The field of biology is primarily a solutions-oriented endeavor that requires biologists to look for clues and put them together to uncover answers. Whether the environment, medicine, animal health, climate change, or other areas, working professionals must be dedicated problem solvers.

Attention to Detail and Organization

Research of all kinds necessitates great attention to detail and seamless organization, which is critical when performing research.

What Do Biology Graduates Do?

Biology graduates work in a variety of different settings. Research reports that about 7% of biology graduates opt for a career as laboratory technicians. In contrast, others choose professions such as biochemists and biomedical scientists (4%), biological scientists (3%), or secondary education teachers (5%). However, there are varying tendencies: some may opt for postgraduate studies, whereas others may immediately enter the workforce.

Typical Employers for Biology Graduates

Biology graduates can find employment opportunities in a wide array of settings due to the broad scope of biology. Employers that recruit biology graduates for biology-related jobs include the following:

• Clinical research organizations and universities
• Biotechnology companies and pharmaceuticals
• Hospitals
• Conservation and environmental, national, and global health charities
• Technical and scientific consultancies
• Colleges and schools
• Outreach organizations, such as science centers, broadcast companies, and museums

Skills Needed for Biology Degree Jobs

The field of biology requires several personal, practical, and technical skills and a thorough knowledge of the theoretical concepts of their respective fields. Such skills allow biology graduates to use specialized equipment and employ specialist techniques, which is attractive to employers in all sectors. Such skills include the following:

• Communication, primarily through presentations and report writing
• Independent working ability
• Collaboration and effective teamwork in seminars and group projects
• Mathematical capability
• Creative thinking
• Time management and organization
• Computer and information technology literacy
• Initiative and business awareness
• Data analysis and research
• Project management
• Self-reliance

Common Biology Degree Jobs

A bachelor’s degree in biology prepares you for a wide variety of careers. While research may be the primary work for recent graduates, jobs can be found in healthcare, environmental conservation, and education, as well.

Biology Careers in Research

A career in research biology is a popular path, as research is crucial for many different divisions and specializations within biology. Scientific research is a highly stimulating and creative endeavor that brings about positive change in society and helps in development and improvement. Biologists who choose to opt for this field study living organisms to gain insight into the world around them.
Research biologists work to improve societal knowledge about several disciplines of biology and find employment opportunities in various sectors. These include research institutes, business and industry, hospitals and medical facilities, and academia. Some of the most common medical and life science research fields include:

• Genomics
• Pharmacology
• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Neurology

Biology Careers in Healthcare

A healthcare career is another popular choice for biology graduates. Healthcare biologists hold campaigns to contain, treat, and eliminate illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, AIDS, tuberculosis, and several other less commonly known medical ailments. However, several roles in the healthcare sector may require advanced education and a graduate degree in medicine, such as practitioner or medical doctor roles. Despite that, the healthcare sector boasts an immense hiring capacity, making biologists highly sought-after in the healthcare industry.

They can find employment opportunities in many facilities other than hospitals and medical facilities, such as organizations like the Peace Corps.

Biology Careers in Environmental Conservation

Biologists who go for an environmental specialization are responsible for solving ecological problems and devising ways to safeguard our diminishing natural resources. In addition, they are also responsible for protecting plant and animal wildlife species. This involves conserving their habitats and bringing to light sustainable practices that can help future generations.

Several careers for those with a bachelor’s degree in biology include zoo biologist, marine and aquatic biologist, ecologist, environmental science technician, and conservation biologist.

These biologists undertake recovery initiatives for endangered species of plants and animals and help educate the general public about the hazards of environmental pollution by spreading awareness about its consequences. They can find employment opportunities in various sectors, such as non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, ecological consultancies, and educational institutions.

Biology Careers in Education

Many biology majors with an interest and qualification in teaching opt for a career in the education sector. Education biologists undertake the responsibilities of teachers or instructors at various education levels and help young students understand the world around them. They may do so in a classroom, a museum, a lecture theater, or a laboratory. Biology graduates who wish to teach students at higher education levels may need more qualifications. For example, a university lecturer would require a master’s or even a doctoral degree in biology. In contrast, a secondary or primary school teacher would not need a graduate degree.

Uncommon Biology Degree Jobs

Students with a biology degree have employment opportunities beyond the scientific industry. With the necessary skill set, they can opt for several other lucrative fields that might be unusual.

Careers in Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a specialized domain that uses scientific principles to enhance, improve, and develop technology in various sectors, from the technology market to business, industry, food, and consumer goods. Biotechnologists typically focus on the agriculture, medicine, and food science domains. Here they can use genetic engineering and several drug development and advancing medical technologies, including but not limited to nanotechnology.

Careers in Forensic Science

Forensic scientists work in the legal sector in close association with law enforcement agencies or police departments to help them test and process evidence accumulated in criminal investigations. It is common for forensic scientists to specialize in particular areas such as the following:

• Forensic anthropology, which is the specialized examination of human decomposition
• Forensic odontology, which deals with the study of dental evidence

Typically a medical examiner and crime scene examination role require more specialized study in addition to a bachelor’s in biology.

Careers in Government and Policy

Biology graduates who choose careers in the government work with policymakers and government officials. Their job is to advise or help develop new legislations for hot topics such as environmental regulation and biomedical research. They are usually responsible for analyzing the changes proposed to the legal system and ensuring that they align with medical science. Biologists in this field can find employment opportunities in various regional and national roles, such as political advisors for agencies, scientific organizations, non-profit entities, or representatives of political committees or groups.

Careers in Business and Industry

The pharmaceutical sector is an ever-growing, multi-billion dollar industry constantly needing biologists. These scientists work on the research-based development of products and their introduction into the marketplace. They may have employment opportunities in various commercial sectors and perform roles in companies’ marketing, public relations, sales, or scientific services.

Best Biology Degree Jobs for Bio Majors

1. Park Ranger

National Average Salary: $38,660

Park rangers or park wardens are professionals responsible for protecting and preserving state, national, or local parks and conserving natural resources. Their job responsibilities may vary depending upon their geographical location and the kind of park. However, their duties are generally dynamic and range from serving as historians to environmental experts to law enforcement officials. The academic requirements for this position include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

2. Agricultural or Food Science Technician

National Average Salary: $41,970 per year

Agricultural or food science technicians have several responsibilities ranging from tracking data, overseeing food production, evaluating the quality of food products, maintaining laboratory equipment, and overseeing soil and crop quality. They can find employment opportunities in private businesses or regulatory agencies.

3. Biology Technician or Research Assistant

National Average Salary: $48,140 per year

Biological research assistants are responsible for collecting, securing, and preparing biological samples, including food, bacteria, blood, or other specimens. They also help scientists with laboratory functions and duties, such as recording research results, maintaining lab equipment, and assisting in fieldwork. Their educational requirements include a bachelor’s degree in biology or other associated fields and necessary laboratory experience. The US Department of Agriculture, the US Fish & Wildlife Service, and the US Department of Interior offer biology technicians or research assistants employment opportunities.

4. Quality Control Technician

National Average Salary: $38,580 per year

Quality control lab technicians ensure the quality, practicality, and effectiveness of a company’s products and may also test materials bought from outside vendors and supervise production. These professionals usually specialize in a particular concentration such as food storage, research, or quality assurance. They typically work for food producers or pharmaceutical manufacturers. OHLY Americas, Helgesen Industries, and Badger Meter offer employment opportunities for quality control technicians.

5. Content Writer

National Average Salary: $69,510 per year

Content writers are responsible for researching and writing complex materials in an easily understandable and engaging way. Content writers may work part-time or full-time with a particular organization or work as freelance writers for publications or magazines with a more flexible work schedule. Full-time positions usually require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree. Alorica, ROI Revolution, and BrandYourself are some companies that offer this position.

6. Health Educator

National Average Salary: $48,860 per year

Health educators are professionals who use their knowledge of nutrition, disease, and exercise to spread awareness amongst communities regarding health and nutrition. They are usually responsible for collecting and evaluating data on diseases. They develop informational materials and create practical training programs to address these issues.

Health educators use their leadership and communication skills to sort out and explain complicated information in various settings such as educational institutions, community centers, private businesses, and public health institutions. They typically need a bachelor’s degree to be eligible for this position as well as specific credentials such as the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential. Companies like Mayo Clinic, UCSF Medical Center, and Planned Parenthood offer employment opportunities for health educators.

7. High School Science Teacher

National Average Salary: $61,820 per year

High school biology or science teachers work with students in grades 9-12 to educate them about the basics of biology. They usually possess strong time management, organizational, and communication skills. Their daily responsibilities range from developing lesson plans to lecturing, assigning homework, taking questions, and grading exam material.

High schools usually require teachers to have a bachelor’s degree. Furthermore, most public schools also require state issues licensure or certification. Several local school districts, online schools, and charter schools offer jobs for high school science teachers.

8. Physician Liaison

National Average Salary: $52,553 per year

Physician liaisons are intermediaries between medical staff and a medical institute, hospital, or other health organization such as a nursing home. These professionals mediate and strengthen relationships between these two groups. The educational requirements to become a physician liaison include a bachelor’s degree in biology or another similar science. A minor in sales or practical experience can also prove beneficial. Companies like Essentia Health, UMC Health System, and Honor Health offer employment opportunities for physician liaisons.

9. Food Scientists

National Average Salary: $74,160 per year

Food scientists bring us new food products, ensuring their safety and quality. They work to improve food quality through processing and packaging. Complying with safety standards is a top priority, as well as developing new products and storage methods. They usually work with food manufacturers, government agencies, and research institutes.

Food scientists must have a bachelor’s degree from a nationally or regionally accredited institution. Companies like Cargill, Idahoan Foods, and Forsman Farms offer employment opportunities for these professionals. They may also pursue advanced specializations and degrees to boost their career growth.

10. Environmental Scientist or Specialist

National Average Salary: $76,530 per year

Environmental scientists fashion technology that safeguards the global environment and particular ecosystems. They also play a significant role in policymaking by making climate or environmental recommendations. Environmental scientists must have a bachelor’s degree in biology to be eligible for entry-level work in this field. However, several professionals opt for graduate-level work in environmental science for rapid progress in their careers. Companies like Ecology and Environment, Inc., Coneco Engineers & Scientists, and PDC Energy offer employment opportunities for these professionals.

Pursue Your Biology Degree Job Today!

If you are looking to choose a career for your future or wish to make a career change, considering the field of biology is a wise choice. Because of this diverse field’s several branches and subbranches, innumerable career opportunities are available for you. Attaining a bachelor’s degree in biology can be the first step to a fulfilling career in this field. You can now opt for an online bachelor’s degree right from the comfort of your home!

If you are already a biology graduate, you can opt for an online master’s in biology to take your career to unprecedented success. Head over to GetEducated.com to know more and make an informed decision about your future!

FAQs about Biology Degree Jobs

What are the best online universities for a Bachelor’s degree in Biology?

The best online universities to attain a bachelor’s in biology are as follows:

• University of Maryland Global Campus Annual Tuition: $14,970
• Kean University Annual Tuition: $10,445
• Washington State University Annual Tuition: $11,829
• Oregon State University Annual Tuition: $14,310
• Unity College Annual Tuition: $14,100
• Life University Annual Tuition: $12,549
• University of Florida Annual Tuition: $15,000

Which is better; a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Biology?

The choice between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology depends upon an individual’s interests, future goals, and career objectives. A BA in Biology includes liberal arts classes focusing on biology. In contrast, a BS in Biology focuses on math and science classes. A BA is a good choice for those who intend to attain skills applicable in various careers. A BS, in contrast, is a good choice for a specified or technical career path.

Which courses can I expect to take in an online bachelor’s degree program?

An online bachelor’s in biology is comparable with its in-person counterpart and includes a wide array of disciplines and fields ranging from humanities courses such as world literature and speech to mathematics courses such as statistics and calculus. Some standard courses include the following:

• General Biology
• Evolution
• Organic Chemistry
• General Biology Lab
• Physics