Biology is the study of living beings, including plants, animals, microorganisms, and humans. If you are interested in the science of life, you may consider majoring in biology during your undergraduate education.
As a biology major, you’ll take a variety of courses that relate to life science—like math, chemistry, and anatomy—as well as spend time in the laboratory and build skills in internships.
Furthermore, a bachelor’s degree in Biology can prepare you for lucrative careers in biomedical science, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and the medical field, as well as lay the foundation for an advanced degree.
There are many reasons and benefits to obtaining a Biology degree such as competitive pay, research opportunities, job opportunities, exciting internships, and the ability to pursue your passion in research or medicine.
Let’s discuss five reasons to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Biology and help you determine if this exciting educational path is right for you.
1. Competitive Pay
Graduates of Biology qualify for many advanced jobs and earn competitive salaries due to the versatile skills and concepts that their degree teaches.
Many candidates with a bachelor’s in Biology enter the medical or pharmaceutical fields, or pursue careers in another scientific area. On average, biology majors make $60,000 per year, however an annual salary of $100,000 is more common for those working in medicine.
Here are a few jobs you can apply for after earning a bachelor’s in Biology, along with their earning potential:
- Clinical Laboratory Technician: $57,800 annually
- Biologist: Between $64,000 and $90,000 annually
- Biomedical Engineer: $97,410 annually
All above salary data was collected from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021.
2. Research Opportunities
Most undergraduate Biology programs offer students the opportunity to participate in research that benefits the students, community, society, and even the world at large.
Through research opportunities, students engage in professional research projects that scientists can use when synthesizing information to reach new scientific discoveries. Some research projects involve meeting with experts in the field, which can help launch your future career by providing you with professional contacts to add to your network.
Lastly, students earning a Biology degree may discover they want to pursue a career in research and apply for jobs such as a biological technician, or in the field of agricultural and food science to ensure food safety and improve the efficiency of agricultural processes.
3. Job Opportunities
Much like the ability to earn a high salary, earning a bachelor’s degree in Biology in Connecticut provides graduates the opportunity to apply for a high number of jobs.
Why? Because the skills required of a biology major are extremely appealing to employers across multiple industries and professions, including (but not limited to) healthcare, teaching, biotech and research, and public service. For example, graduates of UB’s Biology bachelor’s programs go on to fulfill careers in:
- Agriculture
- Biotechnology
- Education
- Environmental Conservation
- Forensic science
- Genetics
- Healthcare
- Research
- Zoology
According to Indeed, a biology major can work in the medical field in almost any capacity, because of the training they receive during their undergraduate study. A bachelor’s in Biology also provides a fantastic foundation for postgraduate medical training programs, like medical, dental, and veterinary schools. It also positions graduates to pursue a master’s in Biology.
4. Inspiring Internships
As you prepare for your future career, you’ll want to take part in internships that give you the opportunity to hone your skills and work to help others.
Students majoring in biology in Connecticut have a variety of internship options to choose from, such as working in a medical center, a pharmacy, volunteering with the Peace Corps, and science and natural history museums, to name a few.
5. Ability to Pursue your Passion
While a Biology degree opens the door to diverse career paths and competitive salaries, it also gives students the pleasure of taking a deep dive into a subject matter they are passionate about.
Studying biology gives you the opportunity to explore complicated and fascinating concepts in an academic setting. Not only are you gaining extensive training in skills and knowledge for your future career, but you are exploring interesting concepts with the guidance of experts in the field.
There is nothing more stimulating or satisfying for someone interested in life science and biology than improving their understanding of life. Earning a bachelor’s degree in Biology will allow you to do just that and discover the secrets of:
- Molecular biology, the most basic building blocks of the natural world
- Cellular biology, the smallest building blocks of all organisms
- Organisms, the inner-workings of living things
- Populations, the way living things interact and evolve
A Bachelor’s Degree in Biology in Connecticut at UB
Students interested in biology and a career in life science have two ways to earn a bachelor’s in biology degree at the University of Bridgeport.
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Biology – This degree will prepare you for a career in the biological sciences. Students can choose a concentration in biomedical science/biotechnology, or ecology, conversation, and environmental biology, depending on your interests and career goals.
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology – This degree will prepare you to continue your education by pursuing a graduate degree in the field. Concentrations include biomedical science/biotechnology, ecology/conservation/environmental biology, pre-allied health, and pre-medical/vet/dental.
In addition to your core classes, you’ll sharpen skills in collaboration, communication, creativity, time management, and problem solving through our many courses in humanities, mathematics, and the natural and social sciences.
Majoring in biology in Connecticut is a worthwhile degree and career path. Through internships and research opportunities, candidates have the opportunity to pursue their passions while helping their community and the world at large.
Our applications for 2023 are now open and we would love to help you determine if majoring in biology is the right path for you. Our comprehensive student support services team is ready to help you succeed in college and in your future career.
Apply today, or contact us for more information.