Biology remains one of the most popular undergraduate STEM degrees. Between 2018 and 2019, U.S. colleges awarded 121,200 bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Biomedical Sciences. Many degree holders go on to fulfill incredible careers in science, research, and laboratory technology (to name a few).
Exactly what can you do with a bachelor’s in Biology? The good news is, a degree in biology is a bit like a Swiss Army knife: highly versatile and useful in a variety of ways. A Bachelor of Science in Biology can lead to a number of exciting careers or, if you’re so inclined, graduate school. In fact, many Biology majors choose this degree path to prepare for medical school or Physician’s Assistant (PA) training.
Here are just a few options you might consider after earning your Biology degree at the bachelor’s level.
Prepare for Graduate Study
One of the most common reasons students pursue a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology is to prepare for graduate study. A master’s degree is commonly a requirement for advanced, biology-related careers (such as a biophysicist or medical scientist) or for upward mobility in the field—and a bachelor’s degree is essential for that next step.
Additionally, a bachelor’s degree in Biology often serves as the prerequisite to medical school or, specifically, to become a Physician’s Assistant (PA). If you are interested in advancing into medical or PA school after your undergraduate career, it is important to find a college or university that can prepare you accordingly. University of Bridgeport’s Biology program offers the prerequisites, lab experiences, and research opportunities needed to make you a competitive applicant.
Earning a bachelor’s in Biology will prepare you for the rigorous requirements of graduate study, if and when you decide to pursue it. Or, you may choose to pursue a career directly after your undergraduate studies. What can you do with a Biology degree in terms of a more immediate career?
Bachelor’s in Biology Career Options
For those who wish to join the workforce after graduation, here are a few of the many career paths you can pursue with a Biology degree in hand.
1. Forensic Science Technician
Many students earn a biology degree in order to work in a laboratory setting. One field you can pursue with a bachelor’s degree in Biology is forensic science. Forensic science technicians work in laboratories and on crime scenes to help law enforcement solve crimes. Typically, forensic scientists analyze crime scenes and collect evidence, take photographs of crime scenes and evidence, record observations, catalog and preserve evidence, and reconstruct crime scenes. Forensic biologists and chemists work in laboratories to analyze evidence with the help of computers and high tech equipment. They may also be called to testify during court proceedings. The median annual wage for forensic science technicians is $61,930, though the top 10% can earn more than $103,430.
2. Scientific Research Manager
Natural science research managers are responsible for overseeing the work of scientists including biologists, chemists, and physicists. They fill an administrative role, rather than a research role. They may work with project leads and executives to develop goals for research development. They may help to budget resources for projects and programs (e.g. staff and equipment). They can also hire and evaluate scientists and technicians, as well as other administrative staff members, on top of coordinating project meetings and assigning tasks. Scientific research managers may also be tasked with ordering supplies and making sure that laboratories have everything they need to run their tests and experiments. They typically work in offices and can be employed by government agencies, consultancies, universities, or corporations. Depending on their level of experience, scientific research managers can earn an average salary of $137,900 per year.
3. Technical Writer
A bachelor’s degree in Biology can prepare you for a career as a technical writer. Technical writers, or technical communicators, are highly skilled writers who use their special knowledge in a technical field (such as science or computer engineering) to create manuals, guides, articles, and documents on behalf of scientists in order to disseminate information. Typically, technical writers are needed to “make sense” of highly dense and scientific information, in order to make it understandable for lay-persons. They may be asked to help write grant proposals, create social media campaigns, or simply draft emails on behalf of their clients and team members. Technical writers work full time and may choose to work as a contractor or as a full-time employee working directly for a marketing firm or technical consulting firm. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics finds that technical writers can earn an average salary of $78,060.
4. Environmental Scientist
Environmental scientists analyze environmental problems and develop solutions to address them. They complete their work by collecting data for research projects, collect samples of air, soil, water, and other materials, analyze samples, and prepare technical reports based on their findings. They may provide advice on the impacts of proposed manufacturing or construction projects and may assess the risks and environmental impact of certain human behaviors. Some environmental scientists focus on environmental regulations designed to protect the health of humans, while others focus on finding ways to minimize humanity’s impact on the ecosystem. Environmental scientists may choose to specialize in a particular field, for example climate change analysis, industrial ecology, or environmental restoration. Environmental scientists may work for the federal or state government, private agencies, universities, or nonprofit organizations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that environmental scientists can earn, on average, $76,530 per year. The top 10% of earners in this field can make more than $120,000 per year.
5. Food Scientist
Agricultural and food scientists conduct research and complete experiments to improve the productivity of farms and increase the sustainability of farm crops and livestock. They may also work to help create new food products and find better ways to process, package, or deliver them. They can conduct research on the composition of soil and use their findings to determine the best ways to grow plants. Typically, food and agriculture scientists specialize in one of four areas: animal research, food science and technology, plant science, and soil science. Regardless of their specialty, the research and work of food scientists is critically important to the maintenance and expansion of America’s food supply. They may work in private industry, for the federal government, or for universities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, food scientists can expect to earn an average annual salary of $74,160 per year, though the highest percent can earn more than $120,000 per year.
6. Health Communications Specialist
A Biology degree can prepare students for the unique task of educating the public on issues pertaining to medical treatment, healthy lifestyle choices, and disease prevention in the role of a health communications specialist. A health communications specialist works to provide important healthcare related information to their community, patients, and the general public. Much like a marketing or public relations professional, a health communication specialist must be an excellent writer and communicator. They may be asked to create ad campaigns that increase public knowledge around health topics. They might conduct workshops to improve the overall understanding of health issues. They can also analyze and judge current programs and initiatives’ efficacy and problem solve to make them more effective. Health communication specialists may work in hospitals, community health centers, or for nonprofits. According to PayScale, health communications specialists can expect to earn an annual salary of $63,335, though the top 10% may earn $84,000 or more per year.
If you’re considering earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology in Connecticut, you’ve likely wondered what you can do with your bachelor’s degree after graduation. As made evident, there are a number of career and education pathways open to you when you’ve earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology. From health education to research, a Biology degree can set you up for a unique and fulfilling career. If you’re ready to pursue your bachelor of science in CT, consider University of Bridgeport as you research potential schools!
Start your journey to a successful career by earning a degree in Biology! Learn more about University of Bridgeport’s Bachelor of Science in Biology program, here!