Biology is the study of living organisms based on their morphology, physiology, anatomy, behavior, origin and distribution. Having a biology degree can give you access to many different career opportunities. Pursuing further education beyond your biology degree may be necessary for some jobs, but for the most part, you’re in the right position to launch your career. So if you’re asking yourself ‘what can you do with a biology degree’, here are some popular jobs you can look into pursuing.
Biochemist
Biochemists study the chemical and physical principles of living things, such as disease, growth, and cell development. A biochemist typically conducts research projects, prepares technical reports and is in charge of presenting research findings to scientists and other people of interest. While you can get started as a biochemist with a Bachelor’s Degree, you will need a PhD to work on independent research and development.
Salary: ~53K – 90K a year (depending on experience and education)
Microbiologist
Microbiologists try to answer many important questions by understanding and studying microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, viruses and parasites. They typically work in labs, research institutes and industrial companies conducting experiments and analyzing the results. Their work is done during regular office hours.
Salary: ~75K a year
Science Teacher
If you don’t want to go down a research route and are wondering what can you do with a biology degree, a science teacher is a great option. Science teachers provide instruction and educate students on the fundamentals of biology. For this role, you will need to possess strong communication skills as well as organization and time management skills. Science teachers are also responsible for creating lesson plans for students, lecturing answering questions and grading tests and assignments.
Salary: ~55K – 60K a year. Up to 80K a year if you have a Master’s Degree
Nurse Practitioner
A nurse practitioner is basically an advanced registered nurse that has a Master’s of Science in Nursing. As a result, they have more authority than registered nurses and some of their responsibilities are similar to that of a doctor.
Nurse practitioners typically focus their care on specific populations such as families, children or the elderly. They are also considered healthcare providers and can as a result prescribe medication, order diagnostic tests and provide treatment to patients.
Salary: 110K – 115k a year
Pharma Sales Representative
A pharmaceutical sales representative is usually employed by a pharmaceutical manufacturer, a pharmaceutical company or a distributor. Their main role is to inform, educate and sell their products to physicians so that they can prescribe those drugs to their patients. A pharmaceutical sales representative must understand pharmacology, the science of medications, and the effects their drugs can have on the human body.
Salary: 50K – 85K a year
Forensic Scientist
Forensic scientists work together with law enforcement to investigate crime scenes and analyse evidence. While forensic scientists are required to have knowledge of law enforcement, their background is mainly in biology and chemistry.
Forensic scientists mainly do their work in a laboratory and analyze evidence that crime scene investigators bring to them. As a result, you must be detail-oriented and very organized for this role to make sure not to mishandle evidence in any way.
Salary: ~57K a year
Science Writer
As a science writer, you will have to research, write and edit scientific news, publications, articles and journals. Therefore, you must be able to understand complex scientific information and theories and be able to write in a clear and concise manner so that your work can be understood by the general public. This can also be referred to as a scientific journalist.
Salary: ~60K a year
Genetic Counselor
Genetic counselors help assess individuals and families for risk of a variety of inherited conditions such as genetic disorders or birth defects. They collect family health history from which they provide a disease risk assessment. They also offer psychosocial support counseling to individuals or families to promote informed choices to risks and conditions. They generally work in medical centers, hospitals, physician’s offices or at diagnostic laboratories.
Salary: ~80K a year
Food Scientist
Food scientists, also known as food technologists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products. They use their knowledge and expertise to improve processing, storing, packaging, freezing and distributing food. Most food scientists work in the research and development departments of food processing companies.
Salary: ~50K – 60K a year
Wildlife Biologist
Being a wildlife biologist is great for someone who enjoys spending time outdoors and travelling as many wildlife biologists spend most of their time out working in the field. They are responsible for studying the biology, behaviour and habits of animals in the wild. They also determine the role of specific animals in the ecosystem and how they interact with humans.
This job requires the ability to conduct research studies and complex data analysis, study ecosystems, trap and relocate animals for conservation purposes, and work to save endangered species from extinction.
Salary: ~50K a year
Also read: What Can You Do With a Criminal Justice Degree?
