8 Careers You Can Pursue with a Biology Degree
By: Barry Blog
Tags: Degree, STEM, College, Biology, Science

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Biology is the natural science that studies life, and that’s, well, it’s a pretty broad description. It’s also one of the main reasons biology degrees are so popular. From environmental science to genetic counseling, imagine the possibilities. Because too many options to choose from can be overwhelming, we’ve pinpointed eight careers you can pursue with a Biology degree. While career opportunities afforded to biologists largely depend on the industry and setting, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs fit for biology majors will see substantial growth through 2026. How’s that for evolving?

Doctors and Surgeons

Biology degrees are the number one bachelor’s degree for aspiring doctors before pursuing medical school. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), more than half of medical school applicants and matriculants major in the biological sciences. Biology coursework will also come in handy in the medical school curriculum since there’s an overlap between the major requirements and requirements as a pre-med. Within the many sub-divisions of biology, students aspiring to be physicians or surgeons can also look into options like microbiology, zoology, and biotechnology.

Forensic Scientist

Maybe binge-watching CSI had its benefits after all. Forensic scientists specialize in analyzing evidence for DNA and other biological clues that are pivotal in cracking criminal investigations. This career requires a strong background in laboratory work and report writing. Forensic scientists must not only have a solid foundation in the natural sciences but also must understand the workings of the criminal justice system and the law.

Environmental Scientist

Passionate about the environment and its conservation? Environmental Science is a rewarding career growing now at a faster rate than ever before. As an environmental scientist, you’ll study how pollution, natural disasters, and overpopulation impact the environment. You’ll also be a valuable asset for the development of laws and regulations to protect natural resources. Not a fan of the 9–5 office? This is a career where you’ll get to spend time outside doing fieldwork.

Genetic Counselor

With more and more people signing up for Ancestry.com and wanting to know more about genetic health risks, it’s no coincidence that the demand for genetic counseling is increasing. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, this career is among the ten fastest-growing jobs. Genetic counselors assess the genetic makeup of clients and help them understand inherited genetic disorders. They work with families and healthcare providers to test for, treat, and educated about inherited medical conditions.

Attorney

Biology and law might seem like an odd pairing, but much like environmental scientists, environmental attorneys support and contest environmental projects and policies based on an understanding of how they will impact the ecosystem. Another field of law that has caught the attention of scientists includes patent law. With a substantial need in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies for individuals having a strong science background who are also licensed to practice before the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (PTO), this career is both lucrative and exciting. In a nutshell, you’ll help companies protect valuable intellectual property.

Food Scientist

Consumer research, nutrition, teaching, safety inspectors, and even cereal scientists, the food industry is filled with career opportunities. As a food scientist, you’ll create better ways of producing and processing existing foods, as well as developing new food products. Food science is also essential to ensure our food is safe, nutritious, economical, abundant, sustainable, and easy to prepare.

Marine Biologist

Subfields like Marine Biology are what make a Biology degree so versatile. Marine Biologists study all aspects of life in the sea, like marine plants, animals, and other organisms. This career involves academic research, fieldwork, policy-making, and of course, you’ll need to bring out your inner Jacque Cousteau. Types of marine biologists range from reef restoration project managers to environmental engineers and oil spill response specialists. See, the world is truly your oyster!

Scientific Illustrator

Who said creatives couldn’t have a role in science? Scientific illustrators combine their love for the natural world and drawing. Using their knowledge of biological fields and keen attention to detail, scientific illustrators can visualize anatomy and molecular structures. Work is abundant in academia, illustrating textbooks and educational materials, or in a career in forensic imaging and graphic design.

For more information about what to do with a Biology degree, check out Career Insight, a technology that has cracked the genetic code of an ever-changing job market.