What Can You Do With a Biology Degree (Besides Med School?

Earning a Bachelor's degree is a huge milestone in life, taking 4 years to complete. Knowing what steps to take after earning your degree can be overwhelming and difficult to make a decision about, which is why it is so essential to research and learn about all the different pathways that exist for a biology degree. 

From a general point of view, there are a couple options other than med school. You could earn a Masters or Doctorate degree, and continue your education, or you could find work in the field of your choice. Some of these career paths may include education, healthcare, research/development, biotechnology, and environmental science. On the other hand, if you prefer not to pursue full graduate programs, you could earn additional certifications and take courses in specialized fields or industry. Having these niche qualifications can boost your resume and enable you to go into your specialized job of choice.

1. Education

Education is crucial to the world today, making information accessible and fostering academic growth. With a Bachelor’s degree, it is possible to become a high school biology teacher, museum educator, science writer, and more. A high school biology teacher educates a group of students in their class, or often multiple classes on general or more advanced biology. A state teacher education program along with student teaching experience is required to become a high school teacher. A museum educator is someone who develops programs and workshops, and museum exhibits, and a science writer explains scientific subjects and information through public media, helping the public understand scientific issues and events. On the other side, with a PhD, you could become a university professor, who engages with students and works with other like minded professionals. Not only do they mentor students, but professors also conduct research, secure grants, present their discoveries at conferences, serve on academic committees, and review/participate in peer research.

2. The Healthcare Field

Some jobs in healthcare include being a public health specialist, medical technologist, a dietitian/nutritionist, and a nurse. A public health specialist assesses the needs of the public and designs programs for disease control and health education. A medical technologist is a professional who analyzes tissue, cell, and body fluids to diagnose patients. A dietitian/nutritionist is a food expert who provides insight and a personalized plan for their clients to live a healthy lifestyle. There are many different kinds of nurses, but the major two include a registered nurse (RN), and a nurse practitioner (NP). RN’s provide patient care, educate the public on health conditions, and offer support during treatment. NP’s diagnose diseases, prescribe medicine, etc. The road to becoming a nurse requires a Masters degree, ABSN programs, and state licensing exams to become a nurse. Nevertheless, careers other than nursing require furthermore education and practical experience in the field. Working in the healthcare field includes responsibilities such as patient care, diagnostic testing, data analysis, and communication.

3. Research and Development

Doing research is also a great option to proceed with post graduation. Development can include creating new tools and techniques to be utilized in modern science, aiding scientists and healthcare professionals with their tasks. Some research and development careers include microbiologist, epidemiologist, clinical researcher, biochemist, and a molecular biologist. These jobs involve industries such as pharmaceutical, biotechnology companies, academia (universities, research institutions), or government labs. A microbiologist studies microorganisms like bacteria and viruses, researching how they interact with their environment. Meanwhile, research and public health intersect while working as an epidemiologist, studying the patterns of disease to prevent their spread. A clinical researcher works directly with patients, conducting research on disease treatment. A biochemist studies the chemical components and processes of living organisms, while also developing new drugs and medical devices. Lastly, a molecular biologist studies molecular and biochemical processes within cells, working to understand how they function and contribute to diseases. More advanced education such as a Masters or Doctorate degree may be needed for many of these jobs, followed by experience in the field. 

4. Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a highly growing field, with a great job market offering opportunities in various industries. Some innovative technologies include gene editing (CRISPR), personalized medicine,  biopharmaceuticals, synthetic biology, and the development of biofuels. Roles include genetic counseling, biotechnologists, bioinformatics specialists, and biomanufacturing technicians. A genetic counselor assesses and guides individuals and their families about genetic conditions and inherited diseases. Biotechnologists combine biology and technology to develop new products and tools to be utilized in medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. Bioinformatics specialists use computer science and technology to manage, analyze, and interpret biological datasets, contributing to disease research and specialized medicine. Biomanufacturing technicians work with those who produce pharmaceuticals and vaccines, helping throughout the whole process of manufacturing. Continually, many of these jobs require a Masters degree and experience in internships and research.

5. Environmental Science

Environmental science applies biological principles to address environmental events and challenges. Professions include: Environmental scientist, conservation biologist, ecologist, and a wildlife biologist. An environmental scientist studies the environment and the impact that human activities and industries have on it, researching climate change and other issues. A conservation biologist researches courses of action to protect biodiversity and nature. An ecologist studies the relationship between living organisms and their environment, and the effects that both have on the other. Lastly, a wildlife biologist studies animals in their natural habitats, observing their behaviors and how they interact with the ecosystem. A Bachelor's degree in biology followed by practical experience is needed for most of these jobs. Some real world projects that may be completed in this field are restoring endangered species populations, developing sustainable agriculture practices, assessing the impact of pollution on ecosystems, researching the effects of climate change, and many other similar tasks.

Resources

What Can You Do With a Biology Degree? (2024). University of Arizona Online. https://online.arizona.edu/news/what-can-you-do-biology-degree

What To Do With a Biology Degree (Besides Go to Medical School). (2024). College of Life Sciences and Agriculture. https://colsa.unh.edu/blog/2024/03/what-do-biology-degree-besides-go-medical-school