Career paths that begin with a BS in biology have mushroomed in recent years. Advances in technology and new discoveries in the fields of genetics, molecular biology, medicine, forensics, evolutionary biology, ecology and the environment make this an exciting time for biologists.
Tips for Career Development
These tips will ensure that you improve your chances of obtaining a desirable job or acceptance to a graduate or professional school program:
- Develop your math, verbal and writing skills.
- Develop your communication skills, including your ability to interact effectively with others.
- Acquire laboratory skills: elect to take laboratory courses or complete certificate programs.
- Maintain a competitive GPA.
- Become active in relevant on-campus clubs and organizations.
- Gain practical experience: volunteer, complete an internship or conduct undergraduate research (independent study).
- Understand your field of interest:
- Get to know your faculty—you will need letters of recommendation.
Job Outlook for Biologists
The U.S. Department of Labor and Statistics maintains the Occupational Outlook Handbook which is a searchable database. For each profession, there is information on the training and education needed, earnings, expected job prospects, what workers do on the job, and working conditions. Please visit their Web site at http://stats.bls.gov/oco/home.htm.
Exploring the Professional Options
A bachelor’s degree in biology may qualify you to work as a laboratory or research assistant, or technician in any of the sectors listed below. (Master’s, doctorate or professional degrees may be required for other types of positions.) An undergraduate degree may also open doors into entry level positions in scientific illustration or photography, biological journalism, sales and legislation.
|
Sector |
Opportunities |
|
Research |
Potential employers may include universities, government, museums, zoos, herbaria, hospitals, botanic gardens or private research facilities. Research can be conducted in any of the sub-disciplines of biology, such as ecology, evolution, molecular biology or zoology. |
|
Education |
Educators may be employed in K-12 school systems, community colleges, 4-year colleges, nature centers, museums, zoos, etc. |
|
Healthcare |
The health field is large and includes careers such as nursing, physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and physical therapy. |
|
Environmental Management |
Jobs such as monitoring populations of plants or animals, working to protect the environment, forestry, and consulting work may be obtained through various government agencies (Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, National Parks, etc.) or through private or non-profit organizations. |
|
Industry |
Crop and animal science, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, and forensic occupations may be available primarily through private companies. |
Related Biology Fields
Biological Artistry (photography, illustration)
Biological Writing (technical writing, biological journalism)
Legislation/Law
Bioinformatics
Where to go for more information
UC Denver Career Center
Health Careers Web site
Other Career Resources
UCD Career Center has created a publication, Career Center at a Glance: Serving the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences that includes a breakdown of employers seeking CLAS students, professional employment opportunities for scholars, and average starting salary information in your college’s related fields (based on a very small percentage of CLAS students who responded to this survey). Also included is an explanation of their Just ASK! services, a summary of the Career Center activities, customer satisfaction results (CRM), the passwords to all of the career technology—including Vault, which is paid for in part by the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences —and other information that can be beneficial to students.
The information in this document is the result of weeks of statistical compilation and analysis, and it is intended to be shared all CLAS students and colleagues. If you have any questions or comments, do not hesitate to contact their office. If you would like any of the raw data to examine, they would be very happy to provide this information to you as well.