Biology Jobs You Can Get Without Going To Medical School
Studying and earning a degree in biology at a college or university from an accredited institution can make you eligible for many jobs. Pursuing further education like graduate school or special career programs can expand your job prospects even more. Here are some examples of careers you might begin with an undergraduate biology degree:
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What Youre Expected To Know
The other difference between high school and college biologyand one of the biggest challenges for new biology majorsis what you do with the material you learn.
Exams in high school biology test whether you have memorized key facts.
In your college biology classes, youll be expected to apply those facts to a variety of different situations and scenarios.
As an instructor, I expect that my students have memorized the important information. On my tests, I present scenarios which students are required to analyze. They may need to predict an outcome in a certain experiment, for example, or judge whether a certain hypothetical scenario is reasonable given what theyve learned, says Draft.
The transition can be challenging for new college students. But Draft says that meeting those new expectations just takes practice.
Take the practice tests as if they were real exams. Then, bring the questions you struggled with to TA or instructor office hours or help sessions to figure out what stumped you, Draft suggests.
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Coursework For Biology Majors
While not all biology programs are the same, they may include similar courses. Depending on the biology major you select and the university you attend, you may take general classes about biology or focus on a specific topic. Besides classes in biology, programs may include courses about math and other sciences. In addition to coursework, some programs may require students to conduct their own research, pursue a laboratory internship or study abroad.
Here are some courses to expect if you’re a biology major:
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Principles of ecology and evolution
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Genetics
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Principles of molecular cell biology
Skills For Biology Majors
Just because your degree is in biology, doesnt mean you have to follow one specific, niche career path. If wearing a lab coat and squinting at a microscope lens is not your first choice, there are many other skills learned in biology that can transfer to various jobs across throughout the field. Here are some of those transferable skills:
- Research
- Interpersonal Skills
- Strategic Thinking
With these areas of expertise in your toolbelt, youll be a valuable asset to employers in all different industries.
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Careers In Biochemistry And Molecular Biology
An undergraduate degree in Biochemistry can lead to a very broad range of career options and possibilities. While it is not possible to list all potential career paths, Biochemistry is excellent training for careers in research, medicine, and the biotech industry. Some of the more common career paths of our students include:
Medical Professional A Biochemistry degree is excellent preparation for entry into:
- Medical education programs
Research A Biochemistry degree provides exceptional training and experiences for:
- Entry into graduate degrees programs
- Research in academic and industrial lab environments
Biotechnology Industry Not all careers in Biochemistry involve bench or lab work. Many excellent career options exist within the biotech industry that do not directly involve research.
- Product marketing and development
Combined training Biochemistry combined with other fields can create very unique and desired skill sets.
- Journalism for scientific writing: grants, media relations, news, technical
- Business Training specializing in Biotechnology
- Law degrees specializing in patent law
- Education programs for teaching
- Computer sciences for the bioinformatics field
Entry into other specialized professional programs Often such programs require a BSc, and a biochemistry degree can be ideal.
- Genetic counselling
Class Of 2021 Career Outcomes For Biology*
** Includes Self-Employed
- Connect with your Career Consultant for help with job searching, resumes, interviewing skills, career options, applying to grad school, and much more
- Connect with your Academic Advisor
- Find research opportunities by reaching out via email to faculty in your department or outside of it based on your research interests Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities at UGA can help support you
- If you’re interested in a healthcare career, connect with the UGA Pre-Health Advising Office to meet your pre-health advisor and for more information
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Careers Paths For Biology Majors
Individuals interested in beginning a biology career can explore many diverse fields, including medicine, zoology, botany, and ecology. Learners can pursue a degree in biology at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level.
Biology majors need an analytical mind and strong critical thinking skills. They should enjoy learning about living organisms and studying biological systems. They should also enjoy working in laboratory settings and processing data.
Biologists often make discoveries and help solve major scientific challenges. This page details some potential biology careers, including salary outlook and certifications for biology professionals.
What Are The Career Paths For A Biology Major
14 Career Paths for Biology Majors That Dont Require Med School. There are plenty of professions out there for those whove studied living organisms and arent interested in pursuing a career as a doctor.
- Lawyer
- Writer
- Biology Teacher or Professor
As a biology major, I am constantly asked if I am on the med school track, or pre-med as its colloquially known. While I have no intention to go to med school and yes I know if I did my name would be Dr. Docter-Loeb I feel like theres an expectation for biology majors to attend. However, there are countless other ways to put a biology degree to good use, many of which dont require anything past a bachelors degree. 1. BiologistEnjoy the lab and the hands-on parts of the biology major? Biologists do all that as a career. A crucial part of scientific advancement, biologists spend their days performing experiments and gathering data to try and understand the underlying mechanisms of biological systems. They can specialize in anything from microbiology to zoology, depending on their interests. 2. Nonprofit workNonprofits can also be a great place for those with a degree in biology. From the Innocence Project, an advocacy group that uses DNA evidence to exonerate the wrongfully convicted, to Scientista, a foundation devoted to encouraging and supporting women interested in STEM, there are many options for those interested in using their biology knowledge in the nonprofit sector.
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Research And Teaching Careers
Researchers work for various government agencies, clinics and hospitals, and national, nonprofit and private laboratories. To be a professional researcher in biology and/or to teach at a university, you will need to earn a master’s and possibly a doctoral degree.
There are many interesting careers available to you if you want to combine an education in biology with your interest in another field, including:
- forensic biologists — working with law enforcement agencies to help solve crimes by applying scientific methods to uncover evidence
- cytotechnologists — using microscopic interpretation of cells to detect diseases
- medical technologists — performing tests on body fluids using state-of-the-art medical equipment
- biotechnologists — helping develop and improve medical treatments and environmental products
- biochemists — conducting cell research in government agencies, clinics and hospitals, and nonprofit and private laboratories, or creating new and beneficial products for humanity and the environment such as medicine, agricultural chemicals, cosmetics, food and beverages, environmentally friendly cleaners and biodegradable plastics
- business biologists — working with chemical or pharmaceutical companies and other organizations to research and test new products.
High School Biology Teacher
- Median salary :$62,870
- Minimum degree required: Bachelor’s degree
- Alternate job titles: Natural science teacher, biology instructor
- Good fit for: Individuals with a strong understanding of biology fundamentals, the ability to communicate with adolescent and teenage students, an engaging classroom presence, and supervisory and listening skills
Description: High school biology teachers plan lessons, instruct students, develop and supervise experiments, and assess overall comprehension and understanding for individuals in the ninth through twelfth grades. They grade assignments and exams, work closely with colleagues and administrators, and communicate with parents about student performance. High school biology teachers also interact with students outside the classroom at activities and events.
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Where To Begin Your Career With A Biology Degree
As you begin to narrow your focus on which jobs to pursue, think about what particular field interests you the most. Think: healthcare, pharmaceuticals, academia, science and technology, or corporate business.
For example, if you want a career in healthcare, your interpersonal, clinical research and problem-solving abilities can prepare for roles as a genetic counselor, pharmacist, nurse practitioner, occupational therapist or dental hygienist.
If a career in education appeals to you, the communication, writing, and leadership or management skills you acquire can be useful in the classroom as a teacher or professor.
If youre drawn to a career in the sciences, your aptitudes for strategic thinking, creativity, data analysis and peer review can help you to become an engineer, laboratory technician, research associate or environmentalist.
Here are some questions to ask yourself to figure out where your passions and interests lie:
- What areas am I the most capable in?
- What skills and tasks do I enjoy the most?
- What fields or industries sound appealing to me?
- Do I plan to earn a graduate degree?
- Do I prefer to work in the public or private sector?
- What kind of culture and environment do I want to be part of?
Careers In Government And Policy
Biology careers in government will involve working closely with government officials and policy makers in order to advise on and create new legislation for growing topics such as biomedical research and environmental regulation. Your role will be to ensure that changes to the legal system are made based on solid science. You may work at regional or national level as a political advisor for scientific organizations and agencies or not-for-profit entities. You may also act as a representative for a political committee or group.
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What Companies Hire Biology Majors
Work for an environmental company. It can be a non-profit or a for-profit, but helping to protect the environment is a great way to put your biology degree to work. Work in agriculture and/or botany. You can work for a company that helps improve farming or one focusing on biomimicry. Work for a science museum.
Biology Teacher Or Professor
While Im biased in that this is what Im interested in pursuing as a career, I truly think one of the best things you can do with biology knowledge is to share it with others through teaching. Whether youre teaching at the high school or university level, there is always a demand for good biology teachers. The experience can be extremely impactful and rewarding, as you have the opportunity to instill an excitement for biology in a younger generation.
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Careers You Can Pursue With A Biology Degree
What can you do with your biology degree?
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Business and Finance Expert
Biology is a fascinating field to study and even attain a career in.
Studying the molecular nature, physiological mechanisms, evolution, and physical structure of life and living organisms is compelling, especially if youre able to earn a living doing this. And believe it or not, there is a career in this area, but dont think youll be spending the next 23 years confined to a laboratory all day long.
When students begin their first year in university or college, theyre excited about their future as theyre consumed by every aspect of their biology major, thinking about the first steps they will take after completing their postsecondary studies. However, as their fourth year approaches, students start to wonder if there are jobs involving biology, creating consternation and fear of the future.
Is this concern justified? No, because there are plenty of careers with a biology degree that do not contain the job title biologist. You dont even need to be involved in science to land a job.
Dont believe it? Here is a list of professions you can pursue with a biology degree.
Careers For Biology Majors
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Utilize Available Resources To Get Help
In high school, you may have been able to ace every class on your own.
In college biology classes, getting help to succeed is the norm.
Your instructor and teaching assistants want to help you succeed. Take advantage of their office hours, discussion groups, and help sessions, even if you think youve mastered the material.
Peer tutors, academic resource centers, and other university resources can provide additional assistance if you still need help. The more you avail yourself of these resources, the easier the course will be.
And dont wait until youre behind by a class or two to get help. Be proactive about identifying areas where you need assistance and seek out that assistance immediately. The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes to catch up.
Theres no doubt about ityour first college biology course is going to be a challenge. But succeeding in that first course will open the door to a fascinating major and a plethora of amazing career opportunities. Putting in the effort to make that first class a success will pay off in the long run!
Biological Sciences Career Options Undergraduate Degree Programs At Northwestern University School Of Professional Studies: School Of Professional Studies
View career information and resources for the biological sciences major offered by Northwestern School of Professional Studies.
The SPS Student Services team is invested in preparing adult students to apply their Northwestern education to their next step of professional success. Bachelors degree students are encouraged to discuss their career goals with their academic advisers, who are available to help with job search strategies, resume review, and provide program-tailored career advice.
Career OptionsBiology is the study of life. Biologists study the diversity, history, and structure of living things and their components, at community, population, individual, cellular, molecular and biochemical levels. A major in biological sciences prepares students for a variety of positions: in research and education in medical and other health professions in pharmaceutical, genetic testing, and other biomedical companies and in government agencies. A degree in biological sciences is the first step toward successful careers such as physician, dentist, veterinarian, teacher, researcher, analyst, administrator or pharmaceutical sales representative.
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What Can You Do With A Bachelors In Biology
For students who have a natural inclination to pursue studies in the sciences, and specifically the field of biology, an obvious question should be considered at the start of that educational journey: what can you do with a bachelors in biology?
On the surface, the answer to that question may seem more straightforward than it actually is. When most people envision a biologist or someone working in the field of biology, more often than not they see a person in a white lab coat peering into a microscope in a room filled with beakers and glass slides.
Theyre not wrong. Spending time in laboratories conducting research and using a microscope to closely examine various specimens is a very real outcome for many professional fields that are directly linked to the study of biology. But if you dig a little deeper, you may be surprised at just how many different career paths a bachelors in biology could take you.
This misunderstanding of whats possible as a future career for students interested in the field of biology is something that biology professors have become used to dealing with.
To better understand all the possibilities that can open up by earning a bachelor of science in biology, its best to start by ensuring that you have a comprehensive understanding of the field itself what its about, the purposes it serves, and its position within the broader realm of science.
