Biology Major Career Planning Options
- Biology
- Biology Education (see also Education major)
Biology provides us with an awareness of the functions and interactions of living organisms by offering insight into their structure, evolution, behavior, and life processes. Biology majors are encouraged to obtain scientific skills in analysis, problem solving, and interpretation, by exploring a broad range of sciences, including chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science. Exposure to the liberal arts also contributes to one's broad knowledge base, while developing necessary critical thinking and communications skills.
Visit Rivier's Biology Department for information on degrees and course offerings.
Biology Major Skills
| Biology Theory & Practical Knowledge |
Information Handling & Organization |
| Analytical & Quantitative Abilities |
Verbal and Written Communication |
| Teamwork |
Problem Solving |
| Curiosity & Creativity |
Independent Worker |
| Programming Abilities |
Statistical Awareness |
| Innovative Talents |
Operate Scientific Equipment |
| Technical Skills |
|
*Biology Education majors should also develop skills involving creativity, planning and the ability to adapt teaching methods and modalities to the various learning styles of students.
Career Paths in Biology
New biology graduates have work options that are diverse and dependent upon one's interests, abilities, work values, academic emphasis, and practical experience in the field. The largest concentration of employment is in the health sciences, followed by laboratory positions and secondary teaching careers. Some biology graduates seek employment in energy and environmental fields, business and sales, research, public health, and government. A bachelor's degree is adequate for entry level positions in research, testing, inspection, and technical sales, but an advanced degree is necessary for career progression. Postgraduate studies range from cell biology to field biology, along with entry into professional programs that provide training for medical doctors, osteopaths, podiatrists, veterinarians, chiropractors, optometrists, physical therapists, dentists, and medical technologists.
Biology graduates may work as...(The following are titles from across the industry. Some of these jobs may require education or experience beyond a bachelor's degree)
| Clinical Associate |
Biology Teacher |
| Toxicology Associate |
Scientist |
| Research Technician |
Bioinformatics Programmer |
| Biological Sales Rep |
Technical Writer |
| Public Health Inspector |
Bioengineer |
| Food & Drug Inspector |
Pharmaceutical Research/Sales |
| Microbiologist |
Medical Lab Technician |
| Fish & Wildlife Technician |
Environmental Educator |
| Epidemiologist |
Geneticist |
| Hospital Administrator |
Junior Statistician |
| Zoologist |
Wetlands Biologist |
| Medical, Dental & Veterinary Professionals |
Animal Trainer/Breeder |
| Physical Therapist |
Cytogenic Technician |
| Criminal Lab Technician |
Biologist |
| Biochemist |
Radiation Protection Technicians |
| Industrial Hygienist |
Conservation Officer |
| Oceanographer |
|
Biology graduates may work at...
| Foundations |
Biological Book/Journal Publishers |
| State/Federal Government |
Private & Public Schools |
| Colleges & Universities |
Consulting Engineering Firms |
| Agriculture Chemical Companies |
Business & Industry |
| Zoos & Aquariums |
Medical Corporations |
| Biological Testing Labs |
Private Research |
| Biotech Firms |
Wildlife Preserves/Parks |
| Hospitals & Public Health Facilities |
Museums & Nurseries |
| Pharmaceutical, Chemical, Utility & Food Companies |
|
Ways to Increase Employability
- Pursue elective course work or additional training related to one's professional field of interest.
- Participate in volunteer and service learning opportunities.
- Become an active student member of university, community, or professional organizations, which enhance leadership skills and promote networking relationships with fellow professionals.
- Obtain quality practical experience prior to graduation as teaching/research assistants, or through relevant part-time, full-time, and summer job/internship positions.
Sources of Information on Majors, Careers and Employment in Biology
- Rivier University Faculty Advisors, Academic Advisors, & Biology Department Resources
- Professionals Working in the Field
- Professional Organizations
- Rivier University Career Development Center Counseling Staff, Website & Office Resources
Rivier University's Career Development Center Resources
Effective career decision-making evolves through a process of gathering accurate self-knowledge and significant information about the major or career being explored. The Rivier University Career Development Center offers individual counseling and career resources regarding self-assessment, career exploration, gaining practical experience, and job searching skills. For more information, contact us at 897-8246. The following is a partial list of career resources, available in our office, which may be of interest to Biology Majors:
- 100 Jobs in Technology
- Alternative Careers in Science
- Careers for Scientific Types & Others With Inquiring Minds
- Extraordinary Jobs in Health and Science
- Great Jobs for Biology Majors
- Great Jobs for Chemistry Majors
- Real People Working in Science
- Petersons Graduate Programs in Biological Sciences
- Petersons Graduate Programs in Physical Sciences, etc,
- Careers for Nature Lovers & Other Outdoor Types
- Alternative Careers in Science: Leaving the Ivory Tower
- Great Jobs For Chemistry Majors
- Careers for Scientific Types & Others With Inquiring Minds
- Great Jobs for Biology Majors
Professional & Rivier University Organizations related to Biology
Career related websites for Biology majors
- National Academy of Sciences
- National Science Foundation
- Sloan Cornerstone Career Center -career opportunites in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, computing, and healthcare.
- Careers in Biology from Emporia State University (Career, employment, and internship information in specific biology fields)
- Careers in Science and Engineering (A student planning guide to grad school and beyond from National Academy Press)
- STEM Careers (Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
- What can I do with a Graduate Degree in...? - Information on career paths with a graduate degree in areas such as biochemistry, botany, chemistry, genetics, marine biology, microbiology, physics, plant biology, and healthcare.
- Careers in Medicine (Career information about the nature of the work, personal characteristics, training and residency information, employment outlook, related journals and newsletters, and links to medical specialty organizations.)
- Bio Online (Biotechnology information site, career center, and employment postings)
Pre-Medical /Health Profession Resources
- Health Careers (Find out how to become a.........)
- Princeton Review (Guide to getting into and applying to , finding the right schools, practice preparation for the MCATs and USMLE)
- Student Doctor Network (Pre-Medical students resources, career choices, and much more)
- Pre-Dental Resources (Includes general information about dental careers and dental schools, DAT test prep,etc.)
- Net Vet (Veterinarian Career resources and information on education, specialties, organizations, etc.)