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 Homepage for information on degrees and course offerings.

Career Paths in Biology

BIOLOGY MAJOR SKILLS
 

  • Operate Scientific Equipment 
  • Information Handling & Organization
  • Biology Theory & Practical Knowledge 
  • Verbal and Written Communication 
  • Analytical & Quantitative Abilities 
  • Problem Solving 
  • Teamwork
  • Independent Worker 
  • Curiosity & Creativity 
  • Statistical Awareness 
  • Programming Abilities
  • Numerical Computation 
  • Innovative Talents
  • Technical Skills

* Biology Education majors should also develop skills involving creativity, planning & the ability to adapt teaching methods and modalities to the various learning styles of students.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW
SAMPLES OF JOB TITLES AND EMPLOYERS OF
RIVIER COLLEGE BIOLOGY GRADUATES

JOB TITLE EXAMPLES OF BIOLOGY GRADUATES
(Some of these jobs may require education or experience beyond a bachelor's degree)
 

  • Clinical Research Associate
  • Teacher: Science/Biology 
  • Toxicology Associate
  • Scientist
  • Research Technician
  • Program Analyst/ Bioinformatics
  • 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 Prof.
  • Animal Trainer/
    Breeder
  • Physical Therapist
  • Cytogenic Technician
  • Criminal Lab Technician
  • Biologist
  • Biochemist
  • Radiation Protection Tech.
  • Industrial Hygienist
  • Conservation Officer
  • Oceanographer

EXAMPLES OF EMPLOYERS WHO HAVE HIRED 
BIOLOGY GRADUATES

  • 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 
  • Pharmaceutical, Chemical, 
    Utility & Food Companies 
  • Hospitals & Public Health Facilities
  • Museums & Nurseries
  • Wildlife Preserves/
    Parks

WAYS TO INCREASE EMPLOYABILITY

SOURCES OF INFORMATION ON MAJORS, 
CAREERS AND EMPLOYMENT IN BIOLOGY 

RIVIER COLLEGE'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 College 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:
  1. 100 Jobs in Technology, 1997
  2. Alternative Careers in Science, 1998
  3. Careers for Scientific Types & Others With Inquiring Minds, 2000
  4. Great Jobs for Biology Majors, 1999
  5. Great Jobs for Chemistry Majors, 1999
  6. Real People Working in Science, 1998
  7. Peterson’s Graduate Programs in Biological Sciences, 2001
  8. Peterson’s Graduate Programs in Physical Sciences, etc, 2001

PROFESSIONAL & RIVIER COLLEGE ORGANIZATIONS 
RELATED TO BIOLOGY

American Institute Of Biological Sciences - www.aibs.org
American Medical Student Association - http://www.amsa.org/
American Society for Microbiology - http://www.asm.org
American Association for the Advancement of Science - www.aaas.org
Association of American Medical Colleges - www.aamc.org
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology - www.faseb.org
Rivier College Biology Club - www.geocities.com/syokoff/BIO.html
 

CAREER RELATED WEBSITES FOR BIOLOGY MAJORS

Career Planning Center for Beginning Scientists & Engineers - http://www2.nas.edu/cpc
    * Job and career information from the National Academy of Sciences  
National Science Foundation - www.nsf.gov
Careers in Biology: from Emporia State University - www.emporia.edu/biosci/carebiol.htm
    * Career, employment, and internship information in specific biology fields
Careers in Science and Engineering - http://www.nap.edu/readingroom/books/careers/contents.html
    *  A student planning guide to grad school and beyond from National Academy Press
Careers in Medicine -  http://www.aamc.org/students/cim/specialties.htm
    * 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 Chem Links - http://biochemlinks.com/bclinks/bclinks.cfm
    * Biology and chemistry educational resources on the Web
BioCareer Center - www.biocareer.com
    * Biotechnology job, career, and employment resources
Bio Online -  http://www.bio.com
    * Biotechnology information site, career center, and employment postings
Biology Jobs - http://mcb.harvard.edu/BioLinks/BioJobs.html
     *Job site links from the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Harvard University

PRE-MEDICAL/HEALTH PROFESSION RESOURCES

The Interactive Medical Student Lounge
* Wealth of links providing information on the application process for Medical School. - http://come.to/med-lounge
Princeton Review
* Guide to getting into and applying to Medical School, finding the right schools, practice preparation for the MCATs and USMLE.
http://www.review.com
Student Doctor Network
* Pre-Medical students resources, career choices, and much more.
http://www.studentdoctor.net
Arizona Pre-Med Information Online
* General information, MCAT preparation, applying to med school, links - http://www.ahsc.arizona.edu/pre-med
Brads Pre-Med Resource Center
Pre-Dental Resources
* Includes general information about dental careers and dental schools, DAT test prep, etc.- http://www.dental-resources.com/dented3.html
Dental School Application Manual
*From Temple University - http://www.temple.edu/healthadvising/dentman.html
Net Vet
* Veterinarian Career resources and information on education, specialties, organizations, etc. - http://netvet.wustl.edu/vet.htm

Other Resources for Career Exploration
Other Resources for the Pursuit of Employment
Other Job Sites for Biology Majors

 

Career paths for new biology graduates 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. (See Pre-Medical/Professional Resources)

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