Popular Searches

library scholarships catalog d2L colleague/self-service spotlights university store registration email raider experience academic calendar

Exploring Opportunities: What Can I Do With a Biology Degree?

Career Options for Biology Graduates 

Hey future biologists! If you're curious about what you can do with a biology degree, you're in the right place. A biology degree opens doors to a wide array of career possibilities, equipping you with essential skills like scientific reasoning and critical thinking. Whether you're passionate about healthcare, research, education, or environmental conservation, a biology degree can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career.

This guide is here to help you navigate potential paths and further education options that can expand your professional journey. Use the links below to jump to a section for more information:

Jump to:

  • Diving into Research and Science Careers [LINK]
  • Exploring Health and Medicine Pathways [LINK]
  • Opportunities in the Private Sector and Industry [LINK]
  • Teaching and Academia: Shaping Future Minds [LINK]
  • Advanced Degrees [LINK]
      

Diving into Research and Science Careers

Curious about what you can do with a bachelor's degree in biology? Biology graduates can explore various research roles, such as research assistants, laboratory technicians, or field researchers. These positions involve conducting experiments, collecting data, and advancing scientific knowledge. In labs and academic institutions, you can work as a lab manager or research scientist, collaborating and effectively communicating findings. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average annual salary of natural science managers exceeds $161,000 per year, with a projected four percent growth in careers through 2034. 

The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries also offer exciting roles like clinical research associates, quality control analysts, and regulatory affairs specialists. In these sectors, biology graduates play a crucial role in drug development, ensuring new medications are safe and effective, making these careers both impactful and rewarding.

Science communication is also a growing and rewarding field in today’s landscape. Dr. Maddie Sofia ’11 was the founding host of “Short Wave” National Public Radio’s science podcast. Today, Sofia travels across the country speaking at foundations and universities on inequities in public health and academia.

 

Exploring Health and Medicine Pathways

Public health and epidemiology are promising fields where you can work as an epidemiologist, studying disease patterns and managing public health crises. There are also programs in adjacent fields to biology, such as clinical informatics, medical or pharmaceutical sales, and being a medical scribe.

Roles in health policy and education are increasingly vital. Professionals in these areas work to influence equitable, evidence-based health policies and educate communities on health issues through outreach programs. Alternative healthcare careers, like nutrition consulting or wellness coaching, focus on overall well-being. These paths offer diverse and impactful careers that enhance community health.

For those who want a blend of art and science, the unique career of medical illustration might be for you. Mount Union alumna Victoria (Altomare ’13) Foor is a board-certified medical illustrator, using her passion for art while impacting the healthcare field.

 

Discover Medical Illustration

Mount Union alumna Victoria (Altomare '13) Foor combined her passion for art and biology into becoming a certified medical illustrator. Learn how she thrives in this unique career.

See Victoria's Story

 

Opportunities in the Private Sector and Industry

Biology graduates can find numerous opportunities in the private sector, applying scientific knowledge in roles like research and development, quality control, technical support, and product management within pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and in government agencies like the EPA. These positions involve working with interdisciplinary teams to innovate products that improve health and quality of life.

Mount Union alumni like Drs. Bevin Blake ’12 and Rob Brucker ’07 are making an impact in these fields. Blake is a toxicologist for the EPA specializing in how environmental contaminants impact pregnancy outcomes, and Brucker is the chief science officer and co-founder of DermBiont, a company focused on developing an inhibitor for the treatment of melasma.

twiss doing field research at nature centerCareers in agriculture and food science are also relevant, with opportunities in agricultural research, food safety inspection, and product development. Professionals enhance crop yields, develop sustainable practices, and ensure food safety, contributing to global food security. Environmental consulting, sustainability, and conservationism are growing sectors, where experts assess environmental impact and develop strategies for sustainability. Those interested in working in nature can utilize Mount Union’s Huston-Brumbaugh Nature Center, where hands-on research occurs throughout its more than 100 acres of land.

 

Teaching and Academia: Shaping Future Minds

If you're passionate about teaching, a biology degree can be paired with an education degree, leading to a rewarding career in education. Teaching certifications are essential for K-12 educators, involving pedagogy and classroom management coursework.

Biology graduates can also engage in educational outreach and curriculum development, creating hands-on science curricula and promoting science literacy in communities. These roles allow graduates to significantly impact education and society. Mount Union students take part in these initiatives through informative talks, advocacy projects, and community service.

No matter the career path you aim to take, Mount Union’s biology degree program will set you up for success. Through practical research done in the field and in labs, and coursework that is relevant to all biological disciplines, our expert faculty will ensure you are ready to become successful in the job market, graduate school, and professional programs.

Advanced Degrees

Thinking about what jobs you can get with a biology degree? Consider further education, which can significantly boost your career prospects. Pursuing graduate degrees in fields like environmental science, biotechnology, or health sciences allows you to specialize in areas that interest you. These programs blend coursework with research, honing valuable skills for the job market.

Advanced degrees are essential for certain biology careers. If you're eyeing research, academia, or specialized healthcare roles, you'll typically need at least a master's degree. Leadership positions might require a doctorate. With advanced degrees, you can become a university professor, research scientist, or biotechnology consultant, contributing to innovation and discovery.

Career outcomes for those with a master's or doctorate in biology are incredibly diverse. Opportunities in pharmaceuticals, environmental policy, or healthcare administration let graduates influence public health, partake in groundbreaking research, or lead conservation efforts.

At Mount Union, biology majors can also utilize the University’s early assurance pathways for graduate study in fields like physical therapy, physician assistant studies, occupational therapy, or medical school.

Sources