What Can You Do With A Major In Biology?

Careers in the field of biology vary, differing in the type of job and the type of setting one works in. Most people in the field of biology work in the area of research and development. Other types of work include management, administration, planning and administrating programs for testing food and drugs, consulting to business firms or government, writing for technical publications, sales and service for chemical manufacturing companies, and testing and inspecting food, drugs, and other products.

Concentrations:

Coastal Environmental Science
Coastal Biology
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Molecular and Cell Biology and Biotechnology
Biomedical Sciences

Typical Career Paths:

Agronomist

Environmental Engineer

Marine Engineering Tech

Animal Scientist

Environmental Health

Marine Fisheries Worker

Aquaculture Farmer

Environmental Protection

Marine Geologist

Aqua Culturist

Aquarium and Museum

Fish Hatchery Tech

Aquarium Technician

Fisheries Conservation

Aquatic BIologist

Barrier Beach Manager

Food Scientist-Tech

Medical Laboratory Tech

Bio-Engineer

Forester

Medical Librarian

Bio-Technologist

Genetic Engineering Researcher

Medical Technologist

Biochemist

Meteorologist

Biometrician

Health Officer

Microbiologist

Horticulturist

Molecular Biologist

Botanist

Hospital Administrator

Mortician

Chemical Oceanographer

Hydrographic Surveyor

Chiropractor

Industrial Hygienist

Mycologist

Coastal Resources Manager

Industrial Marine Economist

Naval Architect

Commercial Fishing Engineer

Limnological Technician

Net Designer

Coroner

Marine Coastal Consultant

Neurobiologist

Dentist

Marine Bacteriologist

Oceanographer

Dietitian and Nutritionist

Marine Biologist

Paramedic

Ecologist

Marine Ecologist

Parasitologist

Pharmacy Technician

Physical Therapist

Pharmaceutical Sales

Science Lab Technician

Public Health Worker

Physician

Zoologist

Science Teacher

Salt Marsh Manager

Wildlife Resources Manager

State Parks and Recreation

Science Writer

Technical Writer

Test Inspection Technician

Soil Conservationist

Underwater Technician

Veterinarian

Geophysicist/Physicist

Wildlife Biologist

Toxicologist

Water Quality Technician

Seafood Processor-Researcher

Science Illustrator

Inland Water Transportation Worker

Typical Employers/Work Settings

Agricultural Experiment Stations
Agricultural Industry
Biotechnology Firms
Botanical Gardens/Arboretums
Chemical Companies
Colleges and Universities
Conservation Agencies
Cosmetic Industry
Department of Agriculture
Drug Companies
Environmental and Pollution
Control Agencies

Federal and State Government Laboratory
Fish and Wildlife Service
Fish Hatcheries
Hospitals
Inspection Agencies
Medical Centers
Medical Research Laboratories
Museums
Pharmaceutical Companies

Match This Major To Careers

Beginning Salary Range:

Payscale.com
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Summer 2011 Salary Survey, beginning salaries for graduates with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, on an average, start at about $49,222 per year. Master's Degree average: $50,158.

Salary Resources

Skills Needed For This Career

Operate Scientific equipment

Independent worker

Information handling and organization

Curiosity and creativity

Biology theory and practical knowledge

Statistical awareness

Oral and written communication

Numerical computation

Analytical and quantitative abilities

Innovative talents

Problem solving

Technical skills

Teamwork

Data analysis

Links to Professional Associations

Professional Associations are important to explore because many offer student memberships and can give you access to other professionals and their experiences, research, convention or workshop opportunities, professional development and most importantly job databases

American Academy of Forensic Sciences

American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists

American Association of Zoo Keepers

American Society of Limnology and Oceanography

Botanical Society of America

American Institute of Biological Sciences: Careers
American Society of Cell Biology
American Society of Microbiology
American Society of Human Genetics
The International Society for Computational Biology
Biology Industry Organization

The National Academies

Job Search/Career Information

National Organizations or Databases

http://www.aza.org/JobListings/

http://www.biologyjobs.com/

http://www.biospace.com/

http://www.environmentalcareer.com/

http://www.medzilla.com/

http://www.newscientistjobs.com/jobs/default.aspx

http://www.safnet.org/

http://www.conservationjobboard.com

http://www.environmentalscience.org - advocates for environmental education and employment; for environmentalists by environmentalists

General Job Search Links

AAAS Science Career Link

American Institute of Biological Sciences

Multi Discipline
Careers in Biology

Careers in Botany

Careers in Biological Sciences

Careers in Science and Engineering

Molecular and Cellular

Careers in Genetic Counseling

Careers in Human Genetics

Careers in the Microbiological Sciences

Careers in Plant Pathology

Organismal or Field

Careers in Animal Behavior

Careers for Biology Majors

Careers in Ecology

Careers in Marine Mammal Science

Careers in Oceanography, Marine Science & Marine Biology

Guide to Outdoor/Environmental Careers

Careers with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Guide to Zoological Park Careers

Zoo Keeping As a Career

Zoo and Aquarium Career Opportunities

Graduate Schools

Graduate and Professional Schools

Link to UNF Program

The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of North Florida offers a Bachelor of Science in Biology.

Holland Codes

Coastal Biology: Investigative, Realistic, Conventional (IRC)
Coastal Environmental Science: Investigative; Realistic; Social (IRS)
Ecology and Evolutionary: Investigative; Realistic (IR)
Molecular/Cell Biology and Biotechnology: Investigative; Conventional, Realistic (ICR)
Biomedical Sciences: Investigative; Realistic (IR)

Career Action Plan

Conduct an informational interview and/or shadow a professional in the field
Join a professional association for this career field
Develop leadership skills by participating in on-campus activities (RA, Peer Advisor, Student Government, Presidential Envoys, Fraternity, Sorority, Student Clubs)
Gain hands-on experience by doing an internship in your junior and/or senior years
Participate in summer research institutes
Gain research experience by working with a professor or faculty member on their research