Career Opportunities with a Major in Biology

Many jobs require a college educated individual. College graduates can use their education in a wide variety of occupations.

Biologists study living organisms and their relationship to the environment. They research problems dealing with life processes. They may specialize in research that centers around a particular plant or animal or they may teach. Those obtaining employment immediately upon graduation are usually those with the best college records and a willingness to relocate to find a job. A solid background in chemistry and good computer and communication skills also are helpful in finding employment. Among the major branches of biology are human anatomy and physiology; botany (study of plants); microbiology (study of microscopic organisms); zoology (study of animals); and ecology (study of the relationship between organisms and the environment).

SKILLS RELATED TO BIOLOGY

Ability to analyze and record data
Ability to make critical observations and appropriate decisions
Ability to operate scientific equipment
Ability to organize and maintain accurate records
Good vision and manual dexterity
A thorough knowledge of basic biological theories and practices
Ability to do very exacting work accurately

The following list is a representative sample of job titles for individuals with a biology major. The list represents some, but certainly not all, careers which biology majors may consider.

Some of these jobs also require education beyond a bachelor's degree.

Animal Scientist	Aquatic Biologist	Bio-Engineer
Biochemist	Biologist	Botanist
Dietician	Environmental Health Specialist	Fish Hatchery Technician
Food Technologist	Forester	Geneticist
Horticulturist	Medical Illustrator	Medical Lab Technician
Medical Librarian	Microbiologist	Paramedic
Pathologist	Physician	Public Health Director
Science Laboratory Technician	Science Writer/Illustrator/Film Maker	Soil Conservationist
Teacher	Veterinarian	Wildlife Biologist
Zoologist	Criminologist

EMPLOYERS IN BIOLOGY

Aquariums
Arboretums
Business/Industry
Chemical Industries
Colleges/Universities
Cosmetic Companies
Government Agencies
Hospitals
Medical Supply Companies
Mining Companies
National and State Parks
Nurseries
Petroleum Manufacturers
Pharmaceutical Companies
Research Firms
Technical Journals
Technical/Medical Libraries
Utility Companies
Zoos

WEB SITES RELATED TO BIOLOGY

Metro State Biology Department Website

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS FIELD

American Phytopathological Society
www.apsnet.org
American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology
www.indstate.edu/asgsb
American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics
www.ashi-hla.org
American Society for Horticultural Science
www.ashs.org
American Society for Microbiology
www.asm.org
American Society of Plant Biologists
www.aspb.org
Association of Analytical Communities International
www.aoac.org/
Behavior Genetics Association
www.bga.org/
The Society of Toxicology
www.toxicology.org

The above information is collected from alumni surveys of numerous colleges, professional associations, and multiple print and online resources.