An undergraduate degree in biological sciences is excellent preparation for becoming (through graduate studies) a professional biologist. It is also an excellent preparation for post baccalaureate programs such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine,
optometry, podiatry and chiropractic. It can lead to teaching certification, medical or science librarianship, public health, nutrition, genetic counseling, environmental and waste management positions, and other professions.
Skills gained in this program include:
Creating and writing reports to explain the basis and methodologies for complex scientific research findings;
Leading a group of people in the implementation of a specific scientific procedure or laboratory experience;
Testing the quality of biological products and identifying bacterial contaminants.
Caring for laboratory animals;
Using complex data collection equipment such has microscopes, dissection tools, and computer instruments;
Gathering and interpreting scientific data about wildlife or human populations;
Predicting the effects of chemical pollutants on various life forms and ecosystems;
Improving industrial methods for processing food, wood, cotton, or biological pharmaceuticals;
Identifying and protecting different species of plants, fish, and wildlife;
Organizing large projects by harnessing the talents of diverse groups of people and allocating responsibilities accordingly;
Teaching, instructing and consulting various people and organizations on complex issues and theories;
Using complex pieces of equipment for data input and analysis;
Impacting political environments to produce changes.
Career Choices
Author or technical writer
Biologist
Chemist
Cloth technologist
Crime laboratory analyst
Document restorer
Environmental analyst
Food and drug inspector
Horticulturist
Hydrologist
Industrial hygienist
Laboratory assistant
Medical librarian
Medical technologist
Museum technician
Neuroscientist
Paleontological helper
Patent examiner
Pest controller
Pharmacist
Physician
Professor or teacher
Public health educator
Range manager
Scientific photographer
Veterinarian
Zoologist
Work settings include:
Agricultural organizations
Botanical parks, gardens and nurseries
Cattle ranches
Federal, state and local regulatory or public agencies
Health agencies
Food production corporations
Hospitals and clinical laboratories
Industrial and/or research firms
Pharmaceutical companies
Private industry
Rehabilitation and training centers for the mentally and physically disabled
Scientific publishing
Seed supplier
Strip-mining companies
Textile manufacturer
Universities and primary or secondary schools
U.S. Patent Office and Department of Commerce
Wood and paper producers
Zoos, aquariums, and museums
Salary Information
Salaries can vary greatly among different occupations, geographic areas, and organizations and companies. According to the Fall 2008 NACE national salary survey for bachelor's degree candidates the average salary
for biological science graduates is $35,522; for chemistry graduates is #43,951; and for environmental science graduates is $38,838. The complete Fall 2008 NACE national salary survey is located in Career
Services, 259 Capen Hall.
Career Hints
To conduct research, a Ph.D. degree is needed. Students interested in graduate study should check the availability of teaching assistantships and research fellowships to pay expenses. A bachelor's degree prepares
one for such positions as laboratory assistant, technician, or inspector, but openings at this level tend to be competitive, and it is wise to seek out opportunities for honing one's skills in technical writing, data
processing, biometrics (statistics), and laboratory techniques.
Practical applications in biology include agriculture, forestry, medicine and various health-related fields; however, more specialized or advanced education may be necessary for these occupations. Students who
wish to pursue biology or medicine in graduate training or as a career may engage in research projects with faculty members or seek out volunteer opportunities within health care facilities.
What percentage of graduates goes on to find related employment?
30%
What percentage of graduates goes on to graduate school?