BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES - What can I do with this degree?
AREAS
BIOTECHNOLOGY
Research and Development Laboratory Testing Education
GENETICS
Research and Development related to: Animals Plants Humans
Genetic Counseling Education
MICROBIOLOGY
Research and Development Education Quality Control
EMPLOYERS
Colleges and universities Pharmaceutical companies Agricultural industry including fertilizer
manufacturers and animal and plant breeding and production Federal and state government laboratories and agencies Industry, particularly biotechnology firms
Colleges and universities Pharmaceutical companies Large producers of seed, livestock, and poultry Government laboratories such as:
Department of Agriculture Fish and Wildlife Service National Institutes of Health
Biotechnology industry Hospitals and medical centers
Colleges and universities Private research foundations Government research laboratories and service
agencies Hospitals and public health facilities Agricultural experiment stations Food, chemical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic
companies
Industry including wood products, paper, textiles, optical equipment, leather, and electrical equipment
Environmental and pollution control agencies
STRATEGIES
Become proficient using laboratory equipment and computers.
Acquire a Ph.D. for college and university teaching and advanced positions in research, development, and management.
Take additional courses in chemistry, physics, mathematics.
Complete an undergraduate laboratory research project with a professor.
Acquire a broad background in sciences, mathematics, and computer technology. Obtain a Ph.D. for teaching and advanced positions in research and management. Earn a master's degree from an accredited program for genetic counseling. Complete an undergraduate research project with a professor. Find a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest.
Obtain a Ph.D. for teaching and advanced research and management positions. Develop additional competencies in chemistry, mathematics, and physics. Take courses related to your field of interest or consider an advanced degree to specialize. Find a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest. Complete an undergraduate research project with a professor. Develop strong skills using laboratory equipment and computers.
BOTANY
Education Research and Development Conservation Production Quality Control Administration
SYSTEMATIC BIOLOGY
Education Research and Development Taxonomy Conservation Consulting Administration
ENTOMOLOGY
Education Research and Development Toxicology Conservation Quality Control
EMPLOYERS
Colleges and universities Medical and private research laboratories Pharmaceutical industry Industries and laboratories involved in production
of food, textiles, chemical, and forestry products State and federal government, especially the
Departments of Agriculture, Interior, and Health Botanical gardens and arboretums National and international environmental
organizations
Colleges, universities, and agricultural colleges Federal agencies including Departments of
Agriculture and Interior State and local agencies Private research foundations Museums Botanical gardens and arboretums Zoos and aquariums Public health laboratories Hospitals National and international environmental
organizations
Colleges and universities, especially colleges of agriculture and veterinary medicine Industry including food producers and processors,
chemicals for insect control, and lumber and pulp Chemical companies Pest control companies Federal and state government Health agencies Agricultural experiment stations Inspection agencies and control boards Conservation agencies
STRATEGIES
Conduct undergraduate research with professors. Join related professional organizations. Take courses in this specialized area or consider an
advanced degree for more opportunities. Take courses in organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics. Obtain a Ph.D. for teaching and advanced positions in research and management. Complete a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest.
Earn a Ph.D. for college and university teaching and
advanced research and management positions. Develop excellent laboratory and computer skills. Get involved with undergraduate research with
professors. Join related professional organizations. Complete a related internship with an organization in
the area of your interest.
Acquire a Ph.D. for college and university teaching and advanced research and management positions.
Conduct undergraduate research with professors. Join related professional organizations. Take courses in this specialized area or consider an
advanced degree for more opportunities. Complete a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest.
MARINE AND AQUATIC BIOLOGY
Research and Development Education Administration Production Quality Control Conservation
ZOOLOGY
Animal Care/Training Research and Development Conservation Administration Education
BIOMEDICAL
Physiology Biophysics Biochemistry Pharmacology Immunology Pathology Research and Development Education Quality Control
EMPLOYERS
Federal, state, and local government Inspection organizations Private recreation organizations Research laboratories Colleges and universities Zoos and aquariums Fish hatcheries National and international environmental agencies
Wildlife preserves and parks
Zoos, aquariums, and other collections of animals
Museums
Research organizations
Pharmaceutical, chemical, and agricultural service industries
Federal, state, and local government
Colleges and universities
Veterinary hospitals
Clinics and hospitals
Colleges and universities
Professional schools including colleges of pharmacy, dentistry, medicine, veterinary medicine, and agriculture
Clinics and hospitals
Private research foundations
Pharmaceutical companies
Federal laboratories and regulatory agencies
Independent testing laboratories
Public health departments
Agricultural experiment stations
Industrial laboratories including chemical, petroleum, food processing, drug, and cosmetic manufacturers
STRATEGIES
Develop a good foundation in mathematics, physics, computer science, statistics, and chemistry.
Acquire a Ph.D. for college and university teaching and advanced research and management positions.
Obtain experience related to fishing and boating.
Complete a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest.
Take specialized courses in this area or consider an advanced degree for more opportunities.
Obtain experience working with animals and various related laboratory equipment.
Develop a broad background in biology and other related subjects such as chemistry, physics, mathematics, and statistics.
Obtain a Ph.D. for teaching and advanced research and management positions.
Complete a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest.
A zoological background is good preparation for a career in veterinary science or medicine, but an advanced degree is also required to practice.
Obtain a Ph.D. for college and university teaching and advanced research positions. Acquire a background in physics, organic and physical chemistry, mathematics, and anatomy.
Take courses in area(s) of specialization and/or consider an advanced degrees; some may require an M.D.
Complete a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest.
BIOINFORMATICS
Research and Development Education
EDUCATION
Teaching Non-classroom Education
HEALTHCARE
Medicine Dentistry Optometry Podiatry Chiropracty Pharmacy Veterinary Medicine Allied Health
Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy
TECHNICAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL SALES
EMPLOYERS
Biotechnology industry Pharmaceutical companies Government research laboratories Universities and colleges
Universities and colleges Medical and other professional schools Public and private schools, K-12 Museums Zoos Nature centers and parks
Hospitals Medical centers Nursing homes Private practice Government agencies Armed forces Home health organizations Universities and schools Nonprofit organizations
Manufacturing firms including: Pharmaceuticals Animal pharmaceuticals Laboratory equipment Medical supplies and prostheses
STRATEGIES
Double major or minor in computer science.
Acquire experience working in teams.
Develop in-depth programming and relational database skills. Learn molecular biology packages, web design, and programming skills. Complete an internship in your area of interest.
Certification is required for K-12 school teachers, and Ph.D. is needed in universities and colleges.
Gain experience working with students through tutoring, interning, or volunteering.
Learn to work well with all types of people.
Develop excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills.
Plan to attend a medical school or other related graduate program. Maintain an outstanding grade point average, particularly in the sciences.
Secure strong faculty recommendations.
Meet with a pre-health advisor periodically.
Join related student organizations. Demonstrate leadership abilities. Obtain a summer job, volunteer position, or an internship in a hospital. Develop a back up plan in case medical/graduate school admission is denied. Consider alternative but related careers such as physician assistant and nurse practitioner.
Develop excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Take courses in anatomy, pharmacology, and chemistry.
Obtain sales experience and/or a business minor.
Hold leadership positions in campus organizations.
Join the student American Marketing Association.
LEGISLATION/LAW
Lobbying Regulatory Affairs Science Policy Patent Law Environmental Law
BIOLOGICAL PHOTOGRAPHY
TECHNICAL WRITING
Writing
Editing
ILLUSTRATION
EMPLOYERS
Federal and state government Law firms Large corporations
Major medical, dental, and veterinary schools Research centers Federal government Museums Zoological and environmental societies Publishing houses Free-lance
Newspapers
Publishing companies including scientific magazines, professional journals, periodicals, textbooks, and online publishers
Medical and veterinary colleges
Publishing companies including scientific magazines, professional journals, periodicals, textbooks, and online publishers
Educational and scientific software companies Medical and veterinary colleges
STRATEGIES
Acquire internships in federal or state government.
Develop excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Acquire a Ph.D for advanced positions. Take courses in history, political science and/or legal studies.
Earn a J.D. degree to practice law.
Acquire thorough knowledge of photographic procedures and technology.
Become skilled with medical and scientific instruments including microscopes.
Take specific courses in biological, medical, and ophthalmic photography; courses in illustration and printing are also helpful.
Take advanced courses in technical writing or journalism classes or consider a minor in either. Develop strong writing skills and command of the English language. Obtain an advanced degree in scientific journalism.
Double major or minor in graphic illustration. Acquire word processing and desktop publishing skills. Find a part-time, summer, co-op or internship position with a publisher or newspaper.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- A Bachelor's degree will qualify one for work as a laboratory assistant, technician, technologist, or research assistant in education, industry, government, museums, parks, and gardens.
- An undergraduate degree can also be used for nontechnical work in writing, illustration, sales, photography, and legislation.
- Master's degrees allow for more opportunities in research and administration. Some community colleges will hire Master's level teachers.
- Doctoral degrees are necessary for advanced research and administrative positions, university teaching, and independent research.
- An advanced degree provides the opportunity to specialize under the different areas of the biological sciences.
- The biological sciences are good preparation for a career in healthcare such as medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science, but professional degrees and licenses are also necessary to practice in these fields.
- Learn laboratory procedures and become familiar with equipment.
- Obtain summer, part-time, volunteer, co-op, or internship experience to test the fields of interest and gain valuable experience.
- Develop strong computer, mathematics, and verbal and written communications skills.
- Join professional associations and community organizations to stay abreast of current issues in the field and to develop networking contacts.
- Read scientific journals related to your area of interest.
- Maintain a high grade point average to improve chances of graduate and professional school admission.
- Become familiar with the specific entrance exam for graduate or professional schools in your area of interest.
- Secure strong relationships and personal recommendations from professors and/or employers.
- Consider completing a post doctoral experience after graduate school.
- Learn federal, state, and local government job application process. The federal government is the largest employer of biologists.
- Gain experience with grant writing and fundraising techniques. Often research must be funded in this manner.
Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (1995, Revised 2000, 2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA Employer
