Biology Majors; Potential Careers, and Salaries

Did you know that biology (sometimes called life sciences) is #5 among the 12 most popular college majors today? Like other STEM fields, biology degrees have hit new highs, doubling since 2000. What types of undergraduate degrees can you pursue in this specialty?

• Biology.
• Molecular biology.
• Microbiology.
• Biochemistry.
  

In this article, we’ll define the study of biology, review the broad range of careers you can pursue with an undergraduate degree in biology, and where you can go beyond your bachelor’s degree. Plus, we’ll look at college prep courses designed to give high school students a jumpstart on a future career.

What is the study of biology?

According to Britannica, biology is the study of living things and their vital processes. The field deals with all the physicochemical aspects of life. Biology is often part of cross-disciplinary research. The union of scientific knowledge and investigation from different fields has made biology an essential part of other scientific disciplines. For instance, modern principles of fields such as chemistry, medicine, and physics are integrated with those of biology. This has resulted in specialties such as biochemistry, biomedicine, and biophysics.

And it doesn’t end there. Biology has found its way into whole new areas. Bioclimatologists look at how climate affects plants, animals and humans. Cyber biologists study the effects of low temperatures on life. And, bioinformaticians use computer skills to solve problems in medicine. Another popular field is immunobiology, where biologists study the immune system and genomics. 

The list is endless, but the deeper you delve into the various specialties, the more your degree requirements increase. 

Let’s start by looking at some of the most popular jobs in biology.

10 jobs to consider with a degree in biology

1. Microbiologist: Median annual salary is $58,236. They investigate the structure, growth, and development of microscopic organisms like bacteria, algae, or fungi. They assist in the study of the intersection of organisms and disease, and the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms. 
2. Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist: With an average median salary of $68,515, they study animals and wildlife and how they interact with their environment. They carry out research activities and experiments either in a laboratory or on the field. Many, for instance, need to travel and observe their subjects in their natural habitats.
3. Biologist: Earn a median annual salary of $60,942 and conduct research studies on plant and animal life. This can include origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions. Biologists work in healthcare, research, education, pharmaceuticals, and conservation, to name a few.
4. Molecular and Cellular Biologist: Median annual salary is $65,216. They conduct research and study cellular molecules and organelles to better understand cell function and organization. These scientists work in government laboratories and healthcare research centers at universities.
5. Marine Biologist: Median annual salary is $53,950. They explore and assess saltwater animal and plant life to study the ocean itself. They also study changes in organisms and marine ecosystems, which include diseases and environmental conditions that impact their habitat. 
6. Food Science Technician: Median annual salary is $70,455. They conduct qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food and beverage products. They assist in research and development of quality control around packaging, processing, and use of foods. 
7. Biological Technician: Median annual salary is $42,009. They assist biological and medical scientists in setting up operations, maintaining laboratory equipment, monitoring experiments, and collecting data and samples. They also calculate and record results. Many do field work outdoors.
8. Forensic Science Technician: Median annual salary is $49,328. They collect and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. This can include performing tests on weapons or substances, like hair and tissue. They may also testify as expert witnesses. Specialties include ballistics, fingerprinting, and biochemistry. 
9. High School Biology Teacher: Median annual salary is $35,304. They investigate the structure, growth, and development of microscopic organisms like bacteria, algae, or fungi. They assist in the study of the intersection of organisms and disease, and the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms. 
10. Biochemist and Biophysicist: Median annual salary is $101,841. They prepare students for college with a major in biology or related science fields. They lecture and conduct experiments in classrooms and laboratories.. 

By pursuing higher degrees, you can leverage your biology undergraduate degree to become a physician, nurse, veterinarian, engineer, or senior scientist. An advanced degree in biology will also make you eligible to teach biology at a university, and become a researcher at a leading pharmaceutical or biotech firm. The options are endless.

In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there will be nearly 114,000 new jobs in the life, physical, and social sciences between 2020 and 2030. For budding biologists, this represents a high-growth opportunity with lots of diverse career options.

If you are currently a high school student with a passion for the sciences, biology is the best place to start. Prelim, Powered by Kaplan, can help.

High school is the time to test our your passion for biology

At Prelum, we partner with leading universities who offer college prep courses online. These offerings include advanced STEM classes for pre-college preparation, often including courses in biology. A few examples:

Georgetown University’s Pre-College Online STEM courses for high school students are a great way to explore your passion for these exciting subjects.. The program offers courses in anatomy & physiology, biology, psychology, and more. In Biology: The Science of Cells and Innovation, you will understand how cells organize and relay knowledge. You’ll learn how scientists use the tools of microscopy to advance their knowledge, and deepen your understanding of gene expression, cell signaling, and division. 

Another partner school with engaging college prep courses is the University of Notre Dame. Their online course, Biology: The Impact of Genetic Mutations invites you to explore how evolution and natural selection drive biological change. You’ll learn how genetic mutation occurs in cancer, how energy is transformed in living systems, and the difference between metastatic and non-metastatic cancer cells.

And for those curious about where an interest in STEM and biology can take you, we recommend the University of Rochester. Their STEM enrichment programs include a course entitled Biomedical Engineering: Solving the Body’s Challenges with Technology. Study artificial limbs, implantable devices, and new screening devices. You’ll explore the marriage of engineering, biology, and medicine, and most importantly, you’ll review all the potential careers associated with this tech-forward subject.

Remember, whatever path you take, the advantages of a degree in biology is that you’ll always have options to take it to the next level, whatever medical or scientific field you choose. 

Let Prelum help you start your journey.