Planning a future with a biology degree?

I'm interested in pursuing a biology degree in college, but I'm worried I might not know what to do with it after graduation. What are some career paths or further studies that I can consider with a biology degree?

With a biology degree, several paths are open to you in both the public and private sectors. There are a range of career options you can consider directly after obtaining your undergraduate degree, or possibly with further study.

Research is a key field for biology graduates. This could be within academia, where you could potentially progress to a PhD and work on cutting-edge research projects. Alternatively, you could consider research roles within healthcare or pharmaceutical industries. You'd be helping to develop new treatments and innovations in medical science.

Healthcare is another sector where biology graduates can excel. Beyond being a doctor, which would require further study in medical school, you could also become a clinical biochemist or a microbiologist. These professions interpret and present clinical data to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patients or work on identifying and classifying microorganisms.

Environmental biology can lead you to roles such as environmental consultant, marine biologist, or conservation biologist. These roles involve assessing the impact of industry or development on the environment, studying and protecting aquatic life, or working to conserve animal species and their habitats respectively.

For those leaning towards application-based roles, a degree in biology can also lead to careers in biotechnology. You might help develop and manufacture pharmaceuticals or industrial products, often through biochemical processes.

Fisheries and farming agencies also hire biologists to assist with improving the quality and safety of our food. Genetic counseling, a rapidly expanding field, may also be an attractive option if you are interested in applying your biology knowledge to help patients understand and adapt to genetic disorders in their families.

If you enjoy to communicate and educate, you could also consider becoming a science teacher, or work in science communication to improve understanding of biological issues in the public.

A biology degree is broad and flexible, giving you a wide scope of options. It's wise to try to align your academic studies with possible career interests. Perhaps consider joining related extracurriculars, seeking internships, or conducting undergraduate research in your areas of interest. This could not only strengthen your college applications but also give you a better sense of what paths you might want to pursue after graduation.