What can I do with a major in Biology?

Biologists study living organisms and the relationship of animals and plants to their environment. They use knowledge provided by research to develop new medicines, increase crop yields and improve the environment. Biology includes the study of how organisms are structured as well as how they function and relate to each other. Among the major branches of biology are human anatomy and physiology, botany, microbiology, zoology, and ecology.

Related occupations:

Biochemist

Biologist

Botanist

Chiropractor

Coroner

Dentist

Dental Assistant

Dental Hygienist

Dietitian

Ecologist

Educator

EEG Technician

Florist

Food Technologist

Forester

Geneticist

Horticulturist

Licensed Practical Nurse

Medical Illustrator

Medical Lab Technician

Medical Librarian

Microbiologist

Mortician

Mycologist

Nutritionist

Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist Assistant

Paramedic

Parasitologist

Pathologist

Physical Therapist

Physical Therapy Asst.

Physician

Physiologist

Public Health Director

Research Assistant

Registered Nurse

Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapy Technician

Taxonomist

Veterinarian

Zoologist

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Possible employers of Biology majors:

Aquariums

Agricultural Chemical Companies

Arboretums

Biological Book/Journal Publishers

Biological Testing Laboratories

Colleges/Universities

Consulting Engineering Firms

Cosmetic Companies

State/Federal Government

Hospitals

Medical Corporations

Medical Supply Companies

Mining Companies

National and State Parks

Nurseries

Petroleum Manufacturers

Pharmaceutical Companies

Research Firms

Technical Journals

Technical/Medical Libraries

Utility Companies

Zoos

Skills important for Biology majors:

  • Thorough knowledge of biological theories and practices

  • Detail-oriented

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills

  • Skilled in operating scientific equipment

Personal attributes important for Biology majors:

  • Precise, creative, spirit of scientific inquiry, patience, strong interest in living organisms, diligence, endurance

  • Interest in challenges

  • Achievement oriented

  • Desire to help mankind

  • Desire intellectual growth

Related activities useful for Biology majors:

  • Do an internship. 

  • Attend science exhibitions, county and state fairs

  • Join an environmental-concerns group, humane society, or community social group

  • Take nature walks, go bird watching

  • Collect leaves, butterflies, etc.

  • Go hiking, fishing, trapping, or camping

Internet Web Resources:

Professional Associations:

  • American Institute of Biological Sciences

  • American Society for Microbiology

  • National Academy of Sciences


This information was adapted from:

FORT LEWIS COLLEGE      1000 RIM DRIVE DURANGO, COLORADO 81301      (877)FLC-COLO(TOLL FREE)      ADMISSION@FORTLEWIS.EDU