What Can You Do with a Biology Degree?


You can get many opportunities if you decide to get a degree in biology.

Biology, like other life sciences, is a broad area for research and continuous practice.

Consequently, leading universities and large pharmaceutical companies provide opportunities for education and employment.

Biology is an exciting field that covers important and complex areas such as ecology, chemistry, anatomy, and genetics.

It is not a secret that scientific and medical innovations promote new interesting trends in biology.

Therefore, you will be dealing with the problems that affect the lives of people, plants and animals all over the world.

A degree in biology will open the door to academic laboratory research in zoology, pharmaceuticals and other.

If you wish to pursue a career in medicine, the degree will also be your first step in education.

If you want to know more, continue on.

The first thing to start with is accreditation.

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What Kind of Accreditation Should My Degree Program Have?

To be sure that future employers will be interested in your degree, it is important to know that your school has the appropriate accreditation.

For any higher education discipline, particularly for Biology, accreditation is crucial when choosing an institution.

The college or university is eligible for financial support if the Department of Education has recognized an association that provided the accreditation.

First of all, accreditation shows that an educational institution adheres to the standards.

Secondly, the program is relevant and continues to expand in its field.

There are institutional and programmatic accreditation processes.

One is required for schools, the other for a specific discipline and degree program.

Regional Accrediting Agencies

Regional and national accreditation agencies can provide institutional accreditation.

In short, regional accreditation agencies enhance reputation and credibility.

When studying the conditions of colleges and universities, it is advisable to obtain a “stamp of approval” from one of these accreditation agencies depending on the region:

  • The Higher Learning Commission
  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • New England Association of Schools and Colleges
  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges

National Accrediting Agencies

As regards national accreditation agencies, the situation is different.

Sometimes, an accreditation agency that specializes in a specific program is important.

Some employers require you to obtain a degree in a specific program from a national accreditation course.

A bachelor’s degree offers a variety of career opportunities.

Your chosen school must have at least regional accreditation status from one of the accreditation committees listed above

So, you don’t even have to have a stamp of the national accreditor’s approval.

If the regional association recognizes your program, the degree that you receive will be trustworthy for both admissions officers, and potential employers to determine accreditation status.

You simply need to contact the chosen school.

Chiefly, the database of the Department of Education contains all accredited companies within its competence.

If you know about accreditation, you can consider several options for obtaining a degree.


What Kinds of Biology Degrees Are There?

Associate Degree in Biology

It is allowable to obtain a junior specialist degree to enter the subject.

Usually, for this 60-credit degree, you should study 2 years.

After that, you will have a basic knowledge of human, animal and plant biology as well as ecology and organic chemistry.

In addition, an associate degree is an opportunity to gain a profession as a laboratory technician or health care worker.

If you value nature and want to work in the sector of forestry, or love animals, and are interested in veterinary science, you will also find general biological courses useful.

What Courses Will You Take?

  • Introduction to Biology
  • Genetics
  • Cells and Membranes
  • Organic Molecules
  • Human Biology
  • Respirations

Bachelor’s Degree in Biology

As a matter of fact, most professions in biology require a bachelor’s degree.

You will have access to simple research in the field of human anatomy of reproduction of living organisms, ecology and taxonomy of animals and plants.

Moreover, you will learn more about the functioning of the body system, how psychology and neurology are related and the complex moral issues associated with biogenetics.

A bachelor’s degree in biology is likely to come in handy for you in areas related to the study of living organisms, such as farming, zoology, genetics, and others.

If you have a medical degree, you will also be able to provide medical care to people or animals.

In addition to your Bachelor of Biology degree, you will also need a Pedagogical State Diploma to teach biology.

The best students in biology have the opportunity for research.

And if you want to make biology your life’s work, you’ll probably have to continue your studies at a higher education institution.

What Courses Will You Take?

  • Bioinformatics
  • Biostatistics
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Plant Biology
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Anatomy

What’s the Difference Between a BA and a BS in Biology?

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) level in biology gives general concepts of the field along with basic liberal education.

Such a degree in biology is an ideal solution for areas related to environmental health or agricultural management.

A bachelor’s degree in biological sciences(BS) implies detailed laboratory work and mathematical calculations.

It is suitable for promotion in the medical profession or scientific activity.

Master in Biology

If you want to study biology on a real level, you will need a master’s degree.

It will allow you to work in the lab and do research.

Compared to a bachelor’s degree, which provides you with theoretical and practical work, a master’s degree gives you the opportunity to conduct important research in your field of interest.

It is also an opportunity to study in detail the physiology of animals in organic chemistry ecology and other necessary subjects.

Specifically, it is possible to develop an interest in human neuroscience genetics to or the habits of animals in water and on earth.

In addition to medical research, you will also be able to discuss environmental policy issues in pharmacy science, research, and development related to your specialization.

What Courses Will You Take?

  • Organic Evolution
  • Microbial Diversity
  • Issues in Bioethics
  • Principles of Immunology
  • Plant Pathology
  • Ecological Anthropology
  • Virology
  • Cancer Biology

Ph.D. in Biology

If you are really interested in biology you should be willing to spend at least two years to become a Ph.D.

Typically, you can achieve this after 4 years of bachelor’s and 2 years of master’s degree.

So, you will complete 6 to 8 years of training in order to be able to do complex research and possibly make progress in the field.

Your Ph.D. degree completely educates you so that you can make your contribution to biology or discover something unique.

Your opinion will also be authoritative enough to publish scientific discoveries in the field of genetic innovation or new alarming facts threatening the ecological balance of the planet, and not only.

Finally, doctoral studies in biology are required for those who plan to become professors at the university level.

What Courses Will You Take?

  • Prokaryotic Gene Structure
  • Molecular Evolution
  • Biometry
  • Neurobiology
  • Bacteriology
  • Dissertation

What Kind of Licensing or Certification Do You Need?

In the U.S., all medical professionals involved in clinical work have to pass licensing.

The licensing system is based on knowledge and quality of work.

The examinee gets situational tasks using different models; the written exam consists of tests.

The U.S. recognizes only accredited medical school programs that allow graduates to obtain a medical doctoral degree as one of the qualifications for medical licensing.

Currently, there are three large, non-profit professional medical communities in the United States that unite medics of various specialties, which officially certify doctors:

  • The American Board of Medical Specialties. Almost 85% of all U.S. physicians have a certificate from one of the 20 departments of the ABMS;
  • American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists (AOABOS);
  • American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS).

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What Can You Do With This Degree?

Each biological degree provides new career opportunities.

Biology is constantly evolving as a science and relevant to all who are interested in medical or scientific research.

Here is a list of the best jobs in your field:

  • Doctor
  • Pharmacist
  • Physical Therapy
  • Clinical Laboratory Technician
  • Paramedic
  • Physician Assistant
  • Dietician
  • Biologist

How Much Can You Make With This Degree?

The better education you get the more salary you can expect from your future job.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019 employers offer the following basic wages for the best jobs in your field:

  • Paramedic— Mean annual wage of $34,320
  • Clinical Laboratory Technician— Mean annual wage of $52,330
  • Dietician — Mean annual wage of $60,370
  • Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist — Mean annual wage of $63,420
  • Environmental Scientist — Mean annual wage of $71,130
  • Physical Therapy— Mean annual wage of $88,880
  • Physician Assistant — Mean annual wage of $108,610
  • Pharmacist /— Mean annual wage of $126,120
  • Doctor —Mean annual wage of $208,000

What Professional Associations or Societies Should You Join?

The best way to establish new connections in your field is to join a professional association.

Here you can also learn about useful seminars or contests and improve your personal knowledge.

Obviously, your chosen career path will determine which associations you decide to join.

Find out about biology associations that match your professional direction.

American Institute of Biological Sciences

AIBS was founded in 1947 as part of the National Academy of Sciences.

It currently has more than 5,000 members.

About 200 communities and professional organizations with more than 250,000 members are related to AIBS.

Interestingly, they publish scientific journal bioscience and manage the educational site.

National Association of Biology Teachers

NABT exists from 1938.

Since then, it has been striving to improve the biological literacy of the population and to foster interaction between teachers, students, and sources.

The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Since its foundation in 1906, ASBMB has grown significantly.

There are more than 12,000 professional biologists.

Currently, it is one of the most respected organizations in the world.

Summary

Now you have a more particular vision of your biology career.

Choose your own path and start applying your talents in work.

The degree in biology allows you to choose one or more interesting directions.

It’s a great opportunity to realize your research potential and make an impact on the environment.


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