What Can I Do With a Biology Degree?
Wondering what can I do with a biology degree? Explore career paths, salaries, graduate options, and opportunities in this complete step-by-step guide.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, what can I do with a biology degree?, you’re not alone. Biology is one of the most versatile majors, offering graduates opportunities in healthcare, research, education, and even finance or law. The problem is that many students assume the degree only leads to becoming a doctor or a lab researcher, which isn’t true. Biology builds transferable skills in analysis, problem-solving, and communication that employers value across industries. In this guide, you’ll discover career paths, advanced degree opportunities, salaries, and job outlooks, so you can confidently plan your future. Whether you want to pursue biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, or higher education, a biology degree is a strong foundation for success.
Exploring Career Paths in Biology
Picture this: you’ve just graduated with your biology degree, diploma in hand, but you’re unsure of what career path to pursue. This is a common problem because biology doesn’t point you to one single job. Instead, it opens doors to a wide range of industries. Healthcare is the most obvious, with roles like physician assistant, lab technician, or pharmacist. Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals also offer cutting-edge jobs where biology graduates contribute to drug development and genetics research. But what if you don’t want to work in a lab? Biology majors can transition into fields like science communication, environmental consulting, and even business development roles in healthcare companies.
FAQ: Do I need graduate school to get a good job with a biology degree? Not always. Entry-level roles exist in labs, biotech, and government agencies, though advanced degrees can unlock higher salaries and leadership positions.
| Industry | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | $60,000–$120,000 |
| Biotechnology | $55,000–$95,000 |
| Environmental Science | $50,000–$85,000 |
| Education | $45,000–$70,000 |
Tip: If you’re unsure about your path, apply for internships in different industries during college. This helps you test careers before committing.
Graduate School and Advanced Studies
Imagine realizing halfway through your senior year that your dream career—say, becoming a veterinarian—requires graduate training. This is where planning matters. Many biology-related careers require further study. Medical school, dental school, and veterinary programs are obvious options, but graduate degrees in genetics, ecology, or neuroscience can lead to research or academic positions. Professional degrees such as law (specializing in intellectual property or environmental law) or business (MBA in healthcare management) are also accessible with a biology background. The challenge is deciding whether the time and financial investment are worth it.
FAQ: Is medical school the only advanced option for biology majors? No. Graduate programs in biotech, public health, and data science are popular alternatives that also offer high earning potential.
Graduate education can also be strategic. Many Massachusetts-based programs, for example, partner with biotech companies, providing internships and job placement opportunities right after graduation. Keep in mind, advanced degrees often lead to significantly higher salaries compared to bachelor’s-only careers.
Warning: Graduate school can be expensive and time-intensive. Always weigh potential salaries and job satisfaction before committing.
Salary Expectations and Job Outlook
Suppose you’ve just landed your first job after college. You’re excited, but when the first paycheck comes, you start wondering if your degree is truly paying off. Biology salaries vary widely depending on industry and education level. Entry-level lab technicians may earn around $45,000 annually, while physician assistants and biotech managers can surpass $100,000. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong growth in healthcare and biotech roles, fueled by an aging population and advances in genetics. On the other hand, some fields like academic research are highly competitive with limited funding.
FAQ: What’s the highest-paying job I can get with a biology degree?
Specialized healthcare roles like physician assistant or pharmacist often top the list, but biotech and pharmaceutical leadership roles are also lucrative.
Salaries also depend on geography. For example, cities like Boston, San Diego, and San Francisco offer higher pay thanks to their biotech hubs but also come with higher living costs. Meanwhile, environmental science roles may not pay as much but provide meaningful work and field opportunities.
Tip: Consider combining biology with a minor in computer science, statistics, or business. This makes you more competitive in bioinformatics, data science, and biotech management, all of which command higher salaries.
Nontraditional and Emerging Opportunities
Think about this scenario: you loved biology but realized during college that lab work isn’t your passion. What’s next? Fortunately, biology degrees translate well into nontraditional careers. Science writing and journalism allow you to explain complex topics to the public. Policy roles let you influence decisions on climate change, healthcare, or biotech regulations. Sales and marketing in pharmaceuticals or medical devices pay competitively and leverage your science knowledge without being behind a microscope. Emerging areas like bioinformatics and computational biology are exploding thanks to advances in artificial intelligence and big data.
FAQ: Can I switch out of science completely with a biology degree? Yes. Many biology graduates work in law, finance, education policy, or public administration, using analytical and problem-solving skills developed in their studies.
Biology graduates also have opportunities in environmental entrepreneurship, sustainable agriculture, and biotech startups. The key is recognizing that your degree gave you transferable skills—critical thinking, communication, and adaptability—that apply across industries.
Warning: If you pursue a nontraditional path, be ready to explain how your biology background adds value in industries like business or media. Employers may not make the connection unless you do.
So, what can I do with a biology degree? The answer is: far more than you think. Whether you go into healthcare, research, biotech, education, or an entirely new field like policy or business, your biology background provides a strong foundation. The degree prepares you not just for jobs but for lifelong adaptability in a world where science and technology evolve rapidly. If you plan strategically—considering graduate school, career goals, and salary expectations—you’ll be well-positioned for success.
FAQ: What’s the smartest step to take before graduating with a biology degree? Seek internships, research opportunities, or shadowing experiences. They not only strengthen your resume but also clarify which path feels right for you.