I'm so confused..if I'm working towards a major in biology..what kind of career options are available to me?

Question

I know I've asked a similar question before..but I'm still at unease with actually deciding what it is that I want to do. So, I'm asking alllll biology majors (BS or masters in bio) to state what it is that they're doing and maybe write a little description of it. I greatly appreciate it!!

Answer 1

Career Opportunities in Biology

This section includes brief descriptions of a few selected careers in biology and medicine, and how they relate to the Biology major at Muhlenberg. We have included some suggested courses for each career goal to help you think about how to organize your curriculum around your goals.

Biomedical research :: Cancer research :: Cell/Molecular biology :: Genetics :: Developmental biology
There are currently abundant opportunities in academic institutions, medical schools, the government, and pharmaceutical industry for individuals with training in modern biotechnology. You can work in these settings with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree as a technician, or as a scientist with a Ph.D. Many students may work for one or two years following graduation in one of these settings with only their B.S. from Muhlenberg. A lifetime career in one of these areas generally requires a Ph.D., although there now exist some specialized M.S. programs that are designed to prepare students for a technical career in the biotechnology industry. Currently, individuals with an M.D. are working in these areas, but this is likely to decrease in the future, given changes in the American medical establishment. If you are interested in working in one of these areas, even for a relatively short period of time, you should plan to take: Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology. You should also take two years of Chemistry, a year of Physics, Calculus, and perhaps Physical Chemistry, particularly if you are interested in a biochemically-oriented position (e.g., working in a pharmaceutical setting). Laboratory research experience is generally required for admission to graduate programs.

Neuroscience
The expectations for graduate study and a career in Neuroscience are similar to the above section, with additional emphasis on Psychology. Students interested in a career in Neuroscience should take the usual two years of Chemistry, and one year each of Physics and Calculus. Upper level Biology courses that you should take include: Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Comparative Anatomy, Development Biology, General Physiology, Molecular Biology, Neurobiology, Advanced Topics in Neuroscience, and Transmission Electron Microscopy. Courses in other Departments include: Mind and Brain, Introductory Psychology, Cognitive Processes, Biological Psychology, Sensation and Perception, and Philosophy of Mind. Once again, laboratory research experience is an expectation of graduate programs in this area.

Ecology :: Evolutionary biology
Students interested in careers as a professional ecologist or evolutionary biologist should prepare for graduate school. Individuals work in these fields with Bachelors’, Masters’, and Ph.D. degrees. If you are interested in a career in these areas you should take Ecology, Evolution, Field Botany and Plant Ecology, and Genetics. You will also need to take Statistics, and a year of Physics, Calculus, and Chemistry. Significant field research experience is also a must. You may also want to enroll in Botany, Comparative Anatomy, Ethology, General Physiology, Molecular Biology, Ornithology, Physiological Ecology, Plant Evolutionary Biology, Zoology, the special field experience trips to Costa Rica and/or Bermuda, and Advanced Statistics.

Applied ecology :: Environmental management :: Forestry
Students majoring in Biology may seek employment or graduate education in applied ecology and related fields. If you are interested in one of these areas plan on taking Ecology, Field Botany and Plant Ecology, Genetics, and Conservation and Restoration Ecology (to be added to the curriculum soon). You should also enroll in Statistics, Microeconomics, and complete a year of Physics, Calculus, and Chemistry. Other courses you should consider are: Botany, Ethology, General Physiology, Physiological Ecology, Plant Evolutionary Biology, Ornithology, Invertebrate Zoology, the special field experiences in Costa Rica and Maine, and Advanced Statistics. Significant field research experience is of paramount importance.

Peace corps
Biology students may wish to apply their science background and obtain real world experience by volunteering for the Peace Corps en route to various careers. Recent Muhlenberg Biology Graduates are working on forestry in Honduras, fisheries in Zambia, and on environmental education in South East Asia. A number of graduate programs are linked to the Peace Corps. The application process should begin early in the fall of your senior year. For more information contact one of the Peace Corps Liaisons: Dr. Lisa Perfetti in Foreign Languages or Dr. Niesenbaum.

Clinical medicine : Dentistry :: Podiatry :: Optometry :: Veterinary medicine
If you plan to apply to a health professional school, you should follow the curriculum recommended by the Health Professions office. Consult with that office as soon as possible, preferably by your Sophomore year. Most medical schools require one year of English, two years of Chemistry, one year of Biology, one year of Physics, and at least one semester of Calculus. Some programs require a semester of Biochemistry and/or a semester of Psychology. Students who are interested in Optometry school are encouraged, and in some cases may be required, to take Calculus, Statistics and Microbiology. Within the Biology major, we strongly recommend that students interested in medical school enroll in Biochemistry, Genetics, and General Physiology before the end of the junior year. Taking these courses will help you prepare for the MCAT or other standardized test. Other courses that might help you once you enroll in your chosen professional school include: Cell Biology, Comparative Anatomy, Developmental Biology, Histology, Immunology, Microbiology, Neurobiology, and Molecular Biology.

Genetic counseling
Genetic Counselors provide counseling on matters relating to genetics and health to individuals in a clinical setting. A career in this field generally requires a graduate degree (usually a Master’s) from an accredited institution. These programs generally require course work in: Biochemistry, Genetics, and Molecular Biology. Course work in Statistics and Psychology is also frequently required. Biology Majors interested in careers as Genetic Counselors should also consider taking Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, and General Physiology. Laboratory research experience is a significant asset.

Physician’s assistant
In recent years there has been some interest in careers as Physician’s Assistants from Biology Majors. Most physician assistant programs require applicants to have previous health care experience and some college education. The typical applicant has a bachelor's degree and over 4 years of health care experience. Nurses, EMTs, and paramedics frequently apply to PA programs. This career is not for those who could not obtain admission to medical school. In addition to the standard two years of Chemistry students interested in careers as a PA should take: Biochemistry, Comparative Anatomy, Developmental Biology, Genetics, and General Physiology. Many PA programs may also require Human Anatomy and Physiology, however this course is not part of the Biology major. Some programs expect Molecular Biology, Microbiology and/or a year of Physics. Students should be aware that most programs require significant health-related practical experience. Consult with the Health Professions Office for more information, as soon as possible.

Physical therapy
Some Biology Majors may be interested in pursuing careers in Physical Therapy. The minimum educational requirement is a 4-year college degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited program. Muhlenberg College, like most liberal arts colleges, does not have a PT program. However, many programs now offer a Master's Degree in PT and after 2002, graduate degrees will be required to work in the field. Most PT programs require Human Anatomy and Physiology, however this course is not part of the Biology major. Most also require course work in Psychology, Chemistry, Physics and Statistics. Biology majors interested in Physical Therapy should consider taking Biochemistry, Comparative Anatomy and General Physiology. Significant preparation outside of course work, such as performing internships, is also expected. Consult with the Health Professions Office, as soon as possible.

Answer 2

i majored in molecular cell biology. then i got a master's degree in public health. now i work as an epidemiologist. i am currently applying to medical school.

and to the git who said it's easier to get into med school as a bio major, you don't know s*** what you're talking about. this is NOT easy!!!

Answer 3

I'm a zoology major, but i have friends who are biology majors and they're working towards careers in medicine mostly...like doctors, veterinarians, working in laboratories...i think you can do almost anything with a biology degree.

Answer 4

Not a bio major myself, but from what I've heard, someone with a bio masters can get into med school more easily than a pre-med.

Answer 5

Not really anything except teaching or law school, but then you can do that with any major