A biology degree can open the door to a wide range of careers in research, healthcare, education, environmental science, and beyond. Whether you're planning to go to graduate school or enter the workforce after your degree, this page can help you explore your options and learn what it takes to get there.
A biology degree prepares you for a wide range of careers—not only as a biologist but in many adjacent fields. Here are some popular career paths for biology graduates:
Biologist
Study living organisms and their interactions with the environment
Requires: Bachelor’s degree for many entry-level roles; graduate study for research or specialization
Physician / Healthcare Professional
Diagnose and treat patients
Requires: Medical school or health professional program (e.g., MD, DO, PA)
Pharmaceutical / Biotech Industry Professional
Develop drugs and diagnostics
Requires: Often a bachelor’s or master’s degree, depending on the role
Public Health Analyst
Investigate population health trends and policies
Requires: Master of Public Health (MPH) or on-the-job training
Science Teacher / Professor
Teach biology concepts at various levels
Requires: Teaching credential (for K–12) or PhD (for university)
Forensic Scientist
Analyze biological evidence in criminal cases
Requires: Specialized training, possibly a master’s degree
Conservation Scientist / Environmental Scientist
Protect ecosystems and manage natural resources
Requires: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field
Genetic Counselor
Help individuals understand genetic risks and options
Requires: Master’s in genetic counseling
Science Communicator / Writer
Translate complex scientific ideas for the public or media
Requires: Communication or journalism background helpful
Bioethicist / Policy Analyst
Evaluate ethical or policy issues in science and medicine
Requires: Graduate degree in ethics, law, public policy, or a related field
Biologists study living organisms and their relationship to the environment. They conduct research to understand how organisms grow, evolve, and interact with one another and their surroundings.
Biologists typically do the following:
Conduct experiments and analyze results to better understand biological systems
Observe and collect data on plants, animals, microorganisms, and ecosystems
Develop and test hypotheses using laboratory equipment and fieldwork techniques
Use specialized software for modeling biological processes or analyzing genetic data
Write scientific papers, technical reports, and grant proposals
Present research findings to colleagues, stakeholders, or the public
Apply their findings to solve real-world problems in health, agriculture, conservation, and biotechnology
Collaborate with scientists across disciplines, such as chemists, environmental scientists, or data analysts
Biologists often work in research—either basic or applied. Basic research seeks to expand scientific knowledge (e.g., studying genetic mutations), while applied research uses biology to develop solutions (e.g., developing disease-resistant crops).
Depending on their specialization, biologists may work in laboratories, offices, outdoor field settings, or all three. Biologists can also work in interdisciplinary fields such as environmental science, public health, and bioinformatics.
Biologists may work in interdisciplinary fields, such as environmental science or biotechnology. They may also specialize in a particular area of biology. The following are examples of types of biologists:
Molecular and Cellular Biologists
Study cells and molecules to understand functions such as cell signaling, DNA replication, and protein synthesis.
Microbiologists
Research microscopic organisms like bacteria, viruses, algae, and fungi, often in medical, environmental, or food contexts.
Marine Biologists
Study ocean ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them—from plankton to whales.
Ecologists
Investigate ecosystems, biodiversity, and how organisms interact with their environment.
Evolutionary Biologists
Study how species change over time and what genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors influence evolution.
Biotechnologists
Apply biological principles to develop new technologies and products in areas like medicine, agriculture, and energy.
Geneticists
Analyze genes and heredity, often to study genetic disorders or improve traits in organisms.
Wildlife Biologists / Zoologists
Observe animals in the wild or in controlled environments to learn about their behavior, populations, and habitats.
Immunologists
Research the immune system to help combat diseases and develop treatments or vaccines.
Bioinformaticians / Computational Biologists
Use coding, algorithms, and data analysis to make sense of complex biological information, especially in genomics.
Biologists typically need a bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related field, such as biochemistry, ecology, or molecular biology. Many roles—especially in research or academia—require a master’s degree or Ph.D.
Undergraduate programs usually include:
Core courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics
Lab courses and fieldwork experience
Electives in areas like genetics, evolution, or microbiology
Students interested in medicine or other clinical careers often follow a pre-med track, taking additional coursework in anatomy, physiology, and organic chemistry.
Graduate students often specialize in a subfield and conduct original research. Some biology-related roles also value interdisciplinary training, such as combining biology with computer science, public health, or statistics. Whether or not you need a graduate degree after earning your bachelor’s in biology depends on your career goals.
You may not need a graduate degree if you're interested in roles such as:
Lab technician or research assistant
Environmental consultant
Science communication or education (K–12 level)
Roles in biotech, healthcare, or public health that offer on-the-job training
You likely will need a graduate degree if you want to:
Conduct independent research or lead research projects (usually requires a master’s or Ph.D.)
Teach at the college or university level (Ph.D. typically required)
Work as a physician, dentist, pharmacist, or veterinarian (professional school required)
Specialize in areas like genetics, ecology, microbiology, or molecular biology (master’s or Ph.D.)
Some students also pursue interdisciplinary graduate programs that combine biology with fields like public health, data science, education, or law, depending on their interests.
Tip: If you're unsure, gaining experience through internships, research, or work after your bachelor’s degree can help you decide whether grad school is right for you—and what kind of program to pursue.
Hands-on experience is important. You can gain this through:
Internships and fellowships
Undergraduate research opportunities
Volunteering with conservation or health organizations
Working in a professor’s lab or a government agency
Postdoctoral training is often expected for academic research or teaching positions at universities.
With experience and advanced degrees, biologists can:
Lead research teams or manage labs
Secure faculty positions
Transition into science policy, consulting, or administration
Move into leadership roles in biotech or healthcare companies
Analytical skills – To evaluate data, design experiments, and interpret results
Communication skills – For writing reports, presenting findings, or teaching
Curiosity and perseverance – Research takes time and trial-and-error
Detail-oriented – Especially important when collecting or analyzing biological data
Teamwork – Biologists often work collaboratively with scientists from other disciplines
Quantitative and tech skills – Increasingly important for data analysis and modeling
Report ADA Problems with Library Services and Resources. Resources on this page may require Document Viewers
