How do the tiniest organisms affect our daily lives? How does the largest animal on the planet get enough food? How does the human body process energy? What are the most important insects for daily living? Is one agricultural crop better for the environment than another?
These questions, and more, can be answered by people with bachelor’s degrees in biology. If you’re fascinated with living things, including humans, animals, and microscopic organisms, then a degree in biology may be right for you.
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Summary of Biology Major Skills
Biology is perhaps the most interesting and unique degree field, especially if you like animals or are interested in the functioning of the human body. During your studies, you’ll gain a wide range of knowledge that will help you understand the diversity of life, as well as the flow of energy and matter from biological systems. For example, you’ll understand how the sun’s energy is harnessed by plants, how herbivores change this energy into their own movements, and how predators in turn utilize this energy to stay alive.
You’ll not only observe how different lifeforms are interdependent, you’ll have a basic knowledge for how genetic inheritance moves from one generation to the other. On a broad level, you’ll know how biology can play a role in society, helping to advance numerous areas, including healthcare, the environment, energy consumption, and agriculture.
The skills you gain will be just as important as the knowledge. You’ll have a clear understanding of how to design and interpret experiments that involve scientific research. This skill for scientific research can be applied to many different industries, and the basics of experimentation and statistical analysis can be applied to more than just biology. You’ll know how to apply scientific principles to problems, and you’ll know how to communicate these findings in a relatable manner, which is a skill that can be applied to more than just biology-degree jobs.
And as you’ll see, there are many potential jobs with a biology degree.
High Paying Jobs with Biology Degree: The Methodology
To make this list, we relied on information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which provides expansive and consistent information on the job market. We looked at the career field’s median salary, as well as the median salary for the top earned in that career. We also looked at the minimum educational and experience to land these positions, although this can vary. For example, some employers may only require a master’s degree for a wildlife biologist, even though this career generally calls for only a bachelor’s.
We also looked at expected career growth, which the BLS lists for 2016 to 2026. The average expected job growth in the U.S. is 7%. With that in mind, let’s look at the highest-paying jobs you can get with a biology degree…
Most Lucrative Entry Level Biology Degree Jobs
#1 Microbiologist
Avg. Salary: $69,960
Career Growth: 8%
Typical Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
With nearly $70,000 a year in annual salary and only a bachelor’s degree and no prior experience required (generally), a microbiologist is a wonderful career path for any biology major. This career allows you to study some of the smallest lifeforms, including bacteria, algae, and fungus, and although much of the work is done in laboratories, you’ll likely have the chance for field work, such as collecting samples. A bachelor’s degree in biology, with a focus or minor in microbiology, sets you up to start this career. Microbiologists are employed by research institutions, medicine manufacturers, and government agencies, and the top 10% can expect a salary over $129,000.
GetEducated’s Pick
- University of Florida BS in Microbiology & Cell Science
#2 Environmental Scientist
Avg. Salary: $69,400
Career Growth: 11%
Typical Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Environmental scientists conduct many different research projects and experiments, primarily focusing on how to protect the environment and enhance human and animal health. It’s a fascinating field that doesn’t require previous experience and only demands a bachelor’s degree. It also has an expected career growth of 11%, meaning it will grow faster than the average job market. You’ll not only be able to earn a sizable income immediately after college, you’ll land in a growing field with plenty of opportunities and have the potential to earn over $122,000 if you are in the top 10%.
GetEducated’s Pick
Southern New Hampshire University
#3 Agricultural & Food Scientist
Avg. Salary: $62,910
Career Growth: 7%
Typical Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
As the world’s population grows, more efficient and environmentally-friendly ways to produce food are needs. Much of this responsibility will fall on the shoulders of food scientists, who improve agricultural practices and products through scientific advancements. This career has no required work experience or on-the-job training, and brings an annual salary over $116,00 for the top 10%, making it one of the best entry level biology degree jobs.
GetEducated’s Pick
- University of Maryland – University College BS in Biotechnology
Highest Paying Jobs in Biology
Now let’s look at the best jobs for biology majors that have excellent, lifelong career potential coupled with impressive salaries.
Working Outside of Biology? How to Sell Your Skills & Experience
Perhaps you have a degree in biology, but aren’t sure if working in a science- or biology-related field is the right choice for you. In this case, you may need to sell your skills and experiences to employers who have little concern for the interplay of animal species or the interworking of the human body. Fortunately, you can still sell your useful skills to many employers.
During interviews, it’s important to focus on many of the specific projects you worked on, citing examples of problem-solving, leadership, group work, or any other skills that could apply to the career. Discuss your understanding of research, data analysis, and other skills that made you a successful biology student and you’ll be more attractive to more clients.
Continuing Education for Biology Majors
After you complete a biology degree, you really have two options. First, you can go into one of the entry-level biology-degree jobs, such as microbiology or wildlife biologist. Or you can continue your education and expand your knowledge of biology by earning a master’s and, eventually, your doctorate.
With a base degree in biology, you can move into a master’s degree in a specialized field that suits your specific interest. If you are interested in zoology, for example, you could seek a master’s degree that focuses on animal biology; if you are interested in the environment, a master’s in environmental biology or a related field may be a great choice.
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