Biology Degree

For some, biology is a reminder of the frogs they dissected back in high school. In reality, those pursuing a biology education have many options that are not just limited to medicine. A degree in biology offers the individual skills applicable to various forms of medicine and teaching, and biology courses involve far more than merely dissecting an animal

Biology Degree Description 

For those pursuing a biology education, there are various fields that one can earn advanced degrees. Some of these fields are: endocrinology (the study of diseases and disorders), forensic science (the study of biological and physical evidence to solve crime), agronomy (the study of agriculture), and herpetology (the study of amphibians and reptiles). 

A student with a love for nature can earn a botany degree and take biology courses that involve plant study. Students who enjoy working with a microscope can focus on biology courses in: entomology (insect), cceanography (study of the ocean), and parasitology (the study of parasites). 

There are numerous educational options for individuals pursuing a biology education.  One can earn an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree in biology. Taking a high school physics course will benefit the individual pursuing a degree in biology. There are specific biology courses within each degree. 

Many biology careers require a master’s degree or PhD. There are also options to pursue a degree in biology online as it better allows one to juggle school and personal commitments. Those who have not narrowed down a specific career goal can pursue certificate programs, which consist of a small set of biology courses in specific areas.  More colleges and universities are currently offering online certificate programs than ever before.  

Biology Careers 

Due to the growing concerns in climate and health care, biological specialization is currently on the rise. A biology education offers many options within the field of medicine, teaching, and environmental issues. Some career fields for those with a degree in biology are: doctor, biology teacher, wildlife biologist, botanist, geneticist, marine biologist, environmental scientist, industrial microbiologist, meteorologist, microbial and cellular biologist, geologist, arborist, and forensic scientist.  

Arguably, the more popular career paths for one who holds a degree in biology is meteorology, genetics, and forensic science. A meteorologist’s job extends far beyond a spot on the news. Many commercial airlines hire their own meteorologists to help predict weather patterns during travel. Highway departments and ocean shipping firms also hire their own meteorologists for weather prediction purposes. 

Thanks to popular crime shows on television, forensic scientists have many options within the field. Forensic pathologists perform autopsies to determine the cause of death.  They generally work for law enforcement and government agencies. Forensic anthropologists identify bodies found after disasters or through archaeological discovery. 

Genetics, the study of gene manipulation to overcome disease and improve agriculture is a field that is also growing. Molecular biologists are also becoming more popular as they specialize in researching Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, and cancer. A clinical geneticist would work in a medical, counseling or research capacity, with families suffering through genetic disease in the family. 

An undergraduate degree in biology can also open doors to many career options, such as a botanist, a scientist for a non-profit organization such as a university, a forest ranger, and urban planner or researcher. Some who hold a degree in biology join the Peace Corps.