Biology Degrees & Careers in Biology

Biologists travel the world to research animals, investigate microorganisms in the laboratory, and develop medical advances in the life sciences. They work for scientific research and development organizations, government agencies, diagnostic laboratories, and pharmaceutical companies.

Many biology careers offer strong salaries and job growth. Biologists in many specialties, including wildlife biology and microbiology, can pursue entry-level opportunities with a bachelor's degree.

During a biology program, students gain the knowledge and skills required for biologist jobs, including laboratory training. Biology majors also specialize their training through coursework in immunology, marine biology, molecular biology, and genetics.

This page explores how to become a biologist, including job tasks, career paths, and salary information.

What Does a Biologist Do?

Career Basics

Biologists design and carry out experiments, manage research projects, and draw conclusions from their research. Their day-to-day tasks vary depending on their specialty. For example, clinical biologists work in a laboratory setting, while other biologists may work in an office or outdoors. Many biology jobs require teamwork and coordination with other scientists. In labs, biologists supervise biology technicians and other workers. Biologists often apply for grants to fund their work, write research papers and reports, and present their findings. They may also make recommendations based on their research.

Career In-Depth

Biologists work in several specialized fields, including microbiology, wildlife biology, and biochemistry. A biologist's specialty shapes their working hours, work environment, and job tasks.

For example, microbiologists often work in laboratories or offices, where they conduct experiments. Wildlife biologists work in the field and in offices. Fieldwork may take these biologists to remote locations.

Biologists may run laboratories, work in academic settings, or collect samples in the field. As a result, the typical hours for careers in biology vary widely. Some biologists also specialize in management and work as laboratory managers or other natural sciences managers.

Show More

Biologist Salary and Job Growth

Biologists earn strong salaries in many different specialties, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For example, zoologists and wildlife biologists earned an annual median salary of over $63,000 in 2019, while microbiologists made more than $75,000. Other biological scientists earn a median annual income of $82,000 in 2019.

Several biology career paths offer even higher earning potential, including biochemists and biophysicists, who earned a median annual salary of nearly $95,000 per year, and natural sciences managers, who earned over $129,000 in 2019. Biologists also benefit from strong job growth projections, with a projected 5-6% increase in jobs in biology between 2018 and 2028.

Biology salaries vary depending on experience, education, and location. For example, biochemists typically hold a graduate degree, and experienced biologists earn higher salaries. As in other fields, certain specialties within biology offer a higher earning potential.

Four Steps to Becoming a Biologist

Careers in the biological sciences require education, specialization, and work experience. A bachelor's degree is the minimum educational requirement for many biology careers, although some require a graduate degree. Many career paths also require lab or internship experience.

By completing the steps below, students qualify for jobs in biology.

Preparing to Become a Biologist: Schools and Programs

Most jobs in biology require at least a bachelor's degree in biology. By researching the top schools and programs for biologists, prospective biologists can find the right program to meet their professional goals. Students considering a biology degree can narrow their options by researching the total cost of the degree, admissions policies, program length, and financial aid opportunities.

Most colleges and universities offer biology degrees. Some schools even offer online biology degrees, where students complete coursework in an online learning environment and meet any laboratory requirements virtually. For example, the University of Florida and Arizona State University both offer online biology degrees.

When comparing biology programs, prospective students should also consider factors such as a program's enrollment options, the number of start dates per year, and internship requirements. By evaluating these factors, future biologists can take the first step toward a career in biology.

Courses in Biology Programs

Students earning biology degrees take courses in biology, chemistry, math, and physics. These foundational science classes prepare learners for coursework in biochemistry, microbiology, ecology, and other subfields of biology. Bachelor's programs in biology also include laboratory courses to train students in laboratory methods.

Biology courses prepare students for careers in biology or graduate study in subfields like microbiology, zoology, biostatistics, and other areas. While exact courses vary depending on the program, the following list provides a sample curriculum for an undergraduate biology degree.

Accreditation for a Biologist Program

Prospective biology students should always check a school's accreditation status before applying. Accredited colleges and universities meet the highest standards for granting degrees.

Schools undergo a rigorous review from an independent accrediting agency to earn accreditation. During the review, the accrediting agency evaluates the school's student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and academic mission. Accredited schools regularly repeat this review to maintain their status.

Accreditation benefits students in several ways. Students at accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid. Credits earned from accredited institutions are more likely to transfer. Accredited degrees meet the requirements for more professional licenses and certifications.

When considering biology degrees, prospective students should look for schools that hold regional accreditation. Regional accreditation remains the more reputable standard for liberal arts and research institutions, while national accreditation applies to vocational and technical schools.

Prospective students can check the U.S. Department of Education database to find accredited schools.

Biologist Specialties

Biologists specialize in fields like wildlife biology, microbiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. Within these specialties, biologists conduct research, evaluate the results of experiments, and observe animals and organisms. Pursuing a specialty lets biologists focus their training and build expertise.

While earning a biology degree, students can choose a concentration or design a custom specialization through electives. Biology majors often take courses in several subfields, including biochemistry, microbiology, and genetics. After completing introductory courses in these areas, students can take upper-division courses in their specialization.

Biologists who specialize in areas like zoology, laboratory science, or cell biology demonstrate their qualifications for specialized careers in biology. For example, training in public health prepares biologists for specialized biology career paths like public health microbiologist. Other biology specialties include marine biology, immunology, genomics, and biostatistics.

Components of a Successful Biologist Career: Skills, Credentials, Tools, and Technology

Successful careers in biology start with building necessary skills and knowledge. Biologists rely on several key skills, including observational skills and a detail-oriented outlook. Microbiologists closely monitor experiments, while wildlife biologists observe animals to record changes. Jobs in biology also require strong communication and interpersonal skills, since many biologists work on research teams and communicate their findings to non-scientists.

Biology programs train students in biological theory and applied biology. Biology majors learn about the tools and technologies used in the field. Students also gain hands-on training through internships and laboratory coursework.

After earning a biology degree, biologists can pursue professional certifications to focus their skills. For example, clinical microbiologists, pharmaceutical biologists, and biologists who work in food safety can pursue certifications. Biologists can also stay current in their field by joining professional organizations.

Biologist Professional Organizations

Professional organizations help biology students transition into careers in biology, including as a microbiologist, molecular biologist, or cell biologist. These organizations host meetings and events for biologists to network, publish research in the field to keep professionals current, and provide career development resources.

FAQs on Becoming a Biologist

Resources for Biologists

Become Team

Contributing Writer

Latest Posts

See all Posts

The 5 Best Online Associate Nursing Degree Programs

Check out some of the best associate nursing degrees. Each of the five programs on our list are hybrid, meaning they offer partially-online work.

Become Team / July 18, 2024 / 4 min read

How to Become a Nutritionist

Learn how to become a nutritionist. Practical steps, nutritionist requirements and experience you’ll need to become a Nutritionist.

Become Team

July 2, 2024  / 4 min read

How to Become a Doctor

Are you interested in medicine? This in-depth guide explores information on how to become a doctor, along with education requirements, salary data, and more.

Become Team

May 7, 2024  / 4 min read