What Can I do with a Biology Degree?

If you're wondering, "what can I do with a biology major?", you might be surprised to know how wide-ranging your options are. Entry-level jobs for biology majors include high school teacher, research assistant, agricultural or food science technician, and conservation scientist. Biology majors often continue onto medical or professional school after finishing their undergraduate degree.

At Rosemont, our graduates are prepared for master's and doctoral degree programs in medical and health science disciplines. We even offer several partnerships to help you streamline your education in conjunction with institutions that include Drexel University, University of sciences, and PCOM.

While your salary and job outlook depends on your level of education, where you live, and for whom you work, it's more likely that you're likely to secure a high salary in a biology-related career than in many fields.

There are several job titles that you may end up pursuing after earning your Bachelor of Arts in Biology, including the following. While some only require a four-year degree for an entry-level job, others necessitate advanced or doctoral-level credentials.

Optometrist

According to the Vision Council, 75.5 percent of American adults use some form of vision correction. The demand for optometrists is high, and will only continue to rise as the population ages. Not to be confused with ophthalmologists, optometrists examine, treat, and manage eye disorders.

Optometrists earn high salaries, and must complete optometrist school. Salus University's Doctor of Optometry program guarantees students from Rosemont College a guaranteed interview or seat if they have completed all the admission and prerequisite requirements.

2018 median wage: $111,790 per year
Entry-level education: doctoral or professional degree
Job outlook, 2018-28: 10% (faster than average)

Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientists work to identify and solve threats to the health of soil, air, and water. Due to growing interest in protecting the environment, and in specific challenges like climate change, environmental scientists and specialists will continue to see job growth. If you choose this path, it's possible to enter the profession with only a BA in Biology. However, as with all professions, if you pursue an advanced degree, your opportunies to earn more and advance in the field increase.

2018 median wage: $71,130
Entry-level education: bachelor's degree
Job outlook, 2018-28: 10% (faster than average)

Osteopathic Physician

As licensed physicians, osteopathic physicans focus on the whole person, striving to help patient's well-being by focusing on promoting heath and preventing disease. As with other physicians, osteopathic doctors diagnose and treat patients using evidence-based treatments including medications. As with other jobs in healthcare, the demand for physicians is continually expanding.

According to a report by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), a shortage of primary physicians is projected to reach 21,100 to 55,200 physicians by 2032. The same report states that the U.S. faces a projected shortfall of 14,300 to 23,400 physicians for surgical specialities.

Qualified Rosemont students may begin courses at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine after three years of undergraduate study. As a Biology major pursuing a medical degree, you'll be in good company. In fact, 48.7 percent of physicians employed in 2015 completed an undergraduate degree in biology.

Average Annual Salary: $208,000
Entry-level education: doctoral degree
Job outlook, 2018-28: 7% (Faster than average)

Registered Nurse

Environments where registered nurses work include doctor's offices, hospitals, nursing homes, the military, and schools. As the population in America ages, the demand for registered nurses keeps rising. Rosemont is the only partner college in Pennsylvania with Drexel University's ACE (Accelerated Career Entry) Program for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Earn two degrees in five years, a BA in Biology from Rosemont College and a BSN through Drexel University's Accelerated Career Entry (ACE) Program. Graduates of Drexel's ACE program pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) at a rate of 97-100%.

Annual Mean Wage: $75,510
Entry-level education: bachelor's degree
Job outlook, 2018-28: 18% (much higher than average)

High School Teacher

Many college graduates who studied biology become high school teachers. Inspiring students to love science is only one of the benefits of becoming a science teacher - others include ideal schedules and the chance to make a real difference in people's lives. Science teachers use lab experiments, field trips, class discussions, and media to encourage students to ask questions about and to investigate the natural world.

If you're interested in this career path, you'll need a bachelor's degree, as well as your teacher certification. At Rosemont , it's possible to obtain both. While you undertake the requirements to earn your Biology degree at Rosemont, you may also take classes through the Department of Education toward toward your Secondary Education (7-12) Certification.

2018 median pay : $60,320 per year
Entry-level education: bachelor's degree
Job outlook, 2018-28: 4% (As fast as average)

Sources

“Environmental Scientists and Specialists : Occupational Outlook Handbook.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 4 Sept. 2019, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/environmental-scientists-and-specialists.htm.

“From Premed to Physician: Pursuing a Medical Career : Career Outlook.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2017/article/premed.htm.

“High School Teachers : Occupational Outlook Handbook.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 19 Sept. 2019, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm.

“New Findings Confirm Predictions on Physician Shortage.” AAMC, 23 Apr. 2019, https://www.aamc.org/news-insights/press-releases/new-findings-confirm-predictions-physician-shortage.

Salary.com. “Osteopathic Physician Salary.” Salary.com, https://www.salary.com/research/salary/posting/osteopathic-physician-salary.