Download - WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN... BIOLOGY
WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN...
BIOLOGYwww.sc.edu/career
bi·ol·o·gy
The science of life and of living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution.
* "Biology." The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. 24 Jul. 2009. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Biology>.
Last updated 3/2011 by A. Bervine
Biology Majors Study
• Organisms on a cellular and molecular level, the genetics and development of organisms, the function processes of living things or the interrelationships of organisms within their environment
• Provides a valuable background for those interested in science but uncertain of their choice of concentration
...and more
Specializations
Bachelor's Degree/Entry Level
– Clinical data processor – Pharmaceutical sales
representative. – Environmental educator – Research technician – Assistant/associate scientist– Scientific laboratory
technician
Further Education Required
– Research biologist – Microbiologist – Geneticist – Public health administrator – Veterinarian – Physician – Marine biologist
Most undergraduate programs offer a general course of study as well as many specializations that can be pursued with additional study. These include, but are not limited to:
Biology Degrees Available At The University Of South
Carolina
Ph.D
MS
BS
Biology At The University Of South
Carolina
Undergraduate Options
Degree: Bachelor of Science (BS)Major: Biological SciencesMinors: Biology, Neuroscience
Biology At The University Of South
Carolina
Research Programs Non-Researched Based
Integrative Biology: Ecology, Evolutionary and Organismal Biology (EEOB)Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCDB)Plant BiologyEnvironmental MicrobiologyEvolutionary Biology
Professional Master's Program in BioinformaticsProfessional Master's Program in Biotechnology Master's in Teaching (MAT)
Graduate Degree: Master of Science (MS)
Biology At The University Of South
CarolinaGraduate Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Integrative Biology (EEOB) Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCDB)Plant BiologyEnvironmental MicrobiologyEvolutionary Biology
Biology Majors Develop Skills In
• Operating scientific equipment
• Information handling & organization
• Problem solving• Teamwork
• Analytical & quantitative abilities
• Biology theory & practical knowledge
• Oral & written communication
Biology Majors Develop Skills In
• Independent working • Curiosity and creativity • Technical skills
• Numerical computation • Innovative talents • Statistical awareness
Employment
• The undergraduate degree alone in biology does not directly lead to a career as a physician or other professional occupation.
• The degree does provide you with an excellent biological science background and is valuable for almost any type of work involving both physical and life sciences.
Employment settings
• Business & Commerce: Includes management and direction of for-profit organizations including the development of business plans, marketing strategies, product development, and human resource management.
Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Business &
Commerce
• Environmental Protection Worker
• Ergonomist• Hospital Administrator• Park Manager• Market Research
Analyst• Industrial Hygienist
• Public Health Worker• Wildlife Resources
Worker• Beach Manager• Environmental Health
Specialist• Forester• Systems Analyst
Employment Settings
• Outdoor Field Work:
Includes both studying and working with and in the outdoors. Encompasses everything from management to wildlife resources working.
Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Outdoor
Field Work
• Agronomist• Coastal Resources
Worker• Environmental
Protection Worker• Meteorologist• Mycologist• Park Manager• Horticulturist• Toxicologist
• Veterinarian• Wildlife Biologist• Animal Scientist• Aquatic Biologist• Botanist• Beach Manager• Soil Conservationist• Ecologist• Forester• Zoologist
Employment Settings
• Research:
Includes technicians, researchers, and technologists. Also incorporates laboratory work and the education of peers.
Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Research
• Aquarium Technician• Biotechnologist• Genetic Engineering
Researcher• Limnological Technician• Bioengineer• Environmental Engineer
• Hydrographic Survey Technician
• Microbiologist• Net Designer• Test and Inspection
Technician• Water Quality
Technician• Science Laboratory
Technician
Employment Settings
• Education: Includes classroom instruction, curricula development, research, writing, administration, program management, and lecturing.
Teaching and research positions at colleges and universities require an advanced degree. Most other teaching positions require proper certification.
Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Education
• Administrator• Admissions Evaluator• Author/Writer• Career Counselor• College or University
Professor• Financial Aid Director• Guidance Counselor• Health Educator • Lecturer
• Primary School Teacher• Program Manager• Residence Hall Director• Secondary School
Teacher• Student Affairs
Professional • Text Writer• Medical Librarian
Employment Settings
• Health Services: Includes healing, both physical and mental, hospital/doctor’s office services, and some technician positions.
Most physician and counseling positions require the completion of a certification or advanced study program.
Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Health
Services
• Dentist• Genetic Engineering
Researcher• Medical Laboratory
Technician• Physician• Dietitian/Nutritionist• Health Officer
• Medical Librarian• Pharmacy Technician• Chiropractor• Coroner• Medical Illustrator• Mortician• Nurse• Physical Therapist
Other Possible Employment Settings For Biology Majors
• Aquariums• Arboretums• Business Industry• Chemical Industry• Colleges/Universities• Cosmetic Companies• Government Agencies• Hospitals• Medical Supply
Companies• Zoos
• Mining Companies• National/State Parks• Nurseries• Petroleum
Manufactures• Pharmaceutical
Companies• Technical/Medical
Libraries• Technical Journals• Utility Companies
Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You
Want• Pursue an excellent
academic record• Obtain part-time,
summer, or internship work experience
• Volunteer with service and counseling organizations
• Become fluent in a foreign language
• Obtain an advanced degree and/or certification in order to perform substantive counseling work
• Obtain a minor in an additional area of interest (i.E. Language, business, education)
• Develop strong writing and speaking skills
Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You Want
• Develop strong quantitative and statistical skills
• Become comfortable working with people from different backgrounds and cultures
• Acquire sales experience
• Become active in peer mediation groups if available
• Secure leadership positions in campus or community groups
• Obtain teaching certification
• Shadow the work of a professional
Books And Web Resources
BooksGreat Jobs for Biology Majors by Blythe Camensen
Life Sciences – Research Teaching Strategies for the Successful Job Hunt by The American Society for Cell Biology
Scientists by The American Society for Cell Biology
Web ResourcesAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) - http://www.aibs.org/careers/
The BioCareer Center - http://www.biocareer.com/index.cfm
Resources For More Information
Department Of Biologywww.biol.sc.edu/index.html
Career Center Libraryhttp://www.sc.edu/career/Library/library.html
Biology Related Websites www.sc.edu/career/la/bio.html
CAS Career Development Websitewww.sc.edu/career/cascdp/index.html
Career Center Contact Information
University of South Carolina Career Center6th Floor, H. William Close Building (BA Building)Columbia, SC 29208Phone: (803) 777-7280On-call counseling without an appointment: M - F, 1:00 am - 4:00 pm (Summer and holiday hours may differ, please check the website at www.sc/edu/career)