What You Can Do With a Bachelor’s in Biology: Career Paths, Advanced Study, and Practical Skills

You can turn a bachelor’s in biology into a clinical, research, environmental, educational, or industry career depending on the path you choose and the extra training you pursue. A biology degree gives you practical lab skills, a strong foundation in life sciences, and flexible career options—from healthcare and research roles to environmental work, biotech, teaching, and business support positions.

They walk through what a biology major covers, what entry-level jobs look like, and how to leverage internships, certifications, and graduate study to reach specialized roles. Expect clear guidance on healthcare and lab careers, environmental and agricultural opportunities, teaching and outreach, industry roles, and non-traditional or emerging paths so you can map a realistic next step.

Overview of a Bachelor’s in Biology

A Bachelor’s in Biology combines foundational science coursework, laboratory practice, and options for focused study. Students gain practical lab skills, quantitative analysis, and a pathway to careers or graduate study in healthcare, research, conservation, or industry.

Core Concepts and Coursework

A biology major centers on cell biology, genetics, ecology, and evolution. Typical required courses include Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Anatomy & Physiology, and Ecology, each with accompanying laboratory sections that emphasize experimental design and data collection.
Students also take supporting courses in chemistry (general and organic), calculus or statistics, and often physics to develop quantitative reasoning. These classes teach techniques such as PCR, spectrophotometry, microscopy, and aseptic technique.
Upper-level electives let students apply core concepts to specific systems, for example, immunology for human health or marine ecology for environmental work. Labs and capstone projects synthesize coursework into independent research or applied problems.

Skills Gained Through a Biology Degree

Graduates leave with practical laboratory skills and analytical abilities. They learn experimental design, statistical analysis, data visualization, and technical writing for lab reports and research papers.
A biology degree builds competency in operating common lab equipment, following safety and ethical protocols, and troubleshooting experiments. Students also develop soft skills: teamwork during group labs, oral presentation for seminars, and time management through multi-term projects.
These skills translate to roles in research labs, clinical settings, environmental fieldwork, and biotech companies, and they form the foundation for professional schools and specialized graduate programs.

Specializations Within Biology

Biology degree programs typically offer tracks or concentrations to tailor study toward career goals. Common specializations include Molecular/Cell Biology, Ecology & Evolution, Physiology, Biotechnology, and Bioinformatics.
Molecular/Cell tracks focus on gene expression, lab techniques like cloning, and cellular signaling—preparing students for biomedical research or graduate study. Ecology tracks emphasize field methods, population modeling, and conservation policy for work in natural resource agencies or NGOs.
Biotechnology and bioinformatics combine biology with engineering or computation. These specializations teach laboratory automation, sequencing technologies, coding for biological data, and preparation for industry roles in biomanufacturing or computational analysis.

Healthcare and Medical Careers

A biology bachelor's prepares graduates for direct patient care, allied health roles, and health-system jobs that lean on lab skills and clinical reasoning. Graduates can enter clinical training programs, pursue certification routes, or step into administrative and laboratory positions that value a biology background.

Registered Nurse Roles

A biology major can enter nursing through accelerated BSN programs or traditional BSN completion tracks, leading to licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). RNs assess patients, administer medications, start IVs, coordinate care with physicians and therapists, and educate patients and families.
Common entry points include accelerated BSN (12–18 months) and RN-to-BSN programs for those who later seek advancement. Clinical settings vary: medical-surgical floors, ICU, emergency departments, oncology units, and outpatient clinics.

RNs with a biology degree often move into specialty certifications (e.g., CCRN, OCN) or leadership positions such as charge nurse and nurse manager. They may transition into related roles—pharmacy technician support in medication safety programs, phlebotomy within hospital labs, or healthcare administration with additional credentials.

Physician Assistant Pathways

A biology bachelor's provides core prerequisites—anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and statistics—required by most Physician Assistant (PA) programs. PA programs typically take 2–3 years and combine classroom instruction with clinical rotations across primary care, surgery, pediatrics, and emergency medicine.
PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, order and interpret tests, and prescribe medications under physician supervision in most states.

Competitive applicants present strong clinical experience (e.g., scribing, EMT, phlebotomy, medical assistant), solid GRE scores where required, and volunteer or paid exposure to diverse patient populations. After graduating, PAs must pass the PANCE exam and pursue state licensure; many later subspecialize (orthopedics, cardiology) or shift into healthcare administration or medical education.

Occupational Therapist Opportunities

A biology degree supplies the foundational science for entry into accredited Occupational Therapy (OT) graduate programs, which award a Master’s or Doctorate in OT (2–3 years). Occupational therapists evaluate function, design activity-based interventions, and train patients to regain daily living and work skills following injury, stroke, or developmental conditions.
OTs work in rehabilitation hospitals, school systems, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics, often collaborating with physical therapists, RNs, and physicians.

Applicants benefit from fieldwork observation hours, experience with pediatric or geriatric populations, and coursework in neuroscience or human development. With experience, OTs can specialize in hand therapy, pediatrics, or driver rehabilitation, or move into program management or healthcare administration roles that oversee rehab services.

Respiratory Therapist Careers

Respiratory therapists typically require an associate or bachelor's in respiratory care; a biology major can bridge into bachelor-level RT programs or accelerated entry routes. Respiratory therapists manage ventilators, perform arterial blood gas analysis, deliver aerosolized medications, and conduct pulmonary function testing.
They operate in ICUs, neonatal units, pulmonary clinics, and emergency departments, addressing COPD, asthma, ARDS, and perioperative respiratory care.

Certification (CRT, RRT) and state licensure are standard; advanced certifications exist for neonatal-pediatric respiratory care. Respiratory therapists with a biology background may also transition to roles in pulmonary rehabilitation programs, clinical research as medical technologists, or into supervisory positions within respiratory services and healthcare administration.

Research and Laboratory Positions

These roles center on hands-on experiments, routine sample processing, and data collection in academic, clinical, or industry labs. Employers value accurate pipetting, sterile technique, instrument maintenance, and clear lab notebooks.

Research Assistant Positions

Research assistants support principal investigators by running assays, maintaining cell cultures, and organizing experimental workflows. They commonly execute PCR, gel electrophoresis, ELISAs, and basic microscopy, and must follow SOPs and biosafety rules.

Typical employers include university labs, biotech startups, and contract research organizations. A bachelor’s in biology often suffices; hiring managers prefer candidates with coursework in molecular biology or lab internships. Pay and advancement vary: some assistants progress to lab managers or pursue graduate school in biomedical engineering or epidemiology.

Key skills to highlight on applications:

• Technical: pipetting accuracy, sterile technique, assay setup
• Data: basic stats, instrument software, lab notebook entry
• Compliance: IRB/GLP awareness, biosafety level familiarity

Microbiologist Careers

Microbiologists isolate, identify, and characterize microbes for medicine, food safety, or environmental monitoring. Daily tasks include culturing bacteria, running susceptibility tests, and interpreting growth curves.

Workplaces include clinical labs (medical technologist teams), food industry QA/QC, public health departments, and pharmaceutical R&D. A bachelor’s prepares candidates for entry-level lab roles; certification or a master’s helps for specialized positions in infectious disease or epidemiology labs.

Essential competencies:

• Culture techniques, sterile technique, microscopy
• Molecular methods: PCR, sequencing basics
• Quality systems: aseptic processing, sample traceability Microbiologists often collaborate with epidemiologists during outbreak investigations and with biomedical engineers on diagnostic device validation.

Biological Technician Roles

Biological technicians handle routine sample prep, maintain lab equipment, and assist with experimental logistics. They perform specimen processing, prepare reagents, and run standardized assays under supervision.

Employers span research institutions, government agencies, and clinical laboratories where they may support medical technologists or coordinate sample flow for larger projects. Technicians should be comfortable with inventory management, instrument calibration, and safety documentation.

On-the-job growth focuses on:

• Mastering lab instruments (centrifuges, spectrophotometers)
• Improving data entry and LIMS usage
• Gaining specialized certifications to transition into research assistant, medical technologist, or lab supervisory roles

Opportunities in Environmental and Agricultural Sciences

A biology graduate can work on pollution assessment, habitat management, crop production support, and food-quality testing. Roles range from field data collection and lab analysis to regulatory compliance and on-farm problem solving.

Environmental Scientist Positions

Environmental scientists use biology fundamentals to assess air, water, and soil quality and to design remediation plans. They collect field samples, run lab assays (e.g., nutrient, heavy metal, microbial tests), and interpret results for permitting or cleanup projects. Employers include consulting firms, state environmental agencies, and NGOs.

Key tasks often include:

• Designing sampling plans and conducting site surveys.
• Performing laboratory analyses or coordinating with food science technicians and chemists.
• Preparing technical reports, environmental impact assessments, and regulatory submissions.

A bachelor’s in biology qualifies candidates for entry-level technician or specialist roles; progressing to project lead or permit manager typically requires experience or a master’s. Certifications (e.g., HAZWOPER, state sampling licenses) and GIS skills increase competitiveness.

Wildlife Biologist Careers

Wildlife biologists apply ecology and physiology skills to study animal populations, behavior, and habitat needs. Typical duties combine fieldwork—transect surveys, radio telemetry, nest monitoring—with lab work such as genetic or parasite testing. They work for government wildlife agencies, conservation NGOs, and academic research teams.

Common responsibilities:

• Designing population-monitoring protocols and analyzing population trends.
• Advising on land-use planning, mitigation measures, and species recovery plans.
• Writing grant proposals, management plans, and peer-reviewed papers.

A biology bachelor prepares graduates for technician or research-assistant positions; advancing to lead biologist or research scientist often requires graduate study. Proficiency in statistical software, wildlife handling permits, and remote-sensing tools helps secure higher-responsibility posts.

Agricultural Technician Roles

Agricultural technicians support crop and livestock production by running experiments, monitoring plant health, and implementing integrated pest management. They collect soil and tissue samples, record yield data, and assist food science technicians in postharvest quality testing. Employers include seed companies, extension services, and commercial farms.

Daily activities may include:

• Conducting greenhouse trials, pesticide efficacy tests, and irrigation assessments.
• Performing routine laboratory work: nutrient analysis, pathogen screening, and sample preparation for food quality labs.
• Translating trial results into recommendations for growers and contributing to regulatory compliance.

A bachelor’s in biology provides a strong foundation for hands-on technician roles; additional training in plant pathology, agronomy, or food science increases upward mobility toward specialist or farm-management positions. Practical experience with lab instrumentation and agronomic software is highly valued.

Business, Industry, and Allied Health Roles

Biology graduates often move into roles that blend scientific knowledge with business, operations, or patient-facing support. These positions reward technical literacy, regulatory understanding, and clear communication.

Pharmaceutical Sales Representative Careers

Pharmaceutical sales representatives sell prescription medicines to physicians, hospitals, and clinics. They must understand drug mechanisms, clinical trial data, dosing, and contraindications to answer clinician questions and position products ethically.

Typical day-to-day duties include scheduling meetings with prescribers, presenting clinical benefits, tracking sales targets, and reporting market feedback to medical affairs. Employers usually expect a bachelor’s degree; biology majors gain an edge from coursework in physiology, pharmacology, and statistics.

Key skills: persuasive but factual communication, relationship management, territory planning, and CRM proficiency. Certification isn’t required, but completing industry sales training and obtaining credentials like Certified Sales Professional (CSP) can help. Compensation commonly includes base salary plus commission and often territory-based travel.

Healthcare Administration Paths

Healthcare administration roles range from clinic office manager to hospital finance and operations leaders. Biology graduates can enter entry-level administrative tracks and advance into roles such as healthcare administrator or practice manager with experience or an MBA/MPH.

Responsibilities center on budgeting, staffing, regulatory compliance (HIPAA, billing rules), workflow optimization, and vendor contracting. Technical familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), billing codes, and quality metrics helps in performance and hiring decisions.

Strong candidates combine analytical skills—data reporting, forecasting—and interpersonal abilities—team leadership, stakeholder coordination. Certification options include Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional (cHAP) or Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) for mid-to-senior levels.

Pharmacy Technician Opportunities

Pharmacy technicians work in retail, hospital, and long-term care settings preparing medications, managing inventory, and supporting pharmacists in dispensing safely. Biology graduates bring useful knowledge of pharmacology, drug interactions, and compounding principles.

Typical tasks: verifying prescription information, preparing unit doses, operating automated dispensing systems, and assisting with medication reconciliation. State-level registration or certification (e.g., PTCB) is often required; employers may offer on-the-job training or tuition reimbursement for certification.

Advancement paths include lead technician, pharmacy operations manager, or transitioning into pharmacy school or clinical roles. Attention to detail, regulatory compliance, and familiarity with medication safety protocols determine job performance and promotion prospects.

Education and Public Outreach

A biology degree prepares graduates to teach, design programs, and translate scientific ideas for diverse audiences. It supports classroom instruction, informal education in museums and nature centers, and roles that craft clear, accurate science content for the public.

Teaching Careers for Biology Majors

Biology majors often pursue secondary-school teaching by completing a teacher-preparation program and state certification. They teach courses such as general biology, AP Biology, ecology, and genetics, and they design lab exercises, safety plans, and assessment rubrics.

Many enter community colleges or technical schools with a bachelor’s plus teaching experience or an adjunct track; full-time postsecondary roles typically require a master’s or PhD. Typical responsibilities include syllabus development, supervising student research, and using learning management systems.

Salary and job stability vary by region and credential level. Alternative pathways include private school teaching, substitute teaching while earning certification, and STEM tutoring or test-prep instruction.

Roles in Science Communication

Science communicators with a biology degree work in museums, zoos, aquariums, government outreach, and nonprofit education programs. They write exhibit text, lead guided tours, develop curriculum for outreach programs, and produce multimedia content for public audiences.

Common job titles include outreach coordinator, museum educator, interpretive naturalist, and content specialist. Employers expect skills in translating technical research into plain language, designing hands-on demonstrations, and evaluating program impact through visitor surveys or engagement metrics.

Those aiming for this field benefit from portfolio pieces: lesson plans, recorded talks, published articles, and social-media campaigns. Formal training in communication, education, or informal science learning improves prospects but relevant experience and clear examples of public-facing work often matter most.

Professional Development and Networking

Focused credentials, active membership in scientific groups, and targeted networking accelerate career progress. Practical steps include earning field-specific certifications, attending conferences, and joining organizations that offer job boards, mentorship, and continuing education.

Certifications and Continuing Education

A biology major should prioritize certifications that match intended roles. For laboratory work, Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP) or ASCP laboratory certifications validate technical competence. For environmental careers, state-level pesticide applicator or field technician certifications often open entry-level roles.

Continuing education includes short courses in bioinformatics, PCR techniques, or GIS. Online microcredentials from accredited universities or platforms like Coursera and edX can teach data analysis with R or Python. Employers value documented, recent coursework more than vague claims, so candidates should keep certificates and transcripts accessible.

Maintain currency through workshops and accredited CEUs, especially for clinical or regulated roles. Many certifications require periodic renewal; track deadlines and plan coursework early to avoid lapses.

Professional Organizations

Joining professional organizations connects members to specialized resources and hiring networks. The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) offers student memberships, conference travel grants, and an extensive job board for microbiology-focused roles. The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) provides policy briefs, career webinars, and networking events useful for biology majors interested in research administration or science policy.

Local and campus chapters of societies let members present posters, find mentors, and gain leadership experience. Active participation—serving on committees, organizing symposia, or mentoring undergraduates—builds a visible track record. Members should use organization tools: curated job lists, mentorship programs, and continuing-education discounts to turn affiliation into concrete career moves.

Further Study and Graduate School Pathways

Graduate study expands technical expertise, opens specialized career tracks, and improves competitiveness for research and leadership roles. Students should weigh program length, funding, and career alignment when choosing a pathway.

Advanced Degrees and Specializations

A master’s (M.S., M.A.) or Ph.D. in fields such as molecular biology, ecology, genetics, or bioinformatics deepens research skills and technical breadth. Master’s programs often take 1–2 years and are suitable for lab management, industrial research associate roles, or specialized technician positions. Ph.D. programs prepare students for independent research, faculty positions, and senior R&D roles; they typically require 4–6 years and include coursework, qualifying exams, and a dissertation.

Professional or applied graduate options—like an M.P.H. (public health), M.S. in biotechnology, or a master’s in regulatory affairs—target industry, government, or clinical-trial careers. Funding matters: look for programs offering assistantships, fellowships, or industry partnerships to cover tuition and provide practical experience.

Transitioning to Other Health Professions

A biology bachelor’s commonly feeds into clinical professional programs when combined with prerequisite courses and clinical experience. Popular transitions include medical school (MD/DO), physician assistant (PA) programs, pharmacy (Pharm.D.), and physical therapy (DPT). Each path requires specific coursework (chemistry, physics, anatomy), standardized tests (MCAT for MD/DO, GRE sometimes for others), and documented patient-facing hours.

Applicants should map prerequisites early, pursue volunteer or paid clinical roles, and seek strong letters from science faculty and clinical supervisors. Some accelerated or combined programs (BS-to-MD/DO, BS-to-PA) shorten total training time but often have higher entry requirements and competitive selection processes.

Non-Traditional and Emerging Career Options

These paths leverage biology knowledge in commercial, policy, and product-focused roles. They emphasize entrepreneurship, applied problem solving, and cross-disciplinary teamwork.

Biotechnology and Startups

Biology graduates can join or found startups that translate research into products like gene therapies, diagnostics, or sustainable biomaterials. Typical roles include research associate, product scientist, and technical co‑founder; responsibilities range from assay development and prototype testing to drafting technical documentation for investors and partners.

Startups value hands-on lab skills, familiarity with CRISPR, sequencing workflows, or cell-culture techniques, and the ability to communicate results to nontechnical stakeholders. They often offer equity and rapid responsibility growth, but work environments can be resource-constrained and require adaptability.

Skills to emphasize on applications: experimental design, data analysis (R/Python), reagent sourcing, and intellectual-property awareness. Networking with incubators, participating in pitch competitions, and contributing to open-source biology projects can accelerate placement into these roles.

Consulting and Regulatory Affairs

Consulting firms hire biology majors to analyze biotech markets, perform due-diligence for investments, and advise on clinical-development strategy. Typical job titles include life-sciences analyst, scientific consultant, and market-research specialist; tasks involve competitive landscaping, clinical-trial feasibility assessments, and translating scientific data into business recommendations.

Regulatory affairs roles focus on ensuring products meet FDA, EMA, or other regional requirements. Positions include regulatory associate and submissions specialist; duties cover preparing investigational new drug (IND) or 510(k) dossiers, labeling review, and post‑market surveillance.

Key strengths employers seek are technical literacy, clear regulatory writing, and familiarity with guidance documents (e.g., ICH, CFR). Certification (RAC) or coursework in regulatory science, combined with internship experience at industry or government agencies, strengthens candidacy for both consulting and regulatory tracks.