Are you interested in how life works at its core, from the tiniest cells to complex ecosystems? Do you find the diversity of life forms and how they interact with their environments fascinating? Or are you looking for opportunities to make a positive impact on society, whether it’s through health care, conservation or research?
Prospective college students who desire to make a difference with their curiosity and problem-solving skills will find multiple paths and opportunities with a biology degree. If you have questions about what you can do with a biology degree and if this field aligns with your interests, goals and aspirations for the future, we have you covered.
What Is a Biology Degree?
A biology degree is an academic qualification where you study life in its many forms. You learn how living things function, grow and reproduce, as well as how they change to and fit within their particular environment.
Students have a few biology degree options to pursue:
- Associate degree:聽础苍听Associate of Science Degree in Biology聽consists of two years of coursework that includes the fundamentals of biology along with courses in chemistry, mathematics and English communication and writing. This degree prepares students for entry-level positions in different industries or transfer into a four-year bachelor’s degree.
- Bachelor鈥檚 degree:聽A bachelor’s degree in biology is attainable as a bachelor of arts (BA) or bachelor of science (BS). A BS program emphasizes research, laboratory work and mathematics, while a BA course includes more liberal arts subjects. Students start with biology fundamentals and eventually branch within specialized areas of the field.
- Master鈥檚 degree:聽With a Master of Science (MS) or Master of Arts (MA) degree in biology, students build upon existing knowledge. By combining lectures, laboratory work and seminars, students aim to complete a research project or thesis on a specialized topic.
- Doctoral degree:聽Depending on the focus area, a doctorate in biology includes many years of research projects and dissertations. Students who complete their doctorate degree in biology can work as college instructors or head laboratories in government or industrial settings.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Biology Degree?
Biology consists of many divisions, some of which are further divided into sub-branches due to their massive scope. The major biology fields include:
- Zoology:聽Those in the field of zoology specialize in the science of animals. Careers include wildlife biologists, veterinarians and park rangers.
- 叠辞迟补苍测:听If you like working with plants, you’ll enjoy a career as an arborist, florist and even a farm manager.
- Microbiology:聽Many fields and careers incorporate microbiology, including those in immunology, virology and food science.
- Ecology:聽Those with an interest in nature and sustainability have many career choices, for example, environmental scientist, agricultural technician, conservation officer, forester and landscape architect.
- Genetics:聽The study of DNA in plants, animals and people is a great field for those interested in multidisciplinary and innovative research projects.
- Medical science:聽Biology often acts as a pre-professional program for students aspiring to become physicians, dentists, pharmacists or psychologists.
- 叠颈辞肠丑别尘颈蝉迟谤测:听With biochemistry research capabilities, you can enter the workforce as a forensic biologist, endocrinologist, life science consultant or research scientist.
- Marine biology:聽Marine biologists, fish culturists and marine archeologists are becoming increasingly relevant due to the effects of climate change and the development of sustainable products and practices.
- Anatomy:聽Anatomy students learn about the internal structures that encompass people, animals and other organisms. This could lead to careers in nursing, pharmacology, occupational therapy and health education.
- 叠颈辞迟别肠丑苍辞濒辞驳测:听This field combines scientific principles with technology. Some biotechnologists may help produce antibiotics, while others analyze and experiment with research processes.
Average Pay for Biology Jobs in Massachusetts
Your average salary with a biology degree in Massachusetts will depend on the type of degree, field of expertise and city in which you work. The average pay for people working in jobs requiring a biology degree聽聽but can range between $90,500 and $242,000. Earning more or qualifying for some positions may require you to pursue an education beyond an associate or bachelor’s degree. For example, biology professors are one of the best-paid positions in the biology field.
Other high-paying jobs that a biology major can be the first step to include:
- Oncologist
- Neurologist
- Physician
- Dentist
- Podiatrist
- Pharmacist
- Optometrist
- Physician Assistant
- Biochemist
- Biophysicist
- Veterinarian
Is a Biology Degree Worth It?
Biology is a good degree to get as the opportunities are varied and endless. Also, biology falls under the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) umbrella, meaning those with a biology degree have skills that are in high demand in the job market.
Some subjects in the field of biology can be challenging and rewarding at the same time. Employers often seek applicants with a biology degree for their specialized knowledge, research skills, adaptability and attention to detail. Biology remains a popular choice to study as graduates contribute to innovation in different fields with their interdisciplinary skills.
Biology Major FAQs
We’ve answered some commonly asked questions for students interested in studying biology.
Is Biology a Good Major?
If you’re curious about animals, plants, people, microorganisms or ecosystems and how everything is integrated, you’re well suited for a biology major. You should be analytical and adaptable, with a strong interest in science, research and investigation. Additionally, you’ll learn effective communication skills to present your findings and collaborate with others from different disciplines.
What Can You Specialize in With a Biology Degree?
Since biology stretches across many areas, it’s a good idea to research different disciplines within the biology field to find your specialization of interest. A biology degree will equip you with many interdisciplinary skills you can take throughout your studies and career, whether you decide to study zoology, botany, microbiology or biochemistry.
What Is the Best Job With a Biology Degree?
From conducting environmental impact assessments to treating body ailments, people holding a biology degree play an important part in ensuring living things thrive. Many suitable high-paying jobs that require a biology major exist. However, specializing in a particular field should be beneficial from a monetary and personal perspective. When you choose to study biology, you make the choice to understand the world so you can make it a better place.
Start Your Path in Biology at The Mount
Starting with an associate degree in biology will give you the first two years of a typical biology program and a good foundation for its different paths. Mount Wachusett Community College provides quality education at an affordable price. We also have聽transfer agreements with other colleges, so you can easily transfer your earned credits toward a bachelor’s degree and beyond.
Request for more information on聽how to get started聽at The Mount or聽start your application process听辞苍濒颈苍别.