General Information:

A Bachelor’s degree will qualify one for work as a laboratory assistant, technician, technologist or research assistant in education, industry, government, museums, parks and gardens.
An undergraduate degree can also be used for nontechnical work in writing, illustration, sales, photography and legislation.
Master’s degrees allow for more opportunities in research and administration. Some community colleges will hire Master’s level teachers.
Doctoral degrees are necessary for advanced research and administrative positions, university teaching and independent research.
An advanced degree provides the opportunity to specialize under the different areas of the biological sciences.
The biological sciences are good preparation for a career in healthcare such as medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, but professional degrees and licenses are also necessary to practice in these fields.
Learn laboratory procedures and become familiar with equipment.
Obtain summer, part-time, volunteer, co-op or internship experience to test the fields of interest and gain valuable experience.
Develop strong computer, mathematics and verbal and written communications skills.
Join professional associations and community organizations to stay abreast of current issues in the field and to develop networking contacts.
Read scientific journals related to your area of interest.
Maintain a high grade point average to improve chances of graduate and professional school admission.
Become familiar with the specific entrance exam for graduate or professional schools in your area of interest.
Secure strong relationships and personal recommendations from professors and/or employers.
Consider completing a post doctoral experience after graduate school.
Learn federal, state and local government job application process. The federal government is the largest employer of biologists.
Gain experience with grant writing and fundraising techniques. Often research must be funded in this manner.

Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA Employer.

Explore Possible Careers Pathways in Biological Sciences:

Biotechnology: Areas & EmployersAreas – Biotechnology
Research and Development
Laboratory Testing
Education
Employers
Colleges and universities
Pharmaceutical companies
Agricultural industry including fertilizer manufacturers and animal and plant breeding and production
Federal and state government laboratories and agencies
Industry, particularly biotechnology firms
Biotechnology: StrategiesStrategies
Become proficient using laboratory equipment and computers.
Acquire a Ph.D. for college and university teaching and advanced positions in research, development and management.
Take additional courses in chemistry, physics and mathematics.
Complete an undergraduate laboratory research project with a professor.
Genetics: Areas & EmployersAreas – Genetics
Research and Development related to: Animals, Plants and Humans
Genetic Counseling
Education
Employers
Colleges and universities
Pharmaceutical companies
Large producers of seed, livestock and poultry
Government laboratories such as: Department of Agriculture, Fish and Wildlife Service and National Institutes of Health
Biotechnology industry
Hospitals and medical centers
Genetics: StrategiesStrategies
Acquire a broad background in sciences, mathematics and computer technology. Obtain a Ph.D. for teaching and advanced positions in research and management. Earn a master’s degree from an accredited program for genetic counseling. Complete an undergraduate research project with a professor. Find a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest.
Microbiology: Areas & EmployersAreas – Microbiology
Research and Development
Education
Quality Control
Employers
Colleges and universities
Private research foundations
Government research laboratories and service agencies
Hospitals and public health facilities
Agricultural experiment stations
Food, chemical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies
Industry including wood products, paper, textiles, optical equipment, leather and electrical equipment
Environmental and pollution control agencies
Microbiology: StrategiesStrategies
Obtain a Ph.D. for teaching and advanced research and management positions.
Develop additional competencies in chemistry, mathematics and physics. Take courses related to your field of interest or consider an advanced degree to specialize. Find a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest. Complete an undergraduate research project with a professor. Develop strong skills using laboratory equipment and computers.
Botany: Areas & EmployersAreas – Botany
Education
Research and Development
Conservation
Production
Quality Control
Administration
Employers
Colleges and universities
Medical and private research laboratories
Pharmaceutical industry
Industries and laboratories involved in production of food, textiles, chemical and forestry products
State and federal government, especially the Departments of Agriculture, Interior and Health
Botanical gardens and arboretums
National and international environmental Organizations
Botany: StrategiesStrategies
Conduct undergraduate research with professors. Join related professional organizations. Take courses in this specialized area or consider an advanced degree for more opportunities. Take courses in organic chemistry, biochemistry and physics. Obtain a Ph.D. for teaching and advanced positions in research and management. Complete a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest.
Systematic Biology: Areas & EmployersAreas – Systematic Biology
Education
Research and Development
Taxonomy
Conservation
Consulting
Administration
Employers
Colleges, universities and agricultural colleges
Federal agencies including Departments of Agriculture and Interior
State and local agencies
Private research foundations
Museums
Botanical gardens and arboretums
Zoos and aquariums
Public health laboratories
Hospitals
National and international environmental organizations
Systematic Biology: StrategiesStrategies
Earn a Ph.D. for college and university teaching and advanced research and management positions. Develop excellent laboratory and computer skills. Get involved with undergraduate research with professors. Join related professional organizations. Complete a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest.
Entomology: Areas & EmployersAreas – Entomology
Education
Research and Development
Toxicology
Conservation
Quality Control
Employers
Colleges and universities, especially colleges of agriculture and veterinary medicine
Industry including food producers and processors, chemicals for insect control and lumber and pulp
Chemical companies
Pest control companies
Federal and state government
Health agencies
Agricultural experiment stations
Inspection agencies and control boards
Conservation agencies
Entomology: StrategiesStrategies
Acquire a Ph.D. for college and university teaching and advanced research and management positions. Conduct undergraduate research with professors. Join related professional organizations. Take courses in this specialized area or consider an advanced degree for more opportunities. Complete a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest.
Marine and Aquatic Biology: Areas & EmployersAreas – Marine and Aquatic Biology
Research and Development
Education
Administration
Production
Quality Control
Conservation
Employers
Federal, state and local government
Inspection organizations
Private recreation organizations
Research laboratories
Colleges and universities
Zoos and aquariums
Fish hatcheries
National and international environmental agencies
Marine and Aquatic Biology: StrategiesStrategies
Develop a good foundation in mathematics, physics, computer science, statistics and chemistry. Acquire a Ph.D. for college and university teaching and advanced research and management positions. Obtain experience related to fishing and boating. Complete a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest. Take specialized courses in this area or consider an advanced degree for more opportunities.
Zoology: Areas & EmployersAreas – Zoology
Animal Care/Training
Research and Development
Conservation
Administration
Education
Employers
Wildlife preserves and parks
Zoos, aquariums and other collections of animals
Museums
Research organizations
Pharmaceutical, chemical and agricultural service industries
Federal, state and local government
Colleges and universities
Veterinary hospitals
Clinics and hospitals
Zoology: StrategiesStrategies
Obtain experience working with animals and various related laboratory equipment. Develop a broad background in biology and other related subjects such as chemistry, physics, mathematics and statistics. Obtain a Ph.D. for teaching and advanced research and management positions. Complete a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest. A zoological background is good preparation for a career in veterinary science or medicine, but an advanced degree is also required to practice.
Biomedical: Areas & EmployersAreas – Biomedical
Physiology
Biophysics
Biochemistry
Pharmacology
Immunology
Pathology
Research and Development
Education
Quality Control
Employers
Colleges and universities
Professional schools including colleges of pharmacy, dentistry, medicine, veterinary medicine and agriculture
Clinics and hospitals
Private research foundations
Pharmaceutical companies
Federal laboratories and regulatory agencies
Independent testing laboratories
Public health departments
Agricultural experiment stations
Industrial laboratories including chemical, petroleum, food processing, drug and cosmetic manufacturers
Biomedical: StrategiesStrategies
Obtain a Ph.D. for college and university teaching and advanced research positions. Acquire a background in physics, organic and physical chemistry, mathematics and anatomy. Take courses in area(s) of specialization and/or consider an advanced degrees; some may require an M.D. Complete a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest.
Bioinformatics: Areas & EmployersAreas – Bioniformatics
Research and Development
Education
Employers
Biotechnology industry
Pharmaceutical companies
Government research laboratories
Universities and colleges
Bioinformatics: StrategiesStrategies
Double major or minor in computer science. Acquire experience working in teams. Develop in-depth programming and relational database skills. Learn molecular biology packages, web design, and programming skills. Complete an internship in your area of interest.
Education: Areas & EmployersAreas – Education
Teaching
Non-classroom Education
Employers
Universities and colleges
Medical and other professional schools
Public and private schools, K-12
Museums
Zoos
Nature centers and parks
Education: StrategiesStrategies
Certification is required for K-12 school teachers and Ph.D. is needed in universities and colleges. Gain experience working with students through tutoring, interning or volunteering. Learn to work well with all types of people.
Develop excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills.
Technical and Pharmaceutical Sales: EmployersEmployers
Manufacturing firms including:
Pharmaceuticals
Animal pharmaceuticals
Laboratory equipment
Medical supplies and Prostheses

Technical and Pharmaceutical Sales: StrategiesStrategies
Develop excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Take courses in anatomy, pharmacology and chemistry. Obtain sales experience and/or a business minor. Hold leadership positions in campus organizations. Join the student American Marketing Association.
Legislation / Law: EmployersEmployers
Major medical, dental and veterinary schools
Research centers
Federal government
Museums
Zoological and environmental societies
Publishing houses
Free-lance
Legislation / Law: StrategiesStrategies
Acquire thorough knowledge of photographic procedures and technology. Become skilled with medical and scientific instruments including microscopes.
Take specific courses in biological, medical, and ophthalmic photography; courses in illustration and printing are also helpful.
Technical Writing: Areas & EmployersAreas – Technical Writing
Writing
Editing
Employers
Newspapers
Publishing companies including scientific magazines, professional journals, periodicals, textbooks and online publishers
Medical and veterinary colleges
Technical Writing: StrategiesStrategies
Take advanced courses in technical writing or journalism classes or consider a minor in either. Develop strong writing skills and command of the English language. Obtain an advanced degree in scientific journalism.
Illustration: EmployersEmployers
Publishing companies including scientific magazines, professional journals, periodicals, textbooks and online publishers
Educational and scientific software companies
Medical and veterinary colleges
Illustration: StrategiesStrategies
Double major or minor in graphic illustration. Acquire word processing and desktop publishing skills. Find a part-time, summer, co-op or internship position with a publisher or newspaper.