A biology degree is consistently one of college’s most popular degree choices. In fact, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 6 percent of all undergraduate degrees were granted to people studying biological and biomedical sciences.
Students can do a lot with a biology degree since it falls under the umbrella of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), which includes skills in high demand in the job market. Biology degree holders go on to study Antarctic penguins, decode the genome of rogue viruses, attend nursing and medical schools, and even engineer new plants.
Opportunities are endless, but the field of biology can be challenging, and students should consider many factors when deciding to major in biology. First, let’s discuss what a bachelor’s in Biology entails and how it can lead to various job prospects.
What is a Bachelor’s in Biology?
A biology degree emphasizes the study of living things, including plants, animals, and bacteria. Students prepare for a range of careers in the scientific, environmental, and medical fields.
Biology degrees also draw on many other disciplines, including physics, mathematics, chemistry, geology, law, statistics, and psychology. And while every college and university will have different course requirements, most biology degrees require students to take the following:
- Biology
- Calculus
- Genetics
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Principles of Ecology and Evolution
- Molecular Cell Biology
Some programs also offer students the opportunity to perform independent research, complete lab internships, or study abroad in addition to their coursework.
What Types of Biology Degrees are Available?
Students often choose between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biology and a Bachelor’s of Science (BS) in Biology.
A general BA Biology degree is an excellent choice for students to keep their options open as they advance their studies. This degree includes courses from different disciplines, including electives that help students prepare for various graduate school tracks and career pathways across many fields.
On the other hand, a BS in Biology primarily focuses on the natural sciences, and students are preparing for careers in the medical field. This degree is also an excellent choice for individuals who desire a career in scientific research.
Students can elect to further specialize in a particular area based on the job and career they are interested in. At University of Bridgeport (UB), we offer both BA and BS in Biology degree options.
Each degree includes the following concentration opportunities for students:
- BA in Biology Concentrations
- Biomedical Science/Biotechnology
- Ecology/Conservation/Environmental Biology
- BS in Biology Concentrations
- Biomedical Science/Biotechnology
- Ecology/Conservation/Environmental Biology
- Pre-Allied Health
- Pre-Medical/Vet/Dental
What Can You Do with a Bachelor’s in Biology?
One of the best things about having a biology degree is that it paves the way toward a fast-growing field with various rewarding and high-paying jobs through its versatility.
And while most job options are in the STEM field, many biology degree holders take on other professions or use their biology degree to attend a graduate, nursing, or medical school.
Here are some common career choices and median salaries among people with biology degrees:
- College Professor – $79,540
- Dentist – $159,200
- Epidemiologist – $70,990
- Forester – $63,270
- Forensic Scientist – $59,150
- Microbiologist – $75,650
- Pharmacist – $128,090
- Biomedical Engineer – $91,410
- Registered Nurse – $73,300
- Physicians and surgeons – $208,000
- Public Health Educator – $46,910
- Wildlife Biologist – $63,270
- Veterinarian – $95,460
How Do I Know If I Should Major in Biology?
Majoring in biology suits students interested in a science-related career or graduate or medical school. To help determine if a biology degree is worth it for you, consider asking yourself:
- Do I have a love for science and nature?
- Am I interested in studying humans, animals, and other living organisms?
- Did I enjoy my high school courses in science and mathematics?
- Do I love making observations and making notes?
- Am I a critical thinker and a natural problem solver?
- Do I want to attend graduate or medical school after my bachelor’s degree?
Ultimately, the most successful people studying biology are insatiably curious and motivated to learn.
Is Getting a Bachelor’s in Biology Worth it?
Biology degrees are ideal for students who wish to pursue STEM-related careers. But, it is also a degree that opens many other career opportunities. So, whether you seek a BS or BA in Biology, both are well-rounded degrees that prepare students for many career paths.
Start your future at UB — it’s free to apply, we offer financial aid, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to getting you through college and into a great career. Contact us today!