A biology degree provides a broad understanding of the natural world. It also serves as a strong foundation for scientific inquiry and analysis. It not only acts as a preparation for medical school, as most of us think, but a biology degree can offer diverse career options in various industries. 

A biology degree can land you a job in healthcare, research, education, biotechnology, environmental science, and more. As a result, in addition to medical school, we will look at various career options with a biology degree.

11 professions you can get into with a biology degree besides medical school

Biologist

One of the most obvious career paths as a biology graduate is as a biologist. Your job as a biologist is to study living things like animals, plants, and microorganisms. It involves investigating various aspects of living organisms, such as their behavior, physiology, genetics, and ecology. 

Your findings will assist people in learning about living things, protecting their health, and resolving environmental issues.

You can work in different fields, including medicine, agriculture, conservation, and biotechnology.

Research scientist

A biology degree is also a ticket to becoming a research analyst. You work to design and conduct scientific experiments, analyze data, and write reports on your findings. You can work in various specialties, including genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, and ecology, in multiple fields, such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and academia.

Besides academics, you can work in industry research labs, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations.

Biotech sales representative

You can land jobs in companies that manufacture and sell biotechnology products, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and diagnostic equipment.

Your work is to promote and sell the company’s products to healthcare providers, laboratories, and other potential customers. You need excellent communication skills and an in-depth understanding of the products you’re selling to have a successful career in this field.

Science/medical writer

You can also venture into writing as a biology graduate. You can write articles, books, or other printed materials. Your content should communicate scientific discoveries and concepts to the public. For example, you can write an educational article about a specific disease, its symptoms, and its treatment.

You can work as a freelance writer, staff writer for scientific publications, or communication specialist for scientific organizations.

As a science or medical writer, you must write clear and concise content that is understandable to a non-scientific audience.

Environmental scientist/consultant

You can work as an environmental consultant or scientist with a biology degree. The profession also calls for passion for the environment.

You will conduct research in the natural sciences to support human health, protect natural resources, and resolve environmental issues.You will work to reduce or eliminate issues like pollution, deforestation, and climate change. 

You could work as an environmental consultant in the same field. It is your responsibility to ensure that organizations and businesses adhere to environmental regulations.

You’ll be analyzing data and making recommendations on how to minimize the impact of business activities on the environment. You can work for consulting firms, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations.

Biology teacher/professor

You can teach biology at various educational levels, including primary schools, high schools, and universities.

You must develop lesson plans, teach classes, and evaluate student performance. It’s also your responsibility to conduct research in science education and develop educational materials for schools and other organizations.

However, for a college professor, you may require to have at least a master’s degree in the field.

Genetic counselor

A genetic counselor works with individuals and families to assess the risk of inherited diseases and disorders.

That means helping patients understand genetic testing results, explaining various treatments’ risks and benefits, and providing emotional support. You must assess their risk of genetic conditions and provide education on the potential outcomes of genetic testing. 

You must also help them make informed decisions about genetic testing and management options. You can work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

Biomedical engineer

You can also choose to venture into biomedical engineering with a biology degree. Your work will be to design and develop medical devices and equipment that improve patient care.

Some devices you can develop as a biomedical engineer include artificial organs, replacement limbs, and diagnostic machines. You must make sure the devices are functional for use at all times.

The job can be demanding because you have to do a lot of research and work with doctors to figure out problems in the healthcare industry and make devices that can help solve them.

You must collaborate with physicians, scientists, and other engineers to create or improve new products. You can work in medical device companies, research labs, or hospitals.

Agriculture specialist

You can work as an agriculture specialist if you have a biology degree. Your work is to develop new methods to help improve crop production, develop new crop varieties, and protect crops from pests and diseases.

You can also work on developing environmentally friendly farming methods that are better for the environment.

You can work in government agencies, universities, or private companies.

Wildlife biologist

Your work as a wildlife biologist involves studying animals in their natural habitats. You observe their behavior and research how they interact with their environment. You can also work to protect endangered species and conserve habitats.

You can work for government agencies, environmental organizations, or research institutions.

Forensic scientist

Forensic scientists use scientific methods to investigate crimes and analyze evidence. You must collaborate with law enforcement agencies. They will need you to use your scientific techniques to analyze blood, DNA, and other materials to help solve crimes.

As a forensic scientist, you can work for government agencies, private labs, or law enforcement organizations.

Read also, what jobs can I get with a history degree.

Conclusion

A biology degree provides many career opportunities outside of medical school. Whether you are interested in research, education, or industry, there are many paths you can take with a biology degree. From becoming a biologist to research analyst to medical writer to forensic scientist. 

However, when choosing the profession to venture into with a biology degree, it is always important to research and explore your options. What to do with a biology degree besides medical school should align with your interests and goals.