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Careers in Biology

Employment opportunities for applicants with bachelor's degrees are good, and the outlook improves with advanced degrees. Many graduates have entered professional schools of medicine, dentistry, osteopathy, podiatry, optometry, pharmacy, chiropractic, and veterinary medicine. 

Other graduates have become researchers, professors, secondary education teachers, pharmaceutical sales reps, lab supervisors, environmental specialists, nutritionists, librarians, business people, medical technologists, physician assistants, natural resource specialists, technical writers, hospital technicians, forensic scientists and bioengineers, in addition to those pursuing non-science careers.

Medical and Allied Health Fields

  • Physician
  • Optometrist
  • Dentist
  • Podiatrist
  • Veterinarian
  • Chiropractic Medicine
  • Physical Therapy
  • Medical Technician or Technologist

Academia

  • High School Science Teacher: B.A. + Teaching Certificate
  • Community College Instructor: M.S. or Ph.D.
  • University Professor: Ph.D.
  • Researcher: M.S. or Ph.D.
  • Research Technician: B.A., B.S., or M.S.

Business and Industry

  • Research & Development - Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Forest Products, Agro-industry: M.S. or Ph.D.
  • Technician - Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Forest Products, Agro-industry: B.A. or M.S.
  • Pharmaceuticals - Research & Development: M.S. or Ph.D.
  • Sales - Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Forest Products, Agro-industry, Scientific Equipment, Science Publisher: B.A.
  • Environmental Consulting Firm: B.A., M.S., or Ph.D.
  • Publishing - Science Writing, Editing, Illustrating : B.A.
  • Environmental Law - Attorney: B.A. + Law Degree
  • Lobbyist - Industry Association: Law, Paralegal Degree

Government

  • Researcher - CDC, EPA, USFWS, NMFS, USDA, DEC: M.S. or Ph.D.
  • Technician - B.A.. B. S., or M.S.
  • Regulation & Enforcement - EPA, DEC, USFDA, USDA, Fish & Game, National Park Service, State Parks, Water Districts: B.A., B.S, or M.S.
  • Policy: Law Degree

Non-Profit Organizations

  • Lobbyist, Advocate: Law or Paralegal Degree
  • Grassroots Organizer: B.A.
  • Education/Public Awareness: B.A.

Department of Biological Sciences

Dodge Hall Rm 375
118 Library Dr
Rochester, MI 48309-4479
(location map)
(248) 370-3550
fax: (248) 370-4225

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