Life, science: Top 5 careers for biology majors

Considering majoring in biology? Take a look at a few top careers for biology majors, and learn how online education can inspire a truly rewarding job.

Earning your degree in biology opens up a range of potential jobs. Depending on your interests, you could find yourself in research, health care, conservation or education. What's more, the changing nature of the discipline means you could stand at the forefront of science in exciting new biotechnology careers. In such a diverse field, our top career picks really had to stand out from the crowd. Check out which ones made the cut.

The top careers for biology majors

1. Biomedical research. Help contribute to the future of human medicine by directing your biology degree towards a career in biomedical research. Biology majors are valued for their specific insight into living bodies, and biological scientists are necessary in research capacities including microbiology, cell biology, biophysics, and more.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that medical scientists, including biomedical researchers, earned mean annual wages of $84,760 in 2009. A PhD is required for most research careers in the field, giving you a chance to specialize your knowledge to a certain research subject in preparation to enter the field.

2. Museum educator. The education field is rich for biologists and other educators trained in the sciences. Career opportunities at all levels are possible for those with the right education; typically, you need a bachelor's degree plus certification to teach at the primary or secondary level, and a PhD to teach at the college level.

Working as a museum educator offers a new perspective to the education track. Museum curators, including those directing public service educational programs, earned mean annual wages of $52,330 in 2009, the BLS notes. A master's degree is required for most curator positions, though smaller positions may be available to those with a bachelor's degree.

3. Conservation scientist. If saving the planet is on your list of career goals, biology degree programs open up a world of opportunities in environmental work and conservation science. Focus on your environmental interests and work towards careers ranging from zoo biologists to park rangers, environmental specialists to management and conservation biologists.

Conservation scientists work with private companies and governmental organizations alike to help manage the use and development of forests, rangelands, and other natural resources. The BLS reports that conservation scientists earned mean annual wages of $61,180 in 2009. A bachelor's degree is generally required for the job, though teaching and research careers will typically require a master's degree at least.

4. Agricultural scientist. Work with the living systems that help maintain a worldwide food supply as an agricultural scientists. Biologists use their specialized knowledge to help study crops, improve the quality of life for animals, improve production yields, and reduce disease and illness in animal and plant groups alike. Working with public businesses or government clients allow these scientists to make a real difference in the nation's food consumption.

The BLS reports that food scientists earned mean annual wages of $64,370 in 2009. A bachelor's degree in biology is often preferred by hiring managers in certain areas of the research, production, or testing line.

5. Biological forensic science technician. In the field of forensic science, biological technicians use their knowledge of biology to analyze physical evidence after a crime. While some forensic science technicians specialize in firearms or DNA analysis, a biological technician will focus on the evidence linked to living organisms.

Forensic science technicians earned mean annual wages of $55,070 in 2009, the BLS notes. A bachelor's degree in a natural science major like biology plus additional training in criminal justice or forensic science is often ideal for the career.

Finding biology degrees online

Not all biology degrees are possible online because of lab work requirements, but it may be possible to reduce your classroom commitments by completing part or all of a biology degree online. Learn more about online biology degrees and find out how you can take control of the method by which you pursue your education.

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