Hi, everyone!
I’m Rob Franek, Editor-in-Chief at The Princeton Review, and I am here today to talk to you
about what you can do with your biology degree—whether or not pre-med!
There are a lot of possibilities—we’re going to cover several of those today!
So if you’re fascinated by plants and animals, passionate about preventing the extinction
of endangered species, and you’ve been considering a career in science, medicine, or government
for some time—this is the video for you.
As a biology major, you’ll spend four years studying the role of living organisms, their
function, and characteristics.
You’ll take courses touching on everything from ecology and evolution, to genetics, biostatistics,
biochemistry, human anatomy and marine biology.
You’ll also get TONS of hands-on learning opportunities, as you’ll often find yourself
learning both inside and outside of the classroom, analyzing and collecting data in research
labs and outdoors.
And as I alluded to earlier, biology is also a fantastic (and extremely popular) major
for pre-med students!
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, more than half of medical school
applicants major in biology.
That said, NO PRESSURE ––at least not from us, we can’t speak for your parents––
if medical school isn’t on your to-do list!
After four rigorous years of scientific coursework, we can confidently say that your biology degree
will prepare you for more than medical school!
You’ll graduate with PLENTY of highly coveted professional skills, including:
Laboratory & Research skills.
Employers in STEM fields need graduates that understand how to define problems, design
experiments, and conduct research.
Employers also look for folks with strong Technical Communication skills.
Biology graduates can get paid pretty well to explain complex ideas to nontechnical audiences.
The ability to summarize scientific findings with charts, graphs, and other visual aids
in a way that non-science professionals can understand is a skill unique to STEM majors.
You’ll also develop advanced Quantitative & Data Analysis skills.
The ability to use software and statistical tests to predict outcomes and model your research
findings will WITHOUT A DOUBT prepare you for a wide range of careers in science, healthcare,
business, and government.
Those are just a few of the MANY employable skills you’ll gain as a biology major –and
that’s not all!
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM fields are expected to grow 8% by 2029.
That’s over TWO times faster than all other occupations, which will grow by less than
4% in the next decade.
This means that biology graduates can look forward to fast-growing and lucrative STEM
careers, including in positions as:
Biochemists –– designing studies for the development of new drugs and medications.
Environmental Scientists –– protecting the environment and identifying health hazards
through scientific research.
Medical Scientists –– discovering new approaches to treatments and disease prevention.
Biological Technicians –– conducting tests and experiments in academic and medical labs
at universities and hospitals.
Microbiologists –– studying some of the smallest lifeforms, including bacteria, algae,
and fungus.
That said, many biology graduates opt out of traditional roles as scientists and technicians,
in favor of roles in sales, marketing, education, public policy, and law!
You’ll find quite a number of biology majors working as a:
Health Policy Analyst –– You could chart a career in public policy, evaluating laws
and government programs related to health, medicine, and the environment.
Medical Writer –– This is a great career for biology majors who LOVE writing about
science!
In this role, you’ll write articles, training manuals, and technical documents related to
healthcare and other scientific topics.
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative –– If you’re interested in traveling for work,
this role will allow you to travel to doctors’ offices, hospitals, and healthcare facilities
selling pharmaceutical products to medical professionals.
Attorney –– You could use your biology degree as a lawyer specializing in patents
and intellectual property, medical malpractice, or environmental law.
Of course, you’d need to eventually go to law school!
Teacher — If you’re interested in education, you might also consider a career as a biology
teacher.
These are just a FEW of the many careers—besides med school—available to you if you choose
to major in biology.
If you’re a current or aspiring biology major, leave a comment and let us know what
you plan to do with your biology degree!
Thanks so much for watching!
As always, subscribe to our channel for all the latest, greatest updates about college,
test prep, careers, life skills, and a whole lot more!
See you here next time!