What Will I Learn in a Biology Degree Program?

A biology degree program will prepare students to work with the living world, from the smallest single-celled organisms to entire ecosystems. Students can expect to take courses that will build and test their knowledge of anatomy, physiology, plant biology, mathematics, chemistry, molecular biology, environmental science and computer technology. Because biology is such a wide field, most students will choose to specialize in a particular aspect of it, and students will find that there are hundreds of sub-fields to choose from. Biology degree students can also expect to spend time in a laboratory setting, working with plants, cells, animals and human bodies to study life forms.

What Can I Do With a Biology Degree?

Earning this degree can open doors to a wide range of careers including research positions and commercial applications of the science. Biologists are found in a variety of industries and use their skills to perform diverse jobs. Some biology grads will go a more traditional route and do field work and research in biology-related topics, with many also holding positions as professors and teachers. Others will prefer to work at the cutting edge of technology, working in fields such as biotechnology, biological engineering and nanotechnology. Satisfying careers are also available working in conservation and environmental initiatives. Horticulture and veterinary research are other options as well.

What Is the Career Outlook for Biology Degree Students?

The career outlook for biology degree students can depend heavily on their area of specialization. Some fields can expect to see merely average growth while others will become increasingly more in demand over the coming decade. Some of the most in-demand fields at present deal with medical, pharmaceutical and genetic engineering. Although a bachelor's degree will suffice for some careers, biology is a field in which a master's or doctoral degree is highly desirable or required for advancement. Additional education is reflected in salaries, with those with bachelor's making about $31,000 a year and master's and doctoral degree holders earning $74,000.