From medicine to plant studies and from genetic counseling to bioengineering, the courses you take and knowledge you gain will provide you with an excellent basis for pursuing a virtually limitless number of professional avenues. With a degree in biology, your future will be wide open, indeed

Find Biological Science Programs

Niche Areas
Biology is the study of living organisms, and as such, it stands to reason that there are nearly as many areas of specialization in biology as there are different kinds of organisms on this planet. And even within each of those categories, there may be any number of different aspects that require specialized knowledge. Therefore, you have a great deal of room to focus on specific aspects of the field. Some areas of specialization include:

• Genetics
• Pharmacology
• Entomology
• Medicine
• Botany
• Clinical Laboratory Science
• Zoology
• Biology Education
• Biochemistry
• Environmental Studies

Types Of Associate, Undergraduate & Graduate Programs Available
Because of the sheer range of potential studies in the field of biology, it only stands to reason that you can pursue an education in the field to whatever level best suits you. Associate's degrees in general biological sciences are not uncommon, and they provide an excellent base of knowledge for those who either wish to improve their own understanding of the field for purely intellectual purposes, as well as a great starting point for those who may wish to pursue more advanced degrees, like a Bachelor's or a doctorate. In general, the more advanced the degree in biology, the more specific the field of study becomes.

Typical Admissions Requirements
Like many fields of study, the degree level you choose to pursue is very much dependant upon your past experience in the field. For example, you will not immediately get into a doctoral-level program in biochemistry if your background is in, say, literature. Like so much else in the world of academics, there are prerequisites, both de facto and institutional. So if you have no real background in biology, then you may be better off beginning with either an Associate's degree or a Bachelor's degree. By doing so, you will not only be giving yourself a solid base of knowledge from which to work, but you'll also be affording yourself the opportunity to decide which specific aspect of the field is most interesting to you.

Careers In This Field
Because of all the possible directions in which one might go with a degree in biology, the range of careers is vast. And even within each individual field, there are many subdivisions. As a result, you will have a great deal of flexibility when it comes to your options. Ten of the most popular careers for people who hold a degree in a field of biology are:

• Medicine
• Medical research
• Developmental biology
• Genetic counseling
• Microbiology and immunology
• Biotechnology
• Biology illustration for publications
• Forensics
• Public policy and politics
• Pharmaceutical development

Salary Ranges In This Field
As with any field, the amount of money you earn is, to a great degree, determined by what specific aspect of the field you choose to pursue. If, for example, you decide to focus on the educational aspects of biology and teach in a public school, you will make a very nice living. But you stand to make a great deal more if you go into cardio-thoracic surgery, for example. Really, it depends on what you enjoy most and what your long-term goals are.

Future Outlook
"Employment of biological scientists is projected to grow about as fast as average for all occupations over the 2004-14 period, as biotechnological research and development continues to drive job growth. However, doctoral degree holders face competition for basic research positions. The Federal Government funds much basic research and development, including many areas of medical research that relate to biological science. Recent budget increases at the National Institutes of Health have led to large increases in Federal basic research and development expenditures, with research grants growing both in number and in dollar amount. Nevertheless, the increase in expenditures is expected to slow significantly over the 2004-14 projection period, resulting in a highly competitive environment for winning and renewing research grants. Furthermore, should the number of advanced degrees awarded continue to grow, applicants for research grants are likely to face even more competition. Currently, about 1 in 3 grant proposals are approved for long-term research projects. In addition, applied research positions in private industry may become more difficult to obtain if increasing numbers of scientists seek jobs in private industry due to the competitive job market for independent research positions in universities and for college and university faculty.

Opportunities for those with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in biological science are expected to be better. The number of science-related jobs in sales, marketing, and research management for which non-Ph.D.s usually qualify is expected to exceed the number of independent research positions. Non-Ph.D.s also may fill positions as science or engineering technicians or as medical health technologists and technicians. Some may become high school biology teachers" ( www.bls.gov ).

Resources

1. http://www.edae.gr/bio-associations.html (Extensive listing of various biological associations)
2. www.aibs.org (American Institute of Biological Sciences)
3. www.bls.gov (Bureau of Labor Statistics)