WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN... BIOLOGY

bi·ol·o·gy The science of life and of living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution. * "Biology." The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, Jul Last updated 3/2011 by A. Bervine

Biology Majors Study Organisms on a cellular and molecular level, the genetics and development of organisms, the function processes of living things or the interrelationships of organisms within their environment Provides a valuable background for those interested in science but uncertain of their choice of concentration...and more

Specializations Bachelor's Degree/Entry Level –Clinical data processor –Pharmaceutical sales representative. –Environmental educator –Research technician –Assistant/associate scientist –Scientific laboratory technician Further Education Required –Research biologist –Microbiologist –Geneticist –Public health administrator –Veterinarian –Physician –Marine biologist Most undergraduate programs offer a general course of study as well as many specializations that can be pursued with additional study. These include, but are not limited to:

Biology Degrees Available At The University Of South Carolina Ph.D MS BS

Biology At The University Of South Carolina Undergraduate Options Degree: Bachelor of Science (BS) Major: Biological Sciences Minors: Biology, Neuroscience

Biology At The University Of South Carolina Research ProgramsNon-Researched Based Integrative Biology: Ecology, Evolutionary and Organismal Biology (EEOB) Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCDB) Plant Biology Environmental Microbiology Evolutionary Biology Professional Master's Program in Bioinformatics Professional Master's Program in Biotechnology Master's in Teaching (MAT) Graduate Degree: Master of Science (MS)

Biology At The University Of South Carolina Graduate Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Integrative Biology (EEOB) Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCDB) Plant Biology Environmental Microbiology Evolutionary Biology

Biology Majors Develop Skills In Operating scientific equipment Information handling & organization Problem solving Teamwork Analytical & quantitative abilities Biology theory & practical knowledge Oral & written communication

Biology Majors Develop Skills In Independent working Curiosity and creativity Technical skills Numerical computation Innovative talents Statistical awareness

Employment The undergraduate degree alone in biology does not directly lead to a career as a physician or other professional occupation. The degree does provide you with an excellent biological science background and is valuable for almost any type of work involving both physical and life sciences.

Employment settings Business & Commerce: Includes management and direction of for-profit organizations including the development of business plans, marketing strategies, product development, and human resource management.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Business & Commerce Environmental Protection Worker Ergonomist Hospital Administrator Park Manager Market Research Analyst Industrial Hygienist Public Health Worker Wildlife Resources Worker Beach Manager Environmental Health Specialist Forester Systems Analyst

Employment Settings Outdoor Field Work: Includes both studying and working with and in the outdoors. Encompasses everything from management to wildlife resources working.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Outdoor Field Work Agronomist Coastal Resources Worker Environmental Protection Worker Meteorologist Mycologist Park Manager Horticulturist Toxicologist Veterinarian Wildlife Biologist Animal Scientist Aquatic Biologist Botanist Beach Manager Soil Conservationist Ecologist Forester Zoologist

Employment Settings Research: Includes technicians, researchers, and technologists. Also incorporates laboratory work and the education of peers.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Research Aquarium Technician Biotechnologist Genetic Engineering Researcher Limnological Technician Bioengineer Environmental Engineer Hydrographic Survey Technician Microbiologist Net Designer Test and Inspection Technician Water Quality Technician Science Laboratory Technician

Employment Settings Education: Includes classroom instruction, curricula development, research, writing, administration, program management, and lecturing. Teaching and research positions at colleges and universities require an advanced degree. Most other teaching positions require proper certification.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Education Administrator Admissions Evaluator Author/Writer Career Counselor College or University Professor Financial Aid Director Guidance Counselor Health Educator Lecturer Primary School Teacher Program Manager Residence Hall Director Secondary School Teacher Student Affairs Professional Text Writer Medical Librarian

Employment Settings Health Services: Includes healing, both physical and mental, hospital/doctor’s office services, and some technician positions. Most physician and counseling positions require the completion of a certification or advanced study program.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Health Services Dentist Genetic Engineering Researcher Medical Laboratory Technician Physician Dietitian/Nutritionist Health Officer Medical Librarian Pharmacy Technician Chiropractor Coroner Medical Illustrator Mortician Nurse Physical Therapist

Other Possible Employment Settings For Biology Majors Aquariums Arboretums Business Industry Chemical Industry Colleges/Universities Cosmetic Companies Government Agencies Hospitals Medical Supply Companies Zoos Mining Companies National/State Parks Nurseries Petroleum Manufactures Pharmaceutical Companies Technical/Medical Libraries Technical Journals Utility Companies

Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You Want Pursue an excellent academic record Obtain part-time, summer, or internship work experience Volunteer with service and counseling organizations Become fluent in a foreign language Obtain an advanced degree and/or certification in order to perform substantive counseling work Obtain a minor in an additional area of interest (i.E. Language, business, education) Develop strong writing and speaking skills

Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You Want Develop strong quantitative and statistical skills Become comfortable working with people from different backgrounds and cultures Acquire sales experience Become active in peer mediation groups if available Secure leadership positions in campus or community groups Obtain teaching certification Shadow the work of a professional

Books And Web Resources Books Great Jobs for Biology Majors by Blythe Camensen Life Sciences – Research Teaching Strategies for the Successful Job Hunt by The American Society for Cell Biology Scientists by The American Society for Cell Biology Web Resources American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) The BioCareer Center - dex.cfm dex.cfm

Resources For More Information Department Of Biology Career Center Library Biology Related Websites CAS Career Development Website

Career Center Contact Information University of South Carolina Career Center 6th Floor, H. William Close Building (BA Building) Columbia, SC Phone: (803) On-call counseling without an appointment: M - F, 1:00 am - 4:00 pm (Summer and holiday hours may differ, please check the website at