1. Overview
Biologists carry out research in universities, government laboratories, and industry. The research may be "basic," exploring a fundamental question to further our understanding of life processes. Such research may be in the laboratory or "in the field."
Research may also be "applied," seeking to develop a new or better drug or biological pesticide, a new vaccine, or a way to conserve an endangered species, for example.

2. Preparation
Careers are available in Biology at all preparation levels (bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree), but the nature of the jobs change with additional preparation.
Undergraduate coursework includes a broad range of sciences, not just biology. Chemistry, mathematics, and physics courses are required for a biology major and may be prerequisites for advanced biology courses.

3. Earnings
According the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual wages of biochemists and biophysicists are $82,840 in the United States. The middle 50 percent earned between $59,260 and $108,950. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $44,320, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $139,440.

4. Employment
Biological scientists hold about 91,300 jobs in the United States. In addition, many biological scientists hold biology faculty positions in colleges and universities but are not included in these numbers. About 40 percent of all biological scientists were employed by federal, state, and local governments.
Federal biological scientists worked mainly for the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Interior, and Defense and for the National Institutes of Health. Most of the rest worked in scientific research and testing laboratories

5. Employment
There will continue to be demand for biological scientists specializing in botany and zoology, but opportunities will be limited because of the small size of these fields. Doctoral degree holders are expected to face competition for basic research positions in academia.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of biological scientists is projected to grow 21 percent over the decade, much faster than the average for all occupations, as biotechnological research and development continues to drive job growth.

6. BS Biological Sciences Nine Concentrations:
General
Aquatic Ecology
Botany
Environmental Biology
Molecular Biology
Wildlife Biology
Zoology
Life Science Teacher Certification
Science Teacher Certification

7. Aquatic Ecology Ecology of Aquatic Organisms and Ecosystems
Taxonomy and Evolution of Aquatic Organisms
Fishery Management
Restoration
Botanist, Zoologist,
Ichthyologist,
Limnologist, Microbiologist,
Parasitologist,
Phycologist, and
Aquatic Ecologist

8. Environmental Biology
Environmental biologists examine the influences and biological forces at work within the ecological world Work with agencies dealing with the public policy and conservation State agencies like NRCS, TPWD, TCEQ and federal like NPS, USFS, USGS, and USFWS

9. Molecular Biology
Forensic Science, Genetic Counselor, Biochemists, Microbiologists, and Virologists that map genes, identify protein functions, and develop pharmaceuticals

10. Wildlife Biology
Botanists, Ecologists, and Zoologists that work for private consulting firms and state agencies like NRCS, TPWD, TCEQ and federal like NPS, USFS, USGS, and USFWS
Animal Trainers, Zookeepers
Botanical Garden Directors
Museum and Herbarium Curators
Taxonomists and Ecologists

11. Life Science or Science Educator
Bachelor’s degree in the field you teach with state teacher certification
Wildlife Educators that present about plants and animals
We offer classes for Life
Science or Science
Certifications

12. Education Needed for Research
PhD or at least Master of Science degree needed to be a head researcher
Bachelors or Masters needed to be a technician
Problem solving ability & creativity
are essential
College Professor
Can include research
PhD required

13. MS in Biology To do research or to teach at a community college
Good GPA, letters that describe your experience
Good Graduate record Examination (GRE) score

14. How to get and keep a good GPA
Go to class
Study on your own
Form study groups with like-minded, motivated students
Find an upperclassman mentor
After showing you can make good grades, find a faculty mentor and see if they have a project for you

15. How to prepare for the GRE
Start now!
Regularly read dense material (ie. Wall Street Journal, New Yorker, Science Journals, Philosophy essays, Psychology essays)
Do well in your classes
Consider taking a GRE prep course

16. Get Involved
Join a student club and get involved
Beta Beta Beta (BBB): The Honor Society for Biology Majors
Every other Thurs. Rm 219 Thompson
And many others on campus such as Chemistry Club, Environmental Society, and Wildlife Society