Biology

Careers

What can I do with a major in Biology?

The Carthage biology curriculum prepares students for graduate study, academic and industrial research positions, secondary education, quality assurance, forensic science, environmental work, and careers in conservation, as well as entry into medical, veterinary, dental and other professional schools.

Areas of Biology

Most biological scientists choose to specialize in one area of biology:

Aquatic biology (micro-organisms, plants and animals living in water)
Biochemistry (chemical composition of living things)
Biophysics (how physics relates to living cells)
Botany (plants and their environments)
Ecology (relationships among organisms and their environments)
Marine biology (salt water organisms)
Microbiology (microscopic organisms such as bacteria or fungi)
Physiology (life functions of plants and animals)
Zoology (animals and wildlife)

Education and Training

A bachelor's degree in biology is adequate for some non-research positions:

Biological scientists in testing or inspection
Research assistants
Laboratory technicians
High school biology teachers

A master's degree is sufficient for some positions in the following areas:

Applied research
Product development
Management
Inspection
Research technician
Teaching

Many biology majors go on to medical, dental, veterinary or other health profession schools. A Ph.D. is usually necessary for independent research, industrial research and college teaching.

Possible Careers for Biology Majors

(This list includes careers requiring differing degrees of education and training.)

Physical Biochemist
Immunologist
Pharmacist
Agricultural Scientist
Conservation Scientist
Forensic Scientist
Virologist
Wetlands Ecologist
Zoologist
Lab Technician
Microbiologist
Physician
Game Biologist
Forester
Laboratory Specialist
Horticulturalist
Physical Therapist
Florist
Medical Examiner
Aquarium/Zoo Administrator

Visit the Carthage Career Center.

Learn more about careers in the biological sciences from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Academics at Carthage

Prospective Students

Research Opportunities

Summer Undergraduate Research Experience leads to real world success. Read more.

Freshman students get research experience in new phage genomics course

Biology professor Deborah Tobiason selected to participate in Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science Education Alliance. She will teach a new course in phage genomics research starting in Fall 2011. Read more.

J-Term in Nicaragua

This annual trip allows Carthage students to explore the geography of Ometepe, and treat patients in the island's medical clinics. Watch the video.

Student Spotlight

Carthage biology major Bri Birsa, '11, has been awarded a grant from the Racine Zoological Society for her research on bats, bat activity and their habitats. Read more.