Jobs in Life Science With a Bachelor of Science Degree

Biology majors can work in zoos and other animal care settings.

The field of biological science is wide open in terms of the number of available career choices. While many research-oriented careers in biological science require advanced degrees, graduates can use the bachelor of science degree in biology to obtain a career in the life sciences that is both rewarding and lucrative.

Teacher

A teacher is one possible career option for those holding a bachelor's degree in one of the life sciences like biology. Life science teachers tend to teach at the secondary education level, instructing both middle school and high school students in the basic elements of biological science. Most states require that teachers complete some type of teacher education program in conjunction with their bachelor's degree. Teachers must also obtain certification and licensure through testing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the median salary for middle school teachers was $50,770, as of May 2009. High school teachers made $52,200.

Clinical Laboratory Technician

For those who like working in a laboratory setting, a career as a clinical laboratory is a second possibility. Laboratory technicians and technologists test bodily fluids and cells and analyze the results with the intention of preventing or treating disease. The testing performed by these technicians and technologists is then used by physicians for diagnosis and treatment purposes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of jobs in this field will increase by 14 percent from 2008 to 2018. Clinical laboratory technicians made a median salary of $36,030, as of May 2009.

Forester

Foresters preserve and maintain the nation's forest lands by working with farmers, companies and government agencies to conserve the natural resources of the forests. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that foresters oversee and direct various types of activities that take place in the nation's forests. These activities can be for conservation purposes, but they can also be economic or recreational in nature. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, foresters made a median salary of $53,840 as of May 2009.

Biological Technician

A biological technician work alongside professional biologists studying various types of living organisms. Biological technicians are very similar to medical technicians who work alongside scientists who attempt to find cures for disease like AIDS. Biological technicians can also work in areas like biotechnology, pharmaceutics and microbiology. The Bureau of Labor Statistics project an average rate of job growth in this field from 2008 to 2018 and reports a median salary of $38,700 for biological technicians, as of May 2009.

References

• PayScale: Popular Jobs for Biology Majors
• Oklahoma State University: What to Do With a Degree in Biological Sciences
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Teachers---Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Foresters
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Biological Technicians

Resources

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: 19-0000 Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations (Major Group)