Jobs With a MS in Biology
A master of science (MS) in biology requires significant full-time coursework for two or three years. Some students get this degree on the road to a doctoral program, while others decide they want to enter the work force after receiving their degree. With a master's degree, students qualify for a specific, more technical, set of jobs.
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Science Teacher
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An MS in biology can place a student on a path to teaching. With a broad range of classes in ecology, marine biology and evolutionary biology, you are marketable as a high school or elementary school science teacher. Some schools offer programs coupled with a teaching certificate to make the career preparation process even easier. Even if the program does not include this, however, the MS sets you up for a career in teaching.
Biomedical Research Technician
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Academic institutions, medical schools, the government and the pharmaceutical industry are in need of people who know modern biotechnology. Most jobs in biomedical research require a PhD. The technician job, which includes dissecting and extracting DNA in addition to other research tasks, requires only an MS in biology. If you plan to pursue this path, you may want to take classes in biochemistry, cell biology, developmental biology and genetics.
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Ecology
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An MS in biology with a focus in ecology can lead to an applied job in the field. Ecologists often focus on plant botany, animals and the restoration of destroyed natural areas. They need extensive experience in the field, which you can achieve with a master's in biology with courses emphasizing botany, plant evolutionary biology, zoology and comparative anatomy.
Genetic Counseling
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Genetic counselors provide counseling for those expecting or hoping to expect a baby by evaluating family history and medical records, ordering and evaluating genetic tests and helping parents understand the tests. These tests can predict, based on biology, whether the baby may have certain genetic defects such as down syndrome, cystic fibrosis or sickle cell disease. This career path requires an MS in biology with a focus in biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology. Laboratory experience will help you get the job.
Peace Corps
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The peace corps offers a chance for students with an MS in biology to apply the science they have learned. Some decide to work in fisheries or teach biology or environmental issues and policy. Others decide to work on restoration projects. Some people may wish to pursue this option before settling into a more restricted position in a lab or academic institution.
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References
- Photo Credit laboratoire de biologie image by KaYann from Fotolia.com
