There are so many careers in the biological sciences! Here is a short list of possibilities from the Biology Student Handbook to get you thinking. This page provides some resources for different kinds of careers that a Biology or Biochemistry major might pursue.
General Career Information
Résumés, C.V.s, and Cover Letters
Research

Research can be done at universites (emphasis on basic research), in industry (emphasis on applied research), in government agencies, or in other settings. Every possible field of biology has research opportunities!

Directing research usually requires a PhD (did you know that in the life sciences, you don't pay tuition to get a PhD, and you're paid a stipend?). However, there are many opportunities at the BS/BA level as well, working as a technician or research associate.

Medicine and Healthcare

There are numerous careers in the medical field, from MDs of all specialties to doctoral- or masters-level careers like PA, PT, OT, and pharmacy to nurses, opticians, NMTs, surgical techs, and many others. See our Pre-Health pages for much more information about health-care careers, professional schools, pre-requisites, major and course planning, etc.

Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary medicine is a popular field, requiring a DVM from a four-year veterinary school program. Certification as a veterinary technician ("vet tech") is another route to working in animal medicine, and interested students can gain experience by working as a veterinary assistant without further certification.

Secondary Education

Science education is essential, both to encourage young people to consider STEM careers and to build the scientific literacy of the general public. Certification in secondary education allows you to teach in a middle-school or high-school setting.

In Illinois, it requires a degree in a science area (biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics) and certification to state standards in education. Once certified, you are qualified to teach in any science area. The Biology Education (BS) track in the Biology major is designed to meet all requirements for students planning a secondary education careers. Students who decide later can also complete their Biology degree and then enter a post-grad certification program.

Genetic Counseling

Genetic counselors work intimately with patients to help them understand genetic conditions, risks, and options. They most commonly work with genetics of cancer, prenatal, or pediatric conditions, and their job combines scientific knowledge, problem solving, medical ethics, counseling, and ongoing education. They may work in hospitals, private practice, laboratories, or industry settings but do not directly perform physical examinations or procedures.

Scientific Communication

Although all scientists are also communicators, some choose to focus their careers on communication. This could mean being a science journalist, writing about science for the general public. Or you might specialize in writing grants or working as an editor for a scientific journal.