UGA Specific Information for Biology

Biology encompasses the study of all living organisms, including microbes, plants, and animals. The study of biology includes various aspects of life, including basic organization (molecular, cellular, tissues, organs), how organisms function, their roles in the natural environment, how hereditary information is transferred, and development of biotechnology. Biology graduates are broadly trained and well prepared for admission into strong graduate programs in the biological sciences and professional schools (medical, dental, and veterinary). They may also directly assume positions in government, education, industry, or certain technical fields



Class of 2022 Career Outcomes for Biology*

** Includes Self-Employed


Campus Resources


Additional UGA Career Center Recommendations/Considerations

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS IN BIOLOGY

Taken from American Institute for Biological Sciences

Research: Research biologists study the natural world, using the latest scientific tools and techniques in both laboratory settings and the natural environment, to understand how living systems work. Many work in exotic locations around the world, and what they discover increases our understanding of biology and may be put to practical use to find solutions to specific problems. Learn more about how biological research helps to inform societal issues on the AIBS Website actionbioscience.org. Learn more about the wide variety of research interests by visiting the websites of AIBS Member Societies and Organizations.

Health care: Biologists may develop public health campaigns to defeat illnesses such as tuberculosis, AIDS, cancer, and heart disease. Others work to prevent the spread of rare, deadly diseases, such as the now infamous Ebola virus. Veterinarians tend to sick and injured animals, and doctors, dentists, nurses, and other health care professionals maintain the general health and well being of their patients. Many of these careers require additional education and training past undergraduate college, but these positions are usually in high demand both in the US and abroad. Additionally, biologists in the health care field can choose to work for organizations like the Peace Corps and Doctors Without Borders, which help bring much-needed health care services to less developed and/or war-impacted regions.

Environmental management and conservation: Biologists in management and conservation careers are interested in solving environmental problems and conserving the natural world for future generations. Park rangers protect state and national parks, help preserve their natural resources, and educate the general public. Zoo and aquarium biologists carry out endangered species recovery programs and serve as a vital education conduit to the general public. In addition, management and conservation biologists often work with members of a community such as landowners and special interest groups to develop and implement management plans. Other potential employment opportunities may exist with state/federal natural resource agencies, not-for-profit conservation organizations, private ecological consulting firms, or wildlife rehabilitation centers.

Education: Life science educators enjoy working with people and encouraging them to learn new things, whether in a classroom, a research lab, the field, or a museum. You can gain insight into what biology education professionals are working toward and achieving by visiting the AIBS Education Programs Office, where you will find updates on institutional reform efforts, information on new and exciting ways of teaching biological concepts, and novel resources for biology classroom education. You can also learn about how biology professionals are connecting with each other to advance the public understanding of science by visiting the COPUS website.

Colleges and universities: Professors and lecturers teach introductory and advanced biology courses. They may also mentor students with projects and direct research programs. Many biology faculty at colleges and universities engage in their own research and serve as reviewers or editors for scientific journal publications, members of working groups and advisory boards, and as part of research collaborations with scientists from other institutions.

Primary and secondary schools: Teaching younger students requires a general knowledge of science and skill at working with different kinds of learners. High school teachers often specialize in biology and teach other courses of personal interest. There is a high demand for educators that are trained in biological sciences and have strong backgrounds in K-12 education, classroom management, and primary/secondary school administration.

Science museums, zoos, aquariums, parks, and nature centers: Educators in these settings may design exhibits and educational programs, in addition to teaching special classes or leading tours and nature hikes. Often, these professionals serve as an organization’s “front line” and are responsible for communicating complex biological information to the public, writing grant proposals to fund new programs and exhibits, and working with community partners to leverage resources and gain exposure on local and national levels.

Other directions in biological careers: There are many careers for biologists who want to combine their scientific training with interests in other fields. Here are some examples:

Biotechnology: Biologists apply scientific principles to develop and enhance products, tools, and technological advances in fields such as agriculture, food science, and medicine. Scientists in this field may work in genetic engineering, pharmaceutical development, or medical technologies (such as nanomedicine), or as a lab technician or technologist. You can learn more about biotechnology opportunities and issues by visiting actionbioscience.org Biotechnology and reading new articles, particularly those sponsored by the partnership between AIBS and the Northwest Association for Biomedical Research (NWABR).

Forensic science: Forensic biologists work with police departments and other law enforcement agencies using scientific methods to discover and process evidence that can be used to solve crimes. Biologists in forensic science often choose a specialty, such as forensic odontology, forensic anthropology, crime scene examination, or—with additional education and training—medical examiner.

Politics and policy: Science advisors work with lawmakers to create new legislation on topics such as biomedical research and environmental protection. Their input is essential, ensuring that decisions are based upon solid science. Professional biologists can serve as policy advocates for scientific organizations or non-profits, political advisors at the state or national level, or even as a representative serving on a political committee or working group. You can learn more about the interface between biology and politics by visiting the AIBS Public Policy Office, where you can find information on current legislative initiatives and how to advocate for science and research policy, as well as sign up to receive AIBS Action Alerts to help express your opinions on biology issues to political decisionmakers. You can also visit actionbioscience.org Science Policyfor detailed information about scientific collections, science education, and more.

Business and industry: Biologists work with drug companies and providers of scientific products and services to research and test new products. They may also work in sales, marketing, and public relations positions.

Economics: Trained professionals work with the government and other organizations to study and address the economic impacts of biological issues, such as species extinctions, forest protection, and environmental pollution. Biologists may also study the impacts of socio-economics on humans, environmental economics (an economic analysis of the environment with a focus on preserving natural capital), or ecological economics (the study of how human economies and natural ecosystems are linked in time and space).

Mathematics: Biologists in fields such as bioinformatics and computational biology apply mathematical techniques to solve biological problems, such as modeling ecosystem processes and gene sequencing. Mathematical and theoretical biology are two recent scientific fields that use mathematical representations and tools to both understand and model biological processes in other research areas, including cell biology, biotechnology, and ecosystem dynamics.

Science writing and communication: Journalists and writers with a science background inform the general public about relevant and emerging biological issues. Biologists with excellent writing and communication skills can be employed by high-profile journals—such as Nature and Science—as well as online magazines and science blogs or print/media networks (e.g., Discovery and National Geographic).

Art: All of the illustrations in your biology textbook, as well as in newspaper and magazine science articles, were created by talented artists with a thorough understanding of biology. Individuals in this field may be employed by magazines and journals (e.g., Scientific American), museums and aquaria, hospitals and medical training centers, or even state and local government agencies.

Supplemental Career Research Dashboard

Additional Career Research Resources

  • O*NET - The O*NET database includes information on skills, abilities, knowledges, work activities, and interests associated with over 900 occupations (Login using your 810/811)
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook - The OOH can help you find career information on duties, education and training, pay, and outlook for hundreds of occupations
  • Firsthand -Explore a library of guides, articles, and other resources to help you explore careers, plan your job search, and learn about different work environments. Create a free account with your UGA email.
  • Candid Career - Whether you are just beginning to explore career options, preparing for a job interview, or looking to change careers, CandidCareer.com can help by providing you with access to thousands of informational video interviews with real professionals through an easy to use website. We can all learn from the experiences of others and the Career Center makes this valuable resource available to UGA students so they may be informed and ready for what lies ahead. (Login using your 810/811)
  • GoinGlobal - View jobs/internship in other countries and country career guides (Login using your 810/811)
  • UGA Mentor Program- Networking with your Bulldog family can help you get ahead in life and career, but where do you even start? The UGA Mentor Program narrows down the world of possibilities to meaningful connections. The program connects students to alumni mentors for personal and professional development 
  • Glassdoor - Glassdoor is a free jobs and career community that offers the world an inside look at jobs and companies. What sets us apart is our "employee generated content" – anonymous salaries, company reviews, interview questions, and more – all posted by employees, job seekers, and sometimes the companies themselves. Now with nearly 3 million salaries and reviews, you have all the information you might need to make your next career decision. 
  • Portfolium - Your work and projects are undeniable proof of your skills – Portfolium will help you learn and allow you to display the top skills graduate schools and employers want. Portfolium is where you’ll upload your work, projects, presentations and more. The UGA Career Center has pre-loaded your profile to include the top skills graduate schools and employers seek in their candidates. Log-in to your profile to see how you can build your skills!
  • Big Interview - Online practice interview platform. Practice basic interview questions or questions based on your industry interests or competencies! Also provides practice interview questions for graduate/professional schools. Just sign-up using your uga email address! 
  • Career Cornerstone Center - Career planning resources for STEM fields
  • "Learn How to Become" Job Search and Career Resource Center- this source provides advice for the job search, networking, interviews, salary negotiation, tips for starting the position, and more!

Employment Websites


Professional Associations/Resources

LINKEDIN

  • Join LinkedIn groups that are relevant to your career interests.  To search, select "groups" & type in your keywords.  
  • Review the groups that professionals in your field of interest have joined & consider joining those as well.  
  • To login, visit the LinkedIn main page. 

Employers/Position Title Reported by Class of 2022 Biology majors

The information below represents employers and position titles from the Class of 2022 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.

Employer Position Title(s)
ABC Applied Behavioral Consulting Behavior Technician
Accordia Urgent Care Medical Technician
Ad Victoriam Solutions Elevate Analyst
Advanced Circuitry International Assistant Production Manager
ALS Tribology Lab Tech
AMB Consultores, Soluciones Ambientales Associate Environmental and Compliance Consultant
Anitox Lab Tech
Astravenica Protein Production Unit Technician
ATA Management Assistant to Talent Manager
Athens Dental Associates Dental Assistant
Athens Retina Center Ophthalmic Assistant Intern
Athens Retina Center Ophthalmic Assistant Intern
ATL Colorectal Surgery P.C. Medical Assistant
Atlanta Dental Center Dental Assistant
Atlanta VA Medical Center Lab Technician
Augusta University Research Assistant
Barbour Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, PC Medical Assistant
Bristol Myers Squibb Worldwide Patient Safety Intern
Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center Medical Office Assistant
CDx Diagnostics Clinical Specialist
Cleaton Science Centers Medical Assistant
Company Name Not Specified Scribe
CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) Program Associate - CDC Testing Team
CR Bard Area Sales Consultant
CrossLink/ Stryker Orthopaedics Full Line Sales Associate
CyanVac LLC Research Associate I
Department of Public Health Environmental Health Specialist
DeWitt and Chisolm Family Medicine Medical Assistant
Doctor Parrot Research Professional/Lab Technician
Dr. Dale Duncan Surgical Assistant
Dr. Vidya Krishnamurthy Medical Assistant
Duluth Family Practice, LLC Medical Receptionist
Elements Trade Warehouse Manager
Emory University Research Specialist
Emory University Anesthesia Technician
Emory University Patient Care Technician
Ethic Systems Project Manager
Family Pet Hospital Veterinary Technician
Flywheel Market Development Specialist
Forsyth County Schools Biology Teacher
Georgia Dental Laboratory Inc. Dental Lab Technician Assistant
Georgia Gwinnett College COVID-19 Contact Tracer
Goodman Dermatology, PC Medical Assistant
Goodman Dermatology, PC Medical Assistant
Goodman Dermatology, PC Medical Assistant
Goodman Dermatology, PC Medical Assistant
Grady County Schools Physical Education Teacher
Gwinnett County Public Schools Teacher
Habersham Medical Center Patient Care Technician
Harbin Clinic Medical Scribe
Harris Echols Foreman
Hitachi Astemo Quality Engineer Technician
Hope Family Medicine Medical Assistant
Hopebridge Autism Therapy Center Behavioral Health Technician
Indiana Health University EMT
iNterra Networks ServiceNow Administrator
Jacek Gaertig Research Technician
Ketan Patel Medical Assistant
KORE Wireless Sales Development Representative
Legacy Dental Dental Assistant
Marietta Eye Clinic Ophthalmic Assistant
Marietta Eye Clinic Ophthalmic Assistant
Medical University of South Carolina Medical Scribe
Mercy Health Center Dental Assistant
Mercy Internal Medicine at Emory Medical Assistant
Miles Family Medicine Medical Assistant
Montgomery County School District Middle School Instructional Assistant
Nantucket Cottage Hospital Certified Medical Assistant
National Institutes of Health Postbaccalaureate IRTA Fellow
National Vision Optometric Tech
Netflix Storyboard Artist
Neunkirchen Nightmares Semi-Professional Softball Player
NOAA Communications Intern
North Atlanta Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Surgical Assistant
North Atlanta Vascular Clinic and Vein Center Medical Assistant
Nucraft Dental Arts Dental Laboratory Technician
Our Family Health Center Medical Assistant
Peachtree Immediate Care Medical Assistant
Physician Care Centers Medical Assistant
Piedmont Healthcare Emergency Room Technician
Piedmont Heart Institute Medical Assistant
Progressive Claims Adjuster
Proscribe Assistant/Scribe
Qualio Business Development Representative (Outbound)
Resurgens Orthopaedics Medical Assistant
Resurgens Orthopaedics Medical Assistant
Resurgens Orthopaedics Medical Assistant
Resurgens Orthopaedics Medical Assistant
Resurgens Orthopaedics Medical Assistant
Resurgens Orthopaedics Medical Assistant
Resurgens Orthopaedics Certified Medical Assistant
Robin Healthcare Medical Scribe
Sanus Medical Intern
ScribeAmerica Medical Scribe
Seaside Pediatrics Certified Medical Assistant
Smithsonian Marine Station Intern
St. Joseph's/Candler Hospital System Medical Assistant
St. Mary’s Health System Clinical Technician
Summit Spine & Joint Centers Medical Assistant
Summit Spine & Joint Centers Medical Assistant
Summit Spine & Joint Centers Medical Assistant
Sunrise Detox Chemical Dependency Technician
Team Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Aid
The Sholes Center for Women's Health Medical Assistant
The State of Georgia Agricultural Compliance Specialist
The Urology Clinic Medical Assistant
Thermo Fisher Scientific Sales Development Representative
Thomas Eye Group Ophthalmic Assistant Apprentice
United States Space Force Space Operations Officer
University of Chicago PREP Research Technician
University of Georgia Research Assistant
University of Georgia Dining Commons Assistant Manager
University of Georgia Research Professional II
University of Georgia Residence Hall Director
University of Georgia Lab Animal Care Tech I at VPR-Animal Resources
University of Georgia Lab Animal Care Tech I at VPR-Animal Resources
University of Georgia Lab Manager
University of Houston Research Assistant
Unum Client Experience Representative 1
Unum Associate Benefit Specialist
Veritas Collaborative Tutor
Village Drug at Advantage Pharmacy Technician
Walgreens Pharmacy Technician
Yale University Research Technician
* denotes no responses received.

*Source: Areas above marked with an Asterisk (*) have been created utilizing data taken from the UGA Career Outcomes Survey. The "Employers Hiring...," "Job Titles of...," "Career Outcomes for...," and "Graduate/Professional Schools and Programs..." information listed above represent UGA Class of 2022 Graduates. The lists are not exhaustive and therefore do not represent all potential career options. Click here for more detailed Career Outcomes information regarding this major.

Graduate/Professional Schools attended by Class of 2022 Biology majors

The information below represents graduate/professional schools and programs reported through the Class of 2022 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.

Graduate School Program(s)
Agnes Scott College Pre-Medicine, Degree Not Specified
American University of The Caribbean Medicine, MD
Athens Technical College Interdisciplinary Studies, Degree Not Specified
Athens Technical College Radiography, Degree Not Specified
Augusta University Medicine, MD
Augusta University Medicine, MD
Augusta University Medicine, MD
Augusta University Medicine, MD
Augusta University Medicine, MD
Augusta University Medicine, MD
Augusta University Medicine, MD
Augusta University Medicine, MD
Augusta University Medicine, MD
Augusta University Physician's Assistant, PA
Augusta University Dental Medicine, DMD
Augusta University Medicine, MD
Augusta University Medicine, MD
Augusta University Medicine, MD
Augusta University Medicine, MD
Augusta University Medicine, MD
Augusta University Medicine, MD
Augusta University Medicine, MD
Augusta University Medicine, MD
Augusta University Medicine, MD
Augusta University Medicine, MD
Augusta University Clinical Nurse Leader, MSN/CNL
Augusta University Clinical Nurse Leader, MSN/CNL
Augusta University Clinical Nurse Leader, MSN/CNL
Augusta University Clinical Nurse Leader, MSN/CNL
Augusta University Dental Medicine, DMD
Augusta University Dental Medicine, DMD
Augusta University Dental Medicine, DMD
Augusta University Dental Medicine, DMD
Augusta University Dental Medicine, DMD
Augusta University Dental Medicine, DMD
Augusta University Dental Medicine, DMD
Augusta University Dental Medicine, DMD
Augusta University Nursing, MSN
Augusta University Medicine, MD
Augusta University Medicine, MD
Augusta University Medicine, MD
Augusta University Medicine, MD
Augusta University Medicine, MD
Augusta University Medicine, MD
Barry University Podiatric Medicine, Degree Not Specified
Baylor University Program and Degree Not Specified
Central Michigan University Program Not Specified, MBA
Clayton State University Program and Degree Not Specified
Clemson University Healthcare Genetics, Degree Not Specified
Dalton State College Program and Degree Not Specified
Drexel University Medicine, MD
Duke University Program and Degree Not Specified
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn Program and Degree Not Specified
Emory University Nursing, MSN
Emory University Nursing, MSN
Emory University Physical Therapy, DPT
Emory University Epidemiology, MPH
Emory University Global Health and Infectious Diseases, MPH
Emory University Medicine, MD
Emory University Nurse Practitioner, MSN
Florida International University Physical Therapy, DPT
Georgia College & State University Secondary Teacher Education, Degree Not Specified
Georgia Gwinnett College Nursing, BS
Georgia Highlands College Health Professions, Degree Not Specified
Georgia Institute of Technology Sustainability & Environmental Management, Master's
Georgia Military College Program and Degree Not Specified
Georgia State University Health Administration, Not Specified
Georgia State University Program and Degree Not Specified
Georgia State University Public Health, MPH
Gwinnett Technical College EMS Professions, Degree Not Specified
Harvard University Healthcare Management, MHCM
Kansas City University Osteopathic Medicine, DO
Kennesaw State University Nursing, BSN
Kennesaw State University Nursing, BSN
Kennesaw State University Nursing, BSN
Kennesaw State University Nursing, BSN
Kennesaw State University Software Engineering, Degree Not Specified
Lanier Technical College EMS Professions, Degree Not Specified
Lanier Technical College Medical Assisting, Degree Not Specified
Lanier Technical College Medical Assisting, Degree Not Specified
Louisiana State University Dental Medicine, DMD
Medical University of South Carolina Medical Sciences, MS
Medical University of South Carolina Medicine, MD
Mercer University Healthcare Administration, MBA
Mercer University Medicine, MD
Mercer University Medicine, MD
Mercer University Medicine, MD
Mercer University Medicine, MD
Mercer University Medicine, MD
Mercer University Medicine, MD
Mercer University Medicine, MD
Mercer University Medicine, MD
Mercer University Physician's Assistant, PA
Mercer University Preclinical Sciences, MSPCS
Mercer University Program Not Specified, MSN
Mercer University Nursing, BSN
Michigan State University Cellular Biology, PhD
Michigan State University Osteopathic Medicine, Doctorate
Middle Georgia State University Pre-Licensure, BSN
Nova Southeastern University Health Professions Preparation, Degree Not Specified
Nova Southeastern University Osteopathic Medicine, DO
Nova Southeastern University Osteopathic Medicine, DO
Nova Southeastern University Physician Assistant, MS
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Osteopathic Medicine, DO
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Georgia Osteopathic Medicine, DO
Philidelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Georgia Osteopathic Medicine, DO
Rosalind Franklin University Pathologist's Assistant, MHS
Ross Medical School Medicine, MD
Saint John's University Physician Assistant, PA
South College Physician Assistant, PA
South College Physician Assistant, PA
South College Physician Assistant, PA
Southern College of Optometry Optometry, OD
Southern College of Optometry Optometry, OD
St. James School of Medicine Medicine, MD
Texas A&M University Program and Degree Not Specified
Touro University Dental Surgery, DDS
University At Buffalo Medicine, MD
University of Alabama At Birmingham Medicine, MD
University of Alabama At Birmingham Optometry, OD
University of Alabama At Birmingham Optometry, OD
University of Alabama at Birmingham Dental Medicine, DMD
University of Alabama at Birmingham Dental Medicine, DMD
University of Alaska Fairbanks Oceanography, MS
University of Florida Dental Medicine, DMD
University of Georgia Epidemiology, MPH
University of Georgia Veterinary Medicine, DVM
University of Georgia Veterinary Medicine, DVM
University of Georgia Veterinary Medicine, DVM
University of Georgia Foods and Nutrition, Master's
University of Georgia Pharmacy, PharmD
University of Georgia Pharmacy, PharmD
University of Georgia Business Administration, MBA
University of Georgia Business Administration, MBA
University of Georgia Business Administration, MBA
University of Georgia Business Administration, MBA
University of Georgia Art, Degree Not Specified
University of Georgia Psychology, Degree Not Specified
University of Georgia Public Administration, Master's
University of Georgia Public Health, MPH
University of Georgia Public Health, MPH
University of Georgia Public Health, MPH
University of Georgia Public Health, MPH
University of Georgia Public Health, MPH
University of Georgia Public Health, MPH
University of Georgia Public Health, MPH
University of Georgia Public Health, MPH
University of Georgia Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Master's
University of Georgia Science Education, Master's
University of Georgia Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Master's
University of Georgia Science Education, Master's
University of Georgia Computer Science, BS
University of Georgia Consumer Applied Analytics, MS
University of Georgia Marine Sciences, Master's
University of Georgia Public Health, MPH
University of Georgia Public Health, MPH
University of Georgia Veterinary Medicine, DVM
University of Georgia Epidemiology, MPH
University of Georgia Epidemiology, MPH
University of Illinois at Chicago Program and Degree Not Specified
University of Miami Marine Mammal Science Track, MPS
University of Minnesota at Twin Cities Pharmacy, PharmD
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Pharmacy, PharmD
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Dental Surgery, DDS
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Medicine, MD
University of North Georgia Interdisciplinary Studies, Not Specified
University of North Georgia Physician's Assistant, PA
University of South Alabama Medicine, MD
University of South Carolina at Greenville Medicine, MD
University of South Florida Medicine, MD
University of Tennessee- Knoxville Medicine, MD
University of Texas At Houston Program and Degree Not Specified
University of West Alabama Online Science Comprehensive, Degree Not Specified
University of West Georgia Instruct Tech Media Design, Degree Not Specified
Wake Forest University Sustainability Studies, MA
Washington University In St Louis Molecular Microbiology and Microbial, PhD
* denotes no responses received.