Career Opportunities for Biology Graduates

Careers

Professional careers are open to those with a bachelor’s degree in biology, including laboratory technician, research assistant, and work with such government agencies as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Forest Service. Frequently, however, a Bachelor of Science in biology is a stepping stone to further training.

Graduate School

NMSU graduates in biology who continue their education in graduate school find careers as educators, agriculturists, resource managers, research scientists, and industrial executives. Many satisfying careers are open to graduate with the Master of Science degree, which usually takes two additional years of study beyond the bachelor’s degree. Most graduate students in biology support themselves with part-time teaching and research assistantships.

Exceptionally able students are encouraged to continue graduate studies for the Doctor of Philosophy degree. This takes three to four years of study beyond the M.S. degree. The Ph.D. is usually required for careers in teaching and research at the university level. Many upper-level researchers in industry and government also hold the Ph.D. degree.

Teaching

If teaching in an elementary or secondary school is your goal, you may enroll in the College of Education and take the biology courses specified for the Bachelor of Science in Education degree. Alternatively, you may earn a bachelor’s degree in biology and take the education courses required for certification. Teaching at a community college usually requires an M.S. degree. If you plan a teaching career above this level, you should expect to complete a doctoral degree.