Whether you’re a prospective college student or a current college student thinking about switching majors, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll be discussing the pros and cons of a biology major so you can determine whether or not it’s the right path for you.
Having been a biology student and healthcare worker, I want to share with you all of the valuable things that I’ve learned over the past few years. First, we’ll go over what a major in biological sciences entails. Then, we’ll examine the pros and cons of majoring in biology, as well as its implications relating to healthcare and non-healthcare careers. Let’s dive into it.
Table of Contents
What Is Biology?
First things first, we need to establish what biology actually is. Biology is the study of living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environment. It is a vast and fascinating field that covers everything from the tiniest microbes to the largest mammals.
Fun Fact: The prefix ‘bio-’ means ‘life,’ and the suffix ‘-ology’ means ‘the study of.’ Put simply, biology is the scientific study of life.
To help you get a better idea of just how broad of a field biology is, let’s take a look at this list of some of the most common branches of biology that are studied:
- Anatomy
- Botany
- Ecology
- Evolution
- Genetics
- Marine biology
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Molecular biology
- Physiology
- Zoology
As you can see, biology is extensive, as it deals with understanding living things at all levels.
What Is a Major in Biological Sciences?
Biology Majors
A major in biological sciences is the undergraduate study of biology in which students gain a foundational understanding of various biological disciplines. Successful completion at an accredited college or university results in a Bachelor’s degree.
What you may not know is that a biology major is only one example of biological science major. It depends on the college, but schools usually offer several different biological science majors that you can pick from. Some examples of majors in biological sciences include:
- Ecology and Evolution
- General Biology
- Microbiology
- Human Biology
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Bioinformatics
You’ll want to choose the major that is of greatest interest to you and best aligns with your career goals. For instance, if you want to become a field biologist, then you’ll probably want to major in ecology, zoology, or general biology. If your goal is to become a doctor, then you’ll want to choose a major related to human biology.
Biology Courses
There are some classes that you’ll have to complete regardless of which specific biology major you choose in order to earn your degree. The courses that you’ll need to take for any biological sciences major are:
- Cell biology
- Ecology & evolution
- General chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Biochemistry
- General physics
- Anatomy & physiology
- Microbiology
- Genetics
Since biology builds on other disciplines (i.e. chemistry, physics, math, etc.), many of the required classes are in related STEM subjects and not just biology.
Benefits of a Biology Major
1. Job Opportunities
Biology provides a strong foundation for many careers in the medical and scientific fields. People who study biology often become doctors, physician assistants, nurses, veterinarians, and other healthcare professionals. A degree in biology can also lead to a career in education or research, where biologists can study the fundamental principles of life and contribute to our understanding of the natural world.
2. Lifelong Learning
There are unlimited opportunities for learning and growth in the field of biology. Science is constantly evolving, as new data is collected and discoveries are made. As a biology major, you’ll not only have the chance to learn about the latest research and developments in the field but also be able to make your own contributions to advance the field for generations to come.
3. Personal Satisfaction
Biology can be a very rewarding field to work in. Many people who study biology are passionate about the natural world and the life forms that inhabit it. Working in the field of biology can be a deeply fulfilling experience, as you get to study the wonders of nature and make discoveries.
4. Potential Impact
Finally, the study of biology has the potential to make a real difference in the world. Biologists are working to develop new treatments for diseases, conserve endangered species, and understand the complex interactions between living organisms and their environment. By majoring in biology, you can be part of this important work.
Best Career Paths for a Biology Major
There are many career paths that a biology major can pursue. Some of the best include:
Healthcare
A degree in biology can provide a strong foundation for a career in healthcare. Many biology majors go on to become doctors
, physician assistants, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, where they use their knowledge of biology to diagnose and treat patients.
Research
Biology majors who are interested in research can pursue careers as research scientists. Using the scientific method, researchers develop hypotheses, design experiments, and analyze data in order to answer important questions and build upon our current understanding of biology.
Environmental Science
A degree in biology can also lead to a career in environmental science, where biologists study environmental dynamics and processes to help solve pressing environmental issues. This includes studying the impacts of pollution, climate change, and other environmental factors on plants and animals.
Teaching
Biology majors who are interested in education and teaching can pursue careers as high school science teachers, college professors, or academic tutors. Teaching biology enables instructors to share their passion for the subject with students and potentially inspire the next generation of scientists in the process.
Biotechnology
Another field that a lot of biology majors enter is biotechnology, or biotech. Biotechnology companies use existing knowledge of biology and living things to develop new drugs, medical treatments, and other products.
Other Career Paths for Biology Majors
With such a broad field comes equally varied career options. Here are some other biology career paths that you may not have thought of:
- Bioinformatics
- Biochemical engineering
- Biochemistry
- Biophysics
- Environmentalism & conservation
- Health & nutrition
- Marine biology
- Space biology
- Veterinary medicine
How Much Money Do Biology Majors Make?
It’s difficult to say exactly how much money biology majors make, as it can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the specific career they pursue, their level of education, and their experience. However, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for biological scientists is $82,530.
Of course, the specific salary that a biology major can expect to earn will depend on the specific career path they choose. For example, a doctor who majored in biology can expect to earn significantly more than the median salary for biological scientists, while a high school science teacher who majored in biology may earn less. Overall, biology majors can expect to earn a competitive salary, especially if they pursue advanced degrees and specialized careers in the field.
Overall, biology is a good major for people who are interested in the medical and scientific fields, who enjoy learning and growing, and who want to work in a rewarding field. No matter what path you decide to take in the field of biology, it’ll entail data-driven insights, personal satisfaction, and lifelong learning.
Drawbacks of a Biology Major
As with any degree, there are a few potential drawbacks to majoring in biology. Some of the main ones include:
1. It can be a challenging field.
Biology is a complex and rapidly changing field, and it can be challenging to keep up with the latest research and developments. Biology majors need to be willing to put in the time and effort to learn and stay current in the field.
2. There may be limited job opportunities in some areas.
While there are many career opportunities for biology majors, some regions or industries may have limited job openings. For example, if you live in a rural area, there may be fewer job opportunities in the field of biology than in a larger city.
3. You’ll probably need to earn an advanced degree.
Many careers in the field of biology, such as being a doctor or a research scientist, require advanced degrees. While a biology degree can help you get an entry-level healthcare position, for instance, you need to be prepared to pursue higher education (e.g. Master’s degree, MD, PhD, etc.) since virtually all other paths for utilizing this degree require at least graduate-level education.
4. It can be competitive.
Because there are many people interested in careers in the medical and scientific fields, the job market for biology majors can be competitive. Biology majors need to be prepared to compete with others for job opportunities.
What Is the Financial Cost of Majoring in Biology?
The cost of majoring in biology can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the specific college or university you attend, the length of your degree program, and whether you receive financial aid. In general, however, the cost of a biology major can be significant.
According to data from the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees at a public four-year college or university is $10,950 per year for in-state students and $28,240 per year for out-of-state students. This means that the total cost of a four-year biology degree from a public college or university can range from $43,800 to $112,960, depending on whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student.
The cost of attending a private college or university can be even higher. According to the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees at a private four-year college or university is $39,400 per year. This means that the total cost of a four-year biology degree from a private college or university can be as much as $157,600.
Of course, these are just averages, and the actual cost of a biology major can vary depending on the specific college or university you attend and the length of your degree program. Many students are able to reduce the cost of their education by applying for financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, or loans. However, it is important to carefully consider the cost of a biology major before making a decision to pursue this field of study.
Overall, while majoring in biology can be a rewarding experience, it’s not without its challenges. Biology majors need to be prepared to work hard, continue their education, and compete for job opportunities in order to succeed in the field.
Should I Major in Biology?
Ultimately, whether or not you should major in biology is a personal decision that depends on a number of things. You’ll want to consider your interests, goals, and circumstances, as well as the pros and cons that we discussed in detail. After evaluating all of this, you should be able to make an informed decision on the best choice for you. 🙂
From my experience, although there have been some unfavorable aspects of choosing this field, I’m glad that I chose to major in biology. At the end of the day, biology is what I’ve always been interested in and wanted to study. I enjoy biology because it’s the intersection of hard science and humanities. Personally, I find it to be the most intellectually stimulating field with the most real-world applications. (Basically, it’s fun and rewarding.)
Additionally, studying biological sciences has helped me develop important problem-solving skills and opened up several career paths (healthcare, this website, teaching, etc.). Moreover, I find myself using the information that I’ve learned almost every single day in one way or another.
Simply stated, majoring in biology is absolutely worthwhile. However, it definitely requires strong interest, hard work, and dedication, since it’s often challenging and time-consuming. If you’re thinking that majoring in biology will be an easy way to a lucrative career, then you’re better off picking a different major.
Conclusion
Way to go on making it to the end of this article! Good on you for being so proactive about your education. Finding the right major can be a stressful ordeal, and I hope that I was able to help you out. 😀
If you’re interested in learning more about how a biology degree fits into entering the medical field specifically, then be sure to check out my articles on careers in healthcare. Until next time! Stay healthy and keep learning.