Though it is a challenging subject, biology degrees can lead to diverse graduate school options and career paths, and many biology majors go on to become doctors. Some choose instead to pursue education or careers in environmentalism. 

Specialized, higher-paying careers in biology will, of course, require an advanced degree in the subfield of biology, but the reward is several lucrative career possibilities. This article will discuss all of the benefits and drawbacks of majoring in biology to help you decide whether studying the subject is right for you.  

Is the Degree Worth Your Time?

When looked at as a whole, those who major in biology have quite a positive outlook. The average salary for a person with a biology degree is about $70,000 – $100,000, which is over the median household income in the United States. 

However, biology degrees, like the designation of STEM itself, are very diverse, and your earning potential can vary greatly depending on how you choose to use your degree. 

A biology degree is the top bachelor’s degree that aspiring doctors receive before entering medical school, as this type of degree offers a good foundation for students pursuing medicine. Bear in mind that training to become a physician involves years of education beyond the four-year biology degree. 

However, the time put in is generally worth it as doctors are well compensated, though their salaries can skew the outlook for biology majors as a group. Remember – not all biology major graduates will earn six figures. 

Jobs With a Biology Degree

One of biology’s biggest strengths is its versatility. A degree in biology can lead to a plethora of different careers depending on how far you want to go in your education and whether you want to specialize in a particular sub-discipline. 

Careers involve being a biomedical engineer, dentist, epidemiologist, forensic scientist, microbiologist, pharmacist, veterinarian, and more. Careers in biology are incredibly varied, and the job outlook, amount of advanced study required, salary prospects, and advancement potential are all different. 

While it’s generally a good idea to have a rough target career in mind when you enroll in school, you don’t have to have it all figured out from the beginning. Many students start by declaring a general major in biology. Then, as they learn more about their interests and potential careers, they choose their specialization. 

General Biology vs. Subfields

General degrees in biology are rather popular, as they offer the broadest base of knowledge in this field of study. They can be excellent choices for students looking to keep their options as open as possible while advancing their studies. They can also be useful for students interested in joining the medical field. 

If your interests are strongly based in a specific field, then you might want to consider specialization. Think about the kinds of jobs you are interested in, and look at what biology degrees are popular for people who have those jobs. 

For example, getting a job as a veterinarian can be difficult with a general biology degree, as most professionals in this field have a degree in veterinary science. 

Concluding Thoughts

One of the most significant factors to consider when deciding to study biology is your own interest. The most successful people who studied biology tend to be intensely curious. This drive can be beneficial when spending hundreds of hours learning about how the different parts of the body work.