What to do with a Biological Sciences Degree

A degree in biological sciences explores the complexity of life, from the tiniest molecules to vast ecosystems, examining how living organisms function, interact, and evolve. It explores how organisms function, develop, interact, and adapt to their environment — and how humans can understand, protect, and use biological knowledge responsibly. It’s a broad and flexible degree that lays the foundation for careers in science, health, environment, education, and more.

Skills You’ll Develop

Biological sciences doesn’t just teach you biology — it also helps you build transferable skills employers value:

  • Investigative and Research Skills: define problems, assess risks, develop and test hypotheses, utilize laboratory and field research equipment, conduct laboratory/field experiments, record observations, and prepare and inspect specimens, catalog information, learn and use software programs for computations and simulations, interpret results, perform statistical tests, and prepare reports. 

  • Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills: examine components of problems/ideas, reason logically, make projections from data, organize ideas/information, evaluate the effects of phenomena, and recommend future research. 

  • Teamwork and Communication Skills: write laboratory reports, develop research proposals, and contribute to teams, summarize research findings, explain complex ideas for technical and nontechnical audiences, design charts, graphs, and other visual aids, report results and conclusions orally and in writing, and present alternative explanations and recommendations.

  • Problem-Solving & Attention to Detail: solving skills through hypothesis-driven experiments, data analysis, and critical evaluation of complex systems. It also builds strong attention to detail by requiring precision in experimental design, accurate data recording, and careful interpretation of results.

  • Time & Project Management: Plan, prioritize, and manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously, coordinating tasks efficiently to meet objectives and deliver high-quality results on time.

 

Where Can It Take You?

A degree in biological sciences opens doors to many exciting pathways. You can go directly into work, or continue studying with a master’s, PhD, or professional qualification. Here are just some examples:

Science & Research

Work in laboratories, universities, hospitals, or industry to study biological questions and develop new knowledge or products.
Examples:

  • Research scientist (biology, microbiology, molecular biology)
  • Laboratory technician or research assistant
  • Biotechnologist
  • Pharmaceutical researcher
  • Clinical research associate (CRA)

Environment & Conservation

Protect ecosystems, manage natural resources, and ensure sustainable human–environment interactions.
Examples:

  • Conservation biologist
  • Wildlife or fisheries manager
  • Environmental consultant
  • Ecologist or field biologist
  • Sustainability officer
  • Marine biologist

Health & Medicine

Support healthcare, public health, or patient services by applying your biological knowledge. Many roles require additional study or certification.
Examples:

  • Clinical laboratory scientist/biomedical scientist
  • Genetic counselor
  • Physician, doctor, nurse, or dentist
  • Public health analyst or epidemiologist
  • Medical science liaison (MSL) for pharma
  • Health informatics or health data analyst

Education & Communication

Teach others or communicate science to the public through education or media.
Examples:

  • Secondary school biology teacher
  • College lecturer (with postgraduate degree)
  • Science writer, journalist, or blogger
  • Museum, zoo, or aquarium educator
  • Science outreach coordinator

Business, Policy, & Industry

Use your scientific background in business, law, government, or management roles.
Examples:

  • Regulatory affairs specialist
  • Quality assurance (QA) or compliance officer
  • Science policy advisor
  • Patent examiner or intellectual property consultant
  • Biotechnology or pharmaceutical sales & marketing
  • Project manager in a life sciences company

Data, Technology, & Emerging Fields

Apply biology in fast-growing areas that combine science with technology, data, or innovation.
Examples:

  • Bioinformatics analyst
  • Computational biologist
  • Biostatistician
  • AI & machine learning in healthcare/biology
    Synthetic biology or biotechnology startup roles
  • Forensic scientist
     

Creative Paths

Blend biology with creative or niche careers that still value scientific knowledge.
Examples:

  • Scientific illustrator or animator
  • Wildlife photographer or filmmaker
  • Eco-tourism guide
  • Environmental activist or advocate
  • Entrepreneur (e.g., sustainable products or biotech innovations)

 

Career Development Toolkit (Cornell Career Services) 

The Career Development Toolkit is your go-to Cornell resource for career-related information on topics such as job search strategies, networking, resumes, and more! Content is organized in discrete modules that can be completed at any time, in any order, and at your own pace.

 

Biological Sciences Graduate Summary Data

Each year, the Office of Undergraduate Biology asks graduating seniors to share their plans for the year following graduation. The documents below summarize students’ reported plans and are organized by declared concentration.

2025 Graduate Summary

2024 Graduate Summary

 

Career planning services

We encourage Biological Sciences majors to use the outstanding career planning services available at Cornell located in three Career Services offices.

Alumni Career Conversations

Handshake

During their first semester at Cornell, students should create a profile in Cornell Handshake in order to gain access to program announcements, services, and job/internship opportunities in career fields that are specifically interesting to them. Additionally, all students are strongly encouraged to set up a CU eLINKS and connect with members the broad and diverse Cornell Community.