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"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as if nothing
is a miracle. The other is as if everything is a miracle." -- Albert Einstein
What can I do with a B.A. in Biology?
Broadly trained biologists are qualified for a variety of careers in industry, business,
government, and NGOs (non-governmental organizations, e.g. World Wildlife Fund). Many of these
positions will emphasize lab skills, especially bench chemistry and microbiology. Recent
graduates have found positions with a variety of organizations such as Archer Daniels Midland
Co., the Illinois EPA, and the Nature Conservancy. Other graduates are working in water
quality control, food safety testing, and pharmaceutical sales. Many graduates also pursue a
secondary education teaching certificate while at Monmouth and teach biology in high school. A
career in the health sciences usually requires study beyond the B.A. (see below).
What if I'm interested in upper-level research or
management?
More management-level or research-oriented positions may necessitate graduate study in a
specific area of expertise. Opportunities for advancement are also greater with an advanced
degree. Topics of study for some recent graduates include toxicology, microbiology, molecular
genetics, and fisheries ecology.
What about health careers?
Many biology students are interested in pursuing a career in health care. Monmouth College
offers 3-2 programs (three years at Monmouth followed by two years at a participating school)
in nursing and medical technology. Students with an interest in occupational therapy, physical
therapy, or physician's assistant should plan on four years of study at Monmouth culminating
in a B.A., and plan to attend specialized graduate programs for these careers. Students with
an interest in pursing medical, dental, podiatric, or other licensed medical positions are
encouraged to explore in their first semester the possible schools they would like to attend.
The student's advisor with help from the pre-medical advisor can determine appropriate courses
to be taken in addition to the biology major to ensure success in gaining entrance to these
competitive programs. Recent graduates have attained positions as diverse as medical
doctor, physician's assistant, doctor of dentistry, doctor of podiatry, nurse, medical
technologist, and occupational therapist.
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