Jobs and Careers
Through their courses and hands-on experiences, UConn biology majors become skilled scientists. They also develop traits that are desirable to employers, like critical thinking, teamwork, and communication.
As a result, our biology majors find success in almost any field you can think of. They also continue their education at some of the top graduate programs in the U.S.
Careers for Biology Majors
UConn offers several major options, giving you the flexibility to sample from a variety of subfields or focus on a topic that interests you most.
But choosing a major doesn't limit you to only one career track. In reality, all of our biology majors will prepare you to:
Work in a variety of industries.
- Medicine and health care.
- Research, education, and academia.
- Environmental conservation, protection, and advocacy.
- Government and policy.
- Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
- Nonprofit and community engagement.
- Business, management, and innovation.
- And more!
Excel in a range of graduate programs.
- Master’s and doctorate programs in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities (Ph.D, MS/MA).
- Medical, dental, and health care professional degrees (MD, DMD, DPT, DNP, PA).
- Professional programs, including law (JD), public policy (MPP, MPA), and public health (MPH).
- And more!
Frequently Asked Questions and Common Myths
Have more questions? Contact biologyadvising@uconn.edu.
Do I need a specific major to have a career in medicine?
Nope! You can choose any biology major and pursue a career in medicine. In many cases, medical schools appreciate applicants who have a broad undergraduate education.
Do the biology majors prepare you for specific career tracks?
Nope! Students in all of our majors can find career success in a wide range of industries. Some of our majors offer specialized training that can benefit students who have specific career goals. But, in general, choosing a major doesn’t lock you into a predetermined path.
I’m interested in going to graduate school. Where should I start?
The Center for Career Development can help you determine if you’re on the right track, narrow down your list of schools, and develop your application materials. In addition, the Pre-Medical and Pre-Dental Center and Pre-Law Advising Center can help you identify courses and plan ahead for exams and applications in their respective areas.
Do I need to be a pre-medical and pre-dental major to go into medicine?
Nope! UConn does not offer a specific pre-medical or pre-dental major. Each professional school has prerequisites that applicants must complete, such as certain courses and/or patient care hours.
Students in all majors who are interested in a pre-health track can meet with the UConn Pre-Medical and Pre-Dental Advising Office. Their advisors can explain specific prerequisites and help you develop a plan of study.
Can I get a job with only a bachelor’s degree in biology? How do I find them?
Yes! According to a survey conducted each year by the Center for Career Development, about half of biology majors are employed full time within 6 months of graduation (with others continuing on to graduate school, volunteer, and service opportunities). To see some current openings for biology majors, visit Handshake, UConn’s online recruiting platform.
What kind of internships can I do as a biology major?
Any type of internships you are interested in! Employers regularly recruit UConn biology majors for internships in health care, research, business, technology, nonprofit/service work, and more. To see some current openings for biology majors, visit Handshake, UConn’s online recruiting platform. In addition to internships, there are many other opportunities where you can gain hands-on experiences; check out our Get Involved page for more information.
Explore Careers
Careers by Major
Our biology majors go on to work in a variety of industries where they can make a difference. Many alumni follow non-traditional career paths. Learn more about sample job titles and career paths for each major below.
Molecular and Cell Biology
Physiology and Neurobiology
Structural Biology and Biophysics
Careers by Industry
UConn’s Center for Career Development offers several resources where you can explore industries and job opportunities:
- Career Communities are industry-focused groups where you can explore job titles, opportunities, events, and other resources.
- Husky Mentor Network is an online platform that connects you with UConn alumni for one-on-one career conversations.
- Handshake, UConn’s online recruiting platform, gives you 24/7 access to thousands of job, internship, and co-op postings from employers actively seeking to hire UConn undergraduates.