Career Options

Issues and advances in areas such as biotechnology, environmental science, medicine and other fields continually emphasize the importance of biology and biologists in the future of our country and the world. The biology program prepares students for diverse fields through broad, interdisciplinary training in the life sciences. This major also provides coursework and a launching pad for students who are looking to continue from undergraduate into professional and medical programs.

Degree: B.S. in Biology, Minor in Biology
Biology Faculty

Potential career options in Biology

Use the career planning resources to learn about the potential career options above.
(some occupations may require further education/licensure)

Biochemist
Botanist
Chiropractor
Dentist
Dietician/Nutritionist
Ecologist
Environmental Engineer
Food Scientist
Forester
Geographer
Horticulturist
Marine Biologist
Medical Illustrator
Microbiologist
Oceanographer
Paramedic
Park Ranger
Pharmacist
Physician
Physician Assistant
Public Health Worker
Researcher
Science Teacher
Soil Conservationist
Toxicologist
Veterinarian
Wildlife Biologist
Zoologist

Where are OSU Biology alumni working?

(Data obtained from LinkedIn)

Bioinformatics Scientist, Illumina
Biological Science Technician, U.S. Forest Service
Clinical Imaging Technician, Synarc
Clinical Quality, Swedish Medical Group
Coastal Specialist, California Sea Grant Extension
Ecologist, Wild Fish Conservancy
Pharmacist, HealthPartners
Public Health Professional, Oregon Health Authority
R&D Project Manager, Morphotek, Inc
Research Assistant, Oregon Health and Science University
Research Chemist, Lonza
Senior Scientist, Pharmanex

Where have OSU-Cascades students participated in experiential learning (internships/research/etc.)?

Bend Bioscience
Discover Your Forest
Grace Bio-Labs
High Desert Museum
Lonza
McConnell Labs
Oregon Health Sciences University
Oregon State Parks
Oregon State Police Forensic Science
Oregon State University
Oregon State University Extension
Rezolute
Serán Bioscience
St. Charles Health Systems
St. Charles Medical Laboratory and Blood Bank
Sunriver Nature Center
Suterra
ThermoFischer Scientific
Think Wild
U.S. Forest Service
VR Analytical

Job Search

In addition to our general job, internship, and volunteer search resources, below are some industry specific resources to help you search for opportunities in biology. Don't forget the important process of researching employers and networking with professionals in companies/organizations that you are interested in.

If you are interested in healthcare, good opportunities to gain patient care experiences are medical assistant, certified nurse assistant (CNA), home health aide, personal care assistant (PCA), patient care technician, emergency medical technician (EMT), paramedic, medical scribe and pharmacy technician. Research, volunteer opportunities and mission trips can also be a great way to gain related experience in medicine.

Research Resources

Graduate School

In addition to our general Graduate/Professional School resources, utilize the following resources for researching advanced degrees in Biology and Medicine.

Professional Associations

Involvement in professional associations can expand your network, keep you up to date on current trends in the field, and give you access to additional job and internship opportunities. This is a sampling of professional associations that you could get involved in.

Additional Resources

Career Development Center

The Career Development Center is here to help you navigate your future path.

Contact Career Development Center