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
Career Options
- Career planning resources
- What Can I Do With A Major In Biological Sciences or Biochemistry?
(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
- Institute for Applied Ecology
- National Institute of Health
- National Science Foundation
- Pathways to Science
- Research at OSU
- SURF
Graduate School
In addition to our general Graduate/Professional School resources, utilize the following resources for researching advanced degrees in biology and medicine.
- Association of American Medical Colleges
- U.S. News and World Report Best Graduate Programs for Biological Sciences, Medical School, PA School, Veterinary Medicine, Chemistry, Pharmacy
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.
- Alaska Conservation Foundation
- American Institute of Biological Sciences
- American Society for Biochemisty and Molecular Biology
- Society for Conservation Biology
- The Student Doctor Network
Additional Resources
- AAMC Aspiring Docs
- CPHHS Medical School Application Process
- Exploring Health Careers
- GapMedics
- Health Professionals Network
- Keven Ahern's Workshops and Materials (OSU Faculty)
- OSU Corvallis information on Biology
- OSU Pre-Health Professions
Career Development Center
The Career Development Center is here to help you navigate your future path.