As a high school student, most likely, you had already heard about biology. You may have read books or watched science programs at your local library. However, when it comes to choosing a major, many students become unsure about what they actually want to do. While biology does have a broad range of careers and educational opportunities available to students, you may want to reconsider pursuing this course of study.
The first question you should ask yourself when considering entering a general biology major is, “What is it that I truly want to do?” In other words, is the primary reason to pursue a career in genetics a scientific or non-science-based reason? For example, many people choose a career in biology because of their love for animals or their desire to share knowledge about the natural world. Some choose a career in genetics due to their interest in environmental issues such as environmental racism. Other people are motivated by the promise of financial security and a higher salary after college.
Once you have determined your specific career goals, it is time to look into which path will suit your particular career goals best. In addition to choosing a biology major, there are several additional steps you can take to improve your chances of being successful in your career.
Biology can make you a great deal of money, so you must be careful about where you choose to go to school. You should not choose a major based on its financial aid packages. You should consider how much money you are able to afford to pay each semester for the classes and the other fees associated with a particular course. This is important, because if you are planning on enrolling in more than one course in the future, you need to make sure that you will be able to pay for your new courses.
Finding a good undergraduate institution is just as important as choosing a major. There are several different types of colleges and universities that offer this course of study, including community colleges, technical and vocational schools, technical and bachelor degree colleges and universities. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses.
It is also essential that you determine exactly what type of coursework you would like to take before enrolling in any of these programs. For example, if you are interested in biology but want to go on to graduate school instead of directly into the workforce after you get your bachelor’s degree, a graduate school degree is a better option.
In terms of career choice, choosing a major that is closely related to the area you wish to specialize in could help you land a job in that field later on. You may find that choosing a different type of major helps you land a position in the scientific field, such as entomology, botany or zoology.
Choosing the right course of study will allow you to advance in your career at a fast pace. Once you have chosen a program at an appropriate institution, you will likely be required to take a number of prerequisite courses in order to graduate with your degree. Taking some introductory courses in biology will help you understand the concepts you have learned in class. and prepare you to pass these prerequisite tests.
Once you have graduated and have your degree, make sure you continue to apply for grants and scholarships in your field. These are just a small way of supporting yourself while working towards your career objectives. Your local community college, technical or vocational school or even the U.S. Department of Energy will likely have information on these opportunities.
Once you have been working in a related career for two to three years, you can turn your attention to a PhD in Biology. If you find that your skills continue to grow, you may even be able to teach a part time course in your chosen field. When you get your doctorate degree, you will have mastered the skills necessary for a higher level of academic achievement.
