The Diverse World of Biology Majors: A Comprehensive Guide

Biology plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the world. Biologists significantly contribute to various fields, including healthcare, environmental conservation, and addressing global challenges such as climate change. Degrees in biology and biomedical sciences are designated as STEM degrees. According to Data USA, 95,999 biology degrees were awarded in 2022, and students earned an average salary of $122,345. Let’s embark on this journey together to uncover the various majors and fields under the umbrella of biological and biomedical sciences.

1) Biochemistry: 

Biochemistry is a field that combines biology and chemistry to study the chemical processes within living organisms. It focuses on the structure, composition, and chemical reactions occurring within living organisms. For example, biochemists study how the human body releases insulin from the pancreas after a meal. There are various areas of study within biochemistry, such as molecular biology, physical biochemistry, immunochemistry, neurochemistry, and biochemical pharmacology.

Biochemists can work in academia, research, biotech, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, or education. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for biochemists and biophysicists is $103,810, with about 34,500 jobs in this field. Job opportunities are expected to grow by 7 percent from 2022 to 2032.

2) Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCDB):

Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCDB) studies how living things work at a molecular and cellular level, examining their growth from a single cell. It has been instrumental in advancing biotechnology applications, genetics, and genomics. MCDB is highly interdisciplinary, drawing from biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, and other fields. Researchers often collaborate across various disciplines to gain a comprehensive understanding of living organisms. MCDB plays a critical role in genetic engineering, regenerative medicine, and the development of new medicines.

There are numerous career options for those who have this degree. Graduates can undertake clinical research at hospitals or work as laboratory technicians in industrial and governmental agencies, and undertake jobs in pharmaceutical sales, quality control in biopharmaceutical companies, food inspection and genetic testing. The average salary for a molecular biologist in the US is around $82,530 annually. 

3) Biotechnology:

The Biotechnology Innovation Organization states that biotechnology is a field that uses cellular and molecular processes to improve human lives and the planet’s health. Biotechnology aims to create and develop products useful in the health, medicine, agriculture, and food industries. If there is one industry which has grown in importance since the COVID-19 pandemic, it is biotechnology. The number of people working in the US life sciences industry grew by 5.3 percent from January 2021 to January 2022. 

Biotechnology majors can concentrate and specialise in medical and pharmaceutical biotechnology, industrial biotechnology, and agricultural and plant biotechnology. 

In the US, the estimated total pay for a Biotechnologist is $92,120 per year, with an average salary of $82,446 per year.

Some top biotechnology programmes include Northeastern University, Pennsylvania State University, Imperial College London, the University of Manchester, the University of Nottingham and the University of Edinburgh. Students typically take core modules like biochemistry, cell biology, enzymes and metabolism, molecular biology, integrative biology, structural biology, genetics and genomics, bioinformatics, drug design, and synthetic biology.

4) Bioengineering:

Bioengineering is a field that focuses on engineering principles that are applied to tissue and genetic engineering. It harnesses biological systems to improve or enhance them within the framework of biological theories. People often confuse bioengineering with biotechnology, but they are different fields. According to Biotech Health, biotechnology creates the cells to develop pharmaceutical drugs, while bioengineering develops a process to ensure those drugs can be produced faster. The Center for Career Development at the University of Connecticut suggested that the industry would grow 15 percent in the next ten years.

The median annual salary for bioengineers in the US was $99,550 in 2022. According to UC Riverside, approximately 16 percent of bioengineers worked in medical equipment and supplies manufacturing in 2020, and another 16 percent worked in research and development in engineering and life sciences.

4) Biomedical Sciences:

Biomedical Sciences is for students interested in pursuing careers in biomedical research, medicine, and other health professions. The programme includes training in biological systems, emphasising anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, and genomics. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences will be well-prepared to work in areas such as immunology, cancer care, infectious diseases, biotechnology, and genomics, among others.

Some top universities offering a BSc in biomedical sciences include the University of Pennsylvania, Texas A&M University, University of Oxford, King’s College London, Imperial College London, McGill University, and York University. The average biomedical scientist’s salary in the US is $68,043 but typically falls between $59,318 and $78,958. 

5) Physiological Science:

Physiological Science is a fascinating field that focuses on exploring the functions and mechanisms that drive the operations of living organisms. This discipline explores how biological systems, from cells to organs, work together to maintain homeostasis and respond to various stimuli. Physiological scientists investigate the intricacies of physiological processes at molecular, cellular, and systemic levels, seeking to unravel the fundamental principles governing life. 

Professionals in physiological sciences play various roles, such as collaborating with healthcare professionals to enhance patient care and examining the body’s molecular and cellular processes. They commonly pursue careers as physiologists, clinical physiologists, and research scientists. The estimated total pay for a clinical physiologist in the US is $96,113 per year. 

6) Ecology, Evolution, Conservation Biology:

Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology are interconnected fields that study how living organisms interact with their environments. They explore the factors influencing evolutionary changes and methods for protecting biodiversity. This diverse field aims to understand ecosystems, the evolution of species, and ways to conserve and maintain biological diversity. Students usually become ecologists, evolutionary biologists, or conservation biologists. 

The estimated total pay for a conservation biologist in the US is $60,521 per year, while the average salary for an ecologist is $72,180 annually. 

7) Human Biology:

Human biology is a specialised field that focuses on studying the structure and function of the human body, including aspects of anatomy, physiology, genetics, and health. This field seeks to understand human life at the molecular, cellular, and systemic levels, providing insights into health, disease, and factors that influence well-being. Professionals in human biology play a vital role in advancing medical knowledge, promoting health, and improving patient outcomes. This field offers diverse career opportunities for those interested in biology and human health, ranging from clinical research to genetic counselling and health education.

Human biologist graduates can expect annual salaries as high as $134,500 and as low as $24,500; most human biology salaries currently range between $44,500 to $80,000, with top earners making $110,000 annually across the US.

8) Integrative Physiology and Neurobiology:

Integrative Physiology and Neurobiology explore the intricate connections between the body’s physiological systems and the nervous system. They seek to understand how these systems maintain homeostasis, respond to stimuli, and regulate various bodily functions. Educational programmes in Integrative Physiology and Neurobiology provide students with a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of physiological and neurological processes. These programmes often include coursework in neuroscience, anatomy, and cellular physiology.

Graduates typically become neuroscientists, physiologists, or medical researchers. The average salary for a neuroscientist in the US is $1,24,122 annually, and the additional cash compensation ranges from $16,509 to $30,816. 

9) Microbiology:

Microbiology studies microscopic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. This field explores microorganisms’ structure, function, and impact on various aspects of life, including health, disease, and the environment. Educational programmes in microbiology provide students with a deep understanding of microbial life, including its structure, function, and impact on various environments. Microbiology professionals play a crucial role in healthcare, biotechnology, and environmental science, contributing to advancements in medicine, food safety, and sustainable practices. This field offers diverse career paths for individuals interested in exploring the microbial world. 

Typically, microbiology graduates become clinical microbiologists, industrial microbiologists, or research scientists. The average salary for a microbiologist in the US is $68,145 per year. The highest clinical microbiologist salary is $64,620, while the lowest is $49,887.

After exploring various biology majors, from biochemistry to microbiology, it’s clear that each offers unique perspectives and opportunities to make significant contributions to science, healthcare, and environmental conservation. If you’re wondering, which biology major to pursue, contact The Red Pen. Our undergraduate experts will show you the way. Meanwhile, you may read The Truth About Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Bioengineering and Biomedical Science and Unique Advantages of STEM-Designated Majors in the US