Career Center

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Biology Majors

What are you going to do with your major?

Remember, a liberal arts degree opens a vast array of career choices and opportunities. Your degree has prepared you to approach problems analytically, think critically about ideas, research, organize your thoughts, and write about your findings. Your only limitation is thinking that you are only qualified for the traditional jobs in a selected major.

“Biology will relate every human gene to the genes of other animals and bacteria,
to this great chain of being.” –Walter Gilbert
 
 
The following books are available in the Career Center’s Resource Library (lower level, Seegers). The locations of these books in the library are next to the title with the section number:

  • Great Jobs for Biology Majors- Blythe CamensonEXPLORE
  • Careers in Science- Thomas Easton ESHT
  • 2004 Regional Life Science Employment Directory- Peak Publishing, Inc. ESHT
  • Opportunities in Biological Science Careers- Kathleen Belikoff ESHT
  • Careers in Biotech and Pharmaceuticals- WetFeet Insider Guide ESHT
  • Opportunities in Biotechnology Careers- Sheldon S. Brown  ESHT
  • From Biotech to Hollywood: New Career Opportunities in Technology- D.A. Benton ESHT
  • Opportunities in Forestry Careers- Christopher M. Wille ESHT
  • Careers for Plant Lovers and Other Green Thumb Types- Blythe Camenson ESHT
  • The Ecology Action Guide- Graham C. Hickman and Susan M. Hickman  ESHT
  • Working with Wildlife- Thane Maynard  ESHT
  • Careers with Animals- Ellen Shenk  ESHT
  • Careers for Animal Lovers and Other Zoological Types- Louise Miller  ESHT
  • Careers in Health Care- Barbara M. Swanson  ESHT
  • Top 100 Health-Care Careers- Dr. Saul Wischnitzer and Edith Wischnitzer ESHT
  • Public Health: Career Choices That Make a Difference- Bernard J. Turnock  ESHT
  • Opportunities in Allied Health Careers- Alex Kacen  ESHT
  • Opportunities in Health and Medical Careers- Leo Paul D’Orazio and I. Donald Snook  ESHT
 
 
Other Career Center resources:
  • This Handout available on the Career Center website or in the Career Center Resource Library.


  • Muhlenberg Career Network, a database accessible from the career library computer that provides contact information for Muhlenberg alumni who have volunteered to help students with their career goals.
Examples of types of jobs held by biology majors:
  • Resident Physician, St. Luke’s Hospital
  • Lab Director, Columbia University Medical Center
  • Surface Mine Conservation Inspector, PA Dept. of Environmental Protection
  • Veterinarian, Cacoosing Animal Hospital
  • Science Teacher,­­ Seymour Board of Education
  • Water Pollution Biologist, Dept. of Environmental Resources
  • Pharmaceutical Sales Representative, Pfizer
  • Public Health Sanitarian, Dutchess County Health Dept.
  • Certified Genetic Counselor, Albert Einstein Medical Center
  • Nutrition Specialist, New England Dairy and Food Council


Graduate Programs:
  • Career Center:

    • Peterson’s Graduate Programs in the Biological Sciences (GRAD 15)
    • Peterson’s Graduate Programs in Biology (GRAD 39)

  • Faculty Resources:
    Advisors in the Muhlenberg Biology Department are excellent resources to find out professions in the biological sciences field and other careers pursued by biology majors. In addition, advisors are willing to explore graduate school opportunities and options.  Those interested in medical school should visit the Health Professions Office in the lower level of Seegers Union.
 
 
Professional Associations:
  American Institute of Biological Sciences
   

A non-profit, scientific association dedicated to advancing biological research and education for the welfare of society.
 
  The Marine Biological Association
    Promotes scientific research into all fields pertaining to marine life and communicates information gained to the public.
 
  The Freshwater Biological Association
    An international leader in the field, promoting freshwater biology in all of its forms.
 
  American Society for Cell Biology
    Formed to bring the varied facets of cell biology together, and promote and develop the field.  Provides training and research opportunities to students.
 
 
Journals and Publications:
  Journal of Cell Science
   

Covers a complete range of topics in the field of cell biology.  Each issue includes research articles and reviews.
 
  Journal of Biology
    An international journal publishing biological research articles.
 
 
Other Resources:
  HireBio
   

A leading destination for biotech jobs.  Allows members to research employers, network with peers, discuss topics and search jobs.
 
  Biology Jobs
    A resource for job seekers and employers in the life sciences fields.
 
  U.S. Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Biological Scientists
    The Bureau of Labor Statistics produces objective information about various career fields.  Information includes working conditions, job outlook, earnings, training and qualifications.
 
  Biospace
    Web-based resources and information for the life sciences industry.  Includes a career center section which connects job seekers to Human Resources Professionals within life sciences fields.
 
  Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
    Operates within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  Also provides a listing of available jobs within the organization, with information about how to apply.
 
  Science Careers
    Dedicated to matching qualified scientists with jobs in industry, academia, and government.

The Career Center, Muhlenberg College
2400 W. Chew Street, Allentown, PA 18104-5586
Ph: (484) 664-3170    Fax: (484) 664-3533

Return to the Career Center homepage.

Last Revised March 25, 2008
Questions and comments? Send e-mail to careers@muhlenberg.edu