High School

High school students interested in a career in biology should take English, biology, physics, chemistry, Latin, geometry, algebra, and computer science (especially data science and analytics). English and speech classes will also be useful because biologists prepare reports, write articles for publication in scientific journals, and discuss their findings with colleagues and the public.

Postsecondary Training

Prospective biologists should also obtain broad undergraduate college training. In addition to courses in all phases of biology, useful related courses include organic and inorganic chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Modern languages, English, biometrics (the use of mathematics in biological measurements), and statistics are also useful. Courses in computer science will be extremely beneficial. Students should take advantage of courses that require laboratory, field, or collecting work.

Nearly all institutions offer undergraduate training in one or more of the biological sciences. These vary from liberal arts schools that offer basic majors in botany and zoology to large universities that permit specialization in areas such as entomology, bacteriology, and physiology at the undergraduate level.

The best way to become a biologist is to earn a bachelors degree in biology or one of its specialized fields, such as anatomy, bacteriology, botany, ecology, or microbiology. For the highest professional status, a doctorate is required. This is particularly true of top research positions and most higher level college teaching openings. Many colleges and universities offer courses leading to a masters degree and a doctorate.

Candidates for a doctorate specialize in one of the subdivisions of biology. A number of sources of financial assistance are available to finance graduate work. Most major universities have a highly developed fellowship (scholarship) or assistantship (part-time teaching or research) program.

Organizations, such as the U.S. Public Health Service and the National Science Foundation, make awards to support graduate students. In addition, major universities often hold research contracts or have their own projects that provide part-time and summer employment for undergraduate and graduate students.

Certification

Many colleges and universities offer certificate programs in biology-related fields, as well as the technology (e.g., artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud computing) that biologists use to do their work. Certificate programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats.

Other Education or Training

Keeping up with industry developments is key to success as a biologist. Professional associations at the national, state, and local levels often provide continuing education (CE) opportunities. For example, the American Institute of Biological Sciences offers workshops such as Writing for Impact and Influence; Employment Acquisition Skills Boot Camp for Scientists; and Enabling Interdisciplinary and Team Science. The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology offers webinars such as Exploring Careers in Government; Beyond R&D: Exploring Career Paths in Industry, Nuggets of Wisdom for Academic Job Applicants; and National Science Foundation: Molecular and Cellular Bioscience Opportunities. Here are a few other organizations that provide CE classes, seminars, webinars, and workshops: American Physiological Society, American Society for Microbiology, American Society of Plant Biologists, Biotechnology Innovation Organization, Botanical Society of America, and the Ecological Society of America. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

Several professional associations, such as the Ecological Society of America and the American Society for Microbiology, offer voluntary professional certification to biologists.

A state license may be required for biologists who are employed as technicians in general service health organizations, such as hospitals or clinics. To qualify for this license, proof of suitable educational background is necessary.

Any experience one can obtain in the field of biology—such as an internship, volunteering, or a part-time job—will be useful for aspiring biologists.

Biologists must be systematic in their approach to solving the problems that they face. They should have probing, inquisitive minds and an aptitude for biology, chemistry, and mathematics. Patience and imagination are also required since they may spend much time in observation and analysis. Biologists must also have good communication skills in order to effectively gather and exchange data and solve problems that arise in their work.