Description | Skills | Experience | Sample Careers/Work Settings | Salary
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Description of Major

Biologists share a passion for understanding the living world. The biological sciences encompass a wide range of areas, and we offer five different ways to meet the requirements for a B.S. in Biological Sciences. Students studying for a degree in Biological Sciences can opt for a general curriculum (BLS) or can choose to focus in a particular area by selecting one of four areas of concentration: Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCD), Integrative Physiology and Neurobiology (IPN), Human Biology (HB), or Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (EEC). All of our curricula are designed to provide a solid foundation in biology as well as the related fields of chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Upper division course requirements vary among the different curriculum options (see below), but each provides some flexibility to select courses that best fit your interests and career goals. Requirements for a degree in Biological Science are demanding, but they are designed to prepare students for exciting roles in a rapidly changing and increasingly complex world.

Courses include:

All Biological Sciences students take the same core courses in introductory biology, chemistry, physics, and calculus. The curricula differ in more advanced course requirements and electives. For example, MCD requires cell biology and recombinant DNA courses; IPN requires neurobiology and endocrinology courses; HB requires advanced human anatomy and physiology as well as microbiology; EEC requires courses in field ecology, evolution, and conservation biology; and BLS requires students to choose one course in each of four areas (animals, plants, organismal function, and ecology and evolution). More details can be found at the Department of Biology website under Academic Programs for Undergraduates as well as through the Curricula Comparison Tool.

The Undergraduate Catalog shows a listing of Biological Sciences courses, and the degree audit shows the curriculum course requirements for this major. If you are interested in expanding your career options, consider double-majoring and/or adding a minor.

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Skills You Develop In This Major

• Communication
• Operate scientific equipment
• Information handling & organization
• Biology theory & practical knowledge
• Problem solving
• Technical skills
• Teamwork

Gaining Career-Related Experience

You are strongly encouraged to gain career-related experience prior to graduation in the form of an internship, summer job, or co-op. Course credit is available for this experience through the College of Agriculture and Sciences. You may or may not expect compensation from the employer.

Co-op is a program of alternating semesters of work and school. Paid work terms of increasing responsibility enable students to graduate with the minimum equivalent of one year of relevant work experience. Full-time enrollment during the semester prior to the first work term is required. You can begin co-op after completion of at least two semesters (30 credit hours) at NC State (one semester for transfers and graduate students). An NC State transcript must show grades and admission to a degree program. A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.50 (3.00 for graduate students) is required. The Co-op Office web site lists the Orientation Schedule, which is the first step to program participation.

Internships are typically full-time during the summer or (for some) part-time during the semester. You can start interning or seeking summer jobs related to your field, whenever you are ready. The CALS Career Services office provides services to help you get started.

Participate in ePack, the Career Center's on-line system that connects employees with students through internship postings, on-campus interviews, information sessions, and resume searches. You may activate your ePack account at any time.

Internship Example

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Sample Career Titles and Possible Work Settings

The following lists provide a brief sampling of the kind of jobs and work environments you might find with a degree in this major. These titles and work settings are by no means an exhaustive listing. Because the world of work is always changing, over time job titles and work settings can change. The below listing is provided in hopes of giving you initial insight into a particular career field that would employ the skills and knowledge gained through this major.

Sample Career Titles	Sample Work Settings
Laboratory Technician	Private Industry
Research Assistant	Clinical Research Organizations
Conservationist	Government
Pharmaceutical Salesperson	Health Care
Technical Writer	Biomedical and Health Research
Biology Teacher	Education

Careers Needing Advanced Degrees

• Medical Doctor
• Research Scientist

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Salary

Baccalaureate - $ 35,857
From CALS Career Survey 2008-2009

The salary listed above is an average starting salary based on skills and experiences gained at the Bachelors level. Keep in mind that salary level typically increases with additional experience and/or educational degrees.

Furthermore, you may have the opportunity to mold an entry-level position into your dream job and subsequently increase your salary as you learn more, add responsibilities and gain experience.

NC State Related Organizations & Clubs

Biology Club
Faculty Adviser: Dr. William Grant, 513.3928, bill_grant@ncsu.edu

Health PAC
Faculty Adviser: Dr. Anita Flick, MD, Health_PAC@ncsu.edu

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Site last modified April, 2009
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