Career exploration is an important part of personal and professional growth. For students who are enrolled in science-specific majors here at Life University (Life U), here is a helpful starter guide to get you thinking about possible career paths.

For more assistance with career exploration, please contact Life U Career Services.

B.S. in Biology

 Life U’s Bachelor of Science in Biology curriculum is grounded in a deeply respectful philosophy of the innate intelligence of life – the ability of all organisms to be conscious, self-developing, self-maintaining and self-healing. This means that students not only develop a solid knowledge base in the foundations of biology, but they’ll also cultivate a sense of respect and responsibility for our human role in understanding and influencing both our own living bodies and our place in the world. Life U works closely with biology students to help them pursue their interests in advanced educational endeavors or STEM career pathways.

Possible paths-

Biological Technician- Also referred to as lab assistants, biological technicians generally assist biologists or medical scientists by completing scientific tests, experience and analyses under their supervision and direction. For those that want to work with advanced robotics and high-tech automated equipment in addition to traditional lab equipment to conduct experiments, this might be an area to explore. Biological technicians also use specialized computer software to collect, analyze and model experimental data to glean information regarding many different fields of study and industry.

National Average Salary- $45,760

Number of Practitioners (as of 2020): 87,600

(Information and data from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021).

 

Zoologist or Wildlife Biologist- For those that want to combine a love of science and a passion for all things nature and animals, here is one potential way to go about it. Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals and wildlife and observe how they interact with their ecosystems. They study the physical characteristics of animals, animal behaviors, and the impacts humans have on wildlife and natural habitats.

Zoologists and wildlife biologists perform a variety of scientific tests and experiments. For example, they take blood samples from animals to assess nutrition levels, check animals for disease and parasites, and tag animals for tracking purposes. Although the roles and abilities of zoologists and wildlife biologists tend to overlap, zoologists typically conduct scientific investigations and basic research on specific types of animals, such as birds or amphibians, whereas wildlife biologists are more likely to study individual ecosystems or animal populations, such as a particular at-risk species. Wildlife biologists also do applied work, such as conservation and management of wildlife populations.

National Average Salary: $64,650

Number of Practitioners (As of 2020): 18,500

(Information and data from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021)

 

Agricultural or Food Scientist- It’s vital for the health of our communities that we understand the processes that go into producing our food and what exactly we are putting into our bodies. Agricultural and food scientists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products.

Agricultural and food scientists play an important role in maintaining and expanding the nation’s food supply. Many work in basic or applied research and development. They seek to understand the biological and chemical processes by which crops and livestock grow. Applied research seeks to discover ways to improve the quality, quantity and safety of agriculture. There are many different subsets of this field, and it can be utilized in many different working environments. There are animal scientists, plant scientists, soil scientists and more.

This might suit someone who likes to be a leader and to travel outside of a traditional office, as many agricultural and food scientists work with little supervision, forming their own hypotheses and developing their research methods. In addition, they often lead teams of technicians or students who help in their research.

National Median Salary: $74,160

Number of Practitioners: 37,400

(Information and Data from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021)

 

B.S. in Biopsychology

Interdisciplinary coursework explores and challenges our collective knowledge of fundamental biopsychological concepts regarding bases of behavior, emotion and cognition and their relation to health. Future professions for graduates frequently involve applying this knowledge of physiology and psychology to issues of drug use and abuse, motivation, sleep patterns and more. Students are also prepared to take on graduate work in fields such as Chiropractic, medicine, nursing, dentistry, psychology or neuroscience.

Possible paths-

Psychologist- Psychologists study cognitive emotional and social processes, as well as behavior by observing, interpreting and recording how people relate to each other and their environment. They use their findings to help improve processes and behaviors. Psychologists often employ controlled laboratory experiments, psychoanalysis or psychotherapy. They also may administer personality, performance, aptitude or intelligence tests. They look for patterns of behavior or relationships between events, and they use this information when testing theories in their research or when treating patients.

There are different kinds of psychologists and specialties that can be explored, including clinical, counseling, developmental, forensic, industrcc ial/organizational, rehabilitation and educational.

National Median Salary: $81,040

Number of Practitioners (as of 2020): 178,900

(Information and data from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021)

 

Medical Assistant- Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Their duties vary with location, specialty and practice size. Some of the tasks that a medical assistant would perform include recording medical histories and personal information, measuring vital signs, preparing blood samples and more.

National Median Salary: $37,190

Number of Practitioners (as of 2020): 720,900

(Information and data from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021)

 

Clinical Laboratory Technologist or Technician- Both technicians and technologists perform tests and procedures that physicians, surgeons or other healthcare personnel order. However, technologists perform more complex tests and laboratory procedures than technicians. For example, technologists may prepare specimens and perform detailed manual tests, whereas technicians perform routine tests that may be more automated. Clinical laboratory technicians usually work under the general supervision of clinical laboratory technologists or laboratory managers.

National Median Salary: $57,800

Number of Practitioners (as of 2020): 335,500

(Information and data from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021)

 

B.S. in Human Ecology

Interested in changing the world by studying the relationships between humans and their economic, social and natural environments? Life U’s Bachelor of Science degree in Human Ecology (HE) strives to advance methods by which sustainability could be achieved.

HE majors may focus on either People, Politics and Social Change (PPSC) or Science, Sustainability and Resource Management (SSRM).

Possible paths-

Fish and Game Warden- For those that love nature and want to defend it, this is a good way to go about it. Fish and Game Wardens are law enforcement personnel tasked with patrolling assigned wildlife areas to prevent fish and game law violations. They also investigate reports of damage to crops or property by wildlife and compile biological data, according to Careeronestop.org.

National Median Pay (State Government, excluding schools or hospitals): $58,610

Number of Practitioners (as of 2020, State): 6,380

National Median Pay (Local Government, excluding schools or hospitals): $50,390

Number of Practitioners (as of 2020, Local): 340

(Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021)

 

Environmental Scientist or Specialist- Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. They may clean up polluted areas, advise policymakers or work with industry to reduce waste.

National Median Salary: $76,530

Number of Practitioners: 87,100

(Information and data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021)

 

Soil or Plant Scientist- For those that love nature, science and plants, take a look at this career path. Soil or Plant Scientists conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and pest control. Additionally, they often study the chemical, physical, biological and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. Sometimes they classify and map soils and investigate the effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity, according to Careeronestop.org.

National Mean Annual Wage: $ 76,290

Number of Practitioners (as of 2020): 15,610

(Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021)

 

Conservation Scientist or Forester- If you are looking to make a lasting difference with your profession, look no further. As the ultimate stewards of our most precious resources, Conservation scientists and foresters manage the overall land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources. The main difference between a conservation scientist and a forester is that a conservation scientist typically works on behalf of or with the government to find ways to use and improve the land while safeguarding the environment. Conservation scientists advise farmers, ranchers and other agricultural managerson how they can improve their land for agricultural purposes and to control erosion.

Foresters do similar work, but on behalf of a private organization or company in order to minimize and contain damage caused by industry.

National Median Salary: $63,750

Number of Practitioners (as of 2020): 39,000

(Information and data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021)

 

B.S. in Psychology

In addition to incorporating Life U’s vitalistic philosophy, our Bachelor of Science (B.S.) psychology majors are taught to emphasize inborn human capacities for love, courage, forgiveness, wisdom and interpersonal connection. Along with scientific study, these principles are woven throughout all coursework and culminate in real-life applications through either an internship or a senior thesis experience.

Possible paths-

Marriage and Family Therapist- Marriage and family therapists help people manage problems with their family and other pivotal relationships. Many marriage and family therapists work in private practice. They must market their practice to prospective clients and work with insurance companies and clients to get paid.

Marriage and family therapists work with individuals, couples and families. They tend to bring a family-centered perspective to treatment, even when treating individuals. They evaluate family roles and development to understand how clients’ families affect their mental health. They treat the clients’ relationships, not just the clients themselves. They address issues such as low self-esteem, stress, addiction and substance abuse.

National Median Salary: $49,880

Number of Practitioners (as of 2020): 73,200

(Information and data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021)

 

Rehabilitation Counselor- Rehabilitation counselors help people with physical, mental, developmental or emotional disabilities live independently. They work with clients to overcome or manage the personal, social or psychological effects of disabilities on employment or independent living.

Rehabilitation counselors help people with disabilities at various stages in their lives. Some work with students to develop strategies to live with their disability and transition from school to work. Others help veterans cope with the mental or physical effects of their military service. Some assist elderly people in adapting to disabilities developed later in life from illness or injury.

Some may provide expert testimony or assessments during personal injury or workers’ compensation cases. Some rehabilitation counselors deal specifically with employment issues. These counselors, called vocational rehabilitation counselors, typically work with older students and adults.

National Median Salary: $38,560

Number of Practitioners (as of 2020): 104,500

(Information and data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021)

 

Mental Health Technician or Aide- Mental health technicians and aides care for people who have mental illness and developmental disabilities. Technicians typically provide therapeutic care and monitor their patients’ conditions. Aides help patients in their daily activities and ensure a safe and clean environment.

Mental health technicians and aides often work with patients who are severely developmentally disabled and need intensive care. Others work with patients undergoing rehabilitation for drug and alcohol addiction. The work varies with the types of patients being treated.

Mental health technicians and aides work as part of a medical team under the direction of physicians and with other team members, which may include psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, social workers, counselors and therapists.

National Median Salary: $36,230

Number of Practitioners (as of 2020): 145,600

(Information and data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021)

 

 

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