Biology plays a key role in scientific advancements that improve our way of life.
Biologists assist with medical research by helping develop new medicines and treatments
used to prevent, treat or cure diseases such as cancer or Alzheimer's. In agriculture,
biological research contributes to the development of genetically engineered crops
that provide greater yields and require less pesticide and fertilizer.
Biologists also lead efforts to discover new and improved ways to clean and preserve
the environment as well as alternative sources of energy, such as biofuels and biomass.
Entry level jobs in biology include: biological technician, conservation biologist,
environmental biologist, microbiologist, zoologist/wildlife biologist, pharmaceutical
sales representative or secondary education teacher.
Graduate degrees can lead to careers such as biochemist, biophysicist, medical doctor/scientist,
epidemiologist, physical therapist and pharmacist.
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Planning for your future begins here.
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Planning for your future begins here.
It only takes 20 seconds to get started!
Start at Harper. Finish at a four-year university.
The Associate in Science (AS) degree prepares you to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete
a bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, ecology, zoology,
and related majors. Speak with your advisor about the best courses to take to meet
your academic goals.
Harper also offers institution-specific transfer information to help prepare you to
transition to a four-year university. To learn more, visit our Transfer Information page or see your advisor.
Become a licensed STEM teacher for grades 5-12
Expand diversity in the field of STEM education through the Noyce Teacher PRIDE Scholars Program thatawards Harper graduates $15,000 annually for two years to complete a STEM degree at
Elmhurst University. Applications from a wide range of diverse communities are encouraged. Learn more and apply today.
Explore Biological Sciences Careers
Learn more about career outcomes for Harper's Biological Sciences degree program.
Each career profile offers a complete picture on the local job market, including salaries,
open positions, top local employers and more. To learn more, visit our Biological Sciences Careers page.
Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms,
their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research
to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved
in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods,
drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living
organisms.
Core tasks:
Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations
at scientific conferences.
Teach or advise undergraduate or graduate students or supervise their research.
Manage laboratory teams or monitor the quality of a team's work.
Study physical principles of living cells or organisms and their electrical or mechanical
energy, applying methods and knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology.
Quick facts:
Biological Technicians
Biological Technicians
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Biological Technicians career profile for most current data.
$48,609 Median Salary
0.6% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
77 Job Postings
Description:
Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory
instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations,
and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food,
and drugs.
Core tasks:
Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial
applications to perform work duties.
Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of
information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.
Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation
by research personnel.
Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields
such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health
sciences.
Quick facts:
Conservation Scientists
Conservation Scientists
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Conservation Scientists career profile for most current data.
$62,525 Median Salary
2.5% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
19 Job Postings
Description:
Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging
the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion
or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers,
or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve
soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited
to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs
for stock watering.
Core tasks:
Apply principles of specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science,
forestry, or agriculture, to achieve conservation objectives.
Plan soil management or conservation practices, such as crop rotation, reforestation,
permanent vegetation, contour plowing, or terracing, to maintain soil or conserve
water.
Monitor projects during or after construction to ensure projects conform to design
specifications.
Implement soil or water management techniques, such as nutrient management, erosion
control, buffers, or filter strips, in accordance with conservation plans.
Quick facts:
Microbiologists
Microbiologists
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Microbiologists career profile for most current data.
$83,791 Median Salary
-0.2% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
34 Job Postings
Description:
Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic
organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who
study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics
on microorganisms.
Core tasks:
Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or
developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.
Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope,
to identify and classify microorganisms in human, water, and food specimens.
Provide laboratory services for health departments, community environmental health
programs, and physicians needing information for diagnosis and treatment.
Monitor and perform tests on water, food, and the environment to detect harmful microorganisms
or to obtain information about sources of pollution, contamination, or infection.
Quick facts:
Pharmacists
Pharmacists
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Pharmacists career profile for most current data.
$136,094 Median Salary
1% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
564 Job Postings
Description:
Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide
information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and
other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects
of medications.
Core tasks:
Review prescriptions to assure accuracy, to ascertain the needed ingredients, and
to evaluate their suitability.
Assess the identity, strength, or purity of medications.
Provide information and advice regarding drug interactions, side effects, dosage,
and proper medication storage.
Analyze prescribing trends to monitor patient compliance and to prevent excessive
usage or harmful interactions.
Quick facts:
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapists
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Physical Therapists career profile for most current data.
$103,038 Median Salary
7.6% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
1,338 Job Postings
Description:
Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility,
relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting
from disease or injury.
Core tasks:
Plan, prepare, or carry out individually designed programs of physical treatment to
maintain, improve, or restore physical functioning, alleviate pain, or prevent physical
dysfunction in patients.
Perform and document an initial exam, evaluating data to identify problems and determine
a diagnosis prior to intervention.
Record prognosis, treatment, response, and progress in patient's chart or enter information
into computer.
Evaluate effects of treatment at various stages and adjust treatments to achieve maximum
benefit.
Quick facts:
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and
wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze
biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use
of land and water habitats.
Core tasks:
Develop, or make recommendations on, management systems and plans for wildlife populations
and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.
Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant
identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry
on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions
for industry.
For more information about starting your college education at Harper, please contact
Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700 or fill out our request information form.
