Professor gives a lecture

The biology department has a strong reputation among medical schools, dental schools, veterinary medical schools and private industry. Our seniors, by graduation day, typically have several offers of professional positions or admission to postgraduate education. Because of broad exposure to the liberal arts in the College of Arts and Sciences, biology majors are equipped with a wide range of transferable skills, enabling them to succeed in any profession.

You'll be prepared for anything

Biology majors are among the most general courses of study in the university. To complete a major in biology, zoology, or environmental science, students take courses in humanities, the physical sciences, mathematics and every specialty in life science. This broad background prepares our majors for a great range of careers. What can you do with a biology, zoology, or environmental science major? We answer: What can't you do? Our graduates over the past decades have pursued careers in medicine (as physicians and a diversity of other health care fields), dentistry, veterinary medicine, biochemical and environmental research, pharmaceutical production and quality control, governmental service, law, journalism, governmental service, finance, wildlife conservation and rehabilitation, teaching, zoo management, public health, and business.

  • Meg Sodano holding her sketchbook

    After UVM

    Before becoming a natural science illustrator, Meg Sodano '01 spent her undergraduate years focused on pre-veterinary studies at UVM. Years later, seeking a way to weave biology into her artistic roots, she received illustration training and a certificate in natural science illustration at Rhode Island School of Design. Now she spends her time drawing animals and their environments. “I am reminded daily that I couldn’t be the illustrator I am now had I not first learned how the process of science. I cannot imagine a more rewarding way to make my contribution to science.”

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More Alumni Careers

  • Professor Colaborador, Institute of Biosciences - UFMT, Cuiaba, Mata Grosso, Brazil
  • Post Doc Associate, University of Massachusetts Medical School
  • GIS Analyst, Molecular Biologist, Field Scientist, NY City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
  • Senior Data Scientist at Apple Computer
  • Emergency Medicine physician
  • Animal hospital owner

Hands-on Experience: The Key to Starting a Successful Career

Our majors are strongly encouraged to take our available courses called Research Apprenticeship (BIOL 191/192), Internship (BIOL 193/194), or Undergraduate Research (BIOL 197/198 or 297/298). Students in the Honors College also complete a senior honors project in their chosen special interests (HON 208/209). These opportunities allow students to work with researchers in laboratories across the campus, the field, or off-campus organizations. Many professional and graduate schools require such experience for admission. Our research students publish their results in the finest international journals, and present posters and talks at national meetings.