Outcomes and Careers

You'll be prepared for anything

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.

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.
 

After UVM

Meg Sodano

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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.”

Lucas Bernacki

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Dr. Bernacki works as an assistant professor of biology at St. Joseph’s College in Maine, where he was awarded the 2015 Excellence in Teaching Award. Lucas Bernacki’s research interests are primarily in molecular ecology, and his research has focused on conservation genetics for the purpose of managing populations of both threatened species as well as game species. 

“The training I received and experiences I had at UVM have certainly contributed to my early successes in gaining employment and being recognized for my teaching.”

Marion Weir

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After graduating in 2016, Marion Weir landed in Boston, MA and started a position as a Product Scientist at Cell Signaling Technology. 

"I work in Production making new lots of the antibodies, testing material and development samples, as well as working with customers that are having issues with our products. The work that I did in the biology department at UVM aided in not only the skills needed for the position at Cell Signaling Technology, but my degree also helped get me the job!"

Carly Brown

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After graduation, Carly Brown worked for the Northwest Service Academy AmeriCorps program and as a Peace Corps volunteer in Kenya. Afterwards, she returned to UVM to earn an M.S. in the university’s field naturalist program. Selected from a pool of more than 180 applicants, Brown was named as a Knowles Science Teaching Foundation Fellow in 2014. She now teaches at Harwood High School in Moretown, VT.

“As a grad student, I had the opportunity to facilitate several undergraduate lab courses...which is what encouraged me to get my teaching certificate."

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Career Success

The biology department has a strong reputation with medical, dental, and veterinary schools, as well as private industry. By graduation, our seniors typically receive multiple offers for jobs or postgraduate education.

Explore UVM Career Center