Future Students
With expert professors in every classroom, UNI's Biology Department has been ranked one of the Midwest's Best (U.S. News and World Report) and one of Iowa's best (Zippia.com).
Offering seven areas of study and a number of pre-professional tracks, a degree in biology is one of the most versatile options available for students at UNI.
The supportive and caring faculty and staff in the UNI Department of Biology provide specialized opportunities and individual attention that foster student success.
Mollie Sherman
An eight-week internship in neurology brought senior Mollie Sherman face to face with the rigors of the medical field, and gave her the confidence that she could fulfill a dream.
The whole summer was spent, day in and day out, at the Boston University Medical Center, getting a first-hand look inside the minds of some of the best doctors and surgeons in the nation.
Catherine Yeoman
Growing up in rural, landlocked Iowa, Catherine Yeoman never expected to find her passion in marine biology.
But as a junior in the UNI Department of Biology, Yeoman has already managed to kick off a unique college experience that’s brought her around the country – studying bottlenose dolphins in Florida and rehabilitating baby seals in Cape Cod.
Blake Thomas
Now in grad school with plans to become an epidemiologist, Former UNI football player Blake Thomas is studying how to fight diseases that disproportionately impact minoritized communities. “I want to help people,” he said.
Explore Career Opportunities
A degree in biology is one of the most versatile degrees, providing opportunities in medicine, health care, scientific research, genetic counseling, biotechnology, laboratory science, pharmacy, environmental and business consulting, ecosystems management, conservation, education, and more.
Common career areas include:
- Medical Doctor (MD, DO)
- Dentist
- Nursing or Nurse Practitioner
- Physician Assistant
- Geneticist or Genetic Counselor
- Teacher
- Biotechnology Specialist
- Forensic Science Technician
- Marine Scientist
- Medical Examiner
- Veterinarian
- Botanical Center Director
- Chiropractor
- Microbiologist
- DNA Analyst
- Medical Lab Technician
- Conservation Officer
- Natural Resources Technician
- Environmental Specialist
- Research Scientist
- Wildlife Biologist
Thinking about majoring in biology?
Learn more by viewing our prospective student booklet.
Explore Career Resources
- UNI Career Cruising
UNI Career Cruising has assessment tools and detailed occupation profiles to help you move seamlessly through the career exploration and planning process. The "Career Matchmaker" and "Explore Careers" sections can be particularly useful for you in the career exploration and planning process. It is best to discuss your results with a professional if you have any questions or concerns.
- Explore Health Careers
Explore Health Careers provides students with information about health careers, as well as articles and blog posts with recent material regarding health careers.
- Exploring Ecological Careers
This set of articles in the Ecological Society of America's Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment journal explores various non-academic careers in ecology.
- Informational Interviewing for Life Science Professionals
How to learn about what skills are needed and what Life Science careers are really like by interviewing professionals in your field.
- American Society for Clinical Pathology Career Center
The American Society for Clinical Pathology Career Center provides information concerning careers in the laboratory science field. It also provides resources such as salary data and interviewing tips.
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology provides students with information about careers in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance, or medical dosimetry.
- National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT)
The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians provides information regarding careers as a paramedic or an EMT.
- Genetic Counseling
Learn more about Genetic Counseling – a health-care profession that is experiencing one of the fastest rates of job growth in the country.
- Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)
The Association of Zoos & Aquariums provides information about careers in the zoo and aquarium industry. They also provide resources for how to find internships in this field, as well as what types of jobs there are in this area.