I like science but don’t want to be a doctor. What else can I do with a major in biology?

The possibilities are extremely diverse and depend very much on what type of biology you most enjoy. Common careers include research scientists, veterinarians, ecologists, natural resource managers, aquatic and marine biologists, landscapers, entomologists, and hundreds of others.  The career options for students interested in microbiology are very different from those interested in conservation biology. Our advice is that you identify the areas of biology that most interest you during your first couple of years at college, and then discuss your career options with professors who teach in those areas. Many people use biology in their careers in unintended ways as well.  Lawyers, business-owners, anyone who wishes to live a healthy lifestyle or those who want to grow plants will make better decisions with a solid knowledge of biology.

What are recent grads doing now?

1. Christine Spampinato, Class of 2010- Christine was a UST Young Scholar and research student in Dr. Manske’s lab for 4 years and is currently a first year medical student at Mayo. 
2. Nick Huynh, Class of 2010- While at UST Nick received an NSF-REU to do HIV related research. He was also awarded a Fulbright research scholarship and is currently studying in Switzerland. He will be starting medical school at the University of Minnesota when he returns from his Fulbright year.
3. Sam Friederichs, Class of 2007- Runs a National Geographic Crittercam program exploring the behavior of free-swimming marlin off Central America. Obtained an MS in Biology from Purdue.
4. Melissa Konsti - Obtained an MS in Biology from North Dakota State University and is now a fisheries biologist with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.  
5. Joshua Mankowski- Received an MS degree from St Cloud State University and is now a District Technician with Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District. 

Study Abroad Opportunities

Study abroad in biology allows students to experience plants, animals, ecosystems and cultures that are very different from those found in the Midwest. Studying abroad enhances a biology student’s education by aiding the student in understanding how these ecosystems and cultures function. It also aids students in learning about the challenges of preserving the Earth’s biodiversity for future generations. Now, more than ever, we live in a global community and the importance of seeing how others live and how they answer life’s questions can be very informational.

Research and Internship Opportunities

Departmental faculty are engaged in a wide variety of research projects that involve undergraduate students. These range from molecular genetics to aquatic ecosystem ecology. Detailed information about all these projects can be found on our departmental web site at: http://www.stthomas.edu/biology/research/default.html.

Internships range widely from hospital internships to industrial internships at a variety of regional biomedical companies, as well as field-based internships with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources among many others. Wherever a student’s interests lay, they will be assisted in their search for internship experiences by their academic advisor.