<p>Okay, I know that a major shouldn't be decided based only on pay. But it is one thing to consider. I was kind of surprised to see this page:</p>
<p>And see that Biological Sciences was just above Psychology. O_O Why is this so? I thought it would be high-paying since it's a science job.</p>
<p>Biologists aren't exactly in demand...biology majors who make good money are those who make it to med school.</p>
<p>science research in general isnt very high paying unless you go into the business side, start a company, etc.</p>
<p>For the sciences like biology to do anything important you need to either have a Medical Degree, or your PH.D. A person with a PH.D in biolog makes good money.</p>
<p>well most bio majors go on to med school anyways, i mean what in the heck do you do with that kind of degree if you're not going to continue your education</p>
<p>Well. Since I definately have to go to grad school, do yall no any good bio grad schools?</p>
<p>I'm a bio major, and can say that grad school is necessary to make a good amount of money. The scientific world is obsessed with the letters behind your name. BS and MS just don't make it. Ph.D is necessary. In the health professions, obviously grad is needed. However, physical therapists, physician assistants, and nurse practicianers all make good money and are not doctors. Oh, and good schools for bio grad include the UC's for sure. Look into those, and also check out the bio grad section of US NEWS.</p>
<p>this is a more involved discussion than can be answered in a few brief paragraphs, so I'm glossing over a lot here. With any major (including biology) the career path you choose determines your salary much more than the degree. An engineer who decides to go into HS teaching won't make much; an english major who becomes a lawyer can do quite well.</p>
<p>As has been pointed out, in the straight science field you need a PhD or MD to make a big salary. But there are other paths for bio majors, lots of them. You could work your way into mgmt, for example, and managers can earn quite well. You could go into sales, another high-paying (but challenging) field. And so on. The point is that if you figure a bio degree is just for working in a lab somewhere you are limiting your horizons.</p>
<p>Agree with mikemac...it is not the degree but the direction you go in that determines salary,etc.</p>
<p>As a biologist with a BA I can attest to the fact that you need a graduate degree to move ahead quickly. However, a BA with experience and drive can succeed within many companies. I currently hold a PhD level position, but it took me an extra 10 years to get to this level. Also, I am a workaholic.
Research associates require a BA degree and it is possible to make a decent living as a technician. But I do know BA's buying homes in San Diego (very expensive). Opportunities within companies are significantly better than in academics.
I've had an opportunity to work in many areas and my background is much more general than a PhD. In rough economic times this has paid off, it has been easier for me to find employment than many PhD. Biology is growing so rapidly that keeping current requires constant reading and studying.
UC schools are great, so are most schools with med schools.</p>
<p>fosselover,</p>
<p>fosselover, do you have an e-mail so I can ask you a few more questions?</p>
<p>Yeah. Whats your email?</p>
<p>fosselover is in high demand around here</p>
<p>If you click on my user name you can send me an e-mail. I will try to answer any questions. I've been in the business for some time and have several people reporting to me that have a BA in Biology, so hopefully I can provide some assistance.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info fossel. I haven't graduated yet, and those were just my impressions of the working world. nice post.</p>