Career Preparation
The Biology Department knows that your BA from Queens College will launch a career. From here you could go straight into the job market; obtain research, teaching, or clinical experience; become certified or licensed in a particular skill; or pursue an advanced degree. See this infographic to learn more about the career benefits of a Biology degree.
Many QC Biology graduates go on to graduate school to pursue a PhD or Master’s degree. Indeed, a Master’s degree can boost your knowledge and experience, giving you a competitive edge in many biology career paths. But no matter which sector you want to go into, consider transitioning from your undergraduate into a Biology Master’s program at QC. Learn more here.
As a Biology student, you should seek advice on your career goals as early as possible. Let our Academic Advisors help you identify the courses and other experiences that will most benefit you as you go forward. See who they are and their current availabilities here.
For advice more tailored to specific interests (e.g., genetics, developmental biology, cancer, parasitology, microbiology, evolution, ecology, conservation, agriculture), take advantage of the diverse expertise of all our Biology faculty, whose research interests are here. Do not hesitate to reach out to them.
Indeed, doing so could lead to a rewarding undergraduate research experience under the supervision of our faculty members, such as Dr Nathalia Holtzman, in the background of the image at right—the student is in the foreground.
For biomedical and other health-related careers, please consult the QC Health Professions Advisory Services. One of our pre-health Advisors can advise you on how to prepare yourself for the next step of your career, including the timeline, key courses, helpful experiences, standardized tests, and relevant schools or programs.
To be a competitive applicant to some schools, special coursework or experiences are recommended. Our advisors can help you identify the optimal set of courses that will help you qualify for your chosen program while pursuing your Bachelor’s degree in Biology.
Undergraduates planning to pursue health careers might consider a Minor in Health Sciences. If you have questions about this option, please ask Dr. Saima Cheema who also assembled the resources below, including lists of prerequisites for various programs.
Dentistry: Prerequisites
Medicine (MD or OD): Prerequisites
Nursing: Prerequisites
Occupational Therapy: Prerequisites
Physician’s Assistant: Prerequisites and QC BA and PA Program Prep Plan
Physical Therapy: Prerequisites
Veterinary Medicine: Prerequisites
After graduation, consider a Post-Baccalaureate Medical Career Preparation Certificate, with nine specialties available at QC. Dr. Mika Vesanen oversees this program.