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What can you do with a Biology degree from UC Irvine?

First, some facts. Of the Biology graduates from UC Irvine we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 56 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 75%, Biology graduates from UC Irvine have a higher likelihood (+8%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 75%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, 60% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Biology graduate.

See the details:

View a random Biology graduate from UC Irvine and our analysis:

Relevance score: 100%

We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2017 from UC Irvine with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Biology. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
CTS - Cell Therapy Specialist
Kite Pharma
Feb 2018 - Present
As a Cell Therapy Specialist at Kite Pharma, this position directly relates to the biological knowledge and skills acquired during a Bachelor of Science in Biology, particularly in understanding cellular processes and therapeutic applications.

ABOUT

Aseptic & sterile experience from 2+ yrs of Radiation Oncology research (rodent behavior models, tissue immuno-histochemistry, tissue culture, & more), led to 2+yrs industry experience in Yescarta CAR-T with Gilead's Kite Pharma (current). My interest lies in cancer immuno-therapy and related research.Resume/CV available upon request.

What jobs can you get with a Biology degree from UC Irvine?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:

When it comes to the career paths of graduates with a Biology degree from UC Irvine, it’s clear that many have ended up in fields closely related to biological sciences, particularly in healthcare-related roles. A significant number of these graduates have found their way into positions such as dentists, pharmacists, physician assistants, and even medical researchers. For those who chose to dive into health professions, like general dentists or pharmacists, their jobs directly utilize the vast biological knowledge and skills learned during their studies. They apply human anatomy, physiology, and even specialized knowledge of pharmacology daily, showing a strong correlation between their degrees and career choices.

However, not all job paths taken by UC Irvine Biology graduates are strictly relevant to their field of study. Some have ventured into roles that require less specific biological expertise, like substitute teaching or even graphic design. While there may be occasional overlaps with biological concepts, these positions mainly focus on skills unrelated to biology. Many graduates also found themselves in pharmaceutical internships and research positions, which often do intersect with biology but can vary significantly in how deeply relevant the biological knowledge is. For instance, while working as a pharmacy intern, graduates might apply their biology skills in understanding medications and patient care, but positions in administrative roles might not demand any substantial biological knowledge.

In summary, while a sizeable fraction of UC Irvine's Biology graduates pursue careers that are closely aligned with their studies—particularly in healthcare and research—many have also branched out into fields where their degree may not play a central role. Overall, this suggests that while a Biology degree provides a solid foundation for various professions, especially in healthcare, it doesn’t strictly lock graduates into biology-specific roles, allowing for a diverse range of career possibilities.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Biology graduates (this is across all Biology graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to UC Irvine):

What kind of career trajectories do Biology graduates from UC Irvine have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When we look at the career trajectories of biology graduates from UC Irvine, it’s pretty clear that there's a mix of paths that people have taken after finishing their degrees. Many of these graduates have found themselves in positions that are directly related to biology or healthcare, indicating that their degree has served them well, especially within the realms of research, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. The initial jobs for many of these graduates often follow a common theme: internships or entry-level positions, particularly in pharmacy or healthcare. This is typical for biology graduates who aim to gain experience or continue their education.

Take for example the 2011 graduates; one person became a general dentist while others transitioned through research and quality control roles in the biotech industry. Fast forward a few years, and you'll find that many are working as pharmacists or in higher-level positions in the biotech or healthcare sectors. This trend continues with later graduates, where many have become physician assistants, clinical pharmacists, or research scientists with a substantial rise in responsibility and expertise, often just a few years after graduation.

However, not everyone has gone down a straightforward path related to their biology degree. We see some who were involved in less biology-focused occupations initially, like baristas or substitute teachers, perhaps in search of income or clarity on their career goals. This may suggest that some graduates took some time to find their footing or wanted to explore different fields before honing in on a more biology-centered career. Yet, over time, many of them managed to get back into healthcare or research roles, which makes it seem like they eventually recognized the value of their degree. It’s a mixed bag, for sure, but the overarching narrative is one of progression towards relevant and meaningful careers in healthcare or research for most of these graduates.

Now, if we zero in on 5 or 10 years down the line, a lot of these UC Irvine graduates are in solid positions, often in leadership roles or with specialized skills in clinical settings. For instance, pharmacists and medical professionals are common among mid-career individuals, signifying that those who pursued healthcare paths have generally progressed well. In contrast, those who took more detours show a variety of career patterns, with some having found success on unconventional paths, such as UX design or other jobs that seem less related to their initial studies. Overall, while some have faced various challenges and took longer to carve out their niches, the overall impression is that UC Irvine biology graduates are finding their way into meaningful roles that utilize their educational background effectively.

How hard is a Biology degree from UC Irvine?

Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Biology can be pretty challenging, and UC Irvine is no exception. You'll dive into a lot of complex topics like genetics, microbiology, and ecology, which require a solid understanding of both biology and chemistry. The coursework can be rigorous, especially with lab components that can be time-consuming and demanding. While some folks find their groove and enjoy the subject matter, others might struggle with the pace and depth of learning. So, it's definitely not a walk in the park, but if you're genuinely interested in the subject, it can be really rewarding too!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Biology.

Do Biology graduates from UC Irvine tend to make good money?

So, looking at these UC Irvine biology graduates and their job paths, it seems like there are some pretty decent money-makers, especially among those who have pursued roles in healthcare, like dentists and pharmacists. Graduates who went into dentistry or pharmacy typically have a clear trajectory to higher salaries, with positions like General Dentist and Pharmacist offering strong compensation, especially as they gain experience. For example, the dentist graduated in 2011 is working at Smart Dental Care now, and dentists generally have a solid income potential, often in the six-figure range once established.

On the other hand, there are graduates who took more variable paths, especially those in positions like seasonal roles or internships that might pay less. Some, like the one who worked as a barista or seasonal bird keeper before moving into related fields, might not see the same level of income growth. Overall, if the goal is to make decent money, it looks like going into fields related to healthcare and medicine was a smart move for most of these graduates. But there are definitely some paths where the earning potential seems a bit shaky, especially for those who haven’t landed more stable or higher-paying roles post-graduation.

What buzzwords do Biology graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Biology (this is across all Biology graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to UC Irvine). This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Biology?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Biology (ordered by the average relevance score of their Biology graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
American University of Beirut 95 10
Luther College 90 11
Rutgers UniversityNew Brunswick 87 11
The College of New Jersey 86 13
Tufts University 86 17
Saint Louis University 86 11
Saint Joseph's University 86 10
Brandeis University 86 14
California State University-Los Angeles 85 12
Temple University 83 20
University of Pittsburgh 82 32
George Mason University 82 31
Boston University 82 12
University of Maryland 82 15
Wake Forest University 82 16
Seton Hall University 82 19
Texas Tech University 81 18
Illinois State University 81 13
Case Western Reserve University 81 12
University of Oregon 80 13
Cornell University 80 38
California State University, Fresno 80 11
University of Maryland Baltimore County 80 25
Washington University in St. Louis 80 13
California State University Channel Islands 80 11
Muhlenberg College 80 11
University of Scranton 80 11
University of Florida 79 67
Northeastern University 79 31
University of Nebraska-Lincoln 79 19
Georgia Institute of Technology 79 11
Boston College 79 23
University of Oklahoma 78 11
University of Alabama 78 16
Carleton College 78 11
University of Missouri-Columbia 77 29
University of Delaware 77 22
University of California, Santa Cruz 77 19
Providence College 77 11
Oberlin College 77 12
Iowa State University 76 17
University of Virginia 76 30
University of Massachusetts Amherst 76 18
Northwestern University 76 11
Kean University 76 13
Loyola University Chicago 76 25
William & Mary 76 19
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley 76 18
Butler University 76 10
The University of Georgia 75 44
UC Irvine 75 56
University of New Hampshire 75 10
Drexel University 75 13
University of Louisiana at Lafayette 75 13
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 75 18
Binghamton University 75 24
The University of New Mexico 75 14
Wright State University 75 13
UC San Diego 75 13
Gustavus Adolphus College 75 10
Grand Valley State University 74 14
Miami University 74 10
University of North Florida 74 17
UC Santa Barbara 74 27
Rutgers University 74 18
Duke University 74 23
St. Olaf College 74 14
The University of Texas-Pan American 74 10
Davidson College 74 17
Ohio University 73 14
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 73 18
Towson University 73 14
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 73 60
The University of Texas at San Antonio 73 28
University of North Carolina at Charlotte 73 23
University of Illinois at Chicago 73 32
University of California San Diego 73 11
Stockton University 73 16
University of St. Thomas 73 12
University of Portland 73 15
University of Houston 72 39
San Diego State University 72 16
East Carolina University 72 22
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 72 20
Syracuse University 72 13
Wayne State University 72 20
University of Miami 72 15
University of Massachusetts Lowell 72 12
University at Albany, SUNY 72 12
Hunter College 72 10
University of San Francisco 72 10
University of Missouri-Kansas City 72 12
SUNY Oneonta 72 11
Fairleigh Dickinson University 72 15
Florida State University 71 54
James Madison University 71 40
California State University-Sacramento 71 13
University of Cincinnati 71 24
Oklahoma State University 71 15
West Virginia University 71 19
The University of Alabama 71 16
University of Vermont 71 17
University of Notre Dame 71 10
University of North Carolina at Wilmington 71 26
University of California, Irvine 71 38
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse 71 12
University of Nevada, Reno 71 15
University of Maine 71 14
University of San Diego 71 11
Williams College 71 12
Indiana University Bloomington 70 31
University of Arkansas 70 25
University of Nevada-Las Vegas 70 12
University of North Carolina at Greensboro 70 26
Radford University 70 10
University of Washington Bothell 70 11
University of Wisconsin-Madison 69 54
Virginia Tech 69 16
The University of Texas at Dallas 69 32
Montclair State University 69 17
Rowan University 69 19
University of California, Santa Barbara 69 18
Texas Christian University 69 14
SUNY Geneseo 69 13
Texas A&M University 68 44
University of Utah 68 18
Mississippi State University 68 14
California State University San Marcos 68 11
Salisbury University 68 13
Valdosta State University 68 15
Xavier University 68 11
Smith College 68 10
Willamette University 68 13
The Ohio State University 67 49
University of California, Los Angeles 67 46
Kent State University 67 10
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona 67 14
University of California, Riverside 67 59
Kennesaw State University 67 21
University at Buffalo 67 22
University of Minnesota 67 12
Boise State University 67 10
Metropolitan State University of Denver 67 15
Villanova University 67 14
Stanford University 67 11
Campbell University 67 12
Pacific Lutheran University 67 13
University of Michigan 66 14
Clemson University 66 37
University of Iowa 66 10
University of South Carolina 66 23
Nova Southeastern University 66 26
University of Georgia - Franklin College of Arts and Sciences 66 24
State University of New York College at Geneseo 66 15
The University of Texas at Austin 65 49
University of North Texas 65 43
Georgia State University 65 39
University of Connecticut 65 22
College of Charleston 65 18
University of Pennsylvania 65 10
Brown University 65 10
University of North Carolina Wilmington 65 10
University of Illinois Chicago 65 17
Florida Atlantic University 64 44
Northern Arizona University 64 17
Ball State University 64 18
The University of Akron 64 10
University of Alabama at Birmingham 64 16
Emory University 64 18
Truman State University 64 12
Penn State University 63 39
Arizona State University 63 49
Colorado State University 63 29
University of Rhode Island 63 20
University of West Georgia 63 12
Jackson State University 63 13
University of Washington 62 51
Florida International University 62 59
Louisiana State University 62 33
Baylor University 62 29
North Carolina State University 61 28
Virginia Commonwealth University 61 49
Loyola Marymount University 61 12
St. Mary's College of Maryland 61 13
University of California, Davis 60 45
The University of Texas at Arlington 60 41
St. John's University 60 25
Texas State University 59 19
University of Mississippi 59 16
Marshall University 59 10
Purdue University 58 13
New York University 58 13
University of Kentucky 58 26
Old Dominion University 58 21
University of Colorado Denver 58 26
Texas Woman's University 58 14
Dillard University 58 10
San Francisco State University 57 10
Washington State University 57 18
Georgia Southern University 57 25
University of Central Florida 56 34
University of South Florida 56 12
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 56 11
Howard University 56 27
Randolph-Macon College 56 10
Northern Illinois University 55 16
Grand Canyon University 54 14
Bowling Green State University 54 11
University of Hawaii at Manoa 54 16
University of Southern California 53 15
Central Connecticut State University 53 12
Oregon State University 52 13
Oakland University 52 18
University of Nebraska at Omaha 52 11
Christopher Newport University 52 11
San Diego State University-California State University 51 15
University of California, San Diego 51 21
New Mexico State University 51 13
Winthrop University 51 10
Eckerd College 50 10
Saint Peter's University 50 10
Stony Brook University 48 24
Texas Southern University 48 10
Francis Marion University 48 11
The Citadel 47 10
Spelman College 47 12
Southeastern Louisiana University 42 10
University of Louisville 37 11