First, some facts. Of the Biology graduates from University of Southern California 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 15 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 53%, Biology graduates from University of Southern California have a much lower likelihood (-14%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 53% 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:
Relevance score: 100%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2011 from University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Biology. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONResident PhysicianLAC+USC Medical Center Jul 2016 - Jun 2020 Chief Resident LAC+USC Medical Center Jul 2019 - Jun 2020 Assistant Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California Jul 2020 - Jun 2021 Clinical Fellow Legacy Health Aug 2021 - Jul 2023 Gynecologist Northwest Permanente Mar 2023 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGDoctor of Medicine - MDKeck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California 2012 - 2016 Certificate in Clinical Research Oregon Health & Science University 2021 - 2023 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Based on the jobs listed for graduates with a Biology degree from the University of Southern California, it seems that there's quite a mix of career paths. Many graduates have pursued roles in healthcare, such as resident physicians, gynecologists, and clinical pharmacists, which are all highly relevant and directly applicable to their biological studies. These positions generally require a strong foundation in biology, making them ideal for someone with a degree in this field. However, there are also graduates who have strayed into roles like tutoring, educational counseling, and various positions in media and administration, which aren't closely tied to their biology background.
While some jobs, like those in healthcare and clinical research, clearly leverage the knowledge of biological sciences, many others fall short in terms of direct relevance. For instance, roles in administration, education, and graphic design might not utilize the specific skills or knowledge gained from studying biology. Overall, it seems that the more conventional routes taken by these graduates lean significantly towards biology-related careers, but there's also a notable number who have pursued paths that diverge from their academic training. This highlights the versatility of a biology degree, allowing for a variety of potential career opportunities, even if not all of them are closely linked to the field itself.
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 University of Southern California):
When looking at the career trajectories of Biology graduates from the University of Southern California, you’ll find a pretty diverse set of paths. For many, the first job right after graduation often leans towards research-related roles, lab assistants, or positions in health care. Some have gone straight into graduate programs and residencies, especially those pursuing medicine or healthcare careers. For example, a 2011 grad became a resident physician and, not long after, an assistant professor in clinical obstetrics. Others ventured into positions like pharmacy or clinical research early on, showing a solid connection to the biology field.
Fast forward 5 to 10 years down the line, and you see a mix of outcomes. Some graduates are thriving in specialized medical fields, like a 2014 grad who’s now a pediatric dentist, while others have ventured into government roles or administrative positions that seem less directly linked to biology. There's a clear split: many of the alumni remain rooted in biological sciences and healthcare, gaining advanced roles in medicine, research, or public health. On the flip side, some have drifted away from biology into areas like education or even media. So, while you can definitely find some impressive and relevant careers in biology here, there are also cases of graduates ending up in quite different fields, suggesting a varied range of success in staying close to their roots in biology.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Biology at USC can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your interests and strengths. The coursework involves a lot of labs, intensive study of complex topics like genetics, cell biology, and ecology, and you’ll have to keep up with a fair amount of reading and project work. While some students find it manageable, others might struggle with the fast-paced environment and the rigorous scientific concepts. Overall, it tends to be on the harder side compared to some other undergraduate degrees, mainly because of the emphasis on critical thinking and practical applications in the labs. But if you're really into science and biology, it can also be super rewarding!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Biology.
Looking at the job histories of these USC Biology grads, it seems like there's a mixed bag when it comes to making decent money. The ones who went into medicine, like the gynecologist and the resident physician, are likely pulling in solid salaries since healthcare jobs usually pay well, especially with their experience and positions. On the flip side, those in more educational or research-focused roles, like the lab assistant and college counselor, might not be raking it in as much, considering those jobs generally offer lower pay compared to medical professions. If we look at the whole spectrum, it seems like some are definitely doing well financially, while others might be just getting by. So, if you're thinking about a Biology degree, keep in mind the career path you choose can really make a difference in your paycheck!
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 University of Southern California). This may or may not be useful:
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: