First, some facts. Of the Biology graduates from University of Virginia 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 30 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 76%, Biology graduates from University of Virginia have a higher likelihood (+9%) 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, 66% 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: 90%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2020 from University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Biology. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONBLS Field ProviderAEC Medical Transport & Rapid Response Nov 2021 - May 2022 Adult ER Emergency Medical Technician Inova Fairfax Hospital May 2022 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Looking at the various jobs held by graduates from the University of Virginia with a degree in Biology, it’s clear that there’s a mix of positions that are both relevant and not very relevant to their field of study. Many of them found roles in healthcare, like Physician Assistants, Medical Scribes, and various nursing positions, which directly apply the biological concepts learned in their undergraduate studies. There are also quite a few research roles, such as Research Technicians and Coordinators, where they engage in biological research that connects strongly to their degree. These positions often require a significant understanding of biological principles, as they are typically focused on patient care or scientific investigation.
On the flip side, there are a number of graduates who took paths that don’t closely align with their Biology background. Roles like administrative staff, sales, and certain educational or teaching positions exist in their career paths, which may not utilize their biological knowledge as directly as one might hope. Teaching science can be relevant, but roles outside of the sciences, like crisis counseling or retail management, really stretch the connection back to their degree. Overall, while many have found work tied directly to biology, a fair number have ventured into areas less directly relevant to their studies, showcasing the versatility of a Biology degree but also suggesting the challenge of finding roles strictly in the biological fields right after graduation.
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 Virginia):
Graduates from the University of Virginia with a Biology degree have shown a rather diverse range of career paths, especially noticeable right after they finish school. Many of these grads start in medical or research roles, like research technicians or clinical staff, and gradually transition into more advanced positions in healthcare, academia, or even private industry. For instance, several have jumped straight into roles as medical scribes, technicians, or assistants in hospitals, providing them with valuable hands-on experience in the medical field. This makes sense, given that a lot of students likely choose Biology because they want to make an impact in healthcare or science.
Looking at where they end up five to ten years later, many seem to have successfully navigated their careers into more specialized or higher-level roles, like physician assistants, researchers, or doctors. It's clear that many of these graduates are staying within biology or medicine, which suggests that their education is directly applicable to their jobs. However, there are also those who veer off into unrelated fields or might find themselves in roles that don’t fully utilize their biology background. Overall, while there’s definitely a solid path into relevant careers for many UVA Biology grads, not everyone continues on that trajectory, showing that in any given class, you’ll find a mix of success and meandering paths.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Biology at the University of Virginia can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on how you approach it. UVa is known for its strong academics, and the Biology program includes a mix of tough coursework, lab work, and lots of memorization and analysis of concepts. You’ll be diving into everything from genetics to ecology, which can feel intense at times. It’s definitely not a cakewalk, but if you're passionate about science and willing to put in the effort, it can be really rewarding. Many students find the content engaging, but you should be prepared for some long nights of studying and group projects. Overall, it’s tougher than some other degrees, so just be ready to work hard!
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 trajectories of these University of Virginia biology grads, it seems like some of them have landed pretty decent roles that likely come with decent pay. For instance, the graduates going into healthcare professions like Physician Assistants or Staff Physicians are probably earning a solid salary, especially since those roles often come with good benefits. Even those who took on teaching roles or entry-level positions in research have gained valuable experience that could lead them to better-paying jobs down the road. However, some of the earlier roles like the ones as Physical Therapy Aides or Teaching Corps members might not have been well-paying, so it looks like their earnings might have started off on the lower end. Overall, while some may have begun with lower salaries, many seem to be moving into higher-paying positions as they progress in their careers.
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 Virginia). 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: