15 Career Paths in the Military With a Biology Degree

Biology majors study life in all of its different forms. These studies are then used to understand humans, animals, and bacteria. Biologist careers are available in different branches of the military including medical care, microbiology, and related fields.

There will be different career options in individual branches, generally related to their main purpose. For example, the Navy and Coast Guard have opportunities for marine biologists that the Air Force doesn't. Biology bachelor's degree programs can open opportunities to military careers in biology.

Top Military Careers for Biology Degree Holders

Several military jobs that require a degree could benefit from a biology degree. A college degree in biological sciences covers different aspects of life that can be applied to healthcare and a better understanding of environmental sciences.

These skills can be beneficial to research teams in various branches to help service members and to develop new technologies that can be used in both the military and civilian worlds.

1. Biological Scientist

A biological scientist, or simply a biologist, studies life from the smallest bacterium to the largest animal. The military can use biologists in multiple capacities. Primarily, biologists help with understanding the environments and biomes that missions and bases will be built in.

Biologists know what plants can be grown, what natural predators and threats are present, and what preventative medicine measures to take to ensure service members stay safe and healthy. These biologists work with military members and local populations in healthcare and other initiatives.

2. Public Health Officer

Public health officers work in research laboratories and on the front lines of medical treatment. These officers usually have degrees to work as biochemists, microbiologists, medical care, and infectious disease specialists. Although these officers work for the military, much of their focus is given to civilian populations, both domestic and abroad.

3. Biological Defense Specialist

Biological defense specialists work to develop countermeasures to microorganisms that can lead to illness and death. Biological defense requires an understanding of molecular biology, and many of these specialists have advanced degrees, like a master's degree.

Biological defense specialists often work closely with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear specialists on biological warfare defense. Due to the sensitive nature of this work, biological defense specialists are required to earn high-security clearances.

4. Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Specialist

Chemical and biological warfare dates back hundreds of years, but there is renewed fear in modern times. Microbiologists and biochemists have advanced knowledge that can be used to help understand and stop potential threats. These biologists work with intelligence officers to identify threats and develop countermeasures to protect civilians and active-duty service members on deployment in potential threat zones.

5. Clinical Laboratory Officer

Clinical laboratory officers perform diagnostic and research duties for their branches. These professionals must receive medical school training to prepare them to work with medical technology using traditional methods while developing new ones.

Students can earn a bachelor's degree in Medical Technology or Medical Laboratory Science and receive appropriate certifications from the American Society for Clinical Pathology.

6. Medical Officer

Medical officers serve as consultants and advisors on healthcare programs. These officers work with public health officers to develop plans to administer healthcare to civilians and service members. Medical officers must have a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or equivalent advanced degree from an accredited medical school.

7. Ecologist

Ecologists study the relationship between organisms and their environments. This position requires an understanding of microbiology and environmental science. Ecologists are used in the military to get a deeper knowledge of the biome that military action is taking place in, as well as learn about potential impacts and damages that can be done. Ecologists research the balance of nature and work to keep them.

8. Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientists study nature in all of its forms. This focuses on geography, meteorology, and physics, with a stronger focus on biology. These scientists look for environmental trends, such as climate change, and make recommendations to avoid additional damage or threats.

Environmental scientists are particularly concerned with humanity's effect on our world. They study how building projects, vehicles, and the increased presence of people through military intervention can disrupt nature, especially in undeveloped regions.

9. Research Scientist

The most important scientific developments and advances are almost always related to research. Research scientists work in labs and the field to study and experiment to develop a deeper understanding of current processes or create new processes.

Biology-focused research scientists research life in different environments to gain more knowledge of our world and how the military operates in it.

10. Field Biologist

Many research roles occur in laboratories. Field biologists, however, study life where it happens. These biologists use nature as their laboratory to study animals, plants, and microorganisms. Field biologists use the results of their studies to recommend environmental policy changes or to assist in research with laboratory-based biologists.

11. Biological Support Specialist

Biological support specialists work to assist biologist teams. These roles are usually more like support roles, but applicants must hold a degree in biology or a related field. These positions can evolve with more experience in the field or lab work.

12. Clinical Research Coordinator

Healthcare advancements require research and testing in labs. Clinical research coordinators use their training in biology to run clinical trials of new medicines to help gather data used for improvement or eventual CDC approval. Clinical researchers in military roles often work to develop these medicines and treatments for specific situations.

13. Forensic Biologist

Biologists' skills can be applied in many fields, including criminal justice. Forensic biologists are trained to use their knowledge to help solve crimes. Military forensic biologists will often work with on-base police teams to help gather DNA or other identifying samples and test them. These biologists can also work with past information in more of an archeology or anthropology-based role.

14. Biotechnologist

Nature and technology are inherently different, but biotechnologists work to bridge these gaps. Biotechnology uses biology and engineering to use biology and biochemistry in technological aspects. This field of study has applications for medicine, as well as agriculture and chemical engineering.

15. Genetic Research Scientist

Genetic research scientists study genetics and work with applications of this knowledge. In the military, this information can be used to monitor training, administer targeted healthcare measures, and oversee genetic risk management.

What Extra Training Do Biology Graduates Need To Work in the Military?

Biologists working in the military will require a degree like their civilian counterparts, but they also require additional training. Military career paths, regardless of degree type, are still military positions.

All members of the armed forces are required to attend basic training or officer training school to establish physical competency. Some biologists might also take linguistic courses to prepare for global field research.