Introduction
Biology and the natural sciences unlock the mysteries of life—from the cellular machinery inside your body to the ecosystems that sustain the planet. If you’re fascinated by how living organisms function, evolve, and interact with the environment, a degree in biology or natural sciences can lead you to exciting careers in medicine, research, conservation, biotechnology, education, and beyond.
This article breaks down:
- The education pathways after high school
- How to get into colleges (both top-tier and mid-tier)
- What the coursework and specializations look like
- The range of careers you can pursue with this degree
1. What Are Natural Sciences?
Natural sciences are the branches of science that study the physical world. They include:
- Biology (life sciences)
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Earth Sciences (geology, meteorology, oceanography)
- Environmental Science
- Astronomy
Biology, in particular, is a core natural science, and often serves as a gateway to medical, ecological, and research careers.
2. Education Pathways After High School
A. Associate Degree (2 Years)
- Offered by community colleges
- Degree: Associate of Science (AS) in Biology or Life Sciences
- Prepares students for transfer into a four-year university or technical careers (e.g., lab technician, biotech assistant)
- More affordable and accessible entry point
B. Bachelor’s Degree (4 Years)
- Degree: Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental Science, or related fields
- Focuses on foundational and advanced science coursework
- Suitable for careers in research, healthcare, biotechnology, teaching, or graduate study
C. Honors and Accelerated Programs
Some universities offer:
- Honors colleges for high-achieving students
- Accelerated pre-med or dual-degree programs (e.g., 3+4 BS/MD tracks)
3. Choosing the Right College (Top-Tier vs. Mid-Tier)
Top-Tier Schools
These colleges are highly competitive, with strong faculty, advanced labs, and strong connections to research hospitals and grad schools.
Examples:
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- MIT
- Princeton University
- University of California, Berkeley
- Johns Hopkins University
- Caltech
Admissions are holistic and selective. Most accepted students have:
- High GPAs in science and math
- Strong SAT/ACT scores (if required)
- Advanced coursework (AP Biology, Chemistry, Calculus)
- Research experience, science fairs, Olympiads, or extracurriculars in STEM
Mid-Tier Schools
These are still excellent institutions, often with robust science departments and less competitive admissions.
Examples:
- University of Iowa
- University of Vermont
- University of Oregon
- San Jose State University
- University of Colorado Boulder
- SUNY Geneseo
- North Carolina State University
They may offer:
- Strong undergraduate research programs
- Lower tuition (especially for in-state students)
- Easier transfer pathways from community colleges
- Scholarships for merit or need
4. Key Admission Requirements
Most science programs require the following:
General Admissions Materials:
- High school transcript (emphasis on science and math courses)
- Standardized tests (SAT/ACT) – optional or required depending on school
- Personal essay (focus on scientific curiosity or career goals)
- Letters of recommendation (preferably from science teachers)
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS for international students)
Optional but Helpful:
- AP or IB courses in Biology, Chemistry, Calculus, Environmental Science
- Summer programs, internships, or lab experience
- Participation in science clubs, Olympiads, or competitions
5. What You’ll Study in a Biology/Natural Sciences Degree
Core Courses:
- General Biology I & II
- General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry
- Physics (algebra or calculus-based)
- Calculus or Statistics
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
- Ecology
- Biochemistry
- Evolution
- Research Methods and Lab Work
Electives and Advanced Topics:
- Microbiology
- Neuroscience
- Marine Biology
- Environmental Toxicology
- Computational Biology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Many programs also include fieldwork, lab research, or a senior thesis.
6. Specializations You Can Choose
In your junior or senior years, or sometimes from the start, you can specialize based on your career interest:
- Pre-Med/Biomedical Sciences – for future doctors and health professionals
- Environmental Science – for those interested in sustainability and ecosystems
- Genetics and Molecular Biology – focus on DNA, genes, and biotechnology
- Marine Biology – study of ocean life
- Zoology/Botany – animal and plant biology
- Ecology/Evolutionary Biology – natural systems, conservation, and evolution
- Biochemistry – chemical basis of life, drug development, metabolic systems
7. Career Paths After a Degree in Biology or Natural Sciences
With a Bachelor’s Degree
- Laboratory Technician
- Field Biologist
- Environmental Consultant
- Science Communicator or Science Journalist
- Wildlife Biologist
- Quality Assurance Analyst (biotech/pharma)
- Data Analyst (bioinformatics with coding skills)
With Advanced Degrees (Master’s or PhD)
- Research Scientist
- College/University Professor
- Genetic Counselor
- Ecologist or Conservation Scientist
- Forensic Scientist
- Biotech/Biomedical Researcher
- Government Scientist (EPA, CDC, NIH, NASA)
- Pharmacologist or Drug Developer
Health Professions (with Additional Degrees)
- Medical Doctor (MD/DO)
- Veterinarian (DVM)
- Dentist
- Pharmacist
- Physician Assistant
- Public Health Official (MPH)
8. Community College to University Transfer Route
If top or mid-tier universities are too expensive or competitive initially, many students:
- Start at a community college
- Complete their Associate of Science (AS) degree in biology or general sciences
- Transfer to a university through articulation agreements
Benefits:
- Saves 50–70% of tuition in the first 2 years
- Easier admissions process
- Guaranteed transfer options to certain public universities
Top community colleges include:
- Santa Monica College (CA)
- Montgomery College (MD)
- Miami Dade College (FL)
- Northern Virginia Community College (VA)
9. Scholarships and Financial Aid
For U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents:
- Federal Aid (FAFSA)
- State grants
- Merit-based and need-based scholarships
- Work-study programs
For International Students:
- University-specific scholarships (e.g., Global Scholars, Presidential awards)
- External fellowships like Fulbright (postgraduate)
- On-campus job options
Some public universities also offer in-state tuition waivers for high-performing international students.
10. Final Tips for High School Students Interested in Natural Sciences
- Take challenging science and math courses in high school.
- Participate in science fairs, Olympiads, or STEM clubs.
- Pursue summer programs or online courses in biology-related fields.
- Gain lab or field experience if possible—even virtual labs can help.
- Write strong personal essays that reflect your curiosity and goals in science.
- Choose a college that aligns with your career goals, not just rankings.
Conclusion
Studying biology and the natural sciences after high school in the USA opens the door to a wide world of discovery—from the microscopic building blocks of life to entire ecosystems and planet-wide environmental systems. Whether you dream of becoming a doctor, a research scientist, a conservationist, or a science communicator, the path begins with choosing the right education route and staying curious.
With dozens of degree options, hundreds of strong colleges (not just the Ivy League), and flexible pathways like community college transfers, the U.S. system offers something for every type of science student.