Mapping your Biology Major

Please note that sample four-year plans are examples. Students, in consultation with their advisor, will discuss an individualized degree plan reflecting their academic preparation, interests and goals. Actual sequences will vary based on course availability, need for developmental coursework, and student preference. For complete information on degree requirements, reference the Undergraduate Course Catalog at http://hood.smartcatalogiq.com/.

Year One

Year Two

Year Three

Year Four

¹The Biology Capstone can be satisfied by BIOL 375 (Independent Study, BIOL 399 (Internship), BIOL 470 (Senior Seminar), or BIOL 499 (Honors Thesis) which is taken in both semesters of Year Four.

Learning, Self-Exploration, and Academic Excellence

The Hood College Center for Career Development and Experiential Education is here to support you through your four-year educational journey. Whether you are headed toward additional educational pursuits after graduation or on to the exciting world of work, we recommend that you investigate all your opportunities through three distinct types of exploration. These include Cultivating knowledge of your major and occupations related to your studies, Engaging in activities that give you hands-on experience, and taking practical steps toward Preparing for life after college. Below are three tables that will help you understand these areas and associated activities. Want to know more? Meet with a counselor in the Career Center. Email careers@hood.edu to make an appointment.

Cultivate

Explore your Major and Related Occupations

Year 1

• Explore the major through the Hood College biology website. Explore the backgrounds of faculty and learn about course offerings.
• Visit the What Can I Do With the Major? and the CareerOneStop websites.
• Meet with your academic advisor and biology faculty members to discuss career plans.
• Meet with Career Center staff to begin developing a resume.

Year 2

• Visit with a career counselor to develop your resume and consider internship locations.
• Talk with biology faculty about summer research possibilities. Summer Research Institute (SRI) proposals are due in February.
• Explore Hood’s unique Coastal Studies semester.
• Plan to study abroad and attend an information session to learn about scholarships.

Year 3

• Update your resume, including new classes, internships, research or employment.
• Enroll in BIOL 399, get internship experience and college credit.
• Meet with biology faculty about independent study research and competitive national experiences.
• Plan your biology capstone with your academic advisor.

Year 4

• Get a final review of your resume from faculty and Career Center staff.
• Complete a second internship or research experience.

Engage

Locally and Globally

Year 1

• Explore clubs such as the Hood Environmental Action Team (HEAT) and the Pre-Health Club.
• Volunteer to help grow food at the Hood-sponsored Frederick Food Security Network.
• Attend Community Engagement Fairs in the fall and spring semesters to learn about nonprofit agencies in the sciences and healthcare.

Year 2

• Investigate federal work-study positions in the biology department to improve your laboratory skills and learn about careers.
• Pursue a summer research project or a part-time job in biology. Attend the annual Science & Technology Career Fair in Nov. to meet employers.

Year 3

• Consider becoming a peer tutor for biology courses.
• If invited to do a departmental honors project, meet with faculty to discuss possible research projects.

Year 4

• Conduct informational interviews with Hood College alumni working in biological sciences. Faculty members or career counselors can help identify individuals.

Prepare

For Post-Graduation Success

Year 1

• Attend the Biology Department Seminars.

Year 2

• Attend the Spring Internship and Career Fair to meet employers recruiting interns.
• Check Handshake for events and see employers providing information sessions.
• Participate in Career Center workshops on job interviews and creating a LinkedIn page.

Year 3

• Attend Career Center workshops on conducting a job search and meet employers at Career Fairs.
• Consult faculty members about professional conferences.
• Prepare to take GRE, MCAT and other post-graduate exams.
• Consider Hood’s 4-PLUS master’s degrees in Biomedical Science or Environmental Biology.

Year 4

• Attend the annual Business Etiquette Dinner held each Feb.
• Attend Career Fairs to learn about and obtain an entry-level position.
• Attend conferences of professional associations.
• Take the biology department exit exam and survey.

• Utilize resources at the Library and Learning Commons
• Meet regularly with your academic advisor
• Work with tutors at the Writing Center
• Complete the FAFSA and apply for scholarships

• Join a student club, organization or honors society
• Meet with counselors at the Career Center
• Apply for work study or on-campus jobs
• Take a resume building workshop
• Participate in mock job interviews
• Visit career fairs

Learn more about careers in biology: https://whatcanidowiththismajor.com/major/biological-sciences/

• Medicine
• Dentistry
• Optometry
• Podiatry
• Pharmacy
• Veterinary medicine
• Allied health: occupational therapy, physical therapy
• Medical technology
• Nuclear medicine
• Group or private practice
• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Health networks
• Nursing homes
• Rehabilitation centers
• Mental health institutions
• Federal, state, and local health departments
• Government agencies
• Armed services
• Correctional facilities
• Colleges or universities
• Medical schools
• Large corporations

Explore more career opportunities in biology: https://www.onetonline.org/