Internships

Internships consist of off-campus study or research developed by students, under the guidance of a faculty member. Up to four biology credits will be given for off-campus projects. Students may also design a semester-long, interdisciplinary internship that earns credit from several different departments. For example, a student recently completed an internship in neuroimmunology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Most of her efforts centered on the basic study of immunology and how it applies to neurological problems. She received biology credit, as well as credit from the communication and management departments. If you plan to attend graduate or professional school, you are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities.

• List of Internship Opportunities

Career Outlook for Biology Majors

Students who major in biology are prepared to enter graduate studies in the biological sciences; science education; and professional education in medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine. Biology majors and minors often go on to professional careers in law, education, business and government service, as well as to laboratory research positions in industrial and academic settings. 20 to 25% of all CSB/SJU biology graduates go to graduate or professional school immediately after graduation. After working a few years, another 25 to 30% pursue graduate work. CSB and SJU rank 30th in the nation among undergraduate schools for the number of graduates who have gone on to earn a Ph.D.

Career Options

Career options for biology majors who do not immediately go on to graduate school are good. Here are a few examples of the fields they have entered:

• pharmaceutical company sales
• industry, as researchers or technicians
• state or federal scientific agencies
• biotechnology firms
• teaching
• environmental assessment

Work-Study Positions in the Biology Department

Many work-study positions are available in the biology department for undergraduates including teaching assistants, lab assistants and clerical positions. Most positions employ students for five to six hours/week and all positions are supervised by either biology faculty or staff. Thus they provide an excellent opportunity to get to know members of the biology department.