Learn about the majors in this college, including their unique requirements and the potential career paths you can pursue after graduation
By KATIE HELLMAN – science@theaggie.org
If you’re new to UC Davis: First of all, welcome! There’s a good chance that if you’re reading this, you’re majoring in a STEM field; after all, around 56% of undergraduates here decide to pursue a STEM degree. It’s common to be unsure of exactly what you want to major in or to switch your major until you find the right fit for you, especially with so many options to choose from. Sooner or later, you’ll figure out what you’re interested in, whether that be a degree in biological sciences, computer science, engineering or something completely different.
There are four colleges at UC Davis: Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, Engineering and Letters and Science. Many of the majors within these colleges have distinct requirements and clear differences in the types of careers students pursue post-graduation, but some majors are very similar in these aspects.
The College of Biological Sciences, in particular, offers majors that might seem similar at first glance, leaving students admitted to this college to have potential difficulty deciding what to specialize in. Use this guide to learn a little more about some of the biology majors that are offered at UC Davis and what careers you can pursue with each degree.
This college incorporates the following majors: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences, Cell Biology, Genetics and Genomics, Human Biology, Marine and Coastal Science-Marine Ecology and Marine Organismal Biology, Molecular and Medical Microbiology, Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, Plant Biology and Systems and Synthetic Biology.
These classes require foundational coursework in subjects like biology, physics, general chemistry, organic chemistry and calculus, in addition to upper-division coursework specific to each major. Here is a little more information about each of these majors and the associated potential career paths.
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: This major provides insight into life at the molecular level. Possible career paths include laboratory technologist, pharmaceutical/biotech researcher, healthcare clinical researcher, production manager and agricultural technologist.
- Biological Sciences: This major incorporates a wide range of topics and interests, including medicine, the environment and other living organisms. Common career paths include pharmacist, food scientist, technical writer, conservation biologist, teacher and veterinarian.
- Cell Biology: This major teaches you about how a cell, the basic unit of all living organisms, works. Future careers include doctor, research analyst, legal analyst, teacher and biotechnologist.
- Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity: This major provides insight into the diversity of life and how populations evolved over time. Careers include horticulturist, forester, environmental consultant, wildlife biologist and environmental lawyer.
- Genetics and Genomics: This major educates you on the inheritance of characteristics in living organisms and the basis of heredity. Possible career options include genetic counselor, biotechnologist, physician, researcher and agricultural technologist.
Human Biology: This major includes a curriculum regarding genes, cells, tissues and organism/environmental interactions. Careers include doctor, professor, dentist, nurse and physical therapist.
- Marine and Coastal Science—Marine Ecology and Marine Organismal Biology: This major caters to students interested in ocean and coastal sciences. Career paths include coastal geologist, environmental chemist, ocean policy coordinator and oceanographer.
- Molecular and Medical Microbiology: This major offers insight into microorganisms and their impact on health, and they provide a great background for careers in the health sciences. Common career paths include doctor, biotechnologist, science teacher and lab technician.
- Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior: This is the most popular major in the College of Biological Sciences and has a strong focus on organism/environmental interactions. Career paths include doctor, nurse, dentist, pharmacist, researcher and teacher.
- Plant Biology: This major educates students on how plants interact with the environment and how they operate as living organisms. Career paths include plant biologist, cellular biologist, geneticist and science teacher.
- Systems and Synthetic Biology: This major is relatively new (as of fall 2022) and it aims to educate students on the common principles of biological regulation. Career paths include biomedical scientist, agricultural technologist and nutrition scientist.
Even though the foundational courses for these majors are similar, each of the degrees provides unique insight into an area of interest with a wide range of possible career routes to pursue after graduation. For a more comprehensive look at all of UC Davis’ majors and requirements, you can visit https://www.ucdavis.edu/academics/majors.
Written by: Katie Hellman – science@theaggie.org
