Millions of students graduate with a biology degree all over the world with the thought of having their biology degree as a pre-medicine course, but since the recession is being felt by the parents of these fresh biology degree graduates, only a few are able to really step into medical school and pursue medicine. And since the demands of having a medical degree can be too taxing for some, not all of those graduates fortunate enough to have the opportunity to be in medical school are able to finish them. So now, what? Where does their biology degree take them?

If your dreams in becoming a doctor have been dashed either temporarily or permanently, you only have two choices. One is to wallow in depression and keep on regretting every moment of you life in your university years. The other is to accept your fate and to face the other direction where there are other opportunities that can prove to be more lucrative and enjoyable for you.

It is great to know that you have a myriad of opportunities to pursue with your biology degree. Here are some of your options:

1. Biomedical researcher

Since nowadays the medical field is looking for medical breakthroughs and revolutions to combat different types of illnesses, doing biomedical research can be a direction that you can pursue. You can mostly scout for biomedical research jobs in the academe, medical institutions, the government, the pharmaceutical industry, and a lot more. Who knows, being a biomedical researcher can make you uncover breakthroughs that will not only make you rich but also, will enable you to help millions of people.

2. Ecologist

Global warming is the major issue that is being tackled in the ecology world today, and if you become an ecologist, you will be able to save the world! Taking care of the environment should be advocated by all people, and you can help by starting your own ecological campaign.

3. Biology teacher

Teaching is a very noble profession. Not only will you be able to impart your knowledge, you will also be able to get the satisfaction of being able to practice your passion in biology. This will shine through your teaching sessions. You can help others achieve their dreams through teaching.

Based on the data gathered by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for 2008, graduates who have earned a biology degree have more opportunities in fields related to biology. Salaries of biology degree earners range from about $35,000 to $76,000. This is great news for you, biology degree earner. You can achieve your dream in a different manner, after all.

Are you interested in the study of life and living organisms? If you’re captivated by the life sciences, then perhaps you should consider pursuing a career as a biologist. An online biology degree opens the doors to numerous fascinating careers. Job prospects for biology graduates are primarily good. Once you have finished your biology degree, you can go into research, health care, education, environmental planning, management and conservation, biotechnology, forensic science, politics and policy, business and industry, economics, mathematics, scientific writing and communication, and even art.

If you’re thinking of pursuing an online biology degree, then you’re in luck. A lot of people have resorted to or are currently enrolled in online degree programs to earn their degrees – associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and even doctorate. Online degree programs have come a long way. Studying online is flexible enough to allow you to continue working at your day job while studying at home. You can study at your own pace at any time of day, any day of the week. However, you might hesitate. How can you do laboratory work and biological analysis from home? This is a good reason to make sure that you choose a credible and fully university-accredited online college accredited by accrediting agencies approved by the Department of Education. Be careful of degree mills.

Before deciding on an online college, look up online discussion groups with participants from the schools you’re considering. Get feedback on how the school is, how the faculty performs its job, and how the courses are managed. Once you start contacting the colleges, explore financial aid options. Ask about scholarships, grants, education loans and other financial aid available for your online biology degree program. Find out whether or not you can transfer online credits to other institutions. Ask for a list of colleges and universities that accept such credits. Find out about job prospects and job placement assistance after graduation.

Consider the average class sizes at the institutions you are considering. Even if you’re studying online, the number of students can affect the level and quality of education you will receive. Do your research on the faculty teaching the online biology degree program. Then find out how accessible your instructors will be. You don’t want to be enrolled in a program where you really end up teaching yourself. Find out the actual level of online work. Some programs require their students to go on campus every so often for on-site projects, class meetings, and the like.

Keep in mind that you’re investing in your education. Make sure that you have spelled out your long-term educational goals. Do not enroll at the first online college that shows an interest in you. Choose wisely.

Distance learning students and those pursuing online degree programs seem to enjoy the best of everything. They get their education without actually needing to attend classes physically, and at the same time are able to keep their jobs and get a paycheck. In fact, this is one of the more prominent distance learning benefits that attract many students to make this their choice of education. In addition to that, distance learning students also gain the advantage of flexibility where they are able to study at their own pace without adhering to fixed class schedules.

However, distance learning education is not without certain challenges. Traditional students are spurred on by the interaction with others and attending the lectures. Without a lot of discipline and intrinsic motivation, distance learners can easily get sidetracked by life and fail to keep up with the coursework needed to pass the class. Enjoy the benefits, but do not forget the responsibilities.

Therefore, how can distance learning students then overcome this challenge? One habit that a student must adopt is good time management. There is only 24 hours in a day and it is up to us to utilize our time in the best way possible. Set up a daily or weekly plan for yourself and ensure that you set aside time for your studies daily. If you have a family, let them know about your schedule so that they know when you should not be disturbed. Divide your time appropriately between your work, your family and your studies. Of course, discipline is important here as any schedule will not do any good if it is not followed.

Another important aspect of a distance learning education is to stay in touch with classmates and instructors through email, instant messenger(IM), college discussion boards or Internet calling. Discuss projects and assignments with peers who can help you stay focused by holding you accountable, and providing motivation and encouragement whenever needed.

Setting goals and rewarding yourself when you attain them are great self-motivating habits. Start by drawing a chart on the milestones that you need to reach in order to complete your course. Strike out each goal as you complete them and reward yourself accordingly. There is a certain satisfaction whenever we see ourselves progressing and this becomes a motivating force for us to face the next hurdle.

Finally, a quiet place to study, away from distractions, is paramount. The television, telephone, and family will be very distracting and take away from quality study. Set times to not be disturbed. If necessary, lock yourself in a quiet room with adequate space to spread out on a table or desk. Sit in a comfortable chair and add any necessary elements to ensure an environment conducive to productive study.

Although distance learning is a great and effective learning concept, much of its effectiveness is dependent on the habits and determination of the individual. The full advantages of distance learning can only be gained through hard work, discipline and determination for success.