Math vs. Biochemistry

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Before I ask my question, I just want to point out that this isn't asking about which major is better for medical school admissions or anything like that. I wanted to see what people on both sides thought of each major and their personal opinion.

I'm going to a small liberal arts school in the fall. Right now, my declared major is in biochemistry. However, I've been debating whether to stay with biochemistry or go with a math major with pre-med requisites. I have an interest in science and math (I have both AP Chem and Honors Calc right now and really like both), but don't know whether either degree has an edge in employment opportunities should I not find a healthcare school to go to, is more usable, etc.

I know this is an odd question, but I wanted to see what other people thought. Thanks for any help!

Originally Posted by AntiHouseMD

but don't know whether either degree has an edge in employment opportunities should I not find a healthcare school to go to, is more usable, etc.

I know this is an odd question, but I wanted to see what other people thought. Thanks for any help!

Just wanna say up front that I have no real knowledge in regards to your question, whatever I say now is complete conjecture on my part, please take it as such.

I have trouble believing either will be more usable than the other. What can you do with an undergrad degree in biochem, work as an assistant or technician in a lab? Math, work in a bank, government, maybe work for an accountant? Either way you won't be making much, and would require further specific or advanced education for a real career (like teaching, finance, accounting, higher level research, etc). I suppose with either you could tutor full time. I'd just go with whichever you're more interested in.

Just browsed this one, someone asked on the chemical forums about what they could do with a BS in biochem:

http://www.chemicalforums.com/index.php?topic=34902.0

In all reality a BS in biochem or chemistry is generally no longer all that employable. Your only real source of decent revenue would be to work in a synthetic industry lab making polymers or something. Math generally is a lot more employable, with the more applied-math-statistics concentration being very employable.

The negative side of math is that it will be very difficult to get a decent gpa.

You'll find a job just about anywhere with a major/minor in math, especially if you have experience with applied mathematics or computing. Biochem, on the other hand, usually leads to a tech job these days, unless you get a master's or doctorate in it. On a personal note, math classes were much more fun for me than biochem classes, which generally involve a lot of memorization and overlap with what you will take in medical school.

Thanks for the answers! I just want to add also that I'm planning on and have no problem with attending graduate school after undergrad. I don't know if that makes a big difference or not, but just wanted to throw that out there.

Originally Posted by AntiHouseMD

Thanks for the answers! I just want to add also that I'm planning on and have no problem with attending graduate school after undergrad. I don't know if that makes a big difference or not, but just wanted to throw that out there.

Well it doesn't really, though it means you'll have to study for two different graduate level entrance exams ( GRE and MCAT). And then spend 2 years or so to get your graduate degree that you will be unlikely to use if you ever do get around to becoming a physician.

Math is not a narrow field - generally 2 tracts: pure math and applied. Applied tends to be more computational, stats, probability, engineering & programming. Very useful for numerous vocations. Pure math splits off into many areas: number theory, geometry, chaos, algebra, field theory, etc. But you will do calculus for 4-5 years guaranteed