Considering majors/degree programs

[Mesinan]

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I’m due to declare my major in the next semester or so, and I’m pretty conflicted between a few options. I would like any applicable input you guys may have. I have interest in these programs fairly equally, and as you will see, they are all relatively similar. I will describe the majors and relevant coursework of each, as well as the pros/cons that I have already considered. If you see any others, please make note. Any and all commentary and advice is appreciated. Here are my options I’m weighing:


1. Neuroscience (B.A) / Chemistry (B.A)

a. A double major in Neuroscience and Chemistry. This is likely what I see myself learning toward currently, although the difference is somewhat negligible, and open to change. I have to apply into the Neuroscience major, and it is relatively competitive, so I am also looking at my other two options as backup plans if I decide to try to pursue this and do not get it.

b. This combination has me taking the pre-med requirements, intro bio, intro chem, organic, physics, as well as physical chemistry and upper level chem (likely would take biochem) from the chem major, and the neuroscience major pursues more biology classes than my other options. I see myself likely getting a higher GPA in this major, just as the Biology department courses tend to be somewhat easier than Chem departments.

2. Chemistry- Biochemistry (B.Sc.)

a. This is a Bachelors of Science in Chemistry, Specialization in Biochemistry. I was weighing between whether I wanted to pursue a B.Sc. vs B.A., however I only think I would benefit from a B.Sc. if I wanted to pursue grad school instead of med school. I don’t see myself not going to medical school, but it’s too early to really say at this point. I could also get this degree accredited by ASBMB—not sure if this would really be that important though, would also appreciate input on this.

b. This would focus on more biochem classes from the Chemistry department rather than the Bio department. I probably wouldn’t take many bio classes in this option, but rather inorganic chem, more biochemistry classes, and more labs in this option on top of the organic, physics, and physical chem of a BA Chem degree. Definitely could see these classes affecting my GPA moreso.

3. B.A/M.A in Chemistry

a. This is a 3+1 program, so I would complete the same requirements of the B.A. Chemistry I mentioned earlier, then my fourth year complete 10 masters-level classes in chem/biochem/research. I see this at about the same level in difficultly as the Biochemistry degree. Again, this would be less biology, more chem/biochem.


Additionally, about all would have me doing the same amount of research, although the research I would do my fourth year would be classified as Masters research if I pursue the 3+1, not sure how beneficial that would really be. To give a little background to understand how the various majors could benefit me, while I am ultimately interested in medical school, I am very interested in research. (Please don't try to convince me research isn't worth my while if I'm not going to grad school, it's something I personally value and we can discuss further if you disagree of its importance). I have been pursuing undergrad-level research since high school (long story – crazy HS). I am currently working in two labs, one project focuses on brain cancer and the other on HIV—plan to continue in these labs for the majority of the rest of undergrad.

Also, additionally, I intend to study abroad in a HIV-focussed community health and policy program, however would be unable to do so if I pursue the BA/MA.

 

[pioneer22]

no one cares. choose the one you are most interested in and think you will succeed the most at.

 

[DokterMom]

Honestly, those are all so similar from a medical school perspective, so don't let medical school factor into your decision. Which ultimately means you should do whichever option you feel might best prepare you for 'Plan B' --

 

[Dandine]

As far as your goals for research go, either option would be fine. At some point major matters less than what kind of research you're actually doing (I understand it's different depending on major, but in the biological/chemical sciences there is a lot of overlap so this statement usually applies).

The main factors would obviously be the competitive aspect of the neuro major at your school and the GPA-related concerns. Other than that for neuro, the only advantage I can really see (speaking as a former neuro major myself) is that you would get a more in-depth understanding of certain nervous system disease processes, which could help when it comes to studying things for your research. But you would be perfectly fine doing the chem major and still doing research in the areas you described. I can't speak as a chem major and how scheduling works, but there are plenty of chem majors who have done research with study (maybe they can chime in at some point?).

Just out of curiosity, the way you pick your majors, do you rank what you want to do? I do not know of programs like this except perhaps within engineering, so I was wondering.

 

[I'mJustCurious]

I choose the first one. Why? Because that's what I like the most. Now it's your turn

 

[Mesinan]

As far as your goals for research go, either option would be fine. At some point major matters less than what kind of research you're actually doing (I understand it's different depending on major, but in the biological/chemical sciences there is a lot of overlap so this statement usually applies).

The main factors would obviously be the competitive aspect of the neuro major at your school and the GPA-related concerns. Other than that for neuro, the only advantage I can really see (speaking as a former neuro major myself) is that you would get a more in-depth understanding of certain nervous system disease processes, which could help when it comes to studying things for your research. But you would be perfectly fine doing the chem major and still doing research in the areas you described. I can't speak as a chem major and how scheduling works, but there are plenty of chem majors who have done research with study (maybe they can chime in at some point?).

Just out of curiosity, the way you pick your majors, do you rank what you want to do? I do not know of programs like this except perhaps within engineering, so I was wondering.

Most majors are open and you just declare as long as you have completed any pre-reqs (if there are any, often there aren't), however some majors are by application only, with the specifics of each application varying, usually it's an essay or two. Other schools are different within the university, I'm just in the College, E-school used to rank but they have since removed that system.

 

[Dandine]

@Mesinan

Sorry for getting back late. I see, that's interesting. This was a concept that I only got familiar with recently.

You seemed to have weighed the different options and have a good idea of what to expect, so at the core it's really what you think you can handle the best. As long as you keep your academics in priority, you should be fine. Best of luck in everything!

 

[AttemptingScholar]

Majors, minors, and how many you take of each is one of the least important metrics in a medical school application. It one of the few things you can truly do for yourself. Pick whatever you think is most interesting/you will be most successful in/what will give you the best options if you decide on a different career path.