For some programs, it may be best to have an easier non-biology degree.

[situational]

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I'm not here to start a riot or an argument over which path is better. I'm just going to leave this here so some people may have more insight on what path they want to take trying to become a DPT.

I was corresponding with enrollment management of a DPT program, and after asking how the GPAs were calculated, the response was this:

" To illustrate my point a little better, let's say we have 2 students:
- John is a Chemistry major who had to take 15 Chemistry courses for his major.
- Jane is a Dance major who only took the 2 Chemistry courses on top of her Dance major requirements, since we only require 2 Chemistry courses to apply for DPT.

When we calculate John's prerequisite GPA, ALL of his 15 Chemistry courses will be calculated into that GPA; but when we calculate Jane's prerequisite GPA, we can only calculate the 2 Chemistry courses she completed. Therefore, it may help or hurt you to major in one of those prerequisite areas (Bio, Chem, Physics, or Math). "

Keep in mind that this is a pretty good program. And it's only one program that I know of that does it like this. Not all. I am not questioning the way they calculate the prerequisite GPAs, as its obviously working for them for the graduation rate, the employment rate, and their ranking.

Keep in mind that while majors are relevant, the overall GPA and the prerequisite GPA most likely overshadow what major you may have had. For me personally, looking back on the coursework I've accomplished and knowing what I know now about what programs look at, I probably wouldn't have wanted to have to take something like the organic chemistry series.

 

[NewTestament]

I still would not major in something as unrelated as dance. Dance might be a good minor to make you unique and dynamic, but it's not a good major. The other problem is a dance major does not require most of the pre-reqs you need for any graduate program in the health sciences. On the other hand, you do need a high GPA to get into school, so don't major in o-chem unless you're really smart and adept at science.

Biology is not a bad degree. It's worthless by itself but it leaves your options open, and it's realistic to earn a 3.5 overall GPA.

 

[Azimuthal]

It is what you make of it. Biology becomes a worthless degree when said graduate realizes that what they want to do is not life science related, graduate projections become seemingly unreachable, or is ignorant of the open possibilities. Who says you have to be a lab tech, grade school teacher or work in a zoo? There are software production that cater to life science work. EH&S is very rewarding and other similar, related occupations. Companies such as Agilent, Abbott, etc. favor life science degrees and will provide the foundation to rewarding >6 figure income careers. They may even pay for an MBA or other related graduate degree for those willing to dedicate the time.

The fact is, many biology undergraduates "were" inspiring MDs. It was all they wanted to be. But, when disappointing results of their upper division coursework and/or MCATs reveal themselves, that bio degree immediately became "worthless". Funny how that works. Lesson: always have a backup plan.

Regardless, a minor in business may also open many doors, whether you major in dance, under-water basket weaving, engineering, chemistry, etc. But I'm biased in that regards. Best of luck to you all!

 

[NewTestament]

Perhaps the most worthless degree is the one you earn when you still don't know what you want to do.

 

[situational]

Perhaps the most worthless degree is the one you earn when you still don't know what you want to do.

Definitely. Figuring out what you want to do before you graduate and planning for it is the best thing you can do for yourself.

I have a friend who just finished undergrad. She wanted to do nursing. However, what she did was pick up Anthropology as her major. Because it was only eleven courses total to complete her degree requirements, she spent the rest of the time taking her prerequisite courses with time to retake them if she needed to. She got out and has a 3.8 GPA overall at the moment, I am sure prereq is similar. I think that's incredibly smart of her.