How do I obtain a "specialized" major?

[Cwc127]

---

Members do not see this ad.

For example, instead of just majoring in Biology, how would I get a degree in, say, Neurobiology or Cell Biology? How many extra credits/courses would this involve?

Sorry for my ignorance. I go to a large state school and, oddly enough, I haven't been able to find any information about this (online at least).

 

[Isoprop]

go to your department and ask what undergraduate degrees they offer. not all schools let you attain degrees in those fields. neuroscience in particular is not very widely available at the undergraduate level (though they do exist).

edit: by department i mean the biological sciences department. alternatively, you can ask your college (e.g. college of arts and science or college of letters and science or some such).

if you link me to your school's website i can probably find it for you.

 

[UCDavisdude]

one of the colleges at ucd allowed us to make our own majors.so try checking the various colleges at your university.

 

[OldFolkDoc]

If you sell it right to the Dean/Admin, a lot of schools will let you design your own course of study even if they don't really advertise the fact that they'll let you do this...

 

[st2205]

As far as the coursework, the major/degree title, or both?

 

[BlackSails]

one of the colleges at ucd allowed us to make our own majors.so try checking the various colleges at your university.if not and if your really serious about making your own degree, you should try gallatin school of individualized study at nyu. its a pretty prestigious college, but expensive, as it is nyu.

Dont go to gallatin. They wouldnt let you do it for something similar to a major already existing anyway. NYU does have neural science though.

 

[hamidace]

In my university (UCI), everyone starts as Biological Sciences major and then if you pass some requirements (GPA, some cources with good grades and an essay) you can choose to change your major and this ususlly happens at your third (junior) year.

 

[Concordia]

That's pretty weird if your school doesn't have some list of the majors it offers. Did you check individual departments (like Bio)? They are usually the ones that would have everything broken down by major, including what courses you need to take. I am sorry, but I find it hard to believe that a big state school would not have this info online.
But if it isn't there, then just check with the Bio department. I am sure your advisor would know...in my experiences their offices are always cluttered with brochures on different majors and such stuff.
As for extra courses, I would assume it will depend on your major of choice.

 

[Cwc127]

Well, I found something on the Biology website that says, "Degree Listings,"

Degree Programs
Biochemistry, Biological Sciences (Minor, Marine Biology, Secondary Education Focus), Microbiology

That's it. 😕 Does that mean I can only get a degree in one of the above? As I have advanced in courses, I really hoped of getting a degree in neurobiology, cell biology, or developmental biology. Again, I would truly be shocked if my state school (38,000 enrolled) only offers the above in terms of a degree for Bio...

 

[deuce924]

Well, I found something on the Biology website that says, "Degree Listings,"

Degree Programs
Biochemistry, Biological Sciences (Minor, Marine Biology, Secondary Education Focus), Microbiology

That's it. 😕 Does that mean I can only get a degree in one of the above? As I have advanced in courses, I really hoped of getting a degree in neurobiology, cell biology, or developmental biology. Again, I would truly be shocked if my state school (38,000 enrolled) only offers the above in terms of a degree for Bio...

You don't happen to go to school in Louisiana, do you?

 

[Cwc127]

You don't happen to go to school in Louisiana, do you?

Check your PM's.