Majors Thread

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As a senior, I've been looking at a lot of majors that I may be interested in to pursue in college. So I just wanted to make a thread where anyone could inquire about a certain major and get information on said major from our collegiate counterparts.

Right now I am looking at a physics major and was wondering if I could get a general description of the classes, tests, and major topics that are discussed when one would work towards a physics major.

Thanks. 🙂
 
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What you're asking for can be found on university department web sites and university course catalogs. That'll lay out everything you'll need to take -- if the course details aren't there, you'll probably be able to find a blurb on every course in the school's catalog.

Tests will vary quite a bit from place to place and professor to professor.
 
Good idea for a thread!

I've already declared Economics as my major. Super excited.
 
exi said:
What you're asking for can be found on university department web sites and university course catalogs. That'll lay out everything you'll need to take -- if the course details aren't there, you'll probably be able to find a blurb on every course in the school's catalog.

Tests will vary quite a bit from place to place and professor to professor.
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I guess I was thinking more along the lines of student experience. For example, I know what physics is, but I would like to know what the classes are like, how heavy the work load is, interesting topics, etc. Also I personally believe that the best information one can get is from one's peers. I always would ask the upperclassmen about the classes they took and the teachers they had. I think it prepared me well for the next round of classes.
 
made B's in physics 1 and 2. I found them to be two of the most enjoyable, but incredibly challenging classes i've taken thus far (I even think physics 2 is harder than organic 2, but that may be because my professor has a PhD in theoretical physics).

If you're a thinker and good at math, go for it. If deriving equations and visualizing concepts is tough, don't. After physics 2, the rabbit hole starts to get pretty deep.
 
malpractician said:
made B's in physics 1 and 2. I found them to be two of the most enjoyable, but incredibly challenging classes i've taken thus far (I even think physics 2 is harder than organic 2, but that may be because my professor has a PhD in theoretical physics).

If you're a thinker and good at math, go for it. If deriving equations and visualizing concepts is tough, don't. After physics 2, the rabbit hole starts to get pretty deep.
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Thanks for the information. I think that I would like this class a lot.

AntiHouseMD: Thanks for the links, I'll definitely consider physics as a major. Also, this is a bit off-topic, but you signature should say "they look like Rex" Just watched that episode yesterday and noticed it. 🙂
 
Gamma Knife said:
Thanks for the information. I think that I would like this class a lot.

AntiHouseMD: Thanks for the links, I'll definitely consider physics as a major. Also, this is a bit off-topic, but you signature should say "they look like Rex" Just watched that episode yesterday and noticed it. 🙂
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Very good point with Rex/wrecks. Gonna have to change that. With the major thing, if you're interested in it and you fill your pre-med requirements, I think it's fine. Also, if medicine doesn't work out, physics allows you to enter a few different fields.
 
Thanks everyone.
I have another quick question. I've heard that after you get done with pre-med, your basically one or two biology courses away from a biology major (at least thats what my father said, but it has been awhile since he was in college). Is that really the case? Would it be worth it to take the classes and get the double major if the preceding question is true?
 
Gamma Knife said:
Thanks everyone.
I have another quick question. I've heard that after you get done with pre-med, your basically one or two biology courses away from a biology major (at least thats what my father said, but it has been awhile since he was in college). Is that really the case? Would it be worth it to take the classes and get the double major if the preceding question is true?
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Most colleges require 120 credits for a degree, so after your pre-med requirements (around 40-48 credits), you're not near a biology degree. The only caveat to this is if you're majoring in a related science course.
 
Gamma Knife said:
Thanks everyone.
I have another quick question. I've heard that after you get done with pre-med, your basically one or two biology courses away from a biology major (at least thats what my father said, but it has been awhile since he was in college). Is that really the case? Would it be worth it to take the classes and get the double major if the preceding question is true?
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Here is an example:

Med requirements for my state school:

Cell bio (4hrs)
Another bio (4hrs)
Gen chem 1 and 2 (8hrs)
Org chem 1 and 2 (8hrs)
English (6hrs)
Physics (6hrs)

Bio degree requirements for my school:

Cell bio (4hrs)
Biodiversity (4hrs)
Genetics (4hrs)
Ecology (4hrs)
Molecular bio (4hrs)
Seminar (1 hr)
Other bio classes of your choice (19 hrs)
Gen chem 1 and 2 (8 hrs)
Org chem 1 and (8hrs)
Calc 1 (3 hrs)
Physics 1 and 2 (8 hrs)
Statistics (3 hrs)

So to answer your question, no, you aren't that close.



I went into college wanting to be a chem major and it worked out good for me. I suggest all of you do this:
1. Look at the prereqs of the med schools you are interested in.
2. Look at your universities major options you are interested in.
3. See which major has all of the required prereqs (or most of them) with the least additional courses.


For me, my chemistry major only has 28 hours past the prereqs (its 58 hours total).

I really like this because I have a ton of free space in my schedules to take whatever I want. I can choose to take quantum physics or intro to underwater basket weaving. So many of the premeds think they need to quintuple major in biology to look good to med schools, but at the end of the day you can major in music and get in just as easily.


But yeah, I'm a chem major like I said, so let me know if any of you have questions.
 
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Not sure if it's just me, but the grammar error in the title of this thread irks me every time I see it.
 
AntiHouseMD said:
I'm looking into a biochemistry major. I enjoy biology and like that major, but I want to have a science degree that'll stand out. What do people think of this major, and is it a good choice for medical school?
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Chances are, if you graduate with a science degree, you won't stand out from the thousands of other applicants with science degrees (whether it's biology, biochem, whatever). Honestly, don't worry about whether or not your degree "stands out" - just do well, and I'm sure med schools could care less about how uniqueness of your degree.

At least at my school, biochemistry is generally acknowledged to be tougher than biology, since you have to take things like physical chemistry / analytical chemistry. Obviously, with biochemistry, you're going to have to enjoy both biology and chemistry, so if you're really just interested in biology, go with the biology degree and save yourself the trouble.
 
Quick question for you guys: would a biology major with a minor in mathematics work out for someone looking to get into med school? Also, would the math minor help in case med school doesn't work out?
 
AntiHouseMD said:
Quick question for you guys: would a biology major with a minor in mathematics work out for someone looking to get into med school? Also, would the math minor help in case med school doesn't work out?
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It would definitely work for med school.

A minor is generally not very valuable for reasons other than personal interest though.
 
MSU2009 said:
It would definitely work for med school.

A minor is generally not very valuable for reasons other than personal interest though.
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If that is the case, I would probably go for a minor in history. My parents kept telling me to minor in something like accounting to help get me a job in case medical school doesn't work out, so I figured that since I like math, it would be the best option. If a minor means nothing beyond personal interest, though, I would probably rather go for history. Any opinions are welcomed.
 
Minors do have worth. Some master's programs will consider minors as well as majors. Some programs just require GRE subject exam to show that you know as much as majors might know (math, for example).

As for physics, I've liked upper division courses in physics/math. If you're good at conceptual stuff and reasoning, the classes shouldn't be too difficult for you (found that math gets easier for me, rather than more difficult). Additionally, most programs will require you to take a lot of concurrent mathematics courses for a physics major, and it might be harder to fit in some of your pre-med courses (biology, chemistry...).

I hope that helps!
 
One thing: The thread's title is grammatically incorrect.

It should read: "Majors Thread"
 
AntiHouseMD said:
I'm looking into a biochemistry major. I enjoy biology and like that major, but I want to have a science degree that'll stand out. What do people think of this major, and is it a good choice for medical school?

For the OP, here are two links involving physics majors.

http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/majors/40.0801.html

http://www.wpi.edu/academics/Depts/Physics/Undergraduate/why.html
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I was a biochemistry major and I loved it. I also felt like it helped to separate me from the hoards of pre-meds that are bio majors (not that there is anything wrong with that). Although not as much as if I had been a liberal arts major.

Also, I don't know about anyone else but my pre-med adviser recommend that applicants get a minor or at a minimum take classes other than science classes (if they were a science major) since it would make you seem more rounded and might be a good talking point in a interview. I know when I was interviewing people wanted to talk about my music minor rather than my biochemistry and genetics majors or chem minor.
 
My intended major is Human Biology, but I didn't chose it to impress the adcoms. Biology is actually my favorite subject in school, and I am fascinated by the human body, so it seemed like the correct path. Any major will work, as long as you have the prereqs. My family doctor was an English major 🙂
 
Let's be real, guys. The only reason people choose science majors in the first place is to get into med school. That and the other 10% of losers that actually like science.

Coming from a Bio major 😀
 
Gamma Knife said:
I quit life. :boom:
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Awww, I kid. 🙂 It was very hard to resist and I didn't read all the way through to see that you'd already gotten a hard time about it. Anyway, I was a political science major (whaddup!) so would be happy to answer any questions about it.
 
I have gone through undergrad, worked a little, and now finishing medical school. I advise to choose your major very carefully. Today more than ever because of the expense of college education you have to make a decision to learn something that will make you get a good paying job (and interesting to you).

Please read this NewYork times article about what grads from classes of 2008, 2009, 2010 are going through today. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/19/business/economy/19grads.html?_r=1

Note that the best opportunities are in engineering, computer science, accounting.

Most pre-meds do humanity/science majors (eg psychology, biology, anthropology). Unfortunately these majors have very little use in the job market. That is why the survey shows that 55% of humanities majors are either not working or working at a job that does not require a college degree.
Medical school is competitive and those of you that don't get in will find yourself in a difficult situation. The situation is that you will be in $80-$100k dept, with no way to pay it off and will move back in with your parents. The college dept cannot be erased by bankruptcy.
Don't underestimate how many students cannot get in.

Your college adviser will be telling you how marketable you are, and that there are many jobs out there. This occurs in every major, from neuroscience to studio arts. In reality, the advisers are disconnected from what is going on in the job market, and most of what they say is not true. Make your decisions on available studies and reports of what types of majors are doing well. Don't rely on your college adviser.

http://chronicle.com/article/Median-Earnings-by-Major-and/127604/

http://chronicle.com/article/Whats-a-Degree-Worth-Report/127612/


Also cosider tuition. Go to the cheapest school with most options. This is usually a state university.
Database of tuition at every university in US: http://chronicle.com/article/Interactive-Tool-Tuition-Over/125043/
 
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So, basically, unless I choose engineering or business, I'm screwed.
 
Igor4sugry said:
I have gone through undergrad, worked a little, and now finishing medical school. I advise to choose your major very carefully. Today more than ever because of the expense of college education you have to make a decision to learn something that will make you get a good paying job (and interesting to you).

Please read this NewYork times article about what grads from classes of 2008, 2009, 2010 are going through today. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/19/business/economy/19grads.html?_r=1

Note that the best opportunities are in engineering, computer science, accounting.

Most pre-meds do humanity/science majors (eg psychology, biology, anthropology). Unfortunately these majors have very little use in the job market. That is why the survey shows that 55% of humanities majors are either not working or working at a job that does not require a college degree.
Medical school is competitive and those of you that don't get in will find yourself in a difficult situation. The situation is that you will be in $80-$100k dept, with no way to pay it off and will move back in with your parents. The college dept cannot be erased by bankruptcy.
Don't underestimate how many students cannot get in.

Your college adviser will be telling you how marketable you are, and that there are many jobs out there. This occurs in every major, from neuroscience to studio arts. In reality, the advisers are disconnected from what is going on in the job market, and most of what they say is not true. Make your decisions on available studies and reports of what types of majors are doing well. Don't rely on your college adviser.

http://chronicle.com/article/Median-Earnings-by-Major-and/127604/

http://chronicle.com/article/Whats-a-Degree-Worth-Report/127612/


Also cosider tuition. Go to the cheapest school with most options. This is usually a state university.
Database of tuition at every university in US: http://chronicle.com/article/Interactive-Tool-Tuition-Over/125043/
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uh...psychology and anthropology are not humanities...they are social sciences.

and this is a chart based on bachelors degrees....generally for things like engineering and business, you DON't need to go to grad school- real world experience is preferred over 2+ more years in school. so it makes more sense that people with only those degrees make more money.
 
Igor4sugry said:
I have gone through undergrad, worked a little, and now finishing medical school. I advise to choose your major very carefully. Today more than ever because of the expense of college education you have to make a decision to learn something that will make you get a good paying job (and interesting to you).

Please read this NewYork times article about what grads from classes of 2008, 2009, 2010 are going through today. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/19/business/economy/19grads.html?_r=1

Note that the best opportunities are in engineering, computer science, accounting.

Most pre-meds do humanity/science majors (eg psychology, biology, anthropology). Unfortunately these majors have very little use in the job market. That is why the survey shows that 55% of humanities majors are either not working or working at a job that does not require a college degree.
Medical school is competitive and those of you that don't get in will find yourself in a difficult situation. The situation is that you will be in $80-$100k dept, with no way to pay it off and will move back in with your parents. The college dept cannot be erased by bankruptcy.
Don't underestimate how many students cannot get in.

Your college adviser will be telling you how marketable you are, and that there are many jobs out there. This occurs in every major, from neuroscience to studio arts. In reality, the advisers are disconnected from what is going on in the job market, and most of what they say is not true. Make your decisions on available studies and reports of what types of majors are doing well. Don't rely on your college adviser.

http://chronicle.com/article/Median-Earnings-by-Major-and/127604/

http://chronicle.com/article/Whats-a-Degree-Worth-Report/127612/


Also cosider tuition. Go to the cheapest school with most options. This is usually a state university.
Database of tuition at every university in US: http://chronicle.com/article/Interactive-Tool-Tuition-Over/125043/
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Education is also among the majors with the best opportunity.

Making a financially informed decision on what to major in is important; however, choosing a course of study solely based upon that will, a) ensure that one will not be happy during undergraduate, b) likely also ensure a lower G.P.A and c) in general, just make things more difficult. From what I can tell from your other posts and this one, you are very much a math-oriented person. Not everyone is (most, in fact, are not) and suggesting someone go into a math heavy major who is not strong in it risks their G.P.A and help make sure they do not get into medical school.

More so, many of the majors that do not have a high demand in the job market are majors related to careers that require more advanced schooling (especially the social sciences: psychology, sociology, anthropology, etc and natural sciences: biology, chemistry, physics, etc). Thus, a person with one of these majors who does not get accepted into medical school, and does not get accepted after their second try, should pursue a PhD. At that point, opportunities in the job market increase. This is all in comparison to engineering, accounting, computer science, etc that do not usually require any graduate training.
 
If you cannot handle a "math heavy" major how will you do well in the pre-requisites such as Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, Statistics?

Strong applicants excel in all fields and if they choose will most likely do well in engineering type degree. But most do not, and instead go the traditional route.

Also, a PhD somewhat limits your opportunities. The job availability shrinks because you become overqualified for majority of jobs, and on top of that compete with great PhDs that come to america from India, China, Europe, Russia.
 
Igor4sugry said:
Also, a PhD somewhat limits your opportunities.
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Is this really true? I guess I've never heard of a person that didn't get a job because he was over qualified... But then again, I am 17 so I really wouldn't know if this applies in the "real world".
 
Igor4sugry said:
If you cannot handle a "math heavy" major how will you do well in the pre-requisites such as Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, Statistics?
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The prerequisites are, essentially, introductory courses. Doing well in such courses is a very different feat than completing a major that is primarily filled with advanced-level math or physics courses. I am not saying that a person can be successful with no math skill - obviously, that would not be accurate; but the majority of medical students do not have a background in engineering or computer science, and most would not have been compatible with such study. The grand majority of medical students do not take more than the required minimum of math course work.

Strong applicants excel in all fields and if they choose will most likely do well in engineering type degree. But most do not, and instead go the traditional route.
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I agree that a strong applicant should have a diverse background; but, to say that most would do well with an engineering degree is ignorant, at best. There are multiple others who have posted in these forums that were initially engineering majors and, despite having a passion or interest in it, were not able to attain stand out G.P.As in it. Some have cited not having the math skill for it as a reason. These posters have gone on to medical school, or have been accepted and are waiting to matriculate very soon. For many, their biggest obstacle was recovering their grades from the semesters they majored in engineering.

You are quick to dismiss the social sciences, humanities and natural sciences as the easy way out, and engineering and math-heavy degrees as the only valid route. I disagree with that. Though the course of study is certainly much less rigorous than engineering, many people choose these majors out of genuine passion, love or interest. Because it is what they enjoy and, because of that enjoyment, will likely ensure them the best G.P.A. Misery during undergraduate for the sake of getting a job they would hate is a ridiculous idea. And I wish luck to the person trying to discuss classes and information they hate during interviews. They will not have much to say, and it will show. I am sure that you could talk about engineering, what you like about it, why and how it ties in with other areas of your life. Can you do that with history? Psychology? English? Anthropology? Human Biology? Would you want to? More so, if the situation was reversed - with these majors being the ones with the best opportunity, and not engineering - would you take them? I doubt it.

For me, personally, I know that I would do awfully in an engineering major. Math is not my subject. I can do it; but, to do well, I need to study and work hard at it. Certainly, I would not be easily able to grasp what would be needed for such a course of study. Might I be able to graduate with such a degree? Yes, of course that is possible; but my G.P.A would end up extremely low, and my chances at medical school would be shot. And for what? A possibility in a career that I would hate it? That is not worth it. Not to me. It makes much more sense to spend my four years of undergraduate making my application as strong as possible - through a high G.P.A, hard work, volunteer commitments, research experience, internships, perhaps an abroad program or two, a few writing courses so I will be best prepared for the personal statements, a lot of studying for the MCAT and as much preparation as possible for the interview. Quite frankly, that is all more important to the process than simply having a major in engineering or computer science; especially if I know pursuing such majors would hurt my ability to work on any of the others.

Also, a PhD somewhat limits your opportunities. The job availability shrinks because you become overqualified for majority of jobs, and on top of that compete with great PhDs that come to america from India, China, Europe, Russia.
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Cite your sources.

The very NY Times article you linked to talks about how PhD holders, and those with other advanced education, fare better in the job market. A person with a PhD in Clinical Psychology is very likely going to end up working in mental health. More so, the PhD almost ensures that, when you do get a job, it will be in the course of study you are interested in. Those who hold a PhD in Chemistry don't end up teaching English, for example. And the number of those coming in with PhDs into America is not so great that they exactly devour the job market.

Look, nobody here is saying that holding a Bachelors in Engineering is bad; but the impression your writing gives is that such degrees are the only "right", "good", or "smart" path to take. It's not. Those who major in the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities have their reasons for doing so, and they do not usually include "because I didn't want to work at an engineering degree." It also ignores the many people who have been hurt by choosing engineering as their initial route of study.

Erika
 
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Erika, the type and font of your posts are painful to read.

You bring up good points about a PhD raising your marketability in certain fields, but remember Chemistry and Clinical Psychology are pretty big exceptions. Someone with a doctorate in most fields still has an uphill battle in terms of getting a job that is truly desirable.

And for what it's worth, I agree that majoring in Engineering/Math/Physics could be a kiss of death for many students gpa.
 
MSU2009 said:
Erika, the type and font of your posts are painful to read.
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Fixed. Thank you for pointing it out.

You bring up good points about a PhD raising your marketability in certain fields, but remember Chemistry and Clinical Psychology are pretty big exceptions. Someone with a doctorate in most fields still has an uphill battle in terms of getting a job that is truly desirable.
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I would agree with that, to a certain extent. The battle is certainly far more of an uphill one than the person with an MD/DO will have; however, in comparison to those who only hold a bachelors degree, the difference is significant.

Especially when talking about majors usually chosen by premedical students - biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, etc - the added PhD is vital, as a bachelors in such fields will not get most anywhere. That was one of my main points, as well: of course engineering and computer science majors fare better in the job market, as jobs in such fields usually only require a BA/BS, while work in the fields of the other mentioned majors usually requires more advanced study.

And for what it's worth, I agree that majoring in Engineering/Math/Physics could be a kiss of death for many students gpa.
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Exactly.

As I said, if someone truly does love engineering and knows they can do well at it, then I have no objection to them going for it; however, the idea that most can do well in the major, as was suggested, is absurd.
 
I think Igor is making a valid point when he states that advisors tend to sugar-coat the reality of the job market.

If you study what you love, will your GPA be higher? Most likely.

However, if your degree is in a field that has few jobs and the jobs that do exist aren't capable of compensating the 50-100k debt of undergrad, then the degree was a poor investment. Now I know that refering to education as an "investment" is a taboo in some circles because it throws mud on that academic attitude, but our nation has some of the highest continuing education costs in the world.

As an NH resident, I know my state has some of the highest price tags for attending a public university.

And Starlight... I swear that I wish I could agree with you on every point. It would be amazing if everyone could study what they love and have a great undergrad experience and continue to experience a great life thereafter.

However, thats just not how I see the system working at this point. I think the most important message we could give to seniors heading to college is: Remember that undergrad is 4 years long (5 if you super senior hahah), but life is much longer. A difficult major but practical major may suck in the short run, but in terms of your future you will have much greater chances at being financially stable (which encompasses providing for your family, getting a house, vacations, retirement).

Money won't make you happy, but you can't be happy without money.
 
LazyMooch said:
I think Igor is making a valid point when he states that advisors tend to sugar-coat the reality of the job market.

If you study what you love, will your GPA be higher? Most likely.

However, if your degree is in a field that has few jobs and the jobs that do exist aren't capable of compensating the 50-100k debt of undergrad, then the degree was a poor investment. Now I know that refering to education as an "investment" is a taboo in some circles because it throws mud on that academic attitude, but our nation has some of the highest continuing education costs in the world.

As an NH resident, I know my state has some of the highest price tags for attending a public university.

And Starlight... I swear that I wish I could agree with you on every point. It would be amazing if everyone could study what they love and have a great undergrad experience and continue to experience a great life thereafter.

However, thats just not how I see the system working at this point. I think the most important message we could give to seniors heading to college is: Remember that undergrad is 4 years long (5 if you super senior hahah), but life is much longer. A difficult major but practical major may suck in the short run, but in terms of your future you will have much greater chances at being financially stable (which encompasses providing for your family, getting a house, vacations, retirement).

Money won't make you happy, but you can't be happy without money.
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Education is an investment. I completely, 100% agree with that statement. As such, I do support weighing the pros and cons of attaining one, and of attaining specific majors, very carefully. There is no disagreement there.

At the same time, I know that I will not be able to succeed as an engineering major, nor as a computer science or economics major. To pass at all, I would likely have to sacrifice any free time I may have had otherwise; that would mean no volunteer work, and no research experience. Medical school would be out of the question, and it would be for a degree in a field I would never work in. Not only would my performance be poor, I would be incredibly unhappy. I refuse to accept either in the long-run.

Perhaps I am different than some others, in that, no matter what I end up doing, I plan for it to involve an advanced degree. Not for prestige; but simply because there is nothing I would enjoy doing, career-wise, that only requires a BA or BS. More importantly, I need my work to have meaning and for it to help people in a personal way. That is who I am, and who I have always been. Happiness will not come unless that piece is there. Money is important for survival, for stability and for pleasure in life; there is no doubt about that. Earning money with a BA in economics would not only fail to bring me happiness; but simply make me miserable.

I have been raised in a divorced, lower-middle class family, borderline poverty. My mother does not make a lot of money and, without child support, she does struggle with debts. Thus, I am not naive to the realities of what poor income looks like, and what it can do to a person. That is why I plan on spending my time in undergraduate doing everything I need to and can to get into medical school. Taking on an engineering major would, unlike what Igor is saying, prevent me from succeeding. And, if I don't get in? I will go back, work on what is weak, and reapply. If I still don't get in? Well, then there are other options.

Once again, I am not against planning and having something to fall back on. Just the opposite. Actually, that is why I will not pursue engineering. It has obviously worked out well for Igor, and I am happy that it has; however, it has failed with many others, and it would undoubtedly fail with me. To say that most premedical would succeed at it is just false. My plan is to attain my MD or, possibly, my DO. Everything I do from this point on is in preparation for that. If it fails, I have other career possibilities that I would have no problem looking into.
 
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I would have to say chem is harder, but people go either way on that one. If I could, I would have been a chem major.
 
I'm a chem major but I've also taken many bio classes. I feel that bio is a easier with a lot more rote memorization. Chem major includes physical chemistry and I am not good at physics at all, so that really brought down my gpa.
 
kpcrew2oo2 said:
I'm a chem major but I've also taken many bio classes. I feel that bio is a easier with a lot more rote memorization. Chem major includes physical chemistry and I am not good at physics at all, so that really brought down my gpa.
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As a bio major, I would agree with this assessment too.

The rote memorization that may seem awful in Bio 101 quickly becomes less daunting as you realize each Bio class rehearses most of the same material.

As far as chemistry goes there seems to be a bigger difference in material covered between the classes. (Just my impression, so ymmv.)
 
Well I'm planning on majoring in Health Promotion and Education. Anyone else out there gone this route?

Also If you don't get into med school and have a degree you can't do anything with, you can always take a commission in the military.
 
sublime1996525 said:
Well I'm planning on majoring in Health Promotion and Education. Anyone else out there gone this route?

Also If you don't get into med school and have a degree you can't do anything with, you can always take a commission in the military.
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I've never seen that major before, but it seems pretty interesting. A little bit like public health? with that major, you can do Peace Core which is a great experience and looks great on a med school app if you take some time off.

I traveled with a PCV and he is now going to Hopkins for a grad degree in public health and thinking of applying to JHU med.
 
I'm hoping/planning to major in Human Rights with Social Policy and/or Global Public Health concentrations. Usually, the latter concentration is only paired with science majors; however, I am going to attempt to gain an exception to that, which has most certainly occurred in the past. I love Biology; but, considering I have to complete a Senior Project/Thesis for each major I take on, double majoring seems a bit intense (I'd love it, though). I'll see where I am academically and emotionally when I have to make that decision; which, at my school, isn't until the end of your sophomore year.
 
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As a college senior, I would probably major in english or philosophy if I did it over again. Minoring in biology is always a smart choice, or maybe biochem. I'm at the tail end of a science B.S.

oh and don't underestimate lib arts professors, they can hand you your ass when it comes to critical thinking
 
I'm leaning most heavily towards a major in zoology or animal science right now. 👍
 
Cephal0pod said:
I'm leaning most heavily towards a major in zoology or animal science right now. 👍
Click to expand...

Are you looking to become a veterinarian? Just out of curiosity.

EDIT: Just saw your post on the 2012 thread. Ignore my ignorance.
 
There aren't a ton of unemployed PhD in this country, especially in the sciences. For humanities majors, I'm sure there are plenty of sweet jobs at prep schools or community colleges if one can't get an ideal job at a major university. Also, post-docs can make a decent living (most foreign degree holders who don't speak English well end up stuck as these), especially at the major research institutions. It's a perfectly viable option if you're considering academia/teaching as an alternative to a medical career. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the rate of unemployment is similar to that of professional degree holders (http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2002/winter/art03.pdf).

As for engineering or business degrees, they aren't for everyone. Personally, I don't think I could deal with the capitalism or arrogant atmosphere in business. Engineering could have been fun, but most of these degrees require quite a bit of physics and math. If you aren't good at math (understand mutlivariable calculus, linear algebra, differential equations), you won't be able to pass the upper division classes in your major. I went to an engineering school, and it was difficult for some of my friends to graduate with their major.

Pick something that you love and can excel in. That's the best guarentee to a job that you will enjoy and to find employment after you finish college.
 
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