Undergraduate major and research

[figeon]

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I'm beginning college this fall and I put my major as biology but I really want to do anthropology. The reason I did this is because I figured it would be easier to get into research programs in the future. So my question is this, would it still possible to get sufficient research experience if I decide on a non science major? Also, does research have to be related to biology specifically?

 

[deleted801953]

I actually wanted to major in anthropology as well! As long as you could squeeze in the pre-med(MCAT) courses before the time you actually do the MCAT you'd be gold. That's usually the only tough thing students find when doing different majors ..

 

[deleted781806]

If you really want to go into Anthropology then by all means, go for it! There's plenty of research opportunities out there, especially if your college has a good anthropology department, but field research is fairly common I think (or at least as accessible as biological research). I knew a friend who was able to go on multiple trips to Labrador as part of an anthro lab, as well as work on-campus. As above, just be sure to take your prerequisite courses for medical school admission and MCAT prep, and you will do just fine!

 

[calimed2017]

you should do what you are passionate about. I doubled majored in the humanities and was able to find years of research experience! it's all about creating experiences that relate to your own interests! if your school has a program, look into medical anthropology! to answer your question, biologically-related research is not necessary. all the research i have done at this point has been completely outside of basic science but related in some way to healthcare i.e public health, etc.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

I majored in math. I did research in neuroscience, clinical medicine, and math. The only one anyone has wanted to talk about was math because it is outside their field usually and sounds interesting. To me that says having research experience in something outside of the standard bio lab would be a plus.

In short, do you, boo boo.

 

[Toutie]

Look into details (and course offerings) of the Anthropology Dept at your school. Some schools (such as UCLA, see link below) have both a BA and BS degree in Anthropology. The BS degree is basically an Anthro major with most of the pre-med reqs thrown in. I think only Bio-Chem is not included. If your school offers something similar, go for it. If not, go for it anyway. Anthro is a great major...pretty much ties all the social sciences together and easily ties into medicine.

Anthropology

 

[figeon]

Thank you for all the responses. I'm definitely excited on doing anthropology now; I had a misconception that all research for medical school needed to be related to health or biology in some way.

 

[deleted781806]

I had a misconception that all research for medical school needed to be related to health or biology in some way.

Research definitely doesn't need to be only related to health/biology, and research experience is actually one of the most commonly over-emphasized portions of someone's application. In general, schools place a lot more weight on volunteering, clinical experiences, and academics than on research (in whichever field you prefer). There are a few big name research-centric schools, but the general trend is that research is nice to have as an undergraduate, but not necessary for admission.

Best of luck in your freshman year!