What was your undergrad in?

[doublekling]

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My current employer is helping pay for my undergrad because I'm going for something business related (BS in Business Administration). The problem is, I'm not really all that interested in it. I'm still hoping that when I'm done with this I'll get to work on my pre-med stuff, then apply to med school. I realize it will take me longer this way, but it will save me some money (and my job, which is currently a necessity) for the time being.

I haven't gotten much in to my major courses yet, so I'm on the verge of just going for something pre-med anyway. That would mean that my employer would not reimburse any of my tuition, I'd have to pay back the little bit that they have reimbursed, and they probably wouldn't be as willing to work with me on my schedule. If I stick with this, they'll pay for 90% of my (undergrad) tuition and be more likely to work with me on my schedule to accommodate those classes. Plus this gives me a relatively strong business degree and something to go with my current experience, so it would give me something if I don't end up getting in to medical school for some reason.

From what people have told me, the undergrad isn't all that important... as long as you have one, did well, and did well on all the other pre-med courses (some of which I might be able to include in a minor). I guess I just want some reassurance of that.

 

[QofQuimica]

My current employer is helping pay for my undergrad because I'm going for something business related (BS in Business Administration). The problem is, I'm not really all that interested in it. I'm still hoping that when I'm done with this I'll get to work on my pre-med stuff, then apply to med school. I realize it will take me longer this way, but it will save me some money (and my job, which is currently a necessity) for the time being.

I haven't gotten much in to my major courses yet, so I'm on the verge of just going for something pre-med anyway. That would mean that my employer would not reimburse any of my tuition, I'd have to pay back the little bit that they have reimbursed, and they probably wouldn't be as willing to work with me on my schedule. If I stick with this, they'll pay for 90% of my (undergrad) tuition and be more likely to work with me on my schedule to accommodate those classes. Plus this gives me a relatively strong business degree and something to go with my current experience, so it would give me something if I don't end up getting in to medical school for some reason.

From what people have told me, the undergrad isn't all that important... as long as you have one, did well, and did well on all the other pre-med courses (some of which I might be able to include in a minor). I guess I just want some reassurance of that.

It really doesn't matter one iota what you major in as long as you compete the pre-reqs (one year each of physics, chem, organic, and bio with lab) and you earn excellent grades. You are very fortunate to have such a supportive boss and a highly subsidized bachelor's degree. If I were you, I'd get the almost-free business degree and take the pre-reqs on the side as electives. You might also see if there are any medical business courses offered that you could take (ex. legal or ethical issues in medicine).

To answer your question, I got a liberal arts degree (BA). 🙂

 

[ShyRem]

I did a dual major BS degree: math and chemistry.

And I totally agree with Q.

 

[jace's mom]

BS in Math, minors in Biology and Spanish. I'd stick with the degree your boss will pay for, as long as you can stay interested in it enough to do well. Plus, from everything I've heard, a business degree will probably be more useful than a pre-med major. Best of luck to you!

 

[thoffen]

Agreed that the major doesn't matter.

The bigger issue is that you are doing a very dishonest thing in using company resources for an education you intend specifically not to use with your company for any period of time where they can see a return on their investment.

 

[Dienekes]

The bigger issue is that you are doing a very dishonest thing in using company resources for an education you intend specifically not to use with your company for any period of time where they can see a return on their investment.

Dishonest, but kind of smart. At least until the company sues the OP to recoup those expenses.

BTW, as for what my majors are, pathologist assistant (as the start of the next winter semester...it's a selective program you have to apply to get into) and German 😉

 

[Lacheln]

It doesn't matter what your degree was, I did Brain and Cognitive Science.

You are going to have one pissed off boss to deal with though when the time comes to apply to med school...no letter of recommendation there. Is there anything in the educational contract that specifies how long you have to work at your current job after getting your degree?

 

[jace's mom]

The bigger issue is that you are doing a very dishonest thing in using company resources for an education you intend specifically not to use with your company for any period of time where they can see a return on their investment.

I hadn't even thought of that. As another poster suggested, you might check your employee handbook (or whatever) to see if there are stipulations to the arrangement.

 

[Dirt]

B.A. in Philosophy.

 

[teddybear]

You shouldn't be using your employer like that, man. They're trusting you. I totally understand wanting to save money, but what you're doing is wrong.

 

[DeAlighieri]

BS in Professional Aeronautics with minors in Management and Aviation Safety. Got in first try. 😀

 

[Dienekes]

BS in Professional Aeronautics with minors in Management and Aviation Safety. Got in first try. 😀

Nice...I thought about doing aviation as a major, but decided not to even though I do aviation safety research.

 

[Dienekes]

You shouldn't be using your employer like that, man. They're trusting you. I totally understand wanting to save money, but what you're doing is wrong.

Does anyone else see the irony in being lectured on a perceived lack of ethics by someone called "LittleBastard"? It's like DropkickMurphy being named the new host of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood"....it just seems wrong.

 

[QofQuimica]

Has no one here ever taken advantage of employer-subsidized education before, or even known someone who has? Before everyone goes jumping all over the OP for their perceived lack of ethics, the way it usually works is that the employer will probably require the OP to agree to work for that employer for a certain number of years upon completion of the degree before being allowed to quit and owe nothing back. If the OP does not live up to their end (i.e., quits early), he or she will have to pay the money back.

 

[nontrdgsbuiucmd]

Has no one here ever taken advantage of employer-subsidized education before, or even known someone who has? Before everyone goes jumping all over the OP for their perceived lack of ethics, the way it usually works is that the employer will probably require the OP to agree to work for that employer for a certain number of years upon completion of the degree before being allowed to quit and owe nothing back. If the OP does not live up to their end (i.e., quits early), he or she will have to pay the money back.

Yes, that's exactly what I've found when completing grad school part-time and speaking with my peers regarding the cost of the program. The similarity is that many, possibly most, students who finish an MBA jump ship after completing the degree in search of a higher pay rate/more responsibilities.

Some companies paid for grad school with the stipulation that the employee be required to repay the cost of each class (2K at that time) if they left within a certain time period after the class was complete. Some required that the employee repay the full cost of the degree if they left within, say, 2 years after completing the degree. Others would only pay up to a few thousand a year for all tuition reimbursement. Still others paid nothing toward the degree.

The point being, most companies have personnel rules designed around the companies values. A single employee is not going to 'pull the wool over the eyes' of the company. Many firms want employees who are "furthering themself" through education with the understanding that these tend to be more motivated individuals, and presumbaly better employees.

If the average person stays at the average company, what, 4 years or so, what does the company expect regarding longevity for the person whose tuition was paid? If the company expects the employee to stay, they would put stipulations in writing. I'd check the employee handbook to see what's in there.

 

[DeAlighieri]

Has no one here ever taken advantage of employer-subsidized education before, or even known someone who has?

Heh, I used the crap out of employer-subsidised education. I took classes on the military's dime when I was on active-duty, I used the GI Bill to pay for the lion's share of my undergrad, and I used Fedex's generous $3000 a year education stipend to help get my pre-reqs. The way I see it, education benefits are a part of my total pay package that was negotiated when I was hired on. I think it's madness to feel any sort of guilt for using educational benefits.

 

[jace's mom]

Heh, I used the crap out of employer-subsidised education. I took classes on the military's dime when I was on active-duty, I used the GI Bill to pay for the lion's share of my undergrad, and I used Fedex's generous $3000 a year education stipend to help get my pre-reqs. The way I see it, education benefits are a part of my total pay package that was negotiated when I was hired on. I think it's madness to feel any sort of guilt for using educational benefits.

That's sort of the way I see it as well. Of course, I had an awesome boss who couldn't have been happier for me that I got into medical school (even though they had spent money sending me to trainings that year...required trainings, though, not something I chose). As far as she was concerned, anytime one of her employees went on to higher education, it made the whole place look good.

 

[TexasTriathlete]

underwater basket weaving

 

[JuniperB]

BS - Kinesiology, minor ethics/logic

 

[teddybear]

Does anyone else see the irony in being lectured on a perceived lack of ethics by someone called "LittleBastard"? It's like DropkickMurphy being named the new host of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood"....it just seems wrong.

You don't know the story behind my name, Mr. Bad Example. Until you do, don't pass judgement.

 

[lovethebomb]

My BA was in Psychology.... Wooohoo...was worthless for me in the corporate world.

 

[MediumDef]

Unless your working for a mom and pop store and have some sort of gentlemans agreement regarding your education expenses I don't see how taking advantage of your employers tuition reimbursement is dishonest. I would imagine it is clearly listed in the benefits package and is an incentive both to better their current employees and attract others. Would you not accept the 100% match on a 401k if you don't plan on staying with a company for more than a few years.


Oh and Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. A major that existed for 5 years at my school before they decided to just call it biology again.

 

[umean2tellme]

B.A. Anthropology. Minor Bio

 

[Dienekes]

You don't know the story behind my name, Mr. Bad Example. Until you do, don't pass judgement.

I wasn't passing judgment. I thought it was funny. Sorry if I offended you.

 

[teddybear]

It's cool.

 

[musashi]

B.A. and M.A. in history (with a focus on Japanese studies). I've heard it said many times that a history degree is meaningless, but I can tell you the few adcoms I've spoken with told me it helps to stand out in a sea of biology and chemistry degrees that all med schools see. Moreover, I now can read books without pictures. Under water basket weaving would've been my second choice though.

 

[echidna]

BA in History with an emphasis on Italian studies. Minor in Classics. Not very lucrative, but you'd be surprised how useful a little knowledge of Latin and Greek goes. I can look at a period table and give you atomic mass, number and etymology!

 

[DocQ]

B.S. Aeronautical Engineering

 

[pinaydocsana]

Double major Biochemistry and Classical Studies

 

[DeAlighieri]

Nice...I thought about doing aviation as a major, but decided not to even though I do aviation safety research.

Did you attend Riddle or one of its ilk?

 

[montessori2md]

Double BA history and Spanish. Exactly 2 premed prereqs my first trip through. I think a lot of MDs wish they had taken business classes.

My employer had me sign a contract stating that I would repay the cost of my certificate program if I chose to leave upon receipt of my teaching certificate. I think if you (the employer) really cared, they'd make you sign something. Heck, non-disclosure and non-competition clauses are typical components of a contract -and yes, they are routinely violated, but it's unethical (and a potential lawsuit) to violate them. If no one says "hey, we expect you to stay till 20XX because of this" then it's a non-issue.

 

[kitten8]

B.A. Communication, Double minor in Anthropology and Music

 

[justaskibum]

Double major - Business / Outdoor Studies. Completed at a small (you guessed it) liberal arts institution. I can't say the second major and keep a straight face at the same time.

 

[Dienekes]

Did you attend Riddle or one of its ilk?

No, I didn't. I was considering the Eastern Michigan program simply because it's relatively close to home, but I wasn't impressed by the staff and all the extraneous hoops involved in the program that had absolutely nothing to do with my career aspirations. My interest is in injury and fatality prevention in crashes and they were wanting to mold me into a CRJ pilot for Pinnacle.

I decided to simply do my research through the school I already attend and could not be happier that I did.

 

[DeAlighieri]

My interest is in injury and fatality prevention in crashes and they were wanting to mold me into a CRJ pilot for Pinnacle.

I decided to simply do my research through the school I already attend and could not be happier that I did.

I really enjoyed the classes for my Safety minor, especially the crash investigation, ergonomics, and human factors stuff. I'm hoping it'll serve me well as a flight-surgeon in the military by giving me a better understanding of what my aviators will be going through.

 

[BacardiGirl]

I have a BS in Mass Communcations (Public Relations) with a minor in French. When I started college, I was planning on being either a history or Psych major, but then found an interest in sports/athletic advertising and marketing, so went the PR route. Needless to say, I never got my dream job (never even used my degree once), and have since been working in the mortgage industry. I am soooo looking forward to making the change to health sciences!!! 😉

 

[JasonCT]

My first degree (years ago) was a B.M. performance major

Then got an A.S. - Mortuary Science

 

[Mr. Beef]

I'm Majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies at UTD. It's a BA program where I'm focusing on The Arts and Sociology. Hopefully I'll be able to squeeze in some pre-reqs and then finish whatever I need in post-Bac study.

Good to see some experienced people coming into the fray after finding out what they loved was not going to work out in the real world. That happened to me after I invested three years in Cosmetologist Training and trying to find a job. (No I am NOT gay so just get that out of your head right now.)

Welcome Aboard,

Mr. Beef

 

[zird00]

B.S. with a major in political science and a minor in educational theory. I also have a MSW.

 

[0_cat_state_1]

-

 

[Empi]

I'm planning to switch to a program similar to Mr. Beef's. It is called, "Professional Studies," and it allows you to create your own curriculum.

 

[beephlatPT]

B.S. in Physical Therapy (before MPT/DPT was the requirement).

 

[doublekling]

Wow. Who knew I could stir up some entertainment? :lol

Seriously though, I'm not cheating them out of anything. It's a big company and I work with some great people. People move around all the time. People come and go all the time. It's Corporate America at it's best, but it's a very large privately owned company. This is just one of the perks of working here. I do a lot for this company, and I am more than earning my keep (I get told that all the time). They'll reimburse 90% of my tuition as long as I earn a C or betterr in the class. I do have to repay it if I quit before one year after I complete my degree, but that's ok.

My current boss is extremely laid back. He knows I'd rather be in the medical field, and I use to half joke with my old boss all the time that if I end up staying with this company for a long period of time I'm going to go to nursing school when I retire just to be able to finally get a chance to work in the medical field (but I'd still rather go to medical school). I've only worked here three and a half years, but I could see myself retiring here if I don't get in to Medical school. Not to mention it's going to take me a while to finish my BS at this rate. It doesn't interfere with my work schedule and most of the classes that I'm taking actually do help me at my current job in some way. It's not my dream job, but I'm good at what I do and it's a good company. I figure I'll get my business degree, then I'll continue working for them for a couple more years while I work on whatever pre-med courses I still need at that point. If I'm still as motivated then as I am right now I'll apply for medical school and I won't feel like I cheated them at all because I am putting in my time and plenty of hard work here.

 

[JFitzDela]

B.S. in Computer Science. Low GPA, as instead of focusing on school I worked full time, had contract work on the side, and had military training. I've got 5 courses of pre-reqs left before I hit the MCAT hard and shoot for U of Mississippi Med Center. Woo!

- J

 

[QofQuimica]

Wow. Who knew I could stir up some entertainment? :lol

Seriously though, I'm not cheating them out of anything. It's a big company and I work with some great people. People move around all the time. People come and go all the time. It's Corporate America at it's best, but it's a very large privately owned company. This is just one of the perks of working here. I do a lot for this company, and I am more than earning my keep (I get told that all the time). They'll reimburse 90% of my tuition as long as I earn a C or betterr in the class. I do have to repay it if I quit before one year after I complete my degree, but that's ok.

Some of the posters just didn't understand how these programs work.

My current boss is extremely laid back. He knows I'd rather be in the medical field, and I use to half joke with my old boss all the time that if I end up staying with this company for a long period of time I'm going to go to nursing school when I retire just to be able to finally get a chance to work in the medical field (but I'd still rather go to medical school). I've only worked here three and a half years, but I could see myself retiring here if I don't get in to Medical school. Not to mention it's going to take me a while to finish my BS at this rate. It doesn't interfere with my work schedule and most of the classes that I'm taking actually do help me at my current job in some way. It's not my dream job, but I'm good at what I do and it's a good company. I figure I'll get my business degree, then I'll continue working for them for a couple more years while I work on whatever pre-med courses I still need at that point. If I'm still as motivated then as I am right now I'll apply for medical school and I won't feel like I cheated them at all because I am putting in my time and plenty of hard work here.

FWIW, I think you're making the right decision. Considering how expensive medical school is and how much debt you are likely to incur in the future if you do decide to go to med school, it's best to avoid taking out loans during UG if you have that option. There is no advantage that a biology degree at your own expense will give you that a business degree at your employer's expense won't. This is assuming, of course, that you take all the premed pre-reqs and that you earn excellent grades in all of your classes. Ideally, you want your science and overall GPAs to be 3.8 or better, with no grades below a B. Best of luck to you. 🙂

 

[dia009]

ba communication studies
minor global studies (spent more than a month in europe kicking around)

 

[enjoythejourney]

BS in Biology- completely blew it due to slacking and not applying myself. I'm now seeking a 2nd Bachelor's in Clinical Laboratory Science w/ a minor in Biomedical Science to bring up my terrible uGPA. I have a major and a minor b/c I need as many hours as possible to undo the damage I inflicted on myself.

 

[connieption]

B.A. in Journalism (Graphic Design sequence). Interned and did a lot of related work. Would've gone to graduate school for Art Direction in Advertising this fall.

 

[DrJosephKim]

BS in mechanical engineering

 

[loopy23]

BS in Public Health.