Which Major?

[ieatshrimp24]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi there. So I'm deciding between two majors right now as a college sophomore. I'm currently a Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology major (it's all one major) and I'm considering switching to Biochemistry. It wouldn't be a problem since the prerequisites of both majors are similar.

I'm wondering two things. First, which major would have a better career outlook in the event that I don't get accepted into a medical school. Both seem to entail research-based careers but MCDB seems too broad of a field. Secondly, which major would give a better chance at a high GPA. Both majors seem the same in terms of concepts but biochemistry is more analytical while MCDB is more memorization-based. I've also read that "weed-out classes" thread which mentions biochemistry in about every other post.

If anyone from current undergrads to those who already have their BS/BA would give their two cents, it would be nice. Thank you very much.

 

[Birdie89]

In my opinion, it doesn't matter what major you choose. I have just a biological science degree, and if I weren't accepted to medical school, I could continue my job conducting research at a biomedical research center. If you do not get accepted to medical school, keep in mind you more than likely will not find an alternate career with just a BS... you'll more than likely need an MS, and when you go into a masters or PhD program, it doesn't make a difference whether you majored in biochemistry or MCDB. Choose which one interests you more, because if you choose one that is "easier" than the other and you're not as interested in it, the class is going to be monumentally harder. Biochemistry wasn't extremely challenging for me, so I wouldn't consider it a "weed-out" course, but I also enjoy learning about how things work on a molecular level.

 

[quebaldy]

In my opinion, it doesn't matter what major you choose. I have just a biological science degree, and if I weren't accepted to medical school, I could continue my job conducting research at a biomedical research center. If you do not get accepted to medical school, keep in mind you more than likely will not find an alternate career with just a BS... you'll more than likely need an MS, and when you go into a masters or PhD program, it doesn't make a difference whether you majored in biochemistry or MCDB. Choose which one interests you more, because if you choose one that is "easier" than the other and you're not as interested in it, the class is going to be monumentally harder. Biochemistry wasn't extremely challenging for me, so I wouldn't consider it a "weed-out" course, but I also enjoy learning about how things work on a molecular level.

Yeah, I agree with this. I'm a biochem major and it has been fine for me. As far as future prospects go, Birdie89 has it right-- if you don't get into medical school or decide not to go, your undergraduate degree won't get you too far. In the biomedical sciences (biochem, mol bio, etc.) you'll need graduate level education anyway, at which point it is fairly easy to change your focus depending on your interests. As far as difficulty/weeding out goes, biochemistry is becoming a class that medical school are expecting everyone to take (just look at the 'required/recommended' course lists on the MSAR). The difficulty of a biochem course is also going to depend mostly on your individual institution/teacher, so basing your whole major-selection decision on avoiding biochem probably isn't worth it. At my particular university, the biochem major as a reputation of being more difficult than molecular bio, but honestly you should be making this decision primarily based on your personal interests and not someone else's perception of difficulty.

FWIW I do mostly molecular bio research even though I'm a biochem major

 

[Yolo Swaggins]

Hey there!
First off I'd like to say that, even though it's great that you are looking at plan B, be confident that you're going to med school. A plan B is great to have, but it's still early for you. Confidence is key to the whole process, just a heads up.

Okay so, you're looking at two very similar majors. Yes yes, there are differences for sure. But when push comes to shove and you are trying to get into a Masters or PhD program, the deciding factors won't necessarily be your major, but what classes you've taken and what experience you have. A Biochem Major with a little extra biology, or a DevBio major with an extra Biochem and Analytical Chem course will be interchangeable. Both will most likely lead to working in a lab working with anything from animal and cellular models to molecular synthesis.

As a bit of an extreme example, I'm a mathematics major who has a decent background in biology. As an undergrad I worked in a lab doing developmental and neurological research. I could as easily apply to any biologically based masters or PhD program and most likely have a good shot at acceptance. So, in all honesty, go with what you personally find most interesting.

Also, just as something to keep in mind, if your plan B really is to go into a masters or PhD program, then I'd suggest looking for a job in a lab on your campus, if there are any. It looks great on a medical application, and will be necessary to get into many PhD, and most masters, programs.

Hope this helps a bit, good luck.

 

[deleted407021]

Hey there!
First off I'd like to say that, even though it's great that you are looking at plan B, be confident that you're going to med school. A plan B is great to have, but it's still early for you. Confidence is key to the whole process, just a heads up.

👍

 

[ieatshrimp24]

Thanks for the great advice. In terms of interest, both majors catch my attention equally. I just thought biochemistry would be more of an applicable major than molecular biology to a variety of jobs since there are more lab-oriented courses in my college's major requirements. I don't know if I'll switch at the moment since I just started my second year but I'll definitely look into working at research labs on campus. Thanks again!!