Hello,
I am going into my freshman year as an International Relations major. However, I am thinking about changing my major to Astronomy before the academic year starts, and possibly doubling that up with a Biology double major. However, I’m not very sure of myself on how I’d succeed. On the new SAT I had a 740 on the math, but on the SAT 2 Math Level 1 I had a 650. I had A’s in my Algebra 2 and Precalculus classes, but I ended up with a B in AP Calculus with a 3 on the AB exam. I managed to get an A in biology, physics, and AP biology, but I ended up with a 3 on the AP Biology exam. It was my AP Biology and AP Calculus courses that originally discouraged me from a STEM career in the first place. Based on these statistics, do I fit the usual profile of someone that could succeed in the fields of Astronomy and Biology? Also, does getting a BA vs. BS degree matter in the STEM field? My school only offers BA in Astronomy or Biology.
The BA is a perfectly good degree but it probably has fewer required upper division technical courses. It may be possible for you to take some of those as free electives though. As for being able to make it in Astronomy or Biology, I have found that success depends mostly on the amount of effort you put into the things you study. If you can get As in STEM courses, then you can learn. That is not measured by the AP and SAT tests.
Finally, for your question about a double degree, I suggest that you start with one and then see in your first year if you want to go for both. Astronomy and Biology are far enough apart that it might take you extra time to complete the second degree. You also have to consider if you are interested in eventually getting an advanced degree in Astronomy you don’t really want to spend extra time on Biology courses but take all the physics and Astronomy you can and find a way to get a lot of research experience.
Look into Astrobiology and Astrobotany and what NASA is doing. See https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/ and https://phys.org/news/2016-02-nasa-simulate-potatoes-mars-peru.html. If any of this interests you, then you can see what types of majors the people have who are doing that type of research. My guess is that they studied one science, and did not double major. You can minor in a second science a lot easier than double-majoring, so that is always an option. You can also just pursue summer internships and research projects on topics that combine your interests in astronomy and biology.
If you are diligent in your science classes – completing homework, studying for tests, etc. – you should do fine. If you plan to get an MS or PhD, you will want to have as high a GPA as possible (3.0 minimum, but 3.5 or higher ideally). Science courses can be graded harshly, but if you do well in other subjects, then you should be able to keep your GPA up. Since you would be getting a BA instead of a BS, that means you will have more non-science classes and that might help. A BA will allow you to take a foreign language, and there often isn’t room for that in the schedule for a BS major. That could help you use your science degree in an international context later.
I think that something must have led you to start out in International Relations though. Before you change majors, I recommend taking some career aptitude and interest tests. You might actually find that what you really want to do is deal with scientific topics in an international relations context. Some government positions abroad specifically deal with science issues, for example.
Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service has a major in Science, Technology and International Affairs, and says: “Now more than ever, science and technology are at the heart of international affairs. The Science, Technology and International Affairs (STIA) major equips students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to engage with the challenges and opportunities this presents. Students follow the regular SFS core curriculum, enroll in core science courses and develop an in depth understanding of one of our areas of concentration: Energy and Environment; Business, Growth and Development; Biotechnology and Health; or Science, Technology and Security.” If you realize that such a program interests you, then you can look at the courses required and try to select a major and minor at your university that would be comparable. More information is here: http://sfs.georgetown.edu/stia/
I’m only a student but I can share what I know. It’s quite funny…I am a junior majoring in international relations as well, but seriously contemplating a switch back to Physics (which would include my passion for Astronomy and space)
To address your “capability” concerns…I don’t think there is such a thing as being “good enough” or “not good enough” to learn the heavy math and science. A total bum who has never studied in his life could turn around and start pursing a math major tomorrow, if he dedicates himself to the rigor and work that it will require. So worrying about specific grades in the past I don’t think should have much influence on what you choose to do. I got Bs in high school, including in AP Physics. I got a 3 on the AP Physics exam. I got a C in college chemistry. But I look back and realize I wasn’t putting my full effort into it. I know in my heart that I can learn the high level math if I dedicate myself. For me, it’s just deciding whether or not that is what I want to spend my time doing. There’s also that saying…the straight A students work for the B students…
I would also look at Astrobiology if your school has that major. That would be the perfect way to go I would think. I would also not totally disregard your international relations interest. I’m trying to find a way to hold onto mine, too. Perhaps considering minoring in Policy/Government or some type of major like that.
BA usually means a few less “technical” or “math-heavy” courses than a BS. I’m not sure why the Biology major would offered as a BA.
It’s refreshing to see other people who seem to have visions similar to mine: How can we find a way to combine international politics and science in order to advance knowledge across the world and meet new scientific goals for our society?
I think we’re going to be great at it…