<p>Hello, everybody! I apologize for a long post, but i really need help.
I am about to go back to school (next fall) . I previously studied at the faculty of environmental science for 3 years in Russia, lived in the USA for past 4 years and now decided to finish what i started. Problem is, i m going to have to start all over as a freshman. (long story, but thats for sure)
So, i guess, i got a second chance at a choice. And i feel as if i am still in high school... i always wanted to do something with microbiology, research and mainly genetics and everything that has to do with diseases/viruses/toxins study. I dont want to be a doctor, i am already 24, so it will take for ever for me to get in that field + many other reasons. So, finally, my choice narrowed down to the university of MS.
From what I thought, i should start with biochemistry or biology, then get a job in that field and continue education into master's and PhD (i have a family to feed :))
Problem is, i went thru numerous websites, and everyone seems to be extremely disappointed with BA/BS in bio (cant find a job, too broad, blah-blah). So, UM offers a degree in biochemistry, but its a BA (not BS). Theres no other schools in the area, that would do anything remotely as close to what i want to do.
Plus, browsing job listings, i discovered, that many employers want someone with a BS. So, what do i do? If you send a resume with a BA to Corproration that needs a pro with BS, are there chances?
PS again, sorry for the length</p>
<p>41 views, but not a single message?</p>
<p>What matters is the specific coursework that you take, not whether the degree’s name is B.A. or B.S. Some institutions only award a B.A. Some offer a B.A. in some subjects and a B.S. in others. An employer that is asking for a B.S. is only really indicating that they want a full undergraduate degree.</p>
<p>As to Biochemistry vs. Biology, your choice of the specific major field will depend on what you want to do with that degree. Biochemistry, and Biotechnology are in greater demand right now because the graduates are more likely to have skills that they can take straight into a work place. Biology is a more generalized program, and may not include as many laboratory experiences that will help you get a job.</p>
<p>Biotech is a career field that is growing. The usual pathway is a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or Bioengineering, followed by work experience in university laboratories or in industry, and then graduate work in a more specialized area. Since the industry is growing, there also is room for people who specialize in laboratory management and in the business of Biotech. You have a lot of good options!</p>
<p>Wishing you all the best!</p>
<p>Thank you so much for an opinion! I am still learning about the USA education system; it is different from Russian, so I have a lot questions…)
I think, I am inclining more towards biochemistry. However, when I looked up the core curriculum, biology program seems to have more classes actually connected with genetics and molecular biology… Biochem course is math/physics/chemistry oriented. But I am thinking about minoring in bio, so I guess, that should do the trick! I am ok with math (algebra/calculus at least, trig is slightly harder for me), and ok in physics (didnt really have a strong base at schools I attended before), but I am good at chem and bio.
This will definitely take a lot of work, which I am ready for, but still slightly worried. Its been a while since I was in school full-time, a lot of stuff is somewhere deep in a memory, so I am trying to get back into it now… so help me God</p>
<p>You will get a better understanding of US higher education if you read through the material at [EducationUSA</a> | Study Abroad, Student Visa, University Fairs, College Applications and Study in the U.S. / America](<a href=“http://www.educationusa.info/]EducationUSA”>http://www.educationusa.info/) That website is designed to provide information about education in the US for international applicants. </p>
<p>As for your major, there is nothing wrong with completing a degree in Biology, if it will includes the genetics and molecular bio classes that you want to take. You should make appointments with the undergraduate advisors for each of the majors that you are considering, and talk with them about your specific professional goals. At your particular university, one major might be a better choice than the other one, or one might offer you more flexibility in your schedule. You also can pay a visit to the Career Center, and ask them about job placement in the field that you want to be in.</p>
<p>Well, i am somewhat familiar with the system (my husband goes to school), and I am not considered international student, because I am a permanent resident. So, really, there are no visa issues, lol. Just taking time to get used to…
But overall info is very useful on it, thank you! And i am definitely scheduling an appointment with advisors after the holidays!</p>