<p>I'm only a sophomore in HS but I just had several questions. If I wanted to have a major in biology, what could I do with that...</p>
<p>If I wanted to go into genetics, could I have a degree in cell/biology, then PhD in genetics? Or would I have to go genetics all the way...
What would I need in order to go into the field of genetics? Would I have to go to med school?</p>
<p>What do I need to do if I wanted to go into forensics?...</p>
<p>Thanks..</p>
<p>A degree in biology: nothing but apply to med school. You won’t gain the skills necessary to do anything else if you pick the wrong electives, and if you pick the right electives, then you’ll just be a watered down chemistry major. YES, people SAY that they got into biotech jobs, but you can do a simple search at careerbuilder.com and note that there are apprx. 1000 jobs in biology but 3000 jobs in chemistry. also note that most non-PHD jobs in biology ask for: “Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry or related degree” but chemistry jobs ask for “Chemistry”. That tells you that biology is a narrow and highly specialized degree that does not prepare you for the workplace. It is the history major of sciences. Obviously, you’ll also want to avoid specializiations within biology as well; that’d be like picking ART history.</p>
<p>Genetics is the core of all biology. It’s the only thing in biology that chemists don’t have the ability to learn quickly.</p>
<p>Do you have the ability to sit down for 5 hours and memorize a book? If you do, do you also have the ability to sit in a lab for hours doing oxidase tests on cultures, or microscoping, or doing SDS-PAGE? And if you can do that, can you take the low pay and low job advancement opportunities?</p>
<p>Seriously, pick anything but biology and things with “bio”, “genetics”, “cell”, etc. in them, except nursing.</p>
<p>ok
Do you happen to know of any good majors in the science field? I just want something to look forward to…</p>
<p>or math field…? I have a reasonable interest level in computer science…and not so big in engineering, mostly because I haven’t had much opportunity in that</p>
<p>There are a number of pathways to graduate work in genetics, including an undergrad degree in any of several fields, e.g., cell biology, biochemistry, math, etc. It does not specifically require an undergrad major in genetics. Check the admissions requirements for specific genetics graduate programs for more details. You do not need to go to medical school, except for certain clinical genetics fields.</p>
<p>[Careers</a> in Human Genetics | ASHG](<a href=“http://www.ashg.org/education/careers.shtml]Careers”>http://www.ashg.org/education/careers.shtml)</p>
<p>Forensic science has to do with the application of basic sciences to crime scene investigation and evidence. It is better to major in a basic science at the undergraduate level and then specialize in forensic science at a graduate level. </p>
<p>[Advice</a> about a Career in Forensic Science](<a href=“http://www.criminology.fsu.edu/faculty/nute/FScareers.html]Advice”>http://www.criminology.fsu.edu/faculty/nute/FScareers.html)
[Reddy’s</a> Forensic Page: forensic science colleges](<a href=“http://www.forensicpage.com/new05.htm]Reddy’s”>Home - Ens For Icpage)</p>
<p>Also, if you have an interest in computer science, consider a program in forensic computer science.</p>
<p>Since you are still in high school, you have plenty of time to explore the many science fields open to you. You do not need to make a decision on a major before you enter college.
[AIBS</a> Careers | Careers in the Biological Sciences](<a href=“http://www.aibs.org/careers/]AIBS”>Careers in Biology | AIBS)</p>