<p>I want to major in some biological science, but I'm not really sure what I want to do yet. I'm still only a junior in high school, so I know I have some time to decide what my actual career will be. But I dont want to pick a major that would limit what I can do later on. At first, I wanted to become a neuroscientist, then an epidemiologist specializing in highly infectious diseases. I think either way, I'd find the career satisfying. But could I make money from it? I don't really care about making millions, I really just want to do something meaningful. But I don't want to go to school for 10 years or more to be making a low 5 digit salary. Any advice about either what I should major in or how I could make sure I don't end up in a bad career position?</p>
<p>It depends on what you like. Biology can be something like developmental/genetics or something like biochem. They are totally different fields. What gets you most excited in bio class? What do you like to read about the most in scientific journals?
Idk if this is your route, but why not try biomedical/biochemical engineering? You can make a good amount in that and you don't necessarily have to go to grad school.</p>
<p>Well I definitely do want to go to grad school, I wasnt really clear on that I guess. I do want to go to school for a long time, I just dont want to pick a profession that I can't make alot from. Im not really interested in biochem engineering, but i guess its too early to decide. I didnt think I liked human biology, but the more I learn, the more interesting it seems. </p>
<p>Can researchers make a lot of money?</p>
<p>List</a> of SOC Occupations</p>
<p>If you're willing to go to grad school, there are options out there. What exactly do you mean by "low 5 digit salary"? Is 30,000 low? Is 40,000? 50,000? Where are you drawing the line? Also, how sure are you that you like the day to day grind of research? Are there any other fields you're interested in?</p>
<p>If you want to be ensured a high-paying job in a biological field, biomedical engineering is the way to go. It's also a huge pain in the butt as a major, to put it mildly. Everything has trade-offs. Biochemistry is another way to make yourself more attractive for higher paying positions in industry and private sector research, and an easier one (if you're any good at biochem).</p>
<p>Oh, and if I had a dollar for everyone I know who started out college with the mindset that they want to be in school for years and years and then completely changed their minds along the way and just wanted to get the hell out of academia for a while... well, I'd have a much easier time paying my rent :P</p>
<p>Okay, thanks for all your advice.
Yeah, I can see how I might not actually want to study biology for more than 7 years haha. But I do really love biology.</p>
<p>What is it like being a professor? I realize it takes a long time, but I think I would enjoy that. What would it be like in terms of an education path, salary, commitment, etc?</p>