I want to explore careers in genetics, which major would help me more? Just plain bio or CMB? What exactly is CMB?
I’ve heard that biochemistry is a good major for genetics. What major is best for you depends on what field of genetics you plan on going into; fields include: classical, molecular, quantitative, and population genetics. gl
Depends on the school. Some schools have a biology major within which students choose emphases through upper level electives. Others divide biology into multiple majors based on subareas.
You need to look at each college to see which major covers the subareas you are interested in.
CMB might be better for you if you want to learn about genetics
OP: are you interested in genetics research or genetics counseling? For genetics research, you are probably looking at pursuing a PhD and different grad departments refer to that subject matter in different ways. Many call it Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB), as you point out, which may include genetics, where others will call it something similar and may specify Genetics in the program name. I don’t think there’s a standard nomenclature.
In any case, you can attain acceptance into these programs from undergrad bio programs of various concentrations, but it’s probably best to pursue a BS than a BA to demonstrate to grad departments that you can manage the rigor of a science focused undergrad degree. From what I’ve seen, “just plain bio” degrees are on the BA track, where BS degrees will focus on specific specialties.
If you are interested in genetics counseling, there are a list of schools that have accredited grad programs (http://gceducation.org/pages/accredited-programs.aspx), which confer master’s degrees. That might be an option to consider.