<p>Hi everyone,
I am currently a sophomore Quantitative Biology major (involves an extra computer science class, statistics class, and higher level biology courses/labs are more quantitative rather than organismal) with a minor in chemistry, which puts me on the pre-med track.
I am very interested in research and development of things such as higher level genetics and molecular biology, such as epigenetics, genetic engineering, regenerative medicine, stem cells etc. as well as possibly having a career in biotech industry, pharmaceuticals, biomedical engineering.
I consider myself a good student and currently have a good enough GPA to get into post-graduate studies, whether it be for med school, MS, or PhD. I have often thought about med school but am just not sure if I would like to invest that much time to become a doctor. I have also thought about getting a pharmD, but being a pharmacist at a Rite Aid does not seem very exciting to me at all. I do come from a background where my parents struggled and continue to struggle to sustain our family so obviously money is something that I definitely value, but am looking for good advice on how to combine some of my interests into a very profitable and enjoyable career.
I have also been reading in the "Science Majors" forum and I continuously see the bashing of science majors such as Bio and Chem so I was wondering if anyone had any advice on what would be a beneficial route for me to take in order to be successful in this field, whether it be med school, pharmacy, Masters, or PhD.</p>
<p>The most consistent advice I keep hearing about the choice of major in the context of medical school admissions is that - it doesn’t really matter.</p>
<p>Whatever you do, please don’t let the chatter on an internet forum shape your choice of a major.</p>
<p>You might consider doing some physician shadowing to help determine if this is the kind of thing you’d like to do with your life. </p>
<p>But be aware that medical training is long and expensive–and there’s very little available financial aid. Not only will you have 4 years of med school, but also 3-7 years of residency before you start earning a “doctor’s salary”.</p>
<p>Consider shadowing a pharmacist also. Not all pharmacists work in retail. Some work in hospitals settings where they have a great deal more independence and responsibility than in retail. Some pharmacists also work for pharmaceutical and biotech companies and help to develop new drugs and drug delivery devices. </p>
<p>As for quant bio (or biostats), there is an increasing demand for peple trained in this area. Particularly for those with a MS or PhD. </p>
<p>However, if you absolutely want to do hands on research–then you will need a PhD. Most STEM PhDs are funded. (Meaning that the grad program will pay you a stipend plus your tuition while you are in the grad program.) </p>
<p>Employment post-PhD will usually involve 1-3 post-docs (1-2 years each) before you find a permanent position. </p>
<p>Right now the academic (college or university professor) job market in biological fields (except biostats) is poor. Your job prospects will largely depend on how “hot” your research field is, how many publications you have, how well you (or your thesis advisor) networks and whether your research area is fundable.</p>
<p>You might try visiting your college’s career center and see what kinds of jobs are being posted for BS Quant bio grads. </p>
<p>Talk with your professors, esp those who you think are doing interesting work. If you know any seniors or alumni who have a degree in your field or one similar to yours, talk with them and ask what they do and how they like their job.</p>
<p>As far as I know, any major of your personal preference is OK and has almost no influence in your post-graduate studies, aside from the completing requirements. There are Medical Students that graduated from Conservatories of Music. It absolutely did not put them at any disadvantage in Med. Schools. The same goes for lawyers and other un-related to Medicine fileds. I personally do not understand your concern at all. If you are studying what you personally prefer and taking care of all pre-reqs while achieving high GPA and being involved in medically related EC’s, you are on your way of reaching your goal.<br>
One route that seems to be suiting you the best would be MD/PhD programs. However, admission to them is more competitive than regular MD programs and they take 8 years vs. 4 in Med. School. On the other hand, they are free, more so they are paying stipends to sustain you financially. You are the only one who can decide if this programs are for you or not.</p>