<p>Hey,
I'm currently set up to major in Biomedical Engineering at USC, with minor in Computer Science, with the intent to go to Med school afterwards. However, I began thinking about everything and having second thoughts about BME. If I decided not to go to Med school, I just couldn't picture myself doing research forever, whereas I've always loved computers and programming, since middle school. Now I'm thinking about switching to Computer Science, just because it'd leave me more options in the future, plus more time to take elective courses. However, I'd still like to leave the option for med school open. Is it possible/easy to do CompSci with a Pre-med emphasis?
What thoughts do you have on BME v. Computer Science or any other majors? Thanks a lot!</p>
<p>Have you taken a Computer Science and/or biomed engineering class yet? Have you taken any pre-med classes? I think if you take one class in each subject (CS, Bio-med, pre-med biology or chemistry), you will get a better idea where your academic strengths and interests are. After you know what you really want to study, I suggest pursuing that path. You might also want to think about which internships/research in your area of interest would be best if you want med school. Med schools are going to look at related extra-curriculars to see demonstrated interest in medicine. You might also like working eventually in computer science for a medically related area (network administrator for a hospital, for example). Also, talk to your advisor at USC. I hear the advisors are fantastic.</p>
<p>I thought about your question some more. It sounds like you might want to devote more time thinking about which career path you really want. Is it CS, Medicine or being a Biomedical Engineer? All three majors are very different in scope, although I hear that some biomed engineering majors use that major as a safe pre-med course of study (i.e. can become either a biomed engineer or go to med school).</p>
<p>well i'm a bme major and pre-med, and i should point out that becoming a biomed engr and a doctor are two very, very different career paths.</p>
<p>anywho, but i wanted to emphasize that you shouldn't be studying a particular major just because you believe that that's what med schools are looking for. i agree with mdcissp, you should do a major that you're more personally invested in. you'll do academically better, and you won't have these nagging feelings that you're not making the best choice for you. don't worry about what med school thinks, there's tons of anecdotes of english majors applying (and getting into med school), majors don't matter, especially since apparently med schools are looking for more diverse applications rather than the straight biology major applicant.</p>
<p>with that said, there are some benefits to being a bme major and pre-med. i only have to take one additional course (BISC 330L) outside of my major requirements to fulfill my pre-med requirements, which is especially useful in a major that leaves little room in my academic schedule.</p>
<p>and especially with compusci, your schedule will be more packed than mine. one of my friends just graduated with compusci and business (the combined major, not a double) and there were many courses that were 3 units when they should've been 4, just so that they could fit all the classes in 4 years.</p>
<p>but i still believe you should pick a major that best suits you, not because it's the best thing to do on paper. so i agree with mdcissp, you should think about what your career path is, what you want to do in life, and then from that infer what you think you academic path should be. i personally think it would be a mistake to choose your major, and then force a career path from that.</p>
<p>also to complicate matters a little bit, an engineering degree isn't as limiting as a degree from the college. engineering careers don't necessarily follow the educational background they started with. there's a lot of movement in engineering. for example, in my research lab, my supervisor has a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. now admitedly, a mechanical engineering degree is a bit more versatile than a compusci degree, but you might want to keep that in mind still.</p>
<p>How possible is it do CompSci and PreMed? I think that's the best path if it's possible for me to do that.</p>
<p>Why don't you talk to your advisor about being a CS major and taking pre-med classes for your electives? Plus, find some pre-med extra curriculars to demonstrate your interest in the field.</p>