CSU vs UC

College Search & Selection
1

Someone told me that if I want to become a Physicians assistent then I could either major in biology or Health. But which one would involve les math (I’m horrible at it and I want to pick my strengths) and more if memorization ? Which one would be a better stand alone degree? What can I do with just a biology major? Just a health major? Also, if college students get to pick there classes, why can’t I just not pick any super hard math classes? And what’s the difference between a bio or health degree from a UC and CSU? Does one involve more math because I’ll probably go with the one with less math. Also, does Cal Poly have any good health/ biology programs ?

2

  1. Define what you mean by Health programs? Public Health, Health Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology etc…

  2. You can major in any subject as long as you take the PA required courses to apply to the programs so you are not limited to Biology type majors.

  3. If the PA program asks for Calculus and Statistics, then you be required to take those classes regardless of what is required for your major.

  4. Biology is not a good standalone major without a graduate degree just like Public Health unless you plan to go into a professional school such as PA, MD, DDS …

  5. Each school has a specific curriculum for their major to receive your degree. Some schools will let you pick between different levels of Math to fulfill the major requirements so you do get some choice. Biology majors are usually not required to take the same Math courses as Engineering majors. But if your goal is PA school, then you have to take the Math courses they require regardless of what your major requires.

  6. Differences in majors between CSU’s and UC’s really depends upon the course curriculum. If you are interested in a school, you can usually google their 4 year plan to see what courses are required for the majors. In general, the majority of UC’s are a more difficult admit than the majority of the CSU’s but both will give you a good education.

  7. Both Cal Poly Pomona and San Luis Obisbpo have good sicence programs. Again, it is what interests you that is important for you to succeed. All schools have resources such as tutors and professor office hours to help you in a class.

What are your stats and interests and posters can help you find some programs and schools that can fit you?
What level of Math will you reach by end of Senior year? SAT/ACT scores with a breakout of your English and Math scores?

3

Speaking for UCB, almost all science-related majors will require a year of Calculus of some sort, unless you get an AP qualifying score from taking AP Calculus AB or BC. Many health and science majors at UCB take a one year sequence that combines Calculus and Statistics.

4

UCB and CP SLO are great but, most people can’t get into either

What are your stats and budget?