So I’m going into my second year at UChicago and I’m really conflicted on what to major in.
I came in as a possible chemistry or cinema studies major. I liked both classes but I feel a stronger pull towards chemistry as it really challenges me. However, I don’t think I want to do any chemistry careers i.e. chemist, chem E and my gpa isn’t high enough for medicine. But, I’m having a really hard time dropping the chemistry major. I also didn’t do as well in chemistry/math as I did in my humanities and film classes. I got C+, B, B in chemistry, B-, B-, B+ in math and B+, B+, A-, B+, A in humanities and film.
I do enjoy film and other humanities subjects but I’m afraid that I won’t feel satisfied without a major which includes a lot of problem solving skills and i am also worried about career opportunities.
I am also considering sociology and statistics in order to pursue epidemiology or biostatistics but i’m worried about job opportunities and if i would even like a career in statistics.
Does anyone have any advice?
Have you been into the career center? I would continue to pursue what interests you most, and investigate careers linked to that major. You can minor in the other. Your first jobs are not necessarily dependent on your major anyway. Try not to stress too much.
What about a HIPS major? Bio, Chem, and Math are included in the course requirements, as well as three potential electives in advanced science. It also includes a good mix of humanities courses, which you do well in, and a thesis that you might find interesting since you aren’t just regurgitating information.
I’ve heard you can go to Public Health grad school with almost any major, so don’t worry about not having good career prospects due to your major if that’s your field of interest. I’d also recommend a Stats minor so you can see whether or not a career involving heavy use of Stats is right for you.
Whatever you do, if you commit to taking on more science courses, you need to figure out why you aren’t doing as well as you want. It’s not that you’re bored with the material, I’m assuming, so something in your study habits or understanding of the material isn’t clicking. Science courses often build on each other, so you need to do well in the intro classes to do well in the advanced classes.