<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I am a sophomore at UVM and have narrowed down my major to either environmental science or environmental studies. I am having a hard time deciding between the two, I like science but organic chemistry is a little daunting. Would an environmental studies degree with a science orientated concentration/thesis with a biology minor open doors for research?
Does it make a huge difference if you have a BS degree or a BA degree? Would choosing the BA degree completely disqualify me for lab work, even if I had a biology minor?
Would environmental studies limit my job opportunities? </p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>You shouldn’t let organic chemistry scare you (I personally haven’t taken it). Just remember, there are resources at your school to help you succeed in your classes. With you being a sophomore, I’m sure you’re aware of your professor’s office hours and your school’s academic success center (or whatever it goes by at your school). Basically, what I am saying is that you shouldn’t let one or two classes scare you away from a major that you are interested in. As far as a BS or BA degree, i would guess that the BS would look stronger on resumes/applications for employment or graduate studies. I’m sure you can do research with either one, but you might have a stronger chance for career progression with the BS. Honestly, the best way for you to find out would be to talk to the faculty from that department at your school. They gain nothing by selling you into picking the BS or BA so I would think that they would be pretty honest about which one would be a good choice for your goals.</p>