<p>Hi all! I'm a junior trying to narrow down a list of schools for applications, and I have a question that is really bogging down the process.</p>
<p>I know that I want to study genetics, with an end goal of a career in the field (probably doing research, maybe teaching.) I'm going to get a Ph.D and I know that my undergraduate degree is how I get myself on the right path to the best graduate programs and beyond.</p>
<p>Which leads me to my question: Is there any difference between having an undergraduate degree in genetics and having a undergraduate degree in biology with a specialization/program of study in genetics?</p>
<p>Many schools have good biology programs that offer specalization within the college itself, and very few schools have an actual undergrad degree in genetics. If the difference is negligible, I can expand the list of possible schools and go from there. However, if having one or the other improves my credentials, I would like to focus on that particular path.</p>
<p>Any information is greatly appreciated, and thanks for taking the time to help!</p>
<p>
Go for the latter. Breadth is as important as depth for future graduate study.</p>
<p>You’re better off looking for colleges that have a strong emphasis on undergraduate research (although of course they all claim to) than colleges with a major in genetics.</p>
<p>Read the course lists carefully for each program, and compare what is required for a “degree in genetics” and a degree in biology with a “concentration in genetics”. You will probably learn that these programs are equivalent at most universities. Which means that you can study just about anywhere.</p>
<p>If you’d like to know whether an undergraduate degree in genetics is really more useful at the time of grad school applications, you could post a question on the grad school forum. You can reach that by clicking on “discussion home” in the upper left of this screen and then scrolling down.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Agreed with happymom. In all likelihood, they look very similar in course composition (but you should check). Additionally, at schools that don’t offer a designated focuses, you often can still focus your coursework in that area as part of your concentration. Anywhere with strong bio undergrad will prepare you.</p>