Graduate degree in biochemistry vs microbiology

Graduate School
1

<p>I'll be graduating in May with two degrees- one in forensic molecular biology and one in biology. When I first entered college I planned on staying at the same university to get a graduate degree in forensic science and then apply for positions as a forensic biologist. After some personal exploration I determined forensics is absolutely not the proper career path for me, although I did discover my love for DNA sequencing and molecular biology research through my major.</p>

<p>So now I'm applying to graduate school and am trying to figure out which degree to get. I'm most interested in molecular/cell biology but the school I plan on going to only offers biochemistry and microbiology M.S. degrees. From what I've heard from professors, it doesn't really matter which one I choose because I can get molecular biology jobs with either degree type, but I'm sure one is better than the other for my field of interest.</p>

<p>What are your opinions? Also, what are some job prospects in the molecular biology field? I think my indecisiveness lately is a result of my realization that actual jobs available are nothing like I expected and pay much less than degrees are worth.</p>

<p>Edit: I should add that I've met with a professor that accepts graduate students from both the microbiology and biochemistry programs, so either way I'll be conducting the same research (if I get accepted)</p>

2

<p>The only difference would be in the courses you have to take for the degree if you are planning to work with a specific professor in both cases. See which courses will be most useful for you to get a job after graduation.</p>

<p>The question of job opportunities is a bit harder to answer. Biology is one of the most popular majors in the U.S. and so it is always a challenge getting a position with a Bachelor’s degree. With a Masters, it is likely that the job prospects are better. You should look into your current university’s job fair in the last terms before you graduate and try our some interviews. Ask the interviewers whether they have positions for Masters level employees. This is the kind of information you need to try to acquire on your own before making a decision.</p>