Is Biology a useless major?

Hello,

I have heard a lot of people say ‘don’t major in _____, your job prospects will be limited.’ Usually they are refering to majors such as english, history, world languages, arts, and gender studies.

Throughout my college major research, I have found that other than medical/grad school, the career opportunities for life science majors are bleak. Most of the ‘Career destination’ websites at colleges show biology and chemistry majors working as research assistants or medical assistants making very little money.

Assuming I do not intend to go to a health-care-related grad school, Is it even worth majoring in biology or chemistry?

Thanks

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bump, I would like to hear the answer to this as well

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Basically, you have to think of biology as being like a major where major-specific jobs are few and highly competitive, so many graduates have to seek jobs not directly related to their majors (like those who major in literature, history, anthropology, music, etc.). Remember also that biology is the most common major among pre-meds, and most pre-meds do not get into medical school.

@ucbalumnus Thank you for this insight. Good points. Feeling pretty indecisive about what major to enter into.

I feel the same way @kkendall
I really enjoy studying natural sciences, but I feel that if I do not end up persuing medical school, I will have wasted my time.

There are MANY science related jobs that are outside of the traditional pre-med and medical school route. Granted some do require grad school in some form, but there is a lot worth exploring,.

@Savage101 Yea, basically, I am not really interested in going to medical school and I do not really have a career in the biology field I have in mind. I do not find grad school particularly appealing, but if its what it takes I honestly have no idea what I want to do with my life, but I do know that I am fascinated by biology, especially like human anatomy / physiology stuff. IDK if I should pursue bio without a specific career in mind, or just head in undecided. btw sorry to hijack this forum…

It probably depends on whether or not you’re interested in research, considering that research is where most of the science jobs are.

But then you need a PhD to get a research job, and there may be more PhDs than there are research jobs for them.
https://www.nature.com/news/2011/110420/full/472276a.html

You are not wrong. The US produces far more bio and chem majors than it employs, especially with only an undergrad degree. You can go to med school with any major as long as you fulfill the pre-med requirements.

Could you get interested in Biostatistics or bioinformatics? Those two fields have strong job prospects.

Bioinformatics and the ability to data-mine info is increasingly important to healthcare NGOs, providers, payers and manufacturers. However, maybe an approach to take is, what can you see doing with your life? Are there degrees that fit that vision? Aquaculture? Animal farming? Medical research? Biology teacher? Science writer? Environmental protection? Game warden? Chemical spill cleanups? All of those need natural science knowledge.

@OP I think it’s a good idea to major in bio or chem, but if you do, you’re gonna think about what career you would want to pursue (whether that be pharmacy, optometry, radiology, etc.). When choosing your undergrad school, consider this for medical school (I’m from CA and competition is super intense here): http://www.■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■/savvy-pre-med/2016/9/19/3-reasons-many-uc-pre-meds-regret-their-college-choice

gonna have to think about whoops

That was an interesting article @XCBikeSwimSleep

I already chose my undergrad school (I am an incoming college freshman). I made sure to chose a school that isn’t so large like many state schools to make it easier to gain research/letter of rec/individual attention/etc.

I am also very interested in hearing what others feel about this issue.

I have always assumed that a bachelor’s degree in biology qualifies you to go to graduate or medical or veterinary school and learn whatever will lead to an actual career. I don’t see any problem with this, as long as you like biology, have the grades to go on to graduate or medical school, can afford to continue your education after getting a bachelor’s (no debt for undergrad would be nice), and you spend some time thinking about what career you intend to head towards. I have wondered whether some biology majors end up in law school.

It would be interesting to hear from people who were originally intending to go to medical school but ended up on a different path, and to hear from people who are interested in biology but with some intention other than medical school or veterinary school.

My D is a biology major with a double minor ( being vague on purpose). She entered college with the intention of getting her Ph.D. or going to med school. After several semesters of research and shadowing, she has found that her interests are changing and expanding. She does not love lab work and did not love shadowing… yet she still loves science ( among other things).

She is still in undergrad… and has been offered 2 gap year positions ( needs to choose). Following this position… it looks like she will be applying to dual degree grad programs. PM me if you want.

Biology is not a useless major… but it does depend on the student.

It’s great if you plan to go to medical school. Other than that, yes, prospects are generally barren or are not very well-paying. Jobs are going to be mainly in academics, research, or teaching. If that’s your thing, then go for it. If you’re looking for something more marketable, I would do some research on marketable majors based on your interests.