<p>I really love science. I plan to major in biochemistry/molecular biology/material science in college. However, I am also well-aware of the dire career prospects of pure science majors. So far, Ive got into UIUC biochemistry major. And Ive also applied to a bunch of LACs, where I hope I can have more research opportunities. I am also interested in some engineering programs like biomedical engineering/biotechnology/biomolecular engineering but I prefer to study sciences first. My goal is to work at biotech companies or biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Im wondering can I apply to bioengineering programs (biotechnology) in graduate schools with a related B.S(biochemistry) if I fulfill my requirements in math and physics? Has anyone done that before?</p>
<p>Absolutely. Most of your classmates will also have taken a range of biological majors. See it as the normal route of a broader major for undergrad then a more specialised masters. Your plan sounds fine.</p>
<p>Thank you, highland_poppy. I want to make sure pursuing my interest has a career future. :)</p>
<p>Absolutely, Biomedical Engineering is a relatively new field and those who pursue careers in it may come form a variety of different fields. However, you might want to have a taste of engineering before jumping into the field and specifically try to do undergraduate research in a BME lab. In order to do this, UIUC might be a better option than a LAC. Furthermore, i would disagree that you would have more research opportunities at a LAC. UIUC is a major research university and you wiuld be able to work in a laboratory alongside Ph.D. students.</p>
<p>Thanks, xraymancs. Yes, I want to study BME in graduate school. I applied to some LACs which have amazing science programs. I’m kind of concerned UIUC has too many students, I don’t know if I can really get a chance to do research.That’s the only reason I think small LACs are better for me. I could be wrong though, thanks again for your reply! :)</p>
<p>Research has become an important part of many undergraduate programs nowadays, unlike when I was a student at UIUC (many) years ago. Even so, I was able to get involved in a research project as an undergraduate employee in CS and with a theoretical physics professor for a project that became my first publication. It is much easier now as many students expect to get those opportunities. However, at a big school like UIUC you need to go seek them out a bit more than at a LAC where they are sort of integrated into the curriculum.</p>
<p>You might look into the smaller [Association</a> of Independent Technological Universities: AITU](<a href=“http://theaitu.org%5DAssociation”>http://theaitu.org) schools where you can get engineering and a smaller program where it is easy to get involved in research. if you go to one of these schools which also has Ph.D. programs, it is sort of the best of both worlds.</p>
<p>Good luck</p>
<p>Thank you for your school list, xraymancs:) Yesterday I just found out I was rejected by Georgia Tech, so I might apply to more schools. UIUC is amazing for me but I also want to explore more options.</p>