<p>Hi! I am a high school senior who loves biology. I have only been considering Microbiology as a major because it seems more specialized. My aunt recently told me to open my mind up to just Bio. majors because she said I was closing myself off to really good schools. Can somebody please explain the big difference between the two majors and which one will be more beneficial for someone who wants to eventually do research but not become a doctor? Thanks so much!</p>
<p>It depends what you want to do, because Microbio is just a specialization of bio, in which you study microorganisms, bacteria, viruses and the like. Biology is much more broad so it can lead you to more directions. </p>
<p>I would go with your aunt and just be a general bio major right now. Interests may change between now and 2nd year of college. Mine sure did. When I was a senior in hs, I was a prospective psychology major, now I’m a Chem E major. </p>
<p>For schools, bio is a very typical program so many less expensive schools have good bio programs. Pick a less expensive option. Why? Because Bio and Micro bio have very limited job prospects after the bs level. If you want to do serious research you need atleast a Master’s and if you want to head your own lab you need a PhD. And you want your terminal degree to be the most awesome school that accepted you. </p>
<p>For research, you undergrad degree is minimized. If you did get your PhD in micro bio, you would have an intial advantage as a microbio undergrad but by the end, the advantage would dissipate. </p>
<p>That makes sense. Starting with a broad major would probably be better in the long run. Specializations could come with additional degrees. Thank you so much!</p>