My Dilemma

College Majors Science Majors
1

<p>Please see below ... I apologize for the informal/awkward syntax - I wrote it within a moments notice______________________________________</p>

<p>[my] computer science undergrad advisor offered caution with regards to BA in comp sci. suggested it would be far superior to double major in bio/comp sci. for B.S. - only disadvantage is that I would have less time to allot towards research/work experience ... concerned about future job security + graduate admission chances </p>

<p>CLARIFICATION: Can anyone please elaborate on the trade-offs between earning a bachelor in science and accumulating research experience ?</p>

2

<p>Seems like you have two questions here:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>BA vs. BS degree program. It is usually school-specific as to what the difference is, in terms of course requirements.</p></li>
<li><p>Second major in biology. Obviously, this adds significantly more course work. What would be your reason for doing so? Biology is not a particularly high demand major in the job market, as there are huge numbers of graduates every year.</p></li>
</ol>

3

<p>I don’t know why would an ADVISOR say something like that. Let me tell you this…just concentrate on graduating with a CS degree. It does NOT MATTER if the degree is a B.A., B.S. or Bachelor of CS. Just make sure you can squeeze in:</p>

<p>Data Structures
Algorithms
Operating Systems
Programming Languages</p>

<p>and some applied/I.T. type courses like</p>

<p>Databases
Networks</p>

<p>and you will be OK.</p>

4

<p>The suggestion on the part of my adviser was in lieu of a career interest in computational biology and bioinformatics … Alternatively, I could double major in computer science/biochemistry + molecular biology, which would equally serve my purposes (drawback being that it would take five years)</p>

<p>Please see: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-life/1426558-does-sound-reasonable.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-life/1426558-does-sound-reasonable.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

5

<p>Why not just major in CS* and take elective courses in biology and statistics to suit your interest in computational biology and bioinformatics, rather than jumping through the hoops to gain the second major?</p>

<p>*BA vs. BS degree depends on what the actual differences are at your school.</p>