<p>As I am looking over UVA's course list on SIS I am trying to start figuring out what i want to take, or what I need to take to satisfy my majors. Before I continue I'll just say that I am an Echols Scholar, so my choices arent really driven by any area requirements or anything (I've accepted the fact that I should take at least a few courses that don't pertain to my area of study, just cuz i think they are interesting). My real dilemma is I'm not exactly sure what I want to major in. I know this doesn't need to be an issue now, since I have time to declare, but I'm someone who really likes to plan things in advance. There are a few things I do know: 1. I will definitely major in biology, and 2. I really would like to double major, just for the extra challenge. My problem is for a few months now I've been juggling around 2 ideas, either I could double major in bio and stats, or in bio and chem. Ive already seen that the bio/stat double wouldn't be too bad, as there arent that many requirements for the stat major. the bio/chem double is a different story....it has a lot of requirements, and I want to know if I want to do this for sure so I can start planning to meet all of them. I like chem so much more than stats, but I wanted some advise on which I should pick. I have heard that the bio/chem double is insanely hard, (I'm up for a challenge but at the same time I don't want a weekly mental breakdown lol) so if anyone has tried the bio/chem double major, your opinions on this would be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>I think something more important to consider would be the BA or the BS. Also keep in mind, other options include minoring or the Echols major or the Interdisciplinary major. Keep in mind you can only have 1 minor. I was similarly torn like you (but in different subject areas): I knew I wanted to major in math and do the 5 year education program, but was also interested in computer science and a myriad of other subjects. I definitely considered the interdisciplinary major. In the end, I decided that I valued the classes over the major/minor title, as well as the freedom from classes required (for the title) that I had no interest in. You might find the same thing is true for you.</p>
<p>I hope someone who did bio/chem chats with you about that.</p>
<p>Well I’ve read about the Echols major and i dont think i would want to do that. What is the difference between a BS and BA? I mean I know what they are but not how they are different when looking for jobs. I also have heard that double majoring means sacrificing other electives that I want to take. I know this would be true in a few cases for me, but for the most part a lot of the chem requirements are classes I wouldve enjoyed taking anyway. I thought about minoring in chem, but when looking at requirements I realized doing that would put me more than halfway to the major anyway, so why not just major?</p>
<p>BS is taken way more seriously. You’ll want to look into that.</p>
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<p>You basically choose, minor and take more electives or major and don’t take more electives. It’s a choice you can make later in your academic career depending on how the minor goes I guess? You don’t have any requirements so you shouldn’t have the scheduling obstacles other double majors have in my opinion.</p>
<p>You should look into the chemistry specializations, such as biochem, as well as the distinguished majors programs.</p>
<p>Are you planning on applying to med school? If the answer is yes, you will need to ensure you take the following prerequisites regardless of your major(s): 2 semesters bio + labs, gen chem 1 & 2 + labs, orgo 1 & 2 + labs, physics 1 & 2, Calc 2 or 3, stat, 2 semesters English, and biochem. AP credit cannot fulfill these courses – med schools want you to take them at your college, and it is recommended that the sciences not be taken during the summer. Double majoring can be achieved for premeds, but it does take careful planning. I agree with Hazel…you might be interested in an interdisciplinary major that combines bio with other classes. The two that come to mind are Neuroscience and Human Biology. They’re both distinguished majors which means you must apply. Our D is an Echols so she has been able to fulfill the premed reqs above and double major. She selected Human Bio and Religious Studies and has thoroughly enjoyed both. Good luck in reaching your decision!</p>
<p>I think I’m pretty confident that I do not want to go to med school. I definitely want to do grad school though. Right now I’m thinking of pursuing a career in research, I also wouldn’t mind going into forensics. Either way, a strong chem background would be great to have. The only reservations I have about it is the workload</p>
<p>If you want to do grad school, a double major is probably counter intuitive – you can only choose 1 for grad school anyways. One of the specializations would be better if you are unsatisfied with only biology.</p>
<p>I would strongly advise against double majoring in biology and chemistry. Even with your Echols benefits, it is INSANELY hard to major in both of those subjects. It is possible, but it will likely be more than just the healthy challenge you are looking for. </p>
<p>Also, if you plan on going into graduate biology, you honestly would not need any upper level chemistry (except for possibly biochemistry) after intro/maybe organic. Physical chemistry/inorganic chemistry are both difficult classes that you would be able to avoid if you opted against the chemistry major.</p>
<p>Instead, I would strongly advise getting a BS in biology (and a minor in something you enjoy if you want). Most of the biology majors at UVA get the BA because it is easier. Additionally, most of those getting the BA describe themselves as premed. Therefore, getting a BS in biology would really help set you out among the biology population at UVA and hopefully open up research opportunities for you. Needless to say, the BS in biology is very difficult and would certainly keep you busy.</p>
<p>Unlike biology, most of the chemistry majors at UVA get the BS (like me) instead of the BA. The BS in chemistry is a VERY demanding degree and it is not worth the time and stress if you know you are never going to study it past the undergraduate level.</p>
<p>Well I’m not quite sure yet if I want to go to grad school immediately after graduating, or if I want to find a job first. If i do find a job I want to go into research, and I think it would look better on my resume (and give me more opportunities) if I had that chemistry major as well. What if I got a BS in Bio and a BA in Chem? The BA doesn’t seem QUITE as demanding. And UVA’s Chemistry Department page describes the BA as “a flexible program designed to prepare the student for further study in a wide range of fields.” That sounds applicable to me, since I want to study mostly in bio. Do employers look down on a BA rather than a BS?</p>
<p>What you are saying by majoring in chemistry to increase your employment opportunities is, “if I’m not good enough is biology I would take a chemistry job.” This does not sound true from either your or their perspective, especially considering why would they take someone with a BA in chemistry over someone who has a passion with a BS, and why would you be satisfied in a chemistry job if you are not even willing to do the BS you are not interested enough in it. I think you should major in biology, BS, which is employable enough in itself, and then from there minor or major based on interest, not employment. You’ll also find that it makes more financial sense to go to grad school straight from undergrad. If you’re used a decently paying job, you’re going to leave grad school in an instant, if you can even convince yourself to go back. Going straight from undergrad eliminates that, and also your undergrad research from the BS will be way more applicable than whatever entry level job you get for 1-2 years before applying. Just take a few chemistry classes at UVA first before convincing yourself you need to double major in anything. That is my 2cents</p>
<p>I still have a passion for chemistry, the employment aspect of it is only another point I was making. If I really only cared about getting a job I would major in something like Business, where people find jobs MUCH easier. I was only thinking another degree in chem couldnt hurt, because I have heard the job outlook isnt amazing for bio majors. I would still be satisfied with a chem job…maybe not AS satisfied as if it were bio, but I would still be pretty happy. How do people even afford grad school straight after undergrad?</p>
<p>When you do a PhD in sciences especially, you actually are earning a salary. My brother, doing his PhD in chemistry, earns almost as much as I do as a teacher. They pay your tuition and a stipend for you to either be a teaching or research assistant.</p>
<p>Oh okay, I didn’t know that. What about for a Masters? I know some jobs will pay for their employees to get another degree, but would I still be able to choose which university I got the degree from?</p>
<p>A master’s you pay for yourself unless you can get an employer to pay for it. You would be restricted to either a single university, or a university in the area, and you would need to continue to work typically while you get your master’s at night.</p>