<p>Ok, so here is the story. I am 25 years old. Only have my associates. I have had some internships and odd jobs here and there in the past. I'm all set to go to Rutgers in the fall, even taking a course in the summer. I would most likely be majoring in Geology or environmental science, still can't really decide on the two, although I have heard Geology would be a better path to follow. Anyway, my father today talks to me today about going to some kind of animal training school, since I like animals or some sort of technical school. I've always considered technical school, as I am a hands type of person, but the majority of those schools are basically Ponzi scheme's. Also my father has this belief that I would be starving if I went on a scientific track related to Environ Sci./Geology. I realize that a tech. school might graduate me faster and possibly jump start a career for me, but as I said, I am extremely wary of these schools, and a Bachelor's degree would offer me miore versatility if I were to change careers. Now I am second guessing myself. I know I can get the grades and do the rigorous work, but the thought of finally having a steady paying career/job is also enticing as well. Any input would be welcome.</p>
<p>I agree with you that these for profit technical schools are largely a waste of money and should be avoided. Most people who go to these schools end up deep in debt and with poor prospects for employment.</p>
<p>My son is a Geology major at California State University Sacramento and has just finished his sophomore year. Employment prospects for geologists are said to be good and outstanding for geophysicists. Many people have the impression that Geology is an easy major but while this might have been true in the past it is not the case anymore. My son has to take essentially all the same lower division prerequisites as Physics and Engineering majors. So far he has completed Calculus I, Calculus II and Calculus III and the first of three semesters of Calculus based Physics. He will be taking the second semester of Physics and Differential Equations as well as Geology courses next semester. He also has to take two semesters of General Chemistry. before he graduates he plans to take Linear Algebra and enough upper division Physics courses to get a minor in Physics.</p>
<p>While it is possible to get a job with just a BS in Geology, more and more employers, particularly the oil companies, prefer to hire graduates of Masters programs in Geology for entry level positions.</p>
<p>Update, so i’ve decided I’m just going to finish up my bachelor’s. Now I’m running into a different conflict. This conflict is, should I go into a interdisciplinary major such as Geology or Environmental science or Chemistry? Environmental science has a primary focus on the biological side of the environment, so a degree in biology with an emphasis on ecology courses would make sense. However, if I wanted to get into ecology, I’d need to go to grad school, which won’t be anytime soon. My school also offers Zoology and Botany degree’s (B.A. only) however I’m not sure exactly how marketable those degree’s are. Chemistry, I have loved ever since I was young, however I feel I have romanticized the job description and the image of a chemist. I know there are opportunities, but I don’t want to be stuck.</p>