<p>So I've just been doing some thinking lately. I'm a biology major and it has been my desire to go to graduate school after I get my B.S. to study genetics. The thing is I'm just not sure thats really what I'm going to want to do. If I just decide to stop after undergrad will I be able to do anything with just a B.S. in biology?</p>
<p>An option I've been thinking about is double majoring in chemistry. I already have to take so many chemistry courses that picking up the rest to double major wouldn't be too difficult. It just seems like the job prospects for chemistry majors are so much higher, they are payed much better, and they are more respected. I do enjoy chemistry, I'm not as passionate about it as I am genetics, but if it opens up more doors its certainly something I want to look in to. </p>
<p>What do you guys think, can I do anything worthwhile with a B.S. in biology, or should I pick up the extra chem classes to get a double major and hopefully expand my opportunities?</p>
<p>Bio majors are far from screwed, there's a huge influx of new biology information in the past few years, while other fields seem to be reaching diminishing returns.</p>
<p>Do you like physics? Upper level chemistry courses heavily emphasize physics and statistics.</p>
<p>if you are into masochism (I jest), you can do premed, all you need is some physics and english (assuming you've taken organic chemistry) and the MCAT</p>
<p>What kind of job do you want? If you want to be involved in research, you really should go for the PhD. What are your reasons for not wanting to go to grad school? Bailing out after undergrad could leave you doing something you're not entirely happy with. You can definitely get some sort of job with a BS, and for most entry level type jobs I would guess the 2nd major would look good, although I'm not sure to what extent it would help. Work experience would probably be just as useful, if not more so.</p>
<p>If you want any advanced job, you will need to go to grad school. If you ever plan on making 100k+ a year, you will need to go to grad school.</p>
<p>The most you could do with a BS or BA in a natural science is being a lab technician. If you want to make money straight out of undergrad, engineering is a good choice.</p>
<p>I have a friend and his wife has a new Ivy Phd in bio. She spent a few months looking for work in her specialty and didn't come up with anything. She took her LSATs recently....</p>
<p>don't be a science major if you don't want to get some kind of higher degree afterwards. I'm working part time at a biotech firm... I enjoy it, but no way would I try to get into that field after graduation with just a BS. It's all grunt work, little pay, and kind of dead end as far as progressing in your career. </p>
<p>Also, I don't see much of an advantage in picking up a double major in bio and chem. Since you need a decent amount of chem as a bio major, you'll be fine as far as applying to grad or med school, or trying to get some kind or research job. Having more chem probably won't give you THAT much of an edge.</p>
<p>Been there. Got a BS in biology, minor in chemistry. Taught for a couple of years. Did med research for a few years, loved it, but paid worse than teaching, which is poverty level in Louisiana. Trained in ecology, marine biology, ornithology, so no lab type courses other than general bio and chem. Recommond taking microbiology, cytology, so you're trained on a microscope and other lab equipment. Medical technologist, which is a bs with a certification,was available when I went to school, and regretted not going that route once realized the dearth of job prospects out there for a BS biology. Not much hope that a grad degree helps in this field. Many classmates went all the way to their doctorate and still no job, wind up teaching high school science anyway. My Godchild got her BS in microbiology and biochemistry, got a MS in genetics, and is now teaching honors science in high school. </p>
<p>Recommend staying with your sciences, building upon them, and maybe going into medical technology, nursing or some other allied health field with a BS, or even pharmacy (a great profession, well paid nowadays, and no blood and guts involved). </p>
<p>Congrats on thinking about your future now. Many of us don't think about what to do with our degree until we've got it. Good for you, and good luck.</p>
<p>BS/BA will land you at most a lab technician. It's a solid job to build your resume on and get more experience, but I wouldn't plan on being a lab tech for the rest of my life. Out of the 2 techs in my lab (both graduated recently), one is planning on going to med school and the other is planning on going to grad school. This summer, a lab tech left for medical school. It's not a bad starting job, but I don't think it's fulfulling enough to do for the rest of your life. If you truly love science, go for a PhD, and MD if you also like service.</p>
<p>PhDs don't get paid badly at all. You can either be 1. a professor 2. lab PI or 3. senior research scientist, all which make around 80k a year. Professors usually make at least 100k a year, not extravagant by any means, but enough to buy a house, raise a family, and drive a BMW.</p>
<p>Also, don't forget that you get paid while in grad school. So it's a "job" if you look at it that way, one that guarantees advancement.</p>
<p>If you think bigger-picture, there are avenues open to a bio major. However for what you seem to be thinking, if I have a bio degree (or bio and chem) are there jobs I'm trained for the same way accountants and engineers with a bachelors are ready for the job market, the answer is no.</p>
<p>What are some of the "bigger-picture" items? Sales in a technical field (pharmaceutical, chemical, etc). Get a law degree and become a patent attorney. Journalism (provided you get internships and other relevant experience while an undergrad). Any job that a liberal-arts grad can enter (which means you need to explore career areas and get internships while an undergrad).</p>
Research Scientist
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<p>The Directorate of Science and Technology (DS&T) seeks Research Scientists to direct and oversee scientific research and development activities across multiple programs and through one or more projects addressing Agency and Intelligence Community (IC) objectives. This includes development and implementation of innovative original theories/methods applicable to support and enhance the intelligence mission. Perform exploratory and applied scientific research, provide operational and strategic technical guidance on use of current and emerging technology, and provide technical expertise for initiating and implementing research and development programs. This work demands initiative, creativity, advanced research skills and technical expertise. Agency Research Scientists are encouraged to maintain and broaden professional ties through academic study, contacts and attendance at professional meetings. They may also choose to pursue additional studies in fields relevant to their areas of responsibility. Opportunities exist for foreign travel, technical and management training, and assignments in other offices in the Agency and throughout the US Government.</p>
<p>Minimum requirements include a bachelor's or master's degree (PhD desired) in: General Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Electrical Engineering; Computer Science; Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering; Biology; Biomedical Engineering; Cultural Anthropology; Psychology; Material Science; Research Methodology/Statistics; Electrochemistry; or Sociology. Applicants must also possess strong written and oral English communications skills. A GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale is preferred.
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<p>PhD desired... but you could go back for that later.</p>