<p>Hey everyone,
I'm a freshman trying to figure out my major; I'm currently straddling both philosophy and neurobiology, and can't double major (the neurobio department won't allow anyone to do so). I love philosophy and think for various reasons that it's an extremely worthwhile undergrad degree, but also think that I want to end up in science - so now I'm trying to figure out which field to major in and which to minor in.
I was wondering if there was any precedent at all for a switch from an undergrad degree in humanities to a graduate program in biology. Although I couldn't double major, I could get a minor in neurobio, and I could still take many of the same courses required by the neurobio concentration; it just wouldn't officially be on my degree. Additionally, if I picked a philosophy major, I would do a sub-track within philosophy called "mind/brain/behavior," which would require a thesis that is at least partly biological or psychological in nature.
So - if I took many of the same courses, did research, and otherwise demonstrated my ability, would schools nonetheless be put off by my philosophy degree?
I know it's a little early to be thinking about this, but I have to declare a major in sophomore fall and thought it wouldn't hurt to consider this possibility. I'm a freshman at Harvard, if it matters.
Thanks for any feedback!</p>
<p>As long as you take the appropriate courses and perform research in biology/neurobiology, you should be fine, especially if you apply to neuroscience programs, which tend to be interdisciplinary to begin with. Although some people make fun of philosophy majors and how “worthless” their degrees are, most academics understand that philosophy majors excel in logic, written communication, and abstract thought, all desirable qualities in the scientific research community.</p>
<p>One alternative you didn’t mention, however, was to major in neurobiology and take philosophy courses as electives. If you are really set on science but love philosophy, this may be a better plan, mostly because it will be easier to get into a lab for research experience. Some researchers will take only students who are majoring in the field. Your research experience and working relationship with professors outside the classroom will be the two most important factors in gaining admission to graduate school.</p>
<p>Yeah, I’ve considered doing it the other way around, and it’s definitely still a possibility - but I think the phil major/neuro minor combination is more desirable, if only because I think it’d be hella fun to write a phil thesis before going into science.
Thanks for the input. Anyone have any other thoughts?</p>
<p>I think biology graduate programs aren’t worried about what undergraduate degree you have received, but if you have specific course requirements (i.e. Biology I & II, genetics … etc). Most likely the required courses could be found on any biology graduate’s website. However, admission committees will most likely want to see in your statement of purpose how your degree has prepared you for bio graduate programs and how your degree helps your future goals. Also, research is extremely important, so try to work in a lab regardless of which undergrad degree you choose.</p>