<p>Miami looks like it would be a good fit in many ways for my child. But the thing that is throwing me off, is that Miami only offers a BA in Microbiology ( possible major for my child) and not a BS. Many universities offer both degrees in the sciences (or possibly just the BS), and usually the BS has more science requirements while the BA does not. Would just getting a BA hinder someone who wants to go to grad school in the sciences? Some of the other science majors at Maiami offer both the BS and BA, but he is most interested in biology.</p>
<p>The classes that your student takes and <em>research</em> are much more important than the letters on a diploma. Doing a BA program doesn’t prevent students from taking additional science classes. If your child is interested in grad school, I’d also strongly recommend taking several upper-level classes in zoology and botany-- all three fall under the “biology” umbrella. (I was a B.S. Zoology major for quite awhile.)</p>
<p>If the Bachelors is to be the terminal degree, the B.S. in Clinical Laboratory Science would be the choice. It is a practical degree, that can get the student employed. </p>
<p>If further education (Masters/PhD degree) is planned, the broader BA in microbiology would be the choice. That is the reason for the BA only option, terminal degree to be a BS degree.(broader undergrad, narrower terminal)</p>
<p>But overall the distinction between a BA and BS is meaningless compared to the quality and stature of the program. Look into the learning and research opportunities available to undergraduate microbiology students at MU, and compare to other schools, in most schools these positions are only available to grad students.</p>
<p>What is the intended career? Many(all) research positions in microbiology are limited to PhD’s. (some/few Masters) A BA/BS in microbiology by itself is a pretty useless degree.
A BA in Microbiology from MU should be seen as a stepping stone into a top rated graduate program like University of Wisconsin-Madison</p>
<p>Links:
<a href=“http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-biological-sciences-programs/microbiology[/url]”>http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-biological-sciences-programs/microbiology</a></p>
<p>[Undergraduate:</a> Research](<a href=“Undergraduate Programs | Department of Microbiology | Miami University”>Undergraduate Programs | Department of Microbiology | Miami University)</p>
<p>The Microbiology Department at MU is adding a B.S. in Microbiology, which should be available in time for summer registration.</p>
<p>Yes, Zoology major (BS is available) could be an umbrella. D. took so many additional classes in her area of interest in neuroscience under this. You also can delcare a minor, which D. did in neuroscience, which she had to drop later on. So, it has been very rewarding experience at Miami with lots of flexibilities, very helpful advisors and awesome outcome. D. is graduating in few weeks with BS in Zoology, minor in Music Composition and she has been accepted to several highly ranked Med. Schools.</p>
<p>Good luck, I hope your kid will make a great choice of attending Miami U. BTW, Zoology Dept. is recognized nationally.</p>