I think the best thing is to follow what you’ll enjoy. Sure there might be some difficulties, but in the end you’ll be happier, and that’s what matters.

It’s tough to have much of a career without a graduate degree, and even then it usually has to be a PhD.

But graduate school usually won’t add to your debt – most places will pay you a pittance and cover your tuition for teaching or research assistantships. It will take a while, though.

If you find you like the chem, stay with it. I did a BS bio and BA chem, which didn’t take much longer since the programs involved many of the same prerequisites. Having the chem degree made me more employable, made entry into grad school easier and was a great background for my dissertation work (in biology). It also gave me better standing in the eyes of my current boss in the biotech industry. A good background in chemistry is the best edge you can give yourself as a biologist, and as you come from a quantitative educational background you’ll have an advantage in chem classes.

Good luck!

You could research into if there are master degrees in biology which accept your BSc. Such as bioinformatics, for which a sound background in programming would be an advantage. MScs are shorter and will result in a higher qualification, which could improve job proscepts.

Alternatively you could look out for low level techinican jobs in biology, which don’t always require a degree (although you could be up against biology grads in the application process). Some companies will fund people in such positions to take degrees in studies relevant to their work, such as mine, which is Thermo Fisher, so you could look them up and see if there’s any such vacancies in the US. 🙂

Huh? That’s not true. I don’t have a PhD, my highest qualification is an MSc and I’m going to start a research project in a few months time (not a PhD). It’s out there, you just got to look for it and go for it!

I’m in great debt from taking a master. You’re referring to a PhD. I don’t know how it works for masters in the US, but here I had to take out a loan and pay back £180 a mouth, which sucks, but it’s been worth it.

Edit: There are also careers in industry, which often don’t specify a postgraduate degree.

Good luck Jzen, it’s never too late for such a good career in Bio.

Good Luck Jzen…I’m 26 with a BS in Astronomy and Physics and I was thinking about getting an MS in Chemistry and Biology but it may be best to go back to get a BS in Chemistry or Biology first, since I have no background in Chem or Bio.

no. they are looking for all sorts of different backgrounds in medical school. the b.s. and the b.a. just determines what kind of classes you took. its kinda like applying to college. the recruiters (if you want to call them that) are looking at the overall candidate, not just one thing