Biology or Chem: which degree is more employable?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the employability of graduates with biology versus chemistry degrees, exploring perceptions of job demand, market saturation, and potential career paths within these fields.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that both biology and chemistry graduates are equally employable, with a recommendation for a biochemistry major for better job prospects.
  • One participant shares their experience indicating that there may be more job opportunities for chemistry graduates compared to biology graduates, possibly influenced by geographical factors.
  • Another participant expresses concern about the oversaturation of biology degrees in the job market, suggesting that many biology graduates are perceived as those who did not pursue medical school.
  • It is noted that even PhD graduates in biology may face low starting salaries in industry, raising questions about the value of the degree.
  • Some participants categorize biology as a major often chosen by those uncertain about their career path, comparing it to economics and psychology.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the employability of biology versus chemistry graduates, with some arguing that chemistry graduates have better prospects while others believe both fields offer similar opportunities. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential geographical biases in job availability and varying perceptions of degree value based on market saturation and career paths.

avant-garde
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Which grads are in greater demand right now?
 
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Well, what precisely are you doing?
 
avant-garde said:
Which grads are in greater demand right now?

Both are equally employable. For best effect, do a biochemistry major
 
From my limited experience of a physics major with a chem minor, there are probably more "jobs" to less graduates than in chem. (it may be because i am in new england and it may be a geographical anomaly but there are a lot of bio majors.) Also the jobs you might end up with with a chem major pay well but don't sound very exciting to me. That is mostly the chem company sales rep. side of things I have already been approached by the chem salesmen that sell to company my parents work for.
 
I'd be inclined to say chem. There are WAY too many bio degrees out there.
 
maverick_starstrider said:
I'd be inclined to say chem. There are WAY too many bio degrees out there.

I concur with this statement. Unless you have a PhD, people that have bio degrees are often thought to be people who couldn't make it to med school.
 
Topher925 said:
I concur with this statement. Unless you have a PhD, people that have bio degrees are often thought to be people who couldn't make it to med school.

Even if you do have PhD's I've heard of fresh PhD grads in bio starting at $30,000 in industry
 
Pretty sure the market is constantly saturated with bio majors. Its one of the "I don't know what to do" majors, along with econ and psych.
 

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