Rather than switch majors, why not double major?
When I was an undergrad, I was triple majoring in biology, agriculture and
chemistry until course conflicts made it impossible to fulfill all the
requirements for all three. Then, I dropped chemistry (which I fully
regret!) and graduated in five years with a double major in bio and ag.
A LOT of students were double majors at UMKC when I was there in a temp
position.
If you are in environmental studies, it will largely depend on the focus of
the program.
some are focused on social sciences (Policy and sustainablity) whereas
others are focused on the science end (bio-chem-geol).
If you are going to go into the science end, you need to have a science
background.
I don't think it is so important whether your major in bio or env studies
if you plan to go to grad school.
But, if you don't, you need to cover your bases now.
Your options are
Major in env studies, minor in bio
major in env studies, major in bio
major in bio, minor in env studies.
There are also other options you might consider.
if you are specifically interested in env studies, you might even consider
minoring in public administration.
However, a minor in chemistry might be more valuable.
IN general, I personally think a double major is far superior to a major
with multiple minors. Not everyone agrees with this, but it is my opinion.
Depending on your situation, my opinion may be wrong. Without seeing your
transcript, nowing your grades, understanding the programs you are
comparing, it is pretty hard to give GOOD advice. HOWEVER, the advice you
have received with the options they provide in the series of emails from
various people are all pretty darn good. YOu need to read through it,
maybe contact the people individually offline and discuss more intimately
your situation. Then, maybe you can hammer down yoru options.
I'ld be glad to correspond with you further off-line, and I know from
experience some of the others would be glad to help you out too. You
should probably talk to your advisor too. I suspect that you will find
them very helpful in that he/she will have a much better grasp on your
situation and the programs you are speaking of. For example, had I
realized early on that it would be impossible for me to complete a triple
major in my three fields, I might have dropped one early and taken up
geology instead, or a math/computer minor (man would that have been
useful!)
YOU REALLY NEED TO DEFINE WHAT IT IS YOU ARE TRYING TO DO, WHAT ARE YOUR
GOALS IN YOUR EDUCATION?
I get a vibe you sorta have these hammered out, but not exactly. That
might refect more directy your problem than which major to take!
Malcolm McCallum
On Tue, Apr 7, 2015 at 5:36 PM, Matt Smetana <smetana.m...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hey Everyone!
>
> My name is Matt Smetana, and I’m a current sophomore at Brandeis
> University out near
> Boston. I have been subscribed to this listserve for a few months and have
> been
> applying to various summer internships within the ecological/biological
> field. I am certain
> this is the career path I want to take but am unclear of the skill set
> required to be
> successful in this field.
>
> My current degree is Environmental Studies, but I am also highly
> interested in Ecology,
> Wildlife Biology, and Forestry. I am most drawn to internships and jobs
> pertaining to the
> biological field but enjoy my course work and have a real passion for the
> environment.
> My question is, can I become a successful ecologist or wildlife biologist
> with a degree in
> environmental studies or must I switch my major in order to obtain the
> necessary skills
> for the career that I want.
>
> My main concern with choosing biology is that it inhibits me from taking
> many desired
> courses, studying abroad at a School for Field Studies programs,
> participating in
> independent research opportunities, and possessing an internship this
> summer (I would
> need to enroll in Chemistry this summer).
>
> I will have already taken all of the requirements for the biology degree
> such as the
> introductory courses, biology lab, one semester of general chemistry and
> lab, and all
> required electives. But I have not finished general chemistry, organic
> chemistry, or
> physics. As ecologists, do you think it is more important to go for the
> biology degree or
> stay with environmental studies and gain experience through research,
> study abroad,
> and internships?
>
> Any input would be very helpful and could potentially change the course of
> my future!
>
> Best,
> Matt Smetana
>
--
Malcolm L. McCallum, PHD, REP
Environmental Studies Program
Green Mountain College
Poultney, Vermont
“Nothing is more priceless and worthy of preservation than the rich array
of animal life with which our country has been blessed. It is a
many-faceted treasure, of value to scholars, scientists, and nature lovers
alike, and it forms a vital part of the heritage we all share as Americans.”
-President Richard Nixon upon signing the Endangered Species Act of 1973
into law.
"Peer pressure is designed to contain anyone with a sense of drive" - Allan
Nation
1880's: "There's lots of good fish in the sea" W.S. Gilbert
1990's: Many fish stocks depleted due to overfishing, habitat loss,
and pollution.
2000: Marine reserves, ecosystem restoration, and pollution reduction
MAY help restore populations.
2022: Soylent Green is People!
The Seven Blunders of the World (Mohandas Gandhi)
Wealth w/o work
Pleasure w/o conscience
Knowledge w/o character
Commerce w/o morality
Science w/o humanity
Worship w/o sacrifice
Politics w/o principle
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