Should I finish my degree in Biology or get a Degree in Business instead?

Question

I dropped out of college two years ago due to financial difficulties. I've been working in the business field since then, mostly working on market channeling and deal sourcing. I don't mind working, but still want to finish college education.
I can't decide on whether to finish my degree in biochem (the major I was in before), or get a degree in the business field (ie. marketing, accounting..etc). A degree in the business field would be easier to obtain, there is less courses to take (cost less too) and I have had plenty of experiences with writing proposals already. But I like biochem, and a degree in Biochem would mean that I would have the option to enter the medical field or join a research, be a true skilled professional. However the return potential on biochem major is much lower, the degree cost more time and money to obtain, yet the probability to land a high paying job with it is...well..not high.

What should I choose?

Answer 1

I think you should go for your Biochem so you have the versatility in your life. First, I always found in the corp world it is the master's that is noticed. Second, having diversity in your arsenol of accomplishments and knowledge makes you more competitive. Third, business is business - but at this time in history, science is booming. Having a doorway into those opportunities - again increased chance of happiness and job satisfaction because you have a more diverse background and thus more choices. Again, I think you should go for the Biochem.

Answer 2

Well, they are flat out wrong about the "a lot of writers haven't gone to college" bit. In fact, many have advanced degrees. John Grisham was graduated law school (and practiced law for 10 years) before becoming a writer. Suzanne Collins, author of the hugely popular Hunger Games, has a Master's in Fine Arts from NYU, and Michael Crichton (Jurassic Park, Andromeda Strain) had a medical degree and post doctoral studies from Harvard. JK Rowling when to the University of Exeter and Stephen King graduated from the University of Maine before becoming a public high school teacher before becoming a writer. So education DOES help one become a successful writer. You can do it without a degree, but if you look at all the people who've sold a million copies of their books, 99% of them would have a degree because education of any sort will better your writing ability. But as for what degree matters? They ARE right about what your degree is in not mattering a whole lot. It does somewhat, but MOST people don't work in the same field their degree is in--unless that field is highly specialized, like law or medicine. English degrees are helpful, but it doesn't really matter. So long as you are studied in a field that interests you and that will reflect in your writing, that's what's going to be key. Writers generally don't have "employers" and so the degree is not a way to get a foot in the door like it is in other careers. It's more about talent and the ability to tell a captivating story.

Answer 3

You have to choose the one that you can make a living on but something that you like ok?? If you HATE biochem, then there is no point of doing it if you can't imagine yourself being in Biochem career.

If you are good at business and like it. Also, lots of experience with it, then GO FOR IT!!!

This is what I would do. If I like that program and loving it, then I would take that course. After I get a good job, I would save them money and slowly finish my major in biology just to keep in option open.

Answer 4

If you want to enter the medical field, think about going in the business door. Get your degree in business with a minor in biology, chemistry, or anatomy & physiology. You can have it all: finish your degree faster and less-costly; work in the medical field (business side); get paid quite well for it.

If in the future you decide you want to go medical, you have the background and should be able to get your second BA/BS easily and go on to med' school.

Research teams need business people to help them stay on track financially, make proposals, get funding, spread the word, research ethics and law... research people and scientists are often completely focused on the task at hand and have little time for this sort of thing OR they don't care/have knowledge on how to do such a thing.

Also, think about being a business lawyer with a heavy background in medical sciences -- LOTS of money there.

Answer 5

I think you have summed up the considerations pretty well. I think you have to decide whether you want to do business stuff for the forseeable future or whether you would find a science job more fullfilling. Also, how important is money to you? You would probably be able to finish a business degree while still working. That would be more difficult with a science degree.

Answer 6

I think that your most important factor is how long time there is left for you to complete your biochem major. Is it just a term or two then its better to complete it and maybe take some additional buissnes courses afterwards. But if you only have started then its up to you to choose I think. Choose whatever you likes most! Johan

Answer 7

If you can in any way afford to continue with the biochem, by all means do so.
The saying, "to thine own self be true", comes to mind.
You sound more excited about the biochem, for that reason alone, I suggest doing what will fulfill your life.
I would not like to think of you at seventy, wishing you had followed your heart.

Answer 8

Well i think that u should go for business degree. u r experienced; so there wont b much difficulty to achieve it. aft that u ll b able to earn ur bread & butter. the earnings in this job will help u go for courses in bio-chem. so ur dream to becom researcher or whatever will also come true.