Advice

[jonasling]

>>Ok, thanks for pointing that out. However, it is still only 2 credit hours of lab (3+1 and 3+1), still too light to get my vote.

Excelsior's Biology major also only requires 2 lab courses, one of which has to be upper level (page 30 of their liberal arts catalog). So in your opinion, none of the big three would have an acceptable minimum lab requirement in their biology degrees, correct?

[cookderosa]

Excelsior's Biology major also only requires 2 lab courses, one of which has to be upper level (page 30 of their liberal arts catalog). So in your opinion, none of the big three would have an acceptable minimum lab requirement in their biology degrees, correct?

>>


Exactly what I said was "I'm going to say they have the same utility" and that "I'd 100% pick the natural science degree." In my next post, I gave my reasons for my opinion, just like everyone else did. I think Creationstory was collecting opinions/options for a friend who is looking for job advancement, so my opinion was specific to that question.

Sorry for the confusion! My answer wasn't really intended to be generalized. For that, someone in the field of science would be better suited to help you.

[creationstory]

If you were doing pure biology BS, then that's the clear winner- but I'm going to say they have the same utility because of the bio credits coming from the GRE, not labs, and because he is considering a BA vs BS.

On either plan, one could complete the bio degree and not even have 100/200 level labs done-let alone the 300/400 level labs and research. I don't think either would give you a leg up in "biology." Since grad school isn't a plan (today) it might be fine, but this person didn't expect to need a degree before...and does now, so you should always think long term. I think of this kind of degree of maybe as a stepping stone into a peripheral field like biostatistics or pharmaceutical sales.

I'm not a science person, so take my advice with a grain of salt, but I am a person who works in a "hands on" field. And, hands on fields require...well...hands on. Missing labs, IMO, would be like me taking cooking out of my culinary program- and just studying food...but calling it culinary arts. That creates a bit of a mismatch between truth and perception- the name of the degree in that case isn't reflective of the skill set of a BS biology degree holder, for that reason I'd 100% pick the natural science degree.

the BA or BS doesn't really matter to him, although it was a good mention.

he does not have pure bio credits, he has chemistry, physics, math, etc. (not enough for a pure degree in lets say bio, chem, or physics) but he can get a natural sciences degree now. he can also get a biology degree IF he passes the GRE Biology test...

he is simply wondering which Degree is better to have a Biology degree or a Natural Sciences Degree? considering in terms of a name.. and later on in job marketability...

i guess he considered it like either going for a degree in philosophy or humanities. one is more specific than the other..


which type of degree is a stepping stone into a peripheral field like biostatistics or pharmaceutical sales?

[Lindagerr]

I have worked in the science field for over 30 years. I would say it greatly depends on what he wants to get from the degree.

If he wants to work for a pharmacuetical co. in the lab then by far the Bio degree would be better. My husband has a AB(they didn't give BA or BS back then) from Rutgers in biological sciences. He has a better chance of getting a job then I will with my proposed BA in Natural Sciences.

As my dear late boss would have said the natural sciences degree would make you a "jack of all trades but a master of none".

If I was 20 years younger I would not settle for the natural sciences degree, I would take the time to complete my degree in chemistry.

If he already has a job or just wants to do some kind of scientific sales the BA from TESC should be fine.

By the way if he has all the credits TESC could probably have him at least a letter saying he has met the requirements in a short time after his evaluation is official.

[cookderosa]

I have worked in the science field for over 30 years. I would say it greatly depends on what he wants to get from the degree.

If he wants to work for a pharmacuetical co. in the lab then by far the Bio degree would be better. My husband has a AB(they didn't give BA or BS back then) from Rutgers in biological sciences. He has a better chance of getting a job then I will with my proposed BA in Natural Sciences.

As my dear late boss would have said the natural sciences degree would make you a "jack of all trades but a master of none".

If I was 20 years younger I would not settle for the natural sciences degree, I would take the time to complete my degree in chemistry.

If he already has a job or just wants to do some kind of scientific sales the BA from TESC should be fine.

By the way if he has all the credits TESC could probably have him at least a letter saying he has met the requirements in a short time after his evaluation is official.

yes, what Linda said