Based on the question topic posted by Britney below titled:In your opinion
(your answer to this reminded me of something)
(I posted the same thing there but I thought it was improper to piggyback on that post so I posted this under a new topic)
I don't know where to start but I was thinking of changing my major to chemistry but that would require me to go to another school since mine doesn't have a chemistry major. This is rather ironic since they have all the major chem classes needed to get a chemistry degree and I have to take them anyway for my forensic science (FOS) major. I heard from a lab prof(he just got his masters in FOS and is leaving) that you could technically take all the chem classes at one school but then get a chem degree in another if you go and take one class at another school. (I'm not so sure this is possible though, Is it?)
Or...I was thinking ahead and was thinking of getting a masters in FOS and then going on and focusing on chem later (Is this reasonable or not?) (I find that I'm quite interested in chem but FOS involves alot of chem as well)
Any advice?
Thanks
First, you need to think this through very thoroughly. I can't give you any advice; ultimately it must be your decision and one with which you are comfortable. As for taking courses at one school and obtaining a degree from another, that is possible but only under a limited number of circumstances. MOST schools with which I am familiar will not grant a degree for taking only one or two courses from that university. Most require at least a year of residency meaning you would need to take two semesters of courses. If you seriously consider such action, you would be wise to call the registrar at the university to which you wish to transfer and ask him/her specifically about the rules. I had a student once who had finished everything except two courses for a chemistry degree when the plant where her husband worked transferred him to another location. She came to talk to me about it thinking the best thing was to transfer and obtain a degree from another institution. When she checked into it, that was a no,no at the new institution. And my university required the last thirty hours to be completed in residence. Obviously she couldn't win for losing at either university. We waived the residency requirement (the rule is intended to prevent students from taking just a course or two and graduating from a "major" university but she had taken 3-1/2 years at our school and it was obvious she wasn't trying to pull a fast one), then she moved to the new location, the chemistry department chairman there called me and we agreed to transfer credit for the two courses she lacked and things worked out very well. She graduated from our institution on schedule. In making decisions about career choices, personally, I think it makes a lot of sense to do something you enjoy doing. You need to consider the job outlook, too, in the two fields. That may sway your decision. It makes no sense to me either to obtain a degree in something in which the job market is not adequate. In all honesty, chemistry placement is much more difficult now that when I was in school. I don't know about FOS degrees.
Fos degree...well...this is interesting to speak about.
I don't know but it's very very very unlikely to get a job here even if you have a masters degree in FOS unless someone dies or retires (that sounds really horrible but it's the truth..)
There are 3 fields of FOS at my school.
1. criminology (hair, blood (can't believe it but you actually have to donate your own blood)
2. molecular biology DNA (I have no interest whatsoever in DNA and I really don't care if it is really in demand and pays good)
3. toxicology basically chemicals in the body and etc.(not interesting to me either)
I guess I seem ambitious but I don't think it's ever too early to make a plan.. I'll just say it..My ultimate goal is a phD..(I would be most happy in chem of course) I don't know but it would probably be easier to obtain a job if you had a higher degree, thus my interest in persuing a higher degree. =) (most of my relatives seem to all have a chemistry phD but are unwilling to actually help me out unfortunately [I wish they could be willing to help me out in chem like you but well they are sort of selfish yes, they are [they could at least give me their e-mail but instead they tell me to look up stuff on the internet.. =( and this makes me sad(and the one who has a phD in organic chem is retired!)]
Sorry for digressing but they get me irritated to say the least. Getting back onto topic I'm not sure if you can get a phD if you don't have a masters in chemistry. Is it possible?
The reason I say that I'm going to take all the chem classes necessary because the chem classes that I have to complete for the FOS degree at my college are:
gen chem 1 & 2
Organic chem 1 & 2
Biochem 1 & 2
Physical chem
Quantivative analysis
Instrumental analysis
guess the only thing missing is inorganic chem and we don't have that at our school but if we did I can bet we'd have to take that too.
~christina~
Based on your question, it seems like you're considering changing your major to chemistry and have a few concerns about the process. Let me break down your options and offer some advice:
1. Switching schools for a chemistry major: If your current school doesn't offer a chemistry major, but does offer the necessary chemistry classes for a chemistry degree, it might be possible to take those classes and then transfer to another school to obtain the chemistry degree. However, the feasibility of this option depends on the specific policies of both your current school and the potential transfer school. I would recommend reaching out to academic advisors at both institutions to discuss this possibility and clarify any requirements or restrictions.
2. Pursuing a master's degree in forensic science (FOS) and then focusing on chemistry: If you're interested in chemistry but want to stay within the field of forensic science, getting a master's degree in FOS first and then specializing in chemistry could be a reasonable option. This approach would allow you to gain a strong foundation in forensic science before further specializing in chemistry later on. It's a good idea to research different graduate programs and their curriculum to ensure they offer the specific chemistry courses or specializations you're interested in.
In both cases, it's important to consider your long-term career goals. Think about whether you ultimately want to work in a chemistry-focused role or if you prefer to combine chemistry with forensic science. Research potential career paths, talk to professionals in the field, and seek guidance from professors or career advisors who can provide insight into the job prospects and requirements for both chemistry and forensic science.
Ultimately, the decision to change your major or pursue a specific path should be based on your own interests and goals. Take the time to thoroughly research and understand the options available to you and seek advice from professionals who can guide you based on their expertise. Good luck with your decision-making process!