What it’s about:

Genetics began when an Austrian monk examined the heredity of simple traits in peas. It how serves as the framework for the biological sciences, by providing concepts and techniques for studying inheritance, development, disease, and evolution in all living organisms and viruses. As a major in genetics, you gain a solid background from which you can specialize in most areas of biology.

What the study of this major is like:

Genetics majors usually begin with a solid grounding in chemistry, biochemistry, and general biology. Math and statistics requirements vary from college to college. Within the major, your work can be diverse, including courses in classical genetics, molecular biology, plant and animal genetics, population genetics, cytology, human genetics, microbial genetics (bacteria and viruses), behavioural genetics, and specialized courses related to model organisms (such as maize, roundworms, or mice) or to laboratory skills such as molecular genetics techniques.

Some colleges do not have the undergraduate major “genetic,” but they offer similar courses under “molecular biology.” Most programs contain a mix of lecture, laboratory, and independent research opportunities; in addition, some programs have a capstone course in which you read original research papers and discuss them. To be a successful major, you should be committed to genetics and have good study habits. Some students find genetics challenging because it is a research-oriented major. If you don’t like research (many people don’t), then genetics is probably not for you. But if you love working in the lab at all hours, you should do well.

If you plan on going for a Ph.D. in genetics or another biological science, pick a college that offers quality undergraduate research opportunities. A graduate admissions committee will probably expect you to supply a letter or recommendation from a respected researcher in whose laboratory you worked.

Genetics is a good undergraduate major for students heading for medical school, veterinary school, and most other graduate programs in biology. On the other hand, you don’t have to major in genetics to get into a graduate program in the field. Graduate programs accept majors in biochemistry, bacteriology, biology, zoology, botany, and other biological sciences.

Career options and trends:

Genetics counsellor*; medical or veterinary doctor*; genetics researcher or investigator*; lab bench scientist or technician, or lab manager; science writer; executive, manager, or sales rep in the biotechnology industry; clinical and medical geneticist.

A degree from professional school and licensing are required for those wishing to become physicians or veterinarians, and most jobs in genetic research require a Ph.D.

The biotechnology industry has a number of career opportunities for students with just a baccalaureate. The aggressive growth that occurred in that industry in the past has slowed somewhat but is still going strong, and is expected to remain strong for the foreseeable future. There is also an increasing need for people with a solid background in both genetics and communications.

Source: CollegeBoard 2012 Book of Majors