Do you need a microbiology degree to work as a microbiologist?

[tree-lights]

I am currently a 1st semester freshman at my state university. I am a Microbiology/Biotech major. My degree requires 7 chem classes, 2 physics, and then a handful of biology classes in my concentration (not including a handful of general biology classes).

I really like microbiology, but this degree option doesn't give me a lot of room to study other biology subjects because of the lengthy chemistry requirements.

Should I continue with this Microbio major if I would like to work (as an epidemiologist, hopefully), or should I switch to a general BS Biology degree program which will give me the freedom to study all the classes I want?

 

[R.Mesri]

It really depends on your individual goals and interests. If you are only interested in pursuing a career in epidemiology, then the Microbiology/Biotech major may be the more suitable option since it allows you to focus on topics directly related to that field. However, if you would like to keep your options open and explore different areas within biology, then a general BS Biology degree may be the better choice. It will give you the opportunity to take classes in a variety of topics, such as genetics, ecology, physiology, cell biology, and so on. Ultimately, it is important to evaluate your own interests and decide which degree program best suits your needs.