My friend just lost her job as an Analytical Chemist.

[exboyfil]

79. Key is chemical engineering not

chemistry. For whatever reason engineering is more sought after than physical scientists. In addition it is very difficult to get a professional position with a B.S. in science, but much easier with a B.S. in engineering. My oldest is studying mechanical engineering. She has a friend doing a five year B.S. Physics/transfer for B.S. Mechanical Engineering. I would never advice doing that. Get the engineering degree first. With careful selection of electives you can get a B.S. in an affiliated science without too much additional effort if you wish, but frankly science graduate schools will take you with an engineering degree anyway. You need the extra math for graduate school, and, in the case of Physics for example, you probably only need another Physics class on Relativity if you already have a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.

My younger daughter, who was considering medical school but is now more likely going to pursue Physician's Assistant, made the same decision. She saw what was required for a B.A. in Biochemistry and decided to pursue a B.S. in Nursing first. She can take the additional classes for Med School or PA School without necessarily applying it to a degree. She wants to be in healthcare so be in healthcare. Worst case scenario is getting a B.A. in Biochemistry and not getting accepted into medical school. Placement rates are abysmal and you would have to get the M.S. anyway to find a job. Many B.A.s in Biology/Chemistry/Biochemistry eventually end up in nursing school anyway.

I agree that if you can handle the math, a career in science or engineering is awarding and one of the better careers available today. I personally prefer a mechanical engineering degree because it is general enough to be used in a variety of different areas. Obviously no guarantees, and I do lose sleep over my own job prospects.