College Life

Private Schools That Are Well Known for This Major

• Harvard
• Yale
• Columbia
• University of Chicago
• Dartmouth College

State Schools That Are Well Known for This Major

• University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill
• University of Florida
• University of Wisconsin–Madison
• University of Georgia
• Pennsylvania State University

Classes in the Major

Chemistry: Most science majors require background knowledge in several different fields. If you're interested in genetics, prepare to take a bunch of chemistry. That makes sense, though, because our body's chemistry has a lot to do with our genetic makeup. Playing around in the chemistry lab should take you a few semesters, but at least you'll get to see some cool reactions along the way.

Math: Academic science requires math. Non-math lovers may be kicking and screaming about it, but how do you expect to quantify anything you're doing if you don't know your math? Buckle up, Shmoopers, because you'll be taking Calculus or Statistics (or both, if you're lucky). Don't worry, if you aren't a fan of curvy lines and mashing numbers together, you won't have to go much further than the basic courses here.

Physics: Like with chemistry, physics is a foundation course that will show the powers that be that you actually want to be there and aren't just showing up to class for a new nap venue. Generally speaking, early physics courses aren't extremely strenuous, as they find much more joy in letting physics students experience that sort of pain later on in their education.

Genetics: Whew. So you're out of the foundation-building phase. Now, you can get to the actual genetics—o glorious day. These classes will lead you exactly where you're trying to go. What even is the study of genetics? 

Well, it includes learning about dominants and recessives, and if you're thinking about alpha males or the 1930s, you're way off. It's got more to do with gene expression. Genes like to express themselves, you see—kind of like artists. Only instead of paintings, they create human beings.

Genetics Lab: Surely you knew that you'd be spending your time in a lab if you decided to study genetics. Come on, it's genetics. This type of class will be essential for you because there's a good chance you'll be working in a lab after you get your degree. 

Here's your chance to get some hands-on work with genes and how they function, but in case you're picturing yourself poking around in people's bodies and playing with their genes, you should hold your horses. It'll be at least 5% more tame than that.