PhD research prerequisites

[Lej8776]

Hi, so I'm wondering if I could get some information on PhD requirements and prior research experience. I'm a sophomore getting my bachelors in environmental science. While I still find my major interesting, I've really gotten interested in genetics, cell biology and epigenetics. I would love to do research on genetic diseases or work in biotech. However, a lot of the molecular biology and genetics PhD programs, "strongly recommended" research experience. My question is, if I do research and internships in my current field, would that research experience be relevant? Could I put that on my application and have that count towards research? Has anyone else changed fields and applied to graduate school? Thank you!

[dagnabbit]

While it is not uncommon to switch fields for a grad program, it is important to understand that much of your competition will have studied the subject as an undergraduate and will have some relevant research experience. I'm not too familiar with molecular biology/genetics, but I imagine that environmental science research experience might not be the best signal that you are ready to study biology at the graduate level.

Another idea - you're only a sophomore, yes? If possible it might be a good idea to switch majors now (or double major), as you'd likely still be able to finish in four years assuming you've already completed some university-wide requirements. This would be a good move because:

1. You will get familiar with the discipline and figure out if it's really something you would like to dedicate your career to. This is really important, because oftentimes there is a disconnect between expectation and reality when it comes to certain fields of study; I came into college thinking I wanted to study geography, until I learned what geographers really study (and how they do so) and decided it wasn't for me.

2. You will take all of the classes that grad programs will want you to have taken as an undergrad.

3. You will be able to build relationships with faculty in the department, which will be useful for procuring research assistant positions and eventual letters of recommendation.

I think that there are a lot of negative connotations attached to switching fields during undergrad, but in reality it is by far the best and easiest time to do so. Just like nobody expects prospective PhD students to actually stick with the research agenda they put forth in their statements of purpose, nobody expects undergrads to know exactly what they want to study at 17 years old.