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Ava
Student
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Question
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What are the benefits of double majoring in Psychology & Biology
I am currently majoring in BS Psychology and have a minor in Biology. I graduated high school with my AA, so this is my first year in college and I've realized I enjoy Biology and lab work more than psychology. I work as a behavior therapist, and while I enjoy the job, I feel more drawn to biology than psychology.
I'm considering adding another year of college to complete a double major in both studies, making my college experience 3 years instead of 2.
I want to pivot and find a career in lab research, possibly combining the two if possible. I'm not 100% on the specific research study, at present I want a major that will allow me to apply for entry level lab positions. Then after gaining experience, apply for grad school and enter more specific research.
How feasible is this goal? Would a minor in biology allow the same goals? Or will a major provide more lab opportunities and further study? Thank you for your time!
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2 answers
Daniel Hermosillo
Recruiting & Staffing - Talent Acquisition
5
Answers
Guadalajara
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
By studying psychology, your career options remain very broad, allowing you to specialize in many different paths such as clinical work, research, education, human resources, neuroscience, or health-related fields. At the same time, biology gives you a strong scientific understanding of how the human body and brain function, which significantly strengthens your analytical and research skills.
Combining both majors allows you to become a highly specialized professional in human behavior and its biological foundations. You gain a deeper understanding of why people think, feel, and behave the way they do, while also understanding the biological processes that influence those behaviors. This interdisciplinary perspective makes you an ideal candidate for roles that require both scientific knowledge and an understanding of human behavior.
Combining both majors allows you to become a highly specialized professional in human behavior and its biological foundations. You gain a deeper understanding of why people think, feel, and behave the way they do, while also understanding the biological processes that influence those behaviors. This interdisciplinary perspective makes you an ideal candidate for roles that require both scientific knowledge and an understanding of human behavior.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1382
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Ava,
I’m really glad you asked this question, because what you’re experiencing right now is actually a strong sign of self-awareness, not confusion. You’ve stepped into college, tested the waters, and noticed what genuinely engages you. That shift toward biology and lab work is important data about how you’re wired, and it’s worth taking seriously.
Your overall goal, moving into lab research, gaining experience, and eventually applying to graduate school, is absolutely achievable. In fact, it’s a very standard and effective pathway into research careers. What matters most at this stage is not just what you study on paper, but how intentionally you position yourself for hands-on experience.
A combination of psychology and biology can be quite powerful, especially in areas like neuroscience, behavioral biology, or cognitive research, where understanding both the brain and behavior is essential. Having exposure to both fields can make you more versatile and give you a unique perspective when working on human-centered research. That said, the real differentiator in your case will not simply be whether you double major, it will be the depth of your lab experience.
When you compare a biology minor to a biology major, the difference becomes more strategic than theoretical. A minor will give you foundational knowledge, but it may limit your access to advanced lab courses, research assistant roles, and faculty mentorship opportunities. A biology major, on the other hand, naturally places you in more lab environments, builds your technical competence, and signals more clearly to employers and graduate programs that you are prepared for scientific work. For entry-level lab positions, that distinction can make a meaningful difference.
That doesn’t automatically mean a double major is the best move. Extending your time in school by a year is an investment, so the question becomes: what will give you the highest return? If you are still genuinely interested in psychology and see yourself potentially working at the intersection of both fields, then a double major can strengthen your profile. However, if your interest is clearly leaning toward biology and lab work, you may get more value by majoring in biology and keeping psychology as a supporting area, while using that extra time and energy to gain real lab experience.
Practically speaking, graduate programs and companies usually ask the straightforward question, "What have you actually done in a lab setting?" The number of majors on your transcript will not be as important as your ability to show practical abilities, knowledge of research procedures, and experience working under supervision.
Aligning your academic choices with lab access, research opportunities, and faculty contacts is, therefore, the most strategic course of action. You're headed in the correct direction if you can state with confidence that your degree program is helping you in gaining access to labs, developing your abilities, and identifying your areas of interest.
You’re at a very strong starting point, Ava. You’ve identified what excites you early, and you’re thinking ahead about how to build toward it. With a bit of planning around experience and exposure, you’ll be well-positioned to step into the research space and eventually transition into graduate study with confidence.
Best wishes!
I’m really glad you asked this question, because what you’re experiencing right now is actually a strong sign of self-awareness, not confusion. You’ve stepped into college, tested the waters, and noticed what genuinely engages you. That shift toward biology and lab work is important data about how you’re wired, and it’s worth taking seriously.
Your overall goal, moving into lab research, gaining experience, and eventually applying to graduate school, is absolutely achievable. In fact, it’s a very standard and effective pathway into research careers. What matters most at this stage is not just what you study on paper, but how intentionally you position yourself for hands-on experience.
A combination of psychology and biology can be quite powerful, especially in areas like neuroscience, behavioral biology, or cognitive research, where understanding both the brain and behavior is essential. Having exposure to both fields can make you more versatile and give you a unique perspective when working on human-centered research. That said, the real differentiator in your case will not simply be whether you double major, it will be the depth of your lab experience.
When you compare a biology minor to a biology major, the difference becomes more strategic than theoretical. A minor will give you foundational knowledge, but it may limit your access to advanced lab courses, research assistant roles, and faculty mentorship opportunities. A biology major, on the other hand, naturally places you in more lab environments, builds your technical competence, and signals more clearly to employers and graduate programs that you are prepared for scientific work. For entry-level lab positions, that distinction can make a meaningful difference.
That doesn’t automatically mean a double major is the best move. Extending your time in school by a year is an investment, so the question becomes: what will give you the highest return? If you are still genuinely interested in psychology and see yourself potentially working at the intersection of both fields, then a double major can strengthen your profile. However, if your interest is clearly leaning toward biology and lab work, you may get more value by majoring in biology and keeping psychology as a supporting area, while using that extra time and energy to gain real lab experience.
Practically speaking, graduate programs and companies usually ask the straightforward question, "What have you actually done in a lab setting?" The number of majors on your transcript will not be as important as your ability to show practical abilities, knowledge of research procedures, and experience working under supervision.
Aligning your academic choices with lab access, research opportunities, and faculty contacts is, therefore, the most strategic course of action. You're headed in the correct direction if you can state with confidence that your degree program is helping you in gaining access to labs, developing your abilities, and identifying your areas of interest.
You’re at a very strong starting point, Ava. You’ve identified what excites you early, and you’re thinking ahead about how to build toward it. With a bit of planning around experience and exposure, you’ll be well-positioned to step into the research space and eventually transition into graduate study with confidence.
Best wishes!