Which Bioengineering Field Is Most Job-Applicable / Promises Most $$ ?

Question

[n-2]

I am a first-year undergraduate pursuing a bachelor's degree in computer science; I am also highly interested in a bioengineering minor.

My university offers the following concentrations within their bioeng. minor:

• Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Cell & Tissue Engineering
• Biomedical devices
• Biomedical imaging
• Computational Bioengineering
• Synthetic biology

I could be equally fascinated by any of these fields, and believe they all could draw upon my knowledge of computer science. I would like to earn a terminal degree (D. Sci, MD, PhD) in the bioinformatics specialty I choose.

My desires:

• I don't want my specialty to restrict me only the realm of theoretical research/academia. I'd like to have a skill set that is job-applicable.
  • i.e. stem cell research, biofuel bacteria
• My skillset should be extremely desirable in the workforce; that is enabling 6-figure salaries.

Now, I am not basing my career choice on salary, but I require financial security and a small degree of professional flexibility [before investing thousands in education]. After some consideration, biomedical imaging may be an appropriate choice as it is an established field and has seemingly less barriers to progress (?) than say, stem cell research (could very well be wrong).

Thank you; I appreciate your time and look forward to the responses.

[Michael]

I am a first-year undergraduate pursuing a bachelor's degree in computer science ....

My skillset should be extremely desirable in the workforce; that is enabling high 6-figure salaries. ($$)

I think you should study management, or law.

[David Langenberger]

Indeed, management would be the best choice. Actually, I would step gently with such posts... I always google for these things, before hiring people. ;) Motivation is good, but it should be motivated by other things than money... in my opinion.

[David Langenberger]

And I would say 'synthetic biology' will be a money-maker.... but only for the companies.... so again... management. ;)

[n-2]

I suppose I meant, just "6-figure salaries" without "high"

[Whetting]

how can you be equally fascinated by all those fields? If money is why you are in it, go do something else. very few people in these fields will make high 6 figure salaries. Like other people have pointed out, get a "magical" MBA...

Answer 1

[David Quigley]

If you feel that you require financial security then obtaining any kind of PhD degree is a mistake. Very high opportunity cost and with a low probability of obtaining a secure job. Go to dental school or become a certified accountant and move to a low cost-of-living city.

[Whetting]

not to mention being in undergrad, you are years away from actually entering a graduate program...

Answer 2

[vijay]

I would say its too early for you to assume things. By the time you finish your under graduation , there will be humpty number of new technologies, disciplines that would peep in. All the courses that you have mentioned have their own part of dominance in the industry.But high six figure salary?? I don think anyone can promise you that now.

I do agree that your computer science knowledge can indeed be helpful in addressing current biological issues, but you cannot narrow down to any one at this point of time. May be after a year or even later , you would understand which one is the best to go with in terms of finance as well as your flexibility.

[Michael]

I guess op was trying to be ironical.

Answer 3

[kanwarjag]

It is a very difficult question about predicting future. By the time you reach at a stage when you start making money that field will disappear or start loosing its glamour.I have always kept my mind open and keep changing field but one need to have willingness to learn and change the field. I myself is Ph.D in the current scenario I dont think that is the route I will suggest. A technical degree (bio medical eng) + management will be good target to follow. .