I am 34 years old, and a sophomore in community college. When I first came back to college my plan was to get an AA in Business Administration and then transfer to get a Bachelors in Accounting. However, in the back of my mind, I couldn’t see myself doing Accounting for the rest of my life, and the thought of becoming an Engineer or something in the field of science fascinated me. I was very rusty in math and scored in the lowest remedial math course when I took my placement test. But since then I have gotten an A in all my remedial math classes, and I find math very interesting and fun to do, and I also am able to grasp the concepts fairly quickly. So, this past semester I decided to switch my associate major to Liberal Arts in Math and Science and I hope to transfer to a UC or CSU to major in Environmental Engineering. My Physical Geology professor encouraged me to do so because I did well in her class; she even recommended me for a volunteer opportunity in the Mojave Desert.
However, I feel doubtful about my future prospects because I am much older and because I don’t have a very solid foundation in math and science. But, my desire and my determination to learn are there, and I believe my capability to learn quickly is also there. I can honestly say that I love math.
What do you guys think about a) Environmental Engineering, b) my chances of grasping higher level Math and Science courses and passing them, and c) obtaining employment if’/when a graduate and being older than other recent graduates?
I think am ok with what the occupation involves. Is there another branch of engineering that would be perhaps more wise to pursue? I’m not sure I’d enjoy electrical or chemical, maybe mechanical though. However, not having a very strong background I think will hinder me? For what it’s worth, I have always been very intuitive since I was a child, build all sorts of “inventions” and other activities that stimulated my mind.
The math and chemistry I am not sure, because I haven’t taken any college-level math. chemistry courses. If I did really well on my physical geology course (scored highest in class on the final exam), and have enjoyed remedial math and received all A’s, does that give any indication how I will perform in higher-level math and science courses?
I am ok with those schools because ideally, I want to stay in Southern California when I transfer (I live in Palm Springs). I believe Cal Poly Pomona offers Civil Engineering B.S. with Environmental Engineering Option, and CPP was always my primary choice. Does that sound like a good way to go?
80K sounds ok to me. I presume that recent graduates would probably earn less? What is the likely hood to earn more as I gain more experience? Is 80k typically the ceiling for Environmental Engineers?
CPP would be an easier admit than the rest mentioned.
As for your math background, you don’t really know how solid it is. You simply know you are “behind,” but “get it” and like it. For all you know, math could be a strength.
ME would certainly be more mathy, but keep progressing with a plan in mind, but also open to the possibility that a different type of engineering might call to you.
Civil engineering would be a somewhat broader major that you may want to consider (at some schools, environmental engineering is a subarea of civil engineering). That may increase the selection of schools that you can target, as well as the career directions after graduation.
As far as the math goes, the only way to find out is to keep taking math courses.
Thank you all for your advice and words of encouragement. Having read your guys’ input has made me excited and optimistic about my future. I’m definitely going to consider Civil Engineering in mind, and I may very well end up choosing it over Environmental. Again, thank you all for your advice!