<p>Hi. I am majoring in Economics and thinking of doing either a B.A. in Engineering Sciences or a B.E. (equivalent of B.S.) in Computer Engineering. The problem is I'm not sure which one. I don't know if I want to be an engineer, but technology definitely piques my interest. I would like to work in consulting or ibanking, but a B.E. in engineering never hurts. I am on financial aid, so the B.E. will not cost me that much, but it is a 5th year in college for something I may or may not pursue career-wise. Which one should I pursue?</p>
<p>If you plan to work as an engineer you will need the BS. Depends on what you want to do.</p>
<p>First of all, I have never heard of a BA in engineering. Engineering degrees are science degrees all the way around and have really nothing to do with the arts. A BA in engineering science does not sound like a legitimate engineering degree to me. I don’t know if there are BAs in computer science but for traditional engineering degrees, I can’t see it. Secondly, I have never heard of a BE either.</p>
<p>Most engineering positions that I know of require at least a BS.</p>
<p>It’s not a “legitimate engineering degree”. BA degrees in engineering do exist, but they’re not engineering degrees. They’re BA (vs. BS or BE) degrees because that allows the school to offer less technical courses and more electives. Those degrees do not qualify you to work in engineering, but instead are designed to expose students to engineering concepts and problem solving for use in non-engineering roles. Most students in those programs go in to law, medicine, or business and not engineering.</p>
<p>In addition, “Engineering Science” isn’t really engineering. It’s a program focused on the methodologies used in engineering fields. It’s really more a science degree than an engineering degree.</p>
<p>Dartmouth has the BA vs BE (4 years vs 5 years).</p>