<p>Hey CC,</p>
<p>So I was accepted to Stony Brook as a Mechanical Engineering major for Fall 2013. If I decide to enroll, would I be able to change my major to Computer Engineering before classes begin? The way I figured it would work would be to sign up for the Computer Engineering classes when I have to sign up for classes. Do I have to give them prior notification or is there paper work to fill out or anything? Would I be able to change at all or do I have to wait a semester?</p>
<p>Before the Fall 2013 classes being? I’m not sure. You will have to call and find out. Freshmen usually get intro/general classes anyway and a UB rep said more than half of ceas students change their major before their junior year.</p>
<p>Thanks dseed332, ill probably ask them once I visit in a few weeks, and if they don’t know I’ll then I’ll call them directly. My only worry was that one or two of the classes between the mechanical and computer engineering majors were different and I want to make sure I graduate on time</p>
<p>You can e-mail us and make that request now, although this late in the process, we’re probably going to recommend you talk with your advisor at Orientation about making the switch, and we’ll help you plan accordingly.</p>
<p>Chris</p>
<p>Thanks Chris, It’s nice to see SBU cares enough about they’re students to have a representative on this site. Would the same apply for any major within CEAS such as Computer Science? To be honest I originally applied to most of my schools as an Aerospace Engineering major, however I would like to attend SBU which doesn’t offer that major. Is there a course that outlines the engineering disciplines and helps students to make a more informed choice about their major?</p>
<p>Glad to be here.</p>
<p>To answer your last question first, yes. You can start in the Engineering Science program and go from there. Aerospace is funny – our old CEAS advisor was an aerospace engineer, and she strongly advised students who wanted to go into aerospace to major in mechanical or electrical, and then be more focused on the graduate level. It’s something like pre-med students majoring in something general and then specifying later. If you’re thinking aerospace, you’re thinking graduate work anyway, so you’re better served being broader now.</p>
<p>Chris</p>
<p>And yes, the same would apply to switch anywhere within CEAS.</p>
<p>Thanks Chris, your responses have been thorough and helpful. One last question I have is in regard to the Engineering Science major. If I enrolled in that major and discovered what discipline I wish to follow, after changing my major for sophomore year, would there be required classes that I would need to make up thus delaying my graduation? Also, what about the Engineering Science major would help me make a better decision about which discipline I want to major in? I took a quick glance at the sample program but it didn’t seem to have any courses during the first year that teach students the differences between each discipline and how jobs in each field differ. Sorry for this long winded post, however I just want to make sure that I make an educated decision about my future. Thank you for pointing that out about aerospace engineering, its definitely something to take into consideration.</p>
<p>That’s just it; it’s more wide open, as opposed to taking MEC 101 or BME 101 your first year and “specializing” early. Contact the department directly; they’ll give you a more specific view than I can.</p>
<p>Chris</p>