<p>Hello! So I'm currently in community college now, I'm halfway through earning my associates in science. I plan to pursuie chemical engineering once I'm done with my associates. However, I moved around a lot as a teen. I went to 3 different middle schools, and 5 different high schools, and because of this my education suffered pretty bad. I've never reall taken anything higher than an algebra class or a biology class. I have to start at the lowest of the low in college math to work my way up (since ChemE requires a lot of math) and it has me a bit discouraged :( I've had a few people tell me that ChemE will be too hard and take me way too long because of my educational background. Is this true? I feel that since I will be starting from the bottom, I will just have a better understanding of math once I am done. I've been told I should pursue a different "Science type" career like materials science or chemistry because of how hard ChemE is. Any insight on this from anyone who is a ChemE would be great! I absolutely LOVE science, it fascinates me. I want a career in science so bad!</p>
<p>Why can’t you take some (or most?) of the required math at the community college level? </p>
<p>Since calculus is basically the study of variations (or rates; and almost nothing in science or engineering is constant), it is a very important subject. Understanding the math will help tremendously in understanding the science.</p>
<p>Oh I will be. Once I have my AS completed I will be going into the 4 year university being able to start pre-calc. I have no problem with the math whatsoever. When I did take Algebra in 10th grade (a little over 5 years ago) I was great at it, enjoyed it actually 
I’ve just been unlucky with moving around so much, and my education suffered because of it :-/ And because of a few negative comments regarding how hard ChemE is, it’s had me a bit discouraged. </p>
<p>Also, due to the circumstances of where my husband and I will be living (he’s military) I will only have a few options for schools. The school I will be attending does not have a ChemE program, so my plans are to get a bachelors in Materials Science, then a masters in ChemE</p>
<p>Chem E is difficult, however the ame can be said about all engineering majors. This includes material science, because of the rigourous math and physics. </p>
<p>Never assume you’ll go to into grad school. Before you consider it you should find an area you enjoy. After all, grad school is meant for specialization.</p>
<p>Well ChemE wont be an option because of where we will be stationed. The closest ChemE program is 2.5 hours away. We also have a child, so there’s no way we would be able to work around the distance. I was told by my college advisor that Materials Science is very closely related to ChemE, and that by doing Materials Science as a bachelors, then onto ChemE as a masters will benefit me.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t suggest majoring in Chemistry or Materials Science by themselves, you really need grad school for either of those to become profitable, and Chemistry you absolutely need a PhD. However, your plan of going to school for materials and then getting a ChemE masters seems to be a good idea. As far as the curriculum goes, I think someone who is as hardworking and passionate as you seem to be will be able to work through it. It’s really hard, but it will be rewarding in the end. I say go for it!</p>
<p>If you are using financial aid and grants to get through school, don’t forget to factor in that you can only get so much money and semesters and then money could run out. Plan accordingly.</p>