My son is a freshman in college. He is majoring as chemical engineer and minoring in computer science. He has also joined the Stem MBA. He is basically straight A student and studies well too. Looking at the further schedule and subjects for next year, he wants to drop computer science or Stem MBA so that he can concentrate on his major well. Computer science he took 1 course last semester and found it very difficult. Also it needs lot of time and is hard too. He would have weekly 2-3 days classes test exams.
Stem MBA is one class weekly, not hard, easy going subject he is doing well in it. But he is not very social and does not like business much.
He is confused which one to drop? Continuing Stem MBA or computer science would be a better option. Which one of the two would be useful for him in future? Any suggestions please.
The more useful class is the one he both enjoys and can master content sufficiently to earn an acceptable grade. The future usefulness of a particular class is speculative.
Ditto the above. If he struggles with course material trying to add a CS minor may not work out for him. If he likes the business side of things that may appeal to him. Sounds like something to discuss with a college advisor at his school. I suspect an added minor may not be desired with any engineering field as there is so much to do for the major. Some schools have comprehensive majors only. It is possible to take a few courses for some helpful knowledge related to one’s major- an advisor in Chem E should be helpful.
Or he can just concentrate on his major and take out-of-major courses and do activities according to interest, without worrying about getting an official minor or other designation.
He doesn’t NEED a minor at all. He should discuss his elective courses with his academic advisor…and concentrate on his major.
Why do kids and parents now think that a minor is necessary in college? It’s not.
He doesn’t need any of those. He can just concentrate on being a ChemE.
Thank you so much all those who have replied. Your suggestions about the minor were very helpful.
Does anyone have any suggestion for Stem MBA program. it not his major or minor. It is a program college offered during the time of admission and he had accepted it as an added degree. Will this program help him in anyway further if he would want to go into management level?
Thanks once again.
What IS a STEM MBA program?
It is masters in business administration for the undergraduates majoring in STEM program or doing engineering. Students of honors college are offered.
Not all engineering employers look favorably at substantial business courses or second major or minor when considering engineering applicants. @HPuck35 has occasionally written in the engineering forum section about his/her experiences that such people tend to be more interested in using engineering as a stepping stone to management rather than being interested in doing engineering itself.
If he doesn’t like the business classes, then dropping that program makes sense. He’s lucky that he’s figured this out now instead of several miserable years down the road.
That’s very true ucbalummus and happymomof1. I think he is clear now about his minor and the stem MBA program. Thank you to all those who replied. That was very helpful.
He can go to grad school after undergrad. Why does he feel the need to do a minor or a dual degree? It seems he would be better off just getting his BS in chemical engineering, if that is what he is interested in. If CS is difficult for him, there is no reason to pursue it. Doing the MBA along with the BS in engineering is a LOT and could create a lot of stress over time. You say he doesn’t even want to work with people.
He can get a job after undergrad and often they will pay for grad school. He is young and may change his mind about what he wants to do. Clearly he is not certain enough to commit to such a grueling schedule.
Major in one thing and finish undergrad and don’t worry about grad school. Tell him to intern, volunteer or work. Interning over the summer can really add employable skills.
Doing to much at once means not doing any of of them well!