<p>Hi everyone! I am currently a sophomore at Vanderbilt University and am looking for some advice about undergraduate major choices. Of course picking a major is a very important, very personal decision, but I'm just hoping to get some input from those that have been around the block already. Any help would be greatly appreciated :)</p>
<p>I came in as a Biomedical Engineering major and have great interest in both prosthetic/implants and pharmaceuticals, but am not entirely set in the bioengineering path. Also, I have not yet been able to take many major courses (Vandy GEs are a killer), so I can't say for sure how passionate I am about either specialization. Recently, I have been reading numerous articles and blogs cautioning undergrads about the broadness of the BME curriculum and encouraging them to pursue other engineering disciplines, even if a biomedical career is their end goal. How true is this "jack of all trades, master of none" philosophy? What is the real job outlook for a BME major?
Additionally, I have discovered that I have a strong enthusiasm for computer engineering and programing (I have worked with both MATLAB and Java). If I were to change majors, computer engineering and/or computer science would be other top options. I wonder. however, how diverse/flexible are the career options for a CE or CS major, as compared to BME and the other engineering fields? If I were to apply to graduate school for BME or another engineering field, how would admissions boards view a CE/CS bachelors? Furthermore, what are the pros and cons of Computer Engineering vs. Computer Science in terms of job prospects?</p>
<p>A little more information about my academic interests:
- I don't like math much (particularly Calc) and it is certainly not my strong suit, though I am decent
- I struggled a bit with Physics
- I like Chemistry, but don't know if I could handle a pure Chem track
- I also like Biology
- Programming (MATLAB) was my favorite course this semester
- I am very good with oral/written communication, have strong writing skills, and have done well in liberal arts classes
- If I were to do Computer Engineering, I would likely specialize in embedded systems, possibly computer systems and networks</p>
<p>Not liking math or being good at physics doesn’t make sense if you want to be an engineer, I would say industrial/ comp science/ bussiness major</p>
<p>Thanks so much for the input, but business is not something I’d like to pursue and I am not really looking to get out of engineering. As I mentioned, computer science is an option I’m considering, alongside computer engineering, but it also seems to be just as math-intensive as most engineering curriculums. Is there something specific that makes you say industrial, computer science, or business?
One of the things that really draws me to engineering is that IS difficult and it does require me to problem solve and expand my normal realms of knowledge. Despite math not being my favorite subject, I’ve done well in my classes and, while physics wasn’t a subject that was very intuitive or easy for me, myself and my GPA fared just fine. Truthfully, it is beating a dead horse to tell me that engineering is a rigorous path and may not be the most natural choice of major for someone with my interests, but it is what I want to do with my life. I have worked exceptionally hard and made it past every weed-out class there is, so I know that I will be able to succeed. I simply question, however, which faction is the best for me.</p>
<p>If you have an interest in chemistry and pharmaceuticals, have you considered chemical engineering?</p>
<p>Prosthetics may be more the domain of mechanical, electrical, computer, and materials engineering.</p>
<p>Most types of engineering will need to use math and physics. Industrial perhaps less on the physics side, but more on the math and statistics side. Computer science and engineering does not use as much of the calculus-type math, but more of the things like algebra, logic, etc. (discrete math course).</p>
<p>You mentioned Grad School but didn’t tell us how likely you are to pursue it. That could make a huge difference. So are you Low, Med, or High likelihood for Grad? If you’re low, then you would obviously need to have the marketable skills in a Bachelor’s degree. With a high likelihood, it gives you more leeway to study a broader field in undergrad, then use grad school to fine-tune your interests and how marketable you are.</p>
<p>^^^^^ No matter. </p>
<p>You have a bag full of options if you want to keep the doors open for BioEng, CompEng, or CompSci.</p>
<ol>
<li>BioEng major, CompSci minor.</li>
<li>CompEng major, BioSci minor.</li>
<li>CompSci major, BioSci minor plus Physics minor.</li>
<li>EngSci major, BioSci minor plus CompSci minor. (If thats possible.)</li>
</ol>
<p>As for job prospects in each of these fields, I know thats really what you want answered. IMO you are worrying about something that you cant control. Any one of these options will give you ample opportunity in the job market. Your job prospects are going to be based so much more on your passion, your grades, your knowledge, your contacts, your luck. Notice how many times I used the word your.</p>
<p>Theres no reason why you couldnt do a Masters in BioEng, CompEng, or CompSci with any of these options. You could even keep the Med School possibility open by using electives, if youre so inclined. So if you want to go to grad school, choose whatever combination youre most passionate about.</p>
<p>If you want to work right out of undergrad, Option 2 might give you the better prospects, not because of the job market, but because that particular combination might allow you to work in CompEng, CompSci, or BioEng without grad school.</p>
<p>Or you could always just go with Women and Gender Studies.</p>
<p>It seems that biomedical engineers and chemical engineers need a masters to anything with it. I wouldn’t recommend one of those degrees unless you are planning to get a masters. If you want an open-ended major, then choose CS. You can do many things with that degree.</p>