<p>I'm a chemistry major applying for PhD programs in chemical engineering. The problem is my interests have changed and I can't shake the feeling that I should be applying for mechanical engineering; it just seems much more interesting than ChemE. I'd rather not stay in college for another 3 years taking undergraduate MechE classes because I'm itching to get out and I'm already a 5th year student. I already have applications for fellowships underway and I don't want to jeopardize my LOR's for the future if I back out now.</p>
<p>Is it possible to apply for ChemE PhD programs, and then if I want, switch to the MechE department after I complete the graduate level ChemE classes and get an MS?</p>
<p>As far as undergrad coursework goes, I've taken Math through DiffEq, Lin Algebra, Probability, Intro to ChemE and ChemE thermodynamics besides the usual chemistry classes. No MechE classes. Also all of my research is in materials/chemistry.</p>
<p>Has anyone else here also had a big change in interest?</p>
<p>What research area of MecE interests you?</p>
<p>I think my chemistry background would most suit me for research in combustion. Other areas might be energy conversion or where ChemE and MechE might intersect like fluid dynamics or heat transfer. I've looked at the research done in graduate schools in these areas and it seems the MechE version of fluid dynamics is more interesting than the ChemE.</p>
<p>You're not alone, I had a big change in interests during my M.Sc. (from engineering to medical sciences). I'm still trying to figure out how to get it make it work as their are alot of classes I need to take. </p>
<p>I do not think Chem to MecE is a drastic change, and there shouldn't be too much additional work. One option to potentially overcome entry requirements is to search for Profs who are cross-appointed between Chem and MecE departments. This would allow you to apply to a Chem. PhD but still do MecE research work that interests you.</p>
<p>It's possible that you could just take some grad classes in the area of MechE and search for an advisor at that school. It's not unheard of to have an advisor outside of the department you were admitted to (in fact that is my situation).</p>
<p>I guess I could but I have not taken any undergraduate MechE classes and only a handful of ChemE. I think that might set me back as far as time goes and it may present an issue with funding since I would be spending time in class and not in the lab producing results.</p>
<p>You definitely do not need to take 3 years of courses. See if you can fit in an intro fluids course and intro strength of materials course in for your next semester. You may be able to forgo the strength of materials since some your research has been in the materials area.</p>
<p>I tried signing up for Transport 1 but the problem is they don't offer it in the spring. I can't take anything else because I don't have Transport 1. So this spring I'm taking ChemE thermodynamics, and p-chem2 (quantum chem). Then I can choose between Intro to Probability and finish a math minor or possibly Engineering Mechanics. The engineering classes I am taking at a different school and its costing me a lot of $$$.</p>
<p>Do I make a viable candidate for MechE programs with those courses? If not, can I switch once in ChemE grad school?</p>
<p>You might want to just look at getting into a ChemE department for grad school and working for a MechE professor. Your best bet to doing that would be to contact professors in various MechE departments doing work you're interested in and try to ask their opinion about how you'd be able to gain admission into their program.</p>
<p>One of my friends was a materials undergrad and wanted to work for this one specific professor at another school. The professor wanted him, so he recommend my friend apply under a less competitive degree program. He easily got accepted, then the professor helped him get a transfer into the materials department to do his PhD work.</p>