Ideally, I’d really like to have a career in the industry of public transportation/civil engineering/city planning, etc. I want to improve city and state infrastructure, help build/provide structure for affordable housing, and get involved in local/state politics later in life. I like science and math, I have a background in art/architecture and I have a passion for public policy/political science/government. Right now, I’m thinking of double majoring in Civil Engineering and Urban Studies, with a minor in Public Policy. Would that be a good path to take? I wanted some suggestions or ideas before I start my college career (since I have to pay everything myself). Also, I’m thinking of going to a UC school after community college if that helps
Civil engineering would consume a lot of schedule space, making it difficult to fit a second major into your schedule. However, you may be able to take some urban studies, city planning, and/or public policy courses as part of your breadth courses or in your probably small number of free electives.
By “pay everything yourself”, would you be able to get financial aid? Are you currently in high school or college?
How about City and Regional Planning at Cal Poly? That’s what you want to do. It’s a well respected school and will be cheaper than any of the UCs.
Civil engineering may allow for some (or enough) study in urban studies and public policy. After all, public needs, regulations, and finding appropriate solutions are considerations in this arena.
But I wonder if the problem is you think you need to make a decision now, before even delving into these studies and what they entail. Have you looked into course tracks for CE, seen how it’s possible to add breadth? You don’t always need official double majors and a minor to learn the material you need. You could start in CE, then see how it goes, add an elective or two, explore. Then decide if you need the full combo. Often, what it seems, today, that you need is not how it turns out. Be fluid about this.
Berkeley has civil with minor in public policy. Other UC’s or CSU’s may as well. CMU has had an engineering and public policy option for many years.
Unfortunately no, but that’s why I wanted to go through community college first since I can pay for it. I already graduated high school (with a 3.89 GPA & and ~ok~ SAT scores) and I was on track to go to a major/renowned private art school in NYC or Chicago, but then I realized how miserable I’d be doing exclusively art, plus my family got hit with financial hardships at around that time (I got really sick for 6-8 months) so not only didn’t I qualify for aid, but a lot of my previous college savings had to be used on hospital bills. And then because of those med bills (it exceeded my college fund), we got disqualified for the loans I would’ve been able to give back. Thankfully, everything’s been paid but now I do have to start from scratch & build my own credit.
Anywaaaaays, I wanted to know because originally, I was going to double major regardless of degree- however I understand that as a transfer student, it takes hella good grades, and proper course planning. I did attend a few classes in my local state college in FL (which is where I found my heavy interest for engineeering) but since it was so few courses & not transferable to California (& quite frankly Floridians and the school sucked) I figured I’ll just go to a CCC when I have the funds. I would be fluid about it if I had the time or money haha.
I guess it’s a mix of my fear that CE might be to broad of a major, that it won’t stand out to employers, I like planning ahead, and I’ve always wanted a simultaneous degree.
Have you taken Calculus based physics? From the moment you hit that course, you will basically have 4 years no matter what other coursework you’ve done. Engineering is very sequential. California schools will also be VERY expensive. It’s near impossible to establish yourself as in state if you come from out of state. If money is an issue., stay in FL.
Agree about the money issue. Are you still in Florida or have you moved to California? If you are in Florida, community college to state school in Florida would make a whole lot more financial sense than California.
Did your family file hardship forms to see if you can get aid after your hospitalization? FYI