Originally I was considering taking a biotechnology minor since I was showing interest in pursuing a possible career in that field. However, after taking an Electric Circuits course and my grades in my new engineering courses this semester, I’ve begun to show interest in electrical engineering. In high school, for a while I was torn between mechanical and electrical, before deciding to chose mechanical when applying to colleges. After talking to EE majors at my school, my intrigue for the field has influenced me to petition to double major in EE as well as my current ME major. As of now actually, I am now registered as a double major in both fields. I know that my workload will literally double. However, since I have finished my GE’s and am doing well in my engineering courses, I am determined to take more courses in the field of electrical engineering. My question is how common is it for students to pursue double majors in two engineering fields, and how much does it increase their marketability when applying for internships/jobs?
It isn’t really very common and it doesn’t really increase your marketability except maybe in a few niche scenarios that most people won’t encounter.
What kind of jobs do you think will require a double major in EE/ME?
@noleguy33 at the moment I’m kinda torn between thinking about working at a bio-engineering company or possibly looking into Lockheed Martin, but I’m not exactly sure yet. Plus I WANT to study electrical engineering. I have the money to do so, it’s not like I think there are engineering jobs that require multiple degrees in those fields.
I wouldn’t really recommend double majoring. Just take a few more classes in that direction and choose one of the many fields that have significant overlap between the two.
I guess my point being is that your time is a limited resource. Instead of doubling your workload I might look into joining some clubs or getting involved in research. There are plenty of ways to learn outside your major other than double majoring.
If you have the money and desire to study EE, by all mean go for it. I just wouldn’t go in there thinking it is going to help your career prospects. And to be clear, I’m not saying it won’t help, I just think as a general rule double majors end up going into the same type of jobs as single majors. I thought about getting a minor but instead went into undergraduate research and actually ended up presenting at a conference. Looking back, that experience was probably much more valuable than any minor/double major.
I understand where you are all coming from, as I’ve heard several students tell me these before. Yet, that didn’t stop them from pursuing double majors in the same fields. I have an appointment with the EE advisor as well as two ME advisors tomorrow regarding the Fall 2015 semester and seeing how I’m gonna incorporate both mechanical and electrical engineering courses and electives into my next semester schedule. So far I’ve been performing well in my current eng. classes, yet I know how demanding the upcoming courses will be, not only in the humongous amount I will be needing to take, but the material and studying aspect in these courses as well.
@silas6070
I know a girl who is working towards a double major in mechanical and electrical. She wants to work on amusement park rides. If you want to do something like that (robotics comes to mind), then it might be beneficial when it comes to being a project manager in those fields.
I just wanted to post an update on how the double-majoring is gonna work out: I scheduled ANOTHER meeting from the one I talked about earlier. Both the EE and ME counselors helped me chose which and how many courses I will be taking these next few semesters. This semester I took a total of 7 courses (Linear Algebra and 6 ME courses), due to the department giving me permission for performing well in last semester’s engineering courses. This semester I am maintaining A-range grades, thank God. So started the Fall of 2015, each semester I will be taking 8 eng. courses, 4 ME and 4 EE, as they’ve given me the green-light to do so. What also helps is that the engineering electives qualify for areas in both majors. As long as I maintain healthy study habits and an excellent work ethic, I am probably able to graduate after my 3rd year. Let me also clarify that my intention of wanting to transfer to UC Berkeley or UCLA is no longer an option, seeing as last year I’ve started on my engineering courses already, meaning I already have more units than the maximum amount that UCs put on transfer applicants.
If it does not delay your graduation or cost more, OP should pursue his passion. Nevertheless, I would not put too much focus in increasing the job opportunity. It may help you to land on certain specific career though. Just think about those who double major in totally different area, OP is at least having two majors with some potential overlapping. My D is also considering dual major in two engineering fields, however, they are much more similar (ChemE and MSE) and only requires 14 more credits.
" So started the Fall of 2015, each semester I will be taking 8 eng. courses, 4 ME and 4 EE, as they’ve given me the green-light to do so. " - Hmm… at most schools 8 eng courses is WAY too much. Do your research.
Any position that involves mechatronics generally involves some marriage between EE and ME, usually more EE. Either way, a double major in EE and ME wouldn’t help. If you’re an EE, take a few extra relevant ME courses. If you’re ME, take a few extra relevant EE courses. Like previous posters have said, it seems not only pointless and unnecessary but also at times impossible to try and incorporate both into your academic plan as majors. I really can’t imagine such a combination helping you out, and your time would be better spent choosing one (EE, based on your posts) and taking a some classes in the other area to round out your knowledge base.
Taking seven content-heavy classes usually seems reasonable, and it is manageable, up until something goes wrong. It all goes downhill the moment you slip up slightly, because no one is going to give you any form of slack. I know this because I have taken seven high-level engineering courses before. Grades worked out well in that case, but mentally there is a price to pay. If you don’t feel it with the low-level courses, taking multiple design classes will probably suffice to show you what I mean.
And all that effort for very little gain in marketability.
As my semester is drawing to an end I decided to meet with both of my counselors. The university is adding an extremely large amount of courses and electives to both fields, with the inclusion of many new professors this upcoming Fall semester. I have decided that since I wish to take as many of these courses as possible, I will indeed push my graduation a few years. Another reason why is that recently I’ve been tutoring a few of my friends in Physics 1 & 2, and as the months have passed, I have brushed up my old skills in physics and have decided to register physics as a minor. I understand that I am already taking A LOT of courses in these three fields, but my passion to learn has driven and motivated me to make these decisions, and thankfully my GPA has kept me in the honors program.