I am a VT student. This year is my sophomore year. My current major is EE, but I don’t like my major. I am from China and my parents want me to do engineering. I am good at math and physics so I chose EE. However, during this semester, I am struggling when learning logic circuits and computer designing. This course is fundamental course but I can hardly get c-. I admitted that I didn’t work hard enough. I love math and physics and I can easily get B+ for my physics and advanced calculus courses. What should I do? Should I transfer major? Thank you for your advice!!!
You probably have a few different issues to consider:
a. Your reasons for choosing a particular major (including post-graduation intentions).
b. Parental approval, if they are paying for your school costs.
If you like solving design problems using math and/or physics, but you are parentally constrained to do engineering, then you may want to consider other types of engineering.
My parents will respect my decision even if I change major. However, changing major may cause a lot of trouble. For instance, my desire major is math. However, I spent a year learning engineering fundamental courses. Will it take a longer time to graduate?
The answer depends a lot on your specific school/program. You should definitely check with your ad visor on campus.
The first year of engineering degree programs typically includes most or all of the same courses needed by math and physics majors.
For example, VT EE includes for the first year MATH 1225, 1226, 1114 or 2114, PHYS 2305, CHEM 1035, 1045.
https://www.ece.vt.edu/undergrad/curriculum
For VT math, MATH 1225, 1226, 2114 are specified, so the same math courses you took for EE should apply.
https://www.math.vt.edu/checksheets/MathTRAD2018.pdf
I graduated just a year ago with an electrical engineering bachelor’s and I also love math and physics (which is why I went into the wireless communications aspect of electrical engineering).
If you don’t like the major, then don’t stick with it. I just think that’s a given. Although just note that logic circuits and computer design aren’t the only parts of electrical engineering. There’s controls, communications, digital signal processing, embedded systems, and so on. I HATED the computer design courses I took, I just didn’t find them fun. But the signal processing and electromagnetic waves stuff I found interesting which is why I stuck with it.
Between math and physics, I have talked to friends in both those majors and physics is typically a better route. It can lead to more jobs and you will have a strong understanding of lots of engineering fundamentals. With a physics degree you definitely can get jobs at engineering companies.
You may not know much of the equipment used which does hurt your resume BUT if you do a quick google search, you’ll find lots of jobs that require a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or physics (I made this specific list up, but you’ll find a lot with engineering OR physics as a requirement).