<p>Look into an engineering science major, or something like systems engineering. E Science incorporates the critical thinking nature of engineering with a relaxed thought-based process. It's more of an observing type of engineering degree, and he can go on to most companies and they'll train him for more specific fields. But, he'll have a broad taste and knowledge of all engineering fields, but won't go too in depth into the subjects, so they'll be easier to grasp (think education degrees...yes, history/math/sciences can be hard, but an edu major only touches the top of it, so it's a lot of knowledge gained, but not rocket science stuff). For systems engineering, his studies will be a bit more complex thinking and managing, but it's not knowledge/study-heavy. It's less technical, but more "how is everything going to fit together?" between the different engineering worlds.</p>
<p>Escience is the "engineering lite" major, and although systems is somewhat rigorous, it's still considered the least-technical engineering major.</p>
<p>thanks for all the input. It's not my son, so my influence is limited. </p>
<p>I appreciate your comments blossom, but for this guy, for this family, a professional engineering aim makes the most sense. It is his field of interest and his talent. His grandfather was a engineer mechanic. Two of his uncles are mechancial engineers. Another is a computer programmer. Besides, a professional degree opens up financial options that wouldn't be there otherwise--such as the chance to live in Colorado for a few years.</p>
<p>I don't know anything about the relative "difficulty" of these programs, but I do know that getting admitted is relatively easier to these schools than, say, GaTech. Also I've heard very good things from students who have attended...</p>
<p>Cheers: It also depends on major. Certain majors are inherently harder than others. For example Environmental Engineering would be easier than Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.</p>
<p>Although some engineering degrees will require more advanced coursework in math and sciences, many engineering programs may have a standard core curriculum (chemistry, physics, calculus) that is required for ALL engineering freshmen regardless of their specific major (since typically students do not have to declare their major when they first start or are undecided when they first start). As noted earlier, the freshman year is the weedout year and students may still need to get through a year of college chemistry, physics and calculus regardless of what field they go into. </p>
<p>One thing to keep in mind is what sort of LD accommodations - or other services - are available to help the student get through these courses if needed? For instance, the engineering dept at S's school has a walk-in tutoring center available to all of its freshman engineering students where students can get help with any of the math, science and engineering classes that are required in the freshman year.</p>
<p>Just because a student has a learning disability doesn't mean he can't handle the maths, sciences related to an engineering degree. In fact, an ld kid could be quite gifted in those areas and have difficulties that lay more with expressive writing or reading comprehension. This may be why cheers' young friend is focusing on engineering as a career because they anticipate this is something at which he would be quite good. </p>
<p>My son had language therapy for years because he had delays in language development (specifically expressive language). He read very early (chapter books at 3) and is very gifted in maths and sciences, but writing creatively will always be a challenge for him. And he has a huge, very impressive vocabulary... winning the school spelling bee was a piece of cake, yet putting together a speech would be hard for him.</p>
<p>cheers mentioned GPA was okay but not high. It is possible he has quite good grades in maths and sciences and the GPA has suffered because of other classes. If so this would all be considered by admissions counselors at colleges with engineering programs.</p>
<p>Two suggestions:
I would suggest Instrumentation Technology as a possible major. It's an associate degree. Combined with computer skills, it seems to be much in demand in industry & power companies these days, and is definitely a "hands on" type of engineering.</p>
<p>"Engineering Light" and smaller classes/special attention seem to be more common at schools which have Applied Science in the name. A young friend of ours goes to a branch of U. of Cinti., OCAS, for Engineering Management, and she loves it. Her family speaks highly of their advising and counseling services.</p>
<p>Here is a link to RIT's Engineering Technology programs, it spells out the difference between a two-year technician degree versus a four-year degree in technology. Our company (a utility) has had success hiring graduates of these programs...</p>