<p>Since I am in my junior year of high school, I'm trying to narrow down my college major(s) choice so I can focus on finding a good school to attend. I've come down to three areas of interest that I simply cannot decide between. I am completely open to a double major, which is why I put "pick two" in the title. I realize that engineering has a LOT of work associated with it, so double majoring may be hard with that as one of the majors. But what do you guys think?</p>
<p>I've always been interested and had a passion for math, even since elementary and middle school. Even if it may not be "practical" on its own, a math major could really add to the others in some way. Physics would be the major I would be most interested in, but I know it could be difficult to find a job with that kind of major. I have applied for a couple internships for the summer involving physics which I'm hoping to be a part of. With a physics major, I would hope to do laboratory research (which would almost certainly require a PhD), and my specialization/concentration would be either theoretical physics or astrophysics. Engineering is a major that I've kept my mind open to, since it so similar to math and physics. I would most likely go for mechanical or electrical engineering, and I hope to have a career with nanotechnology or robotics.</p>
<p>I don’t have anything very specific to say, but I’d recommend trying everything (through internships, summer programs, job shadowing, taking a wide variety of classes, etc.) and not assuming you’ll like something just because it’s associated with things you know you like. (For example, I want to major in math, but I don’t like physics or engineering at all. But a lot of people think liking math means liking every other STEM field.)</p>
<p>Really, the only one I’m not sure about is engineering. I’ve taken places classes in physics to know I enjoy it. It’s just haven’t had formal “research opportunities” with it yet, which I’m hoping to get through this internship.</p>
<p>Know that you can change majors when you’re in college. The major you choose in your application is not binding. Sometimes the applications are different for engineering so check which one seems best to you. Math and physics have more similar classes needed for graduation than engineering and any other combination. Obviously there are more than one engineering major so you could have two engineering majors for double major.</p>
<p>Our S was encourdged to consider engineering because he enjoyed and was good at math, CS and physics. He chose to major more specifically in EE and it was a good match so far for him. </p>
<p>If you are open to it, you may wish to go to a U which is good in all 3 areas so you can switch as you learn more about each field. </p>
<p>If you don’t start Engineering as a freshman, it will generally take a lot longer to graduate, and likely >4 yrs. S hasd considered double-majoring, but the dean convinced him just to take courses of interest since so many were already required. </p>
<p>Happily, you can earn a decent wage as a BEE. Can’t do that with many other BAs and BSs. You may be able to get a masters or PhD in physics or math with a BS in engineering–am not sure. </p>
<p>HImom, that’s what I’ve been trying to do. I’ve found many universities which are supposed to be good in math, engineering, and physics. </p>
<p>I realize that I can change majors, but I would also like to try and graduate in four years if at all possible. I want to be able to get onto a job in the field or graduate school. So I want to go into college at least having a pretty good idea. Thank you for the suggestions!</p>