<p>I'm applying to Penn engineering, but I'm stuck between Chemical engineering and Materials science/engineering.
Are there opportunities to take your choice of non-science/math classes when you declare the Materials major? I know that I would be able to take classes like economics, law, art, etc. if I declare chemical because it involves knowledge of those subjects, but would I have the same opportunities if I declared Materials?</p>
<p>Thank you!!! (:</p>
<p>To be totally honest, the difference between MSE and CBE isn't that large, and both majors will be mostly similar for the freshman year. You'll have plenty of time to figure out those answers and which degree you want to pursue in the meantime. No need to worry about it yet.</p>
<p>Also, fwiw, I don't see how econ/law/art/etc have anything to do with any engineering degree over the others... They're all just electives as far as the SEAS office is concerned.</p>
<p>Ok I'll keep that in mind. </p>
<p>Well art doesn't have to do with engineering (I just like art), but a knowledge of economics/law would help with the environmental applications of engineering, especially chemical engineering. Basically, I don't want to get stuck in a major that won't allow me to explore other subjects. I want to explore other subjects so that I can have a balanced education and opportunities for a broad range of careers related to engineering.</p>
<p>The course planning guides available here:
<a href="http://www.seas.upenn.edu/cbe/Sample_start-2006.pdf%5B/url%5D">http://www.seas.upenn.edu/cbe/Sample_start-2006.pdf</a>
<a href="http://www.seas.upenn.edu/mse/ugrad/MSE_Course_planning_guide.pdf%5B/url%5D">http://www.seas.upenn.edu/mse/ugrad/MSE_Course_planning_guide.pdf</a></p>
<p>show you a sample curriculum with the listed requirements. As you can see, the two degrees are fairly similar. Note that this is the bare minimum - you're always free to take more electives.</p>