<p>This might have been discussed before but I really had to ask this question. How is it different between majoring in, say, Chemical Engineering and Chemistry (Physical Science)?? Are the courses taken significantly different? What different possible paths can you take after getting an undergrad degree in either one of them?</p>
<p>The difference is scope.</p>
<p>thanks for your post, GatorEng23, but could you elaborate a little more? what do you mean by scope?</p>
<p>My understanding is that with a degree in engineering, you can get a pretty decent job with a good salary, while if you get a job in chemistry, you generally need to get a grad degree--masters, PhD or MD to get a decent job. </p>
<p>Engineering depts that we've explored have a LOT of requirements & you have to be admitted into the engineering school & there is a very specific curriculum you must follow if you want to get your degree. Engineering departments tend to be better able to place students in internship positions where they gain experience & are generally paid & may get credits as well.</p>
<p>Graduating with a science degree you are still in the school of arts & sciences & there seem to be more options to choose among in courses.</p>
<p>Engineering is the applications of science and mathematics to solve real world problems. With that said, Engineers have a much more specific scope than the traditional pure scientist and care more about how address realistic situations.</p>
<p>For example, a Chemist would study the mechanism of some reaction and understand every step along the way. A Chemical Engineer would try to find a useful and efficient way to run this reaction on a large scale. Usually the pure sciences are far more theoretical and abstract than the engineering discipline. </p>
<p>In most programs, you begin taking the same base classes as a pure scientist and an engineer. ChemEs and Chemist have to take basic Chem, Organic and Pchem while MechEs and Physicists usually take Mechanicals and E&M.</p>
<p>Yet usually around your Sophomore or Junior year your curriculum begins to change drastically. As I said, engineers are trained to solve realistic problems and therefore a ChemE would take process controls and reactor design class while the Chemist might delve into more advance organic chemistry.</p>
<p>After graduation, the engineer can enter a variety of professional school options such as Medical, Dental, Pharmacy, Law, Business and of course Graduate School. Usually the pure scientists will need a Ph.D to obtain a respectable position but they can still enter professional schools.</p>
<p>HImom and nshah9617, thank you so much for your insightful comments!!!! They were very helpful :)))</p>