I think DD may major in finance or Computer Science. will it be difficult to change major ? from one school to another ?
Will she be able to major in finance and minor in Computer Science?
Is there any internship or co-ops? I am sorry for the simple questions, RPI just comes to our radar.
found this link, seems that it is possible to transfer major
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/rensselaer-polytechnic-institute/1980509-rpis-acceptance-rate-for-2021-p2.html
going some more old threads and answering my own post 
here is the combined degree
https://lallyschool.rpi.edu/combined-degrees
It’s very easy to add or drop majors and minors. There are no requirements, except for computer science: you need a B in data structures to add a second major in CS. This is for a good reason though, if you can’t get that grade you’d probably fail out of the program.
For a dual major as joedoe said the only difficult one to consider is CS. But if you want to add it as a minor that’s easy as I understand it. Adding a minor typically means adding about 3-5 classes to your 8 semesters which isn’t too bad. My suggestion would be either dual or masters, minors don’t really effect the interview a whole lot as a dual would. It’s best for people people who personally want to learn more about a subject and therefore that being the case, just take the single course you wanted without risking your gpa with the other 4 classes you didn’t want.
Your DD will love RPI. My son absolutely loves it there and is thinking of either dual CS or Masters in CS. He is currently a CSE with a 3.8 after his first semester. He’s taking data structures next semester so we’ll see how he does.
I was a CS major myself, hence I understand data structures, it seems that some kids just didn’t get it and I can see why it can be a weed out class.
I was reading some past posts, my concern is many said the kids are nerdy… I don’t think my kid is and I don’t see her working late to debug a program. I am also concerned that my kid does not have a CS background (her current CS class in HS is a joke, and it gives her a false of sense of achievement), I think accounting or financial may be achievable for her.
How is the job placement for business major?
@annamom as far as nerdy I only saw about 3 kids which I would say from the exterior give an appearance of seeming nerdy. The rest of the couple hundred kids I’ve seen there seem well rounded and confident. Some jocks but most average kids. What surprised me was how many females there were, it honestly doesn’t look like a 70/30 ratio but I guess it’s been coincidence that everywhere I traveled on campus there were always what seemed like a near 50/50 balance.
For ‘Business and Management’ major the average accepted salaries for last year’s student survey at RPI was $61,142 ($67,929 for the average dual in Business), while the national average is $49,494.
As far as job placement I couldn’t find info on each specific major but overall the graduating class from 2016 had 14% seeking employment at the 6 month marker.
Some of these links might be useful.
[link 1](Students | Career and Professional Development)
[link 2](Students | Career and Professional Development)
[link 3](Home | Career and Professional Development)
[link 4](Home | Career and Professional Development)
[link 5](Home | Career and Professional Development)
With regard to weighing whether your DD can handle the CS, I’m in the same boat with my second son. I’d like him to go to RPI also but he’s thinking it may be too rigorous. I wish we had an AP-CompSci program at his highschool but they don’t. That would be a clear indicator. Does your DD’s school have AP-CompSci?
Thanks. @reformedman your posts have always been helpful.
DD’s school has AP-CompSci on the program, but I did not know when the last time it was offered. Given those majoring in CS are a self-selected group of students and that HS are offering AP Computer Science. I think those who has never exposed to CS is at a disadvantage.
RPI came to my radar as I just received a copy of their letter. I have talked to DD today, she agreed to apply.
Father of RPI CS major here. I too have a CS degree and another son at an Ivy.
Both kids decided to transfer to CS from another major.
Worked out so far at RPI, not at the other school.
CS fellow students and profs were much more helpful at RPI.
Handouts/notes in class more helpful at RPI.
Process to transfer was more clear and achievable.
All that said, both schools have some common killer courses where you do need to either code all night,or find smart friends to study together to survive. RPI has at least one required CS class that knocks some kids out of the major or causes them to take the course twice. Nothing is easy at RPI, in CS nor especially engineering. But you can transfer, yes.
It’s really easy to switch your major. The only restricted major is CS, which requires a B in data structures to get into it. Any other major you’re guaranteed a spot if you want to dual - you literally fill out a piece of paper at the registrar’s and you get in.