I am debating on Industrial engineering and computer engineering.
For GT, IE is with college of engineering while CE is with college of computing.
I am wondering if say, I go to IE and then want to change to CE, will it be hard? What is the process? I searched online and found that some of the older post says freshman at GT gets to change their major once. Not sure whether that is still the case, and if yes, is there any limitation?
For Purdue, it looks like it requires 3.5 GPA and I was told at Purdue it is very normal to get a low GPA - so sounds like it is not an easy switch if I ever found the major I choose is not what I like
For UIUC, do not know too much, but feels like not easy as well. Any insight will be greatly appreciated.
I can answer for Purdue. They admit to a general first year engineering program and students transition to their major at the end of freshmen year. There is no issue with choosing IE or ECE. Students need a 3.2 engineering index (GPA of just STEM courses) to guarantee their first choice major. My D had no issue meeting that benchmark.
The issue at Purdue would be if you want CS, which is in the College of Science and not the College of Engineering. CS in CoS is a more competitive admission and it would be difficult to CODO (change of degree objective) into CS if you aren’t admitted initially.
There is no pathway to change to CS. There does appear to be a pathway to change to CE, I agree with you that it looks likely to be highly competitive.
UIUC does have an Engineering Undeclared program that would allow a student to choose a major later (as long as it isn’t CS), although I am guessing that admission is competitive to that program as well. Engineering Undeclared | The Grainger College of Engineering | UIUC
What is your end goal? Career plans? What do you enjoy?
Look at the degree paths and requirements for CS and ISyE and see which one is more appealing. There is some overlap and potentially more overlap depending on which concentration you pick for ISyE. I’m sure it’s similar for other schools.
If you’re thinking Supply Chain, Operations Research or Quality then IE is your best bet. If Analytics or DS is your interest then IE or CS will work as will other STEM degrees. If you want to program then CS.
Personally I’m a big fan of the ISyE program. Great foundation for multiple paths. My son essentially has a minor in CS with the math/CS classes he’s taken. For a brief moment he thought about switching to CS or doing a double major but in the end it didn’t make sense.
Also, he switched from business to ISyE after first semester. It was an easy switch. I’m not sure if that’s still the case but GT’s policy was one switch with no issues. He has several friends that have switched majors. Some multiple times.
You can look at admissions and major transfer data here.
CE and IE are very different. I would think you would be able to find a preference after reviewing graduation requirements. There’s no bad choice. Good luck.