<p>Hi all, I'm currently a junior Electrical Engineering major. At first I didn't find EE that interesting but this year I've had a major change in attitude and am liking it much more. I would like to go to grad school and get an MS, but there are other areas of engineering that I think are interesting as well (such as mechanical, aeronautical, etc.). So my question is just whether most people in engineering stick with their field in grad school or if it's possible to switch it up a bit?</p>
<p>Well, you can always pursue something interdisciplinary such as robotics for example in grad school. It certainly involves computer science, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. I would suggest undertake as many internships or research opportunities as possible while as an undergrad to gauge what fits you (it’s even a possibility that eventually, you find that grad school is really not your thing for instance).</p>
<p>As for your question, yes, there are people who “switch up a bit” but they certainly have the background for it. For instance, a math major from my school went to Michigan for Electrical engineering, but I assume he had a EE minor of some sort.</p>
<p>pccht, you CAN do it … depending. Any given course of research is going to be narrow enough that there are only going to be a handful of undergraduate courses really required. If you have those courses, then your undergrad degree really doesn’t matter, although it will likely shape the specific direction you want to go. </p>
<p>For example, think about a math or physics major trying to break into EE - applied electromagnetics is probably pretty realistic, as it is founded on a base understanding of math and physics, but circuit design or control systems may be a longshot.</p>
<p>If you think about your specific areas of interest in mechanical or aerospace, what courses are really required as preparation, and do you have them? If not, why should they give you the extra semester or two that it will take you to come up to speed? Some will, by the way - some professors will take the chance that you can do it, although it will be tough.</p>
<p>It’s very common in engineering, and you don’t even need to take any extra courses. There are a good number of EE applicants to ChE, ME, and IE programs (not to mention business PhD programs). Just write a strong essay about why you want to pursue a degree in the different field and exactly what research you want to do.</p>
<p>I recommend contacting your academic advisor or the undergrad advising office. They can help you determine the courses that would help you explore the fields you are potentially interested in pursuing as a grad student.</p>