Hi. I am a senior in high school and am struggling to decide a major for college. Engineering seems kind of interesting to me, but I don’t know if I would like it or not. I am not a huge math-lover, but I don’t really like any subject in school. (Except social studies/history but I don’t really want to major in that field.)
I have been looking at a few programs (notably computer science/computer engineering) and feel like I would have a nice and fun job after graduation. My only problem is math. I don’t particularly enjoy my Pre-Calc class right now and didn’t do well on my AP Physics exam last year. I know that you have to take high level calc and physics courses in nearly any engineering degree.
I like a lot of different types of math (bits and pieces from algebra, geometry, and pre-calc) but hate things like the Unit Circle and completing the square. I don’t want to enroll in a program that is consumed with the types of math I don’t enjoy.
So, my main question is: How much math really goes into the different types of engineering? What kinds and is it fun math?
Generally, engineering majors will take calculus, multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations. Physics and engineering courses will use math, and some engineering courses may essentially be applied math courses introducing additional mathematical concepts and applying them to engineering problems. Computer engineering or science will also have discrete math and math-like computer theory courses.
You may not know if the advanced math is fun until you get there.
All engineers use, or at least must learn, a fair amount of math. Even within specific fields of engineering, there is a lot of variability. Moreover, it’s hard for anyone to say what kind of math you will/won’t like until you’ve taken calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations. “Fun” is also matter of opinion.
Being that Calculus 1,2,3 and Linear Algebra+Diff. Equations are your building blocks, not only alongside Physics courses, it would be a good idea to definitely review concepts repeatedly, whether it be during when you are taking said classes, or even after. The fact is engineering curriculum’s are built in a foundation where each engineering course needs a pre-req to be completed in order to enroll because the concepts from these math and physics courses translate to the engineering spectrum. I personally knew people in calc and physics classes who made the idiotic mistakes of not taking them seriously since according to their logic, they were “more enthusiastic about the actual engineering courses”. However, in keeping in touch with them, I learned most of them switched out while the rest have gone to tutors and basically needed to “relearn” old concepts from those courses they fooled around with. Honestly for me Calc 1,3, and LA with Diff equations were pretty easy, whereas Calc 2 made me work a lot harder (series especially). Just keep in mind that the engineering course system is a pyramid, each class building on top of each other. Choosing to not focus a lot in the concepts of one class can come back to hurt you again in a future course.
