<p>I am having big problem with math/physics. I am thinking about changing major to something related to Civil engineering. What's your opinion?</p>
<p>I've transfered into Civil Engineering major last summer. After experiencing 3 quarters of college life i honestly don't know if this is the thing for me. Perhaps what i need is a word of encouragement, I don't know, but right now i am seriously considering changing a major..... here's why</p>
<p>I took CE because 1. My work bring positive benefit to the community 2. It's very inventive and require problem solving 3. salary and job outlook 4. professional aspect of work. </p>
<p>My problem lies with physics and mathematics. It's been many years since i took calculus, and even though I've been getting decent grades in these courses, honestly i don't like these classes. I'll be honest. I don't think i can handle 3 years of this core stuff. I feel so stressed out, i think i need some counseling. I feel suicidal sometimes.
Other than the advanced math/physics, i have no problem with other courses. I know my suffering will only increase as i move up in core classes.... I am not sure if i can make it. I think i want to change major to something that is close to Civil engineering but doesn't require as much math/physics.
I could just push myself through the program, but i'll be putting myself under a lot of stress and i'll continue this joyless college life. I am putting down my pride and asking myself if my major choice was not the best one for me. </p>
<p>I am thinking about changing major to less math/physics inclined area of public works. managerial or urban development or design. what choices are out there?</p>
<p>k1jin:
First and foremost you MUST begin to take care of yourself and stop denying your stress. Most colleges have counseling centers for both academic and emotional needs. Go tomorrow and make appointments for both. It is quite possible you chose a major that isn't right for you. I know some colleges offer programs in industrial design or city planning. The counseling office would be best equipped to guide you into some other possible areas. Please try to relax about the idea of pride (they say it comes before a fall) and instead view this as an opportunity to explore yourself and your interests and discover who you are and what you want to do in the future. College is about discovery. Did you know that the average college student changes their major three times before they get it right? Take care and post a follow up please.</p>
<p>If civil engineering is something you really want to do, I'd say stick with it. Math and physics are by far my worst courses. One thing to consider is while most of the core civil engineering classes require an understanding on basic physics, they tend to be less dependent on heavy math. Using calculus or differential equations is not that common... I've only used those concepts a handful of times in solving problems. I will say however that they pop up more often in equation derivations than anything else. </p>
<p>I went through a similar (though I'll admit, less extreme) phase during my sophomore year, but decided to just stick with it and it got a lot better come junior year. I'm not saying whether or not this will be the case for you, but for some, things actually do get better will upper level courses. I know that may not make too much sense, but do know that it does happen. </p>
<p>If you're still considering changing majors, you might want to look at architecture or urban planning. This was something I was seriously considering in high school because I knew I wanted to work on something involving buildings, and the two are somewhat similar. Depending on what branch of civil engineering you work in, you would be working with architects on the same projects. </p>
<p>Definitely feel free to send me an IM on AIM or email me if you want to.</p>
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...but for some, things actually do get better will upper level courses. I know that may not make too much sense, but do know that it does happen.
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<p>This is quite common, actually -- in the upper level courses, you're learning what you are REALLY interested in and so it becomes enjoyable even if you're using techniques that you didn't really enjoy in earlier classes.</p>