So I am wondering if I have picked the correct major …
I really want to work with metal. I want to build with it. I am planning to attend a 4yr in CA … But I am kinda freaking out that this is not the correct path for what I am passionate about.
I’ve taken 2yrs of metal shop and it speaks to me.
My gpa is a 3.83 / SAT 1280/1600 / ACT 26.
Am I on the right path? Thanks for any input
Some schools offer a major in metallurgical engineering:
“Metallurgical engineering is the study of metals. Combining theory and practice, degree programs cover the mining, extraction, design and processing of metals, as well as how metals react to environmental changes or stress. Students also learn fundamental engineering principles.”
There are no ABET accredited metallurgical engineering programs in California. Outside of California, the major exists at:
Colorado School of Mines
Missouri University of Science and Technology (Formerly Missouri University of Science and Technology)
Montana Tech of the University of Montana (Formerly Montana College of Mineral Science and Technology)
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
The University of Alabama
University of Nevada, Reno
University of Texas at El Paso
University of Utah
However, there are ABET accredited materials engineering programs at:
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
San Jose State University
University of California Merced
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Davis
University of California, Irvine
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, Riverside
However, mechanical engineering could also be relevant; it depends on what you want to do with respect to metals.
Metallurgy is often folded up into mechanical engineering and/or materials science/engineering programs, so you don’t necessarily need to look for a metallurgical engineering program.
The better question is what exactly you want to do with metals. If you are looking to do the actual building, then you are probably better off getting a 2 year degree in precision machining or something along those lines and building metal parts that way. If you are looking to do the actual design work while taking the various properties of metals into account, then engineering is probably more your flavor, and mechanical engineering would work there (as would civil or aerospace). If you are looking to work on the processes that produce metals such as alloying and heat treatment and that sort of thing, then mechanical engineering or materials science/engineering might be your thing. You might also look into engineering technology degrees if you are looking for something in between.
Thank you for the list!!!
Look into Materials Science and Engineering. Many schools have that major and it has many concentrations. I have looked at it at Georgia Tech and I think there were 8 different concentrations.