<p>Hi
I just got accepted into University of California Santa Barbara's college of engineering under the major of chemE. Although it is ranked in the top 20 nationwide for undergrad engineering, I wanted to know if I should switch to a different engineering major such as Computer engineering or Electrical engineering. Although I REALLY love chemistry, I don't really know how much of use ,if any, will ChemE be in the future whereas people are saying that since this is the computer age I should major in something related to computers. So I am now confused. Shold I follow what I really like :chemE or should I do something which has more offers for the future: compE or EE?
Thank you for your input =)</p>
<p>ChemE will have a lot of use in the future. I don't know where you're getting the idea that it won't from. You know, the need for mass production of chemicals, biofuels, energy production, etc. I think ChemE is doing and will be doing just fine.</p>
<p>The real question you should be asking is which do you like better (which, should provide you with an answer)? Theoretically, since first year engineering requirements are usually the same across all departments, you might have time to change your mind later if you have to.</p>
<p>Chemical engineering will be around for awhile. Who do you think makes the plastic for computers, or manufacturers pharmaceuticals, or develops fuels and energy? </p>
<p>The biggest problem with ChE is that many of the traditional manufacturing jobs are moving overseas. Historically the chemical industry has been resistant to outsourcing (labor is very cheap in a chemical plant - a world scale plant requires only a few people to run it), but US taxes, the flight of customers off-shore, and the potential for cap-and-trade laws on CO2 (not to mention VOCs and other chemicals) has caused many of the new plants to either be constructed in Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, or Mexico (starting to see some in South America, as well). </p>
<p>The good thing is that ChE is one of the most versatile degrees (if not the most versatile), so many ChE graduates are not going into traditional practice. This fact coupled with the retirement of the baby boom generation has created a lot of opportunity in the US at existing plants.</p>