<p>I havent decided where i want to go to college yet but Emory's Dual Degree Program with Georgia Tech sounds great. Id Love getting a B.S. In Chemical Engineering from Georgia Tech and i would choose to get a B.S. in Computer Science from Emory. My main focus is to become a Chemical Engineer but id also love the degree in computer science from Emory. My question would be is it worth it for me to go into the 3-2 program and get both degrees? Ive heard Emory's Computer Science program is not very good but i know a degree from Georgia Tech would look great and their program is amazing. ( i was wait-listed by georgia tech but denied the wait list since i know i can go in through emory's program) I can either do this or go to Stony Brook University or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute nd simply get my Chemical Engineering degree in 4 years. Im hoping someone can shed a bit of light on how good Emory's computer science courses and programs are, how well respected they are, and if going through the 3-2 program will be worth it in the end for me.</p>
<p>@ChemTechie : Don’t think of just the CS degree (which will be okay/more than good enough, for undergraduate studies, and if you need to, you can take matlab and other courses at Tech through cross-enrollment program). Think of the other classes you need before transferring to Tech through 3-2 (namely chemistry). Emory, for example, provides excellent preparation in chemistry (intro. and intermediate classes are taught far better here than at Georgia Tech provided you don’t sign up for the worst instructors) vs. most schools (and curriculum is about to be overhauled, so more solid courses and instructors may come with new building which opens in 2015 some time). It could be worth it if you see Emory academics beyond the value of just the CS courses and dept. If you can’t, go to the other schools for sure. One advantage is that you have direct access to Tech which is convenient. Emory has things its hackathon which is growing and turning into a networking event and a fast growing spirit of entrepreneurship on campus (despite not having an engineering school) that could benefit you. I know someone going to do ChemE from Emory (started w/chem major though) in fall and someone who did it in the past. I may PM you with contact info. for the former (she is willing to be contacted especially if you mention me as a reference). Also, some of the upperlevel math and physics courses could help build your CS skills in applied context (which is important if you’re doing engineering). If you play your cards right, Many Emory instructors will really build your thinking/analytical (and perhaps increase creativity) skills which is important for engineering IMHO, especially if you ever want to be a self-starter. You typically don’t get that sort of science (especially non-technology classes) teaching at engineering schools which stick to “facts”, algorithms, and computation (whereas you can find tons of instructors here who ask for a much deeper understanding/engagement that’s better in the long run). </p>
<p>@bernie12 Is there any benefit in majoring in Chemistry and going to Georgia Tech for ChemE? I know you mentioned a lot of the chemistry classes are taught better at Emory. I’m mostly worried about the stress as a ChemE major. Would finishing a BS in chemistry first help me at all for ChemE? Is it equally stressful completing the ChemE at Georgia Tech in the five year program as it is in majoring in ChemE for four years?</p>
<p>@tawe141 Why would you be worried about the stress? That’s something you get over because you’d at another selective school (life as a STEM major at these type of schools will not be easy unless you want training or unless your level of training doesn’t actually matter). The idea is that you go in prepared with a solid standard chemistry background (perhaps better than those who took freshman and sophomore courses at Tech) and that doing ChemE takes less time because you knock out the chem classes and then mainly focus on the engineering courses. My friend found the transition quite easy actually and had an advantage in most of his courses. All he had to do was just get used to doing more homework (and turning it in). He was used to taking very challenging exams and commented that the exams were either not as challenging or were a different type of challenge that just made it easier on him. He didn’t like the Emory environment as much (because he was like a moderate conservative and also didn’t care for the behavior of the pre-health crowd which he considered “dumb” and “dull”. I suppose some are like that, but that can be said about any group. However, I understand his sentiment about the political environment. Emory is quite liberal. I am as well, but I empathize for conservative students on campus ), but was appreciative of the science and math instructors he took in terms of prepping him for Tech’s ChemE (he was at the top of his first sets of engineering courses. This person got nowhere near a great GPA at Emory either). Also, you need to keep in mind that chemistry and ChemE usually lead to different pathways. Chemistry is typically people who may want academia, medicine, or industry later on whereas ChemE is often for people who want industry near graduation (no masters required- easier than to land those jobs with just a bachelors in ChemE). I just said do it as a preparatory thing and then perhaps fit in good CS and math (or physics) courses as you go along. Also, will you be coming in with any AP/IB science and math credits that will get you a jump start?</p>
<p>@bernie12 Thanks! Glad to know the transition will be somewhat smoother. I’m still debating whether I should follow a pre-health path or an engineering path. Yes, I’ll have several AP credits under my belt when I matriculate. </p>
<p>@tawe141 : A chem major is befitting to either…Also, keep an open mind. Actually use the AP credits (especially chem, bio, and math) to start with more advanced coursework. If you’re even considering engineering you can handle it and it’ll give you better training than most from the very start.</p>
<p>@bernie12 – If one gets a 4 or a 5 on the AP Chemistry test, does that fulfill the Emory gen ed requirement for a science course with a lab component?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Yes, I believe so.</p>