I am going to Columbia College (ED). I plan to double major in biochemistry and computer science. My interests lie in the realm of synthetic biology- that includes genetic engineering, biotechnology, etc. But will I be able to go into these areas?
Because I go to the College and not to SEAS, will I never be able to do anything related to engineering during and after college? Will I simply never gain the education necessary to pursue these pseudo-engineering disciplines? Are synthetic biology and genetic engineering even considered to be engineering? Is a biochemistry major fine, or would biomedical or chemical engineering serve me better?
I’m looking for a thoughtful, informed answer here. Please do not tell me: “You should have just applied to SEAS instead”.
Your user name is I am lying?
No. Or yes. Maybe I’m just lying to you. Who knows, really?
A testament to my indecision, perhaps.
If you really want to go into SEAS you will be able to do an internal transfer at Columbia
Interesting question. I actually had that same question before I went to SEAS. Synthetic biology is inherently a multi-disciplinary area of study, which means that both biochemists and engineers will work on any given project. If you also do that computer science major, then that would be almost as good as going to engineering school, as that will give you the mathematical/technical background.
@IAmLying To add to the previous comment re internal transfer to SEAS, you can definitely do it, even as a non-science major, through the Combined Plan/3-2 program. As long as you complete all of the CC Core/grad requirements by junior year, you can apply then to do the program. You’d spend 2 more years at SEAS to finish the Engineering degree, and you’d ultimately graduate with both the CC and SEAS Bachelor’s degrees.
I don’t know too much more about it since I opted not to pursue the 3-2, but there’s plenty of info on the Columbia website. Good luck!
I’m pretty sure you can still take a few classes in SEAS even if you’re not doing their dual program. And even if you don’t, the world of engineering is certainly not closed off for you. Lots of people pursue graduate school in different areas than what they majored in. Engineering graduate programs will usually only indicate they want you to have a STEM-related major, not necessarily in whatever field you’re applying to. I personally know lots of physics majors who are now pursuing graduate programs in different types of engineering, so consider double majoring in biochem and physics.
So studying engineering in the future is certainly not closed off to you. If you are intent on studying engineering in undergrad, like the other posters have mentioned, there is a 3-2 CC-SEAS option available. If you want to pursue engineering graduate work, your advisors can help you create a path once you arrive at Columbia.