So here is a little bit of a backstory and I’m well aware that I have a little time to make this decision but experience has taught me to plan way ahead of making any decisions. So in 2009 I starting to go to college in Texas and went to a little community college for fine art had a bad semester and decided to join the navy at 20 I joined as an aviation electrician technician or ATO for those familiar with the rate. So no I’m at 7 years and miserable I’m getting out of the navy in three months I have my 911 bill and I’m 27 trying to figure out a major for going to college. I’m extremely artistically inclined but I want to put what the navy gave me to good use and engineering seems to be the way to go. I had originally wanted to get a graphics design degree but as I have three children and a wife to take care of that wouldn’t be a very profitable field of work. So here is my problem what engineering discipline should I choose that would support my history/ interests.
Engineering and technition work are very different. Engineering typically involves a lot of math and science skills, especially in earning your degree. And it takes time. I’d recommend finding technition work and taking some math classes at a CC to see how it goes before committing yourself to a specific path.
With the gi bill I have a finite amount of time to do this and while I recognize that it will be difficult I don’t gave any other options for getting a degree. I can either take the 4 years the gi bill covers or I can wait till I can afford one or two classes wich will take many years. I can’t afford to waste this opportunity.
How are your math skills and what level math classes have you taken?
Have you looked into architecture? The pay is generally lower than in most engineering disciplines (and it is a more competitive field to break into), but you would utilize both engineering and creative skills in a very direct way. If you are unsure about the engineering side of things (HPuck makes a good point; engineering and technician work are very different), then perhaps first do an honest assessment your math and science abilities and interests before deciding to jump into a 4-year engineering program. You have to be both passionate and patient with math and science if you wish to succeed in engineering.
There’s also Urban Planning and Game Design, both of which utilize creative skills.
I love the application of math and enjoyed it when I was going through my electrician training but I could definitely use some work on but the science is the part I feel I will be most comfortable with. I have somewhat looked at architectural work but with seeing my dad who is a sales engineer I would love to do what he does and if I could include some graphic design aspects into it I think I would be very comfortable I have mostly been looking at graphics engineering though
So far I have just what the navy has given me and the first math class when I entered
Engineering programs typically require a minimum of 4 years of high school math. That would be thru pre-calculus. However, most of your potential peers in engineering will have had some calculus in high school. College engineering programs will be math heavy and require it thru differential equations.
Not having the required math skills will quickly become an issue
What about marine engineering and naval architecture?
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/marine-engineers-and-naval-architects.htm
Texas A&M in Galveston has a program http://www.tamug.edu/marr/ (looking closer this is a marine engineering technology degree)
or Merchant Marine Academy https://www.usmma.edu/academics/curriculum/marine-engineering
or use abet site to do a search for other marine engineering programs.
http://main.abet.org/aps/Accreditedprogramsearch.aspx
The abet site is helpful for finding other engineering programs within a specific state as well.
"I love the application of math and enjoyed it when I was going through my electrician training " - I suspect that was more arithmetic/calculations … a good skill to have. But you will also need to endure calculus and higher level mathematics. Check with your military resources - they may have some testing services and advice to help you sort through the options. Thank you very for your service… I hope you find an interesting, rewarding path afterward.
How about an engineering technology major? Or engineering management?