<p>I'm a high school sophomore who is highly interested in a STEM-based major. I love math, but I don't want to be a teacher or work for an insurance company. I want to work to save the environment, which is what I'm really passionate about. I have also considered a degree in Environmental Engineering, but that seems to be based more around science than math. Is there some way I can combine both math and the environment?</p>
<p>Also, on a side note, I've heard that minoring in a foreign language can be extremely helpful in the job search. I'm thinking about Spanish, but I'm worried that this is too many topics to focus on.</p>
<p>Help!</p>
<p>Major or minor in a foreign language typically includes literature courses and the like beyond simply language proficiency. You can just take courses in the language to the desired level of proficiency without worrying about the major or minor in the subject.</p>
<p>For a language as common as Spanish, just take as much as you can in high school. Find some native speakers to hang out with and practice with them. If you want additional formal course work, but your schedule at your four year school is too crowded to add Spanish courses, you can take additional Spanish courses at most community colleges before or after your attendance at the four year school, or during summers.</p>
<p>Most branches of engineering have some application to environmentalist type things. For example, efficient energy use in buildings (civil), vehicles and machinery (mechanical), electronics (electrical), and efficient energy generation are typical applications of engineering.</p>
<p>You’re a high school sophomore.
Odds are you haven’t taken a single course beyond basic calculus.</p>
<p>How can you possibly know whether or not you enjoy math?
Wait until you take real analysis or algebra.
There’s a reason why people don’t choose their majors this early.</p>
<p>Well hello to you too, angry elf. I’m clearly not selecting a definite major. Actually, I’m in the process of choosing courses for my junior year, along with looking for some summer programs. I was hoping for some help navigating the dozens of possibilities. It’s called getting a head start. I swear, some people have no respect for ambition.</p>