<p>So, I'm fairly confident I want to go into nanotechnology after I graduate (I am still unsure whether or not I want to go to graduate school). However, it would appear that EE, ChemE and Materials Science degree programs have nanotech specialization options and I'm frankly unsure as to which plan to follow. I'm kind of stuck making a decision by the end of next semester because if I decide to change my mind later, it would be rather difficult to complete any of these degree programs within 4 years and still maintain good grades and my sanity. How should I go about deciding which degree to choose?</p>
<p>Most of the nantoech stuff I’ve seen so far are happening in the material science dept. You might want to check that one out first.</p>
<p>Each of those disciplines will be involved in “nanotech” in a different way. MSEs might involve the growth of a new kind of material. ChemEs might functionalize (attach new chemical groups to) existing materials to change their properties. EEs might design new circuits that exploit properties that only exist at the nanoscale. One is not really preferable to the other, and although I have presented otherwise, these people often work together on projects.</p>
<p>Also, keep in mind that “nanotech” is confined mostly to the graduate level. I think it will be quite awhile before you see many BS-level jobs in the field.</p>
<p>Nano concentrations vary from one university to another, depending on priorities of
researchers. At Rice, for example, nanotech is a large part of the bioengineering program due to the close collaboration with Baylor College of Medicine and the hospitals in the Texas Medical Center, particularly M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone, that is helpful.</p>