<p>This is a very general question but can I do math undergrad and then go on to do engineering masters? Say applied math undergrad ---> chem E grad? If so, how does that work? What type of math degree would best prepare me for graduate engineering work. I'm not set on doing chem E grad, I'm open to civil, structural, electrical,mechanical and financial engineering as well. Is it evenb possible to be admitted to a graduate engineering program with a math undergrad background? Any advice would be appreciated</p>
<p>I was curious about this too...</p>
<p>In principle it could be done. But how smooth a transition will depend on each school. It is best to go to school catalog and look into the departmental admission requirement. At some top schools, applied mathematics and engineering are closely related, share some faculty for instance. It seems to me it is more common for top school.</p>
<p>I think it's possible, but difficult. You'd probably have to take some undergraduate engineering courses so that you can have a nice transition into grad school. I would imagine that it would be very easy if you go into an area that is basically applied math (i.e. control theory in electrical/mae), but anything else may be hard, you'd ultimately have to check with the school you're applying to. As inverse said, it probably won't be a problem if you're applying to a top school, but for others it might be hard. </p>
<p>As for math courses, I think having an applied math degree versus a pure one is better. Be sure to take pde's, complex variables, fourier analysis, an analysis course (you'd have to take that anyways).</p>
<p>I think it's possible, but difficult. You'd probably have to take some undergraduate engineering courses so that you can have a nice transition into grad school. I would imagine that it won't be a problem if you're applying to areas that are basically applied math (i.e control theory in electrical/mae), but for somewhat unrelated areas, it may be a problem. Ultimately, you'd have to check with the school you're applying to if it's an acceptable degree. But as inverse said, I don't think it will be a problem for a top school because a lot of the applied math departments there are combined with engineering departments. But for mid-ranged ranked schools, it could be unacceptable.</p>
<p>As for math courses, I think having an applied math degree versus a pure one is better. Be sure to take pde's, complex variables, fourier analysis, probability courses, and real analysis (you'd have to take that regardless).</p>
<p>Sorry, I thought the first one got deleted, so I tried to retype it for the second post!</p>
<p>I think it would be manageable. Williams' pre-Engineering site says,</p>
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The most common route is to complete a B.A. at Williams in the normal four years, majoring in one of the sciences (usually physics, chemistry, computer science, or mathematics). Afterwards the student goes to a graduate school for a master's degree or doctorate in engineering. Our experience is that many of the best engineering graduate programs are eager to accept Williams students who have strong records in science courses.
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<p>I have met several students and several professors who did this. Both BS and MS in Math to engineering. Some got multiple MS's in Math and engineering before choosing one for further study.</p>
<p>Some parts of engineering are very theoretical and cross-disciplinary. Whether the work is done in the math or engin dept is rather arbitrary and is often based on the funding source.</p>
<p>Math and science majors can be, and are often, admitted to graduate engineering programs. Usually, if admitted, you will be required to take some catch-up courses.</p>
<p>thanks guys/...</p>
<p>
[quote]
In principle it could be done. But how smooth a transition will depend on each school. It is best to go to school catalog and look into the departmental admission requirement. At some top schools, applied mathematics and engineering are closely related, share some faculty for instance. It seems to me it is more common for top school.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>And by 'top' schools you mean harvard, princeton, yale, stanford, upenn, carnegie mellon, MIT, CIT,etc.?</p>
<p>The top engineering: MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, Caltech, Michigan, Illinois, Georgia Tech, Cornell... </p>
<p>HYP aren't really considered the top engineering schools.</p>
<p>Actually, I think that sounds fine. I'm not an expert in grad schools or anything, but my advisor seems to think that theoretical-ish physics --> engineering (which is what I'm hoping to do) is totally cool, so I imagine applied math --> engineering is even easier. Take some engineering classes as an undergrad I think they would be helpful- it is what I'm doing.</p>
<p>The responses on this thread have been very helpful. Thanks, CC!</p>