mixed UG and grad majors with undecided UC or CSU

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Ok first of all, I am currently in community college at LAHC, second year taking electromagnetic physics, cal 3, and ODE with a gym class for the hell of it. I want to be an engineer (probably electrical, but we'll see how this physics class goes). I am also VERY interested in learning about economics. I assume it is the more broad, theoretical study of money (accounting, banking, business, trade) and I have been interested for quite a while now. I plan to get a BS in engineering.</p>

<p>I know it seems early to think about grad school, but if I create a plan NOW, I think I can suck it up and save myself some money and shorten my time if I coordinate myself and follow through correctly.</p>

<p>What grad major should I aim for after receiving a BS in ____ engineering? Should I give in to my interests in economics or math (im really good in math)? Or should I not mix degrees and maximize my earnings by continuing ____ engineering ?</p>

<p>What are the pros and cons? And what should I take into consideration?</p>

<p>Also, how is grad school at CSUs? I want to limit the need for loans as much as possible! CSUs are basically screaming free education but I feel like I might be missing out on some theoretical research opportunities. And I never see a professor or graduate from a state school on documentaries or interviews. I'm skeptical if getting my last degree from a CSU is worth it in the long run.</p>

<p>ONE MORE TING! If I work my butt off in community college for 3 years, I best be going to a nice school either in UG or Grad. Which one tho? Or should I stick to UCs throughout the rest of my education?</p>

<p>Sorry for being so long.</p>

2

<p>If you want to go to graduate school in engineering, do the same kind of engineering as an undergraduate.</p>

<p>If you want to go to graduate school in math, do math as an undergraduate.</p>

<p>If you want to go to graduate school in economics, do math with upper division economics (math intensive micro and macro economics, econometrics) and statistics electives, or economics with upper division math (real analysis, linear algebra, numerical analysis) and statistics electives.</p>

<p>CSU graduate programs are generally master’s degree programs, while PhD programs are generally found at UCs. A graduate degree is not necessary to enter the work force.</p>

3

<p>I know I don’t need it. But I would like to at least get a master’s degree.</p>

<p>So you’re basically say I should stick to one field and just continue all the way with it? Any particular reason?</p>

4

<p>If you go to graduate school in most subjects* without an undergraduate degree, or at least significant course work in that field, you will likely have to take some “catch up” course work before getting into the actual graduate level course work.</p>

<p>*Business and law are exceptions. So are medicine and the like, but they have specific lists of courses that need to be taken as undergraduates. But subjects like math and engineering generally expect a bachelor’s degree or at least substantial course work in the subject as a prerequisite to graduate study.</p>