<p>I am an international student, and I really enjoy most of the math and physics classes I have taken. Specially electromagnetism .</p>
<p>Being an int student means many companies can shy away of spending money/resources doing the paperwork to give a work visa.</p>
<p>What would be the most practical major? My professor told me EE with a specialty in power systems, but that is what he did so he might be biased</p>
<p>Any Input appreciated</p>
<p>Power system is not bad,the salary is a little bit low but quite stable.
But I've heard that many power related jobs are not open to foreigners.</p>
<p>IC Analog is pretty hot now.</p>
<p>Is that because of a security clearance or did I give you the impression that I am graduating in a different country?</p>
<p>I am going to school in the US btw, currently a sophomore so I could switch majors without problems.</p>
<p>While you have to choose what you like, I really do need to increase the odds of finding a job as much as I can (since many companies shy away from people that are not residents, and I don't want to end up returning to my home country with a foreign degree). So advice on the most seeked major/sub specialty in the US is really appreciated</p>
<p>Probably because of security clearance.</p>
<p>Computer engineering still has a large demand but I just don't like it.</p>
<p>Going to graduate school can be a backup as well.</p>
<p>Well that sucks (about security clearance)</p>
<p>Graduate school would be an option but I really want to start working after finishing the BS and getting the engineering license</p>
<p>Anyone else has more input ?</p>
<p>Any kind of engineering, as well as physics, biochem, math, or computer science are practical/good majors.</p>
<p>Business/Finance is alright, but less secure because of its dependence on the economy. Right now with the Wall Street crash, econ/finance MBA and Masters programs are going to become ridiculously competitive. My friend who is a finance/commerce graduate is actually taking a year off to do something completely different (Masters in some arts program..nothing to do with econ/finance) because of the difficulty to get a job or get into a business program.</p>
<p>The problem is engineering/CS/biochem/physics/math are usually considered to be the toughest majors out there. At my school, I believe econ/finance is one of the easier majors.</p>
<p>Demand for engineers in petroleum and alcohol production are and will continue to be hot for sometime. Chemical/Industrial would be my bet. Also, you don't need to worry about security clearance.</p>
<p>Look to your left. Look to your right. Look above you. Look below you. Why, civil engineering is all around you!</p>
<p>I'd say roads, houses, bridges, and/or water supply and wastewater systems will be in demand for a while, too. I don't think it's even a debateable subject.</p>
<p>Also also, you don't need to worry about security clearance. (Unless you're designing federal banks or military bunkers or something.) And half of my office doesn't speak English as their first language, so you're liable to find a company that will help you with visas and the like.</p>
<p>Though if you were interested in civil engineering, you'd likely have considered it by now... Most people either love it or wouldn't consider it.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Also also, you don't need to worry about security clearance. (Unless you're designing federal banks or military bunkers or something.) And half of my office doesn't speak English as their first language, so you're liable to find a company that will help you with visas and the like.
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<p>@elpajuo's company may be able to help with visas. It will depend on how many visas are granted (and to which companies). For example, both McCain and Obama are in favor of raising current visa caps, although the US Congress has not moved to do so yet. But they are also in favor of educational reform. There may come a time when the US educational system is on par with those outside the US, and US companies no longer complain that they can't find enough qualified individuals. Also, considering the economic problems the US is facing, some of those bright US students who were previously considering careers in finance or investment may turn their attention towards engineering, increasing the supply of qualified candidates. Or visa caps may be increased, but the vast majority of them may go to companies like Google and Microsoft, who are lobbying heavily for cap increases. (Gates wants caps to be eliminated altogether.) In any event, IMO, @elpajuo should not make a choice of major based on the presumed availability of visas.</p>
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While you have to choose what you like, I really do need to increase the odds of finding a job as much as I can (since many companies shy away from people that are not residents, and I don't want to end up returning to my home country with a foreign degree).
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<p>Why don't you want to return to your home country with a foreign degree? Quite a lot of students do this. Especially from top-tier US schools, an engineering degree is highly respected.</p>
<p>Is it possible to do power engineering in your home country? This is a global economy now. All nations need to have reliable, highly available, inexpensive power.</p>
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[quote]
So advice on the most seeked major/sub specialty in the US is really appreciated
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<p>Why would you want to give up on something you like, and is needed, just to work in the US (assuming you are able to do so)? What will you do if you pursue some other engineering specialty, just to find out that the job market for it is not as robust as you thought it would be, or you can't get a visa?</p>
<p>Despite my misgivings about visas, I don't think it's wrong for you to want to work in the US. For all I know, you may be the next Einstein. But you should consider carefully your options and motivations. It may not be as easy as you think to obtain a work visa, as I wrote in my response to @aibarr. You might be better off pursuing something that you love and is in demand, even if it's in your home country.</p>
<p>Well, firstly to be sponsored for immigration (i.e. H1B or a greencard) you are going to need either a BS + 5 years experience or a MS. I went through this with my parents in the '90's.</p>
<p>Secondly, any engineering major is "practical." If you are looking for the most verstile major, that is usually considered to be Chemical Engineering.</p>
<p>If I were you, I would'nt pick a major based on that criteria. You should find a major that compliments your ablilities, and that interests you. If you plan on staying in the US, you should'nt have trouble finding a good job in any engineering discipline. I'm sure you've heard that the shortage has got so bad that we have a looming crisis on our hands.</p>
<p>Good luck. It sounds that you are interested in EE - which is a great field.</p>
<p>Poser systems is WIDE OPEN right now. The grid is being rebuilt and you will write your own ticket.</p>