So currently, I am a declared chemical engineering major at the University of Houston. I chose this major because I absolutely LOVE math and also am strong at chemistry. However, I have been accepted into the mathematics program at UT Austin. If I go to UT, I will choose the computational/applied option. This is definitely something I would rather do as I really love math and am interested in the applied side of it, as seen after taking classes like calculus and differential equations. Some things that are turning me off from engineering is that I had always been iffy with physics, and I am horrible at and dislike labs and group projects. I really do like applied math and science(I don’t like the theoretical side at all), but I am not sure how much I enjoy projects and building things, so I really am uncertain. So it sounds like math should be the no-brainer. However, after looking through various posts and searches, my greatest fear by doing computational/applied math is not being able to find a job. I feel like I would have to go to graduate school, and even after that only being able to find a job in academia. Can someone please help?
Applied mathematicians can generally find employment just fine. Instead lets go back to you not liking theory. Applied math is still very theoretical compared to engineering.
Thanks for the response!
If I’m correct, changing majors at UT Austin is hard, so you couldn’t try out applied math and then switch to engineering easily. If you’re on the fence, I think taking intro coursework, meeting upperclassmen in the appropriate majors, and seeing campus resources for each major will help you with your decision. Because of this, I’d really recommend entering in either but making sure you’re at a place where you can change majors. Chemical engineering does have a lot of physics in it and any engineering degree/job will almost definitely require some group work. Not knowing what you want to do is fine, but try to put yourself in a place where you can easily change your mind.
When would you transfer, next semester or next year ? If you are spending another semester at U Houston, you should explore both ChemE, applied math, and maybe some other forms of engineering there … before you transfer.
Also learn to work with others and learn patience with lab and physical hardware. Sometimes you have to try to like things, and then you actually do learn to like things. Group projects don’t have to be terrible and you have to learn to work with others at some point, since very few people are truly lone wolves in the workplace (and fewer are successful).
Have you considered a more mathematical focused engineering, like electrical, or a less specialized engineering like industrial, systems, etc ?
Your interest in chemistry will not be fulfilled with a math degree, but may not be really fulfilled by many chem E courses and jobs either. Chemical engineering is a lot of process engineering … after you take a ton of chemical classes.
Your transfer plans are not really clear from your post, please elaborate more.
I did consider electrical, and especially a math heavy area like signal processing would be a good idea. However, I ended up really struggling in calc-based E&M physics and made a C- in the class this semester. It is so confusing, it literally does not make any sense… I doesn’t understand how it is even possible to do well in it and study for it, it is just a mess. It may have been the hardest class I took in my entire life. If I do transfer, it would be this spring. Engineering would be a great fit as it is just applied science(which is exactly my thing), but projects and labs are not my forte or enjoyment, and I know that is a huge part of engineering. In fact, I have heard that is much more focused than exam based classes in the long run(such as later classes and in the workplace). Yes, changing majors at UT is a HUGE hassle, that’s why someone(including myself) needs to be ABSOLUTELY 100% SURE that what they are doing is absolutely what they want to do if they are going to attend UT.