<p>As long as the undergrad major is related to the grad major, it's entirely possible. Whether or not having a different major will put one at a disadvantage, I have no idea. I've been to open houses for CMU and Columbia SEAS grad school admitted students, and in each case there were quite a few making a jump into engineering from a non-engineering background. </p>
<p>Personally, I feel college should be a time when students should be able to take whatever courses they want as long as learn enough in one area to specialize in it. There shouldn't be a set list of various subjects one should be familiar with as live said. BUT there is actually at almost every school, especially in the humanities. Shakespeare, Dante, the classics... those are usually taught in the core humanities classes every engineering major takes. Most engineering schools specify that in addition to the humanities core in the first 2 years, you have to take an additional 2 to 4 electives in the humanities and social sciences department. I've had the opportunity to take philosophy, art history, economics, politics with those course slots. The opportunity is definitely there for an engineering major. The guidance for a set list of subjects one should know should be in high school. While h.s. courses aren't as comprehensive, they certainly teach enough for one to be an educated person. </p>
<p>It's good to advise your son that there are other options out there and not let him corner himself into engineering. If he isn't passionate about the subject, it's going to be tough. All of the successful engineering students that I know truly enjoy it, and are enthusiastic. </p>
<p>When I was applying to Columbia for grad school, I noticed something called the Institute for Flight Structures in the Civil Engineering Dept. I don't know anything about it and have never heard about it previously, but the description on the website is as follows:
"The Institute of Flight Structures was established within the Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics through a grant by the Daniel and Florence Guggenheim Foundation. It provides a base for graduate training in aerospace and aeronautical related applications of structural analysis and design."
Probably should ask about it at some point. Usually, mechanical engineering is the best fit for aerospace engineers though (at least based on what I hear). </p>
<p>I will be at SEAS this fall, but for graduate studies. I went to the Cooper Union for undergrad, which has a stronger technical focus. Not a good fit for everybody, but it was good for me.</p>