<p>some schools i'm looking at don't have engineering programs <em>cough</em> boston college <em>cough</em>...i was wondering if i should look away from these schools, or rather wait and see if i change my mind, major in physics, and take on engineering as a grad student? does this path usually work for people or is it illogical?</p>
<p>this is actually a pretty important dilemna in my search so i'd appreciate any advice.</p>
<p>Well, even if it works, it would definitely make more sense to start majoring in engineering straight from your freshman year...</p>
<p>I'd keep your options open.</p>
<p>Definently keep your options open. It would make more sense to do Eng undergrad and physics or something post-grad. Plus, at most engineering schools a physics/chemistry/ect major is offered, so its easier to switch then instead of being at a school without engineering.</p>
<p>Physics is often more difficult of a degree than an eng. degree. What do you like about BC that you can't find in other colleges that offer eng. degrees?</p>
<p>If you think you may want to do engineering, go to a school that offers it. Otherwise, you are just setting yourself up for the pain-in-the-ass that is transferring.</p>
<p>I think the chances of you choosing a major not offered in your school are minimal. If you even slightly suspect you may want engineering, choose a school that has that option. There's no reason to limit yourself.</p>
<p>that's great advice, thanks everyone.</p>
<p>If you know you want to do engineering, I feel you need to go to a school that offers the degree. Granted, you could get a Math or Physics degree but it will be quite difficult to get an engineering job or graduate school position without many supplemental classes.</p>
<p>I know a graduate student who is in the Nuclear Engineering program after being a physics undergraduate. Though he knows the fundamental particle physics and what not, he still needs to re-take all the thermodynamics, mechanics, fluids and heat transfer classes. In most cases, Physics Thermodynamics != Engineering Thermodynamics.</p>
<p>If you want to do engineering you should start it right away.</p>
<p>I think the general consensus is that if you are seriously thinking about engineering you should select a school that has an engineering program from the start, or at least a LAC that has a GOOD 3/2 program where you would attend the LAC for 3 years (get a major in science/math) and then transfer to an engineering program elsewhere for the engineering degree; however, this requires 5 years going in (and many students do not finish one degree in 4 years as it is). Not sure if BC has one? </p>
<p>One of the benefits of the engineering school for undecided students is that you are exposed to areas within engineering much earlier and can make a quicker decision as to whether you really want to pursue engineering. Many engineering programs offer intro engineering classes, seminars, speakers, etc to freshmen to help them with this process, and often freshmen decide against engineering after their first year, before they have invested much time or classes into an engineering major. It is much easier to start at a school that has engineering and then transfer to another college such as BC, or switch majors at the same school. </p>
<p>And unless you know for sure that you are going on to grad school, you will also want a school with good career services and advising for engineering students. Likewise, engineering is an area where many students do internships and co-ops (often as a required part of some curriculum) and such opportunities can often provide these students an edge when competing with other graduating seniors for jobs (as well as providing valuable work experience if you are considering grad school for engineering). </p>
<p>The main thing is to look at your interests (are you more interested in theory or in application?) and then find what schools can best meet those interests, not just look at the college. And look at the big picture as far as what your future may look like.</p>
<p>Another thing to consider is that it is much easier to switch out of engineering than it is to switch into it.</p>
<p>I agree with lkf725,</p>
<p>At my school they tell you that its better to at least stay in the Engineering College unless you are ABSOLUTELY sure that you want to leave. It is far far easier to transfer into a normal degree (barring Business or some specialty program) than than transferring back into engineering.</p>
<p>You should select an engineering program. Physics is much different than engineering.</p>
<p>Look for ABET accredited engineering programs. Anecdotally, I have never heard of anyone who started at a 3/2 program who actually transferred to the engineering school as their senior year was about to start.</p>