<p>Really just how easy is it to switch fields after graduation? I know its very feasible for an MD, JD or MBA, fields in which have no major specification.
But what about other degrees such as masters of engineering?</p>
<p>Say I complete my undergrad in pure mathematics and suddenly 3 years down the line my interest shifts to engineering or business or whatever. Certainly I wouldn't be stuck would I?</p>
<p>When graduate schools evaluate your application, they will be concerned about your preparation for graduate school and whether you are passionate about the subject. Majoring in something is one way to signal your interest and obtain an appropriate background for graduate work in something, but it isn't the only way. If your interests shifted to engineering, you could take classes at a local college to attain the necessary background knowledge to apply to graduate school and/or gain the experience necessary through your job. There are also some masters degrees that are designed for students whose interests have shifted since college and want to obtain the proper credentials in their new field.</p>
<p>I almost think that it is more benefitial to pursue graduate work in a related but slightly different field from undergrad. It maximizes exposure to various disciplines and ideas, and will only be benefitial for you in the long term. For example, I know folks moving from mechanical to materials engineering. Chemistry --> ChemE, ChemE to Biomedical.. etc etc. Obviously though, you'd have to have interest in pursuing a career in those fields first.</p>
<p>I would put it more strongly: Grad school admissions committees could care less what you majored in as an undergrad. Their only concern is whether you can do the work and, for a PhD, how likely you are going to be successful in research.</p>
<p>There are many ways to show this capability. Having a related undergrad major is one way, but not the only one. </p>
<p>Keep in mind, too, that many (most?) grad programs do not have pre-requisites.</p>
<p>It really depends on the field. In history, for example, there aren't stated prereqs, but there's definitely strong unofficial prereqs. You aren't "stuck," per se, but you should speak to an academic advisor about the possibility so that you can take any bridging classes that are necessary.</p>
<p>DSP, every field has what you call "strong unofficial prereqs". But like prereqs for undergrad classes, they are not absolutes and they are not inflexible. Many a student is admitted from a different field to a grad program with the understanding (either verbally or in writing) that they will successfully complete certain courses, perhaps even upper level undergrad ones, during their first year. </p>
<p>For example, a social science grad student may be deficient in statistics. They might be required to complete a stat sequence their first year.</p>
<p>Of course if you have a marginal application to begin with, lack of suitable background courses will tip the balance against you.</p>
<p>But the problem is that I don't have an interest in any other field(except maybe medicine) so I probably won't be taking any courses out of my major. Btw, I'm a math major(maybe applied math, haven't decided). </p>
<p>But hey, you guys mention "unofficial prereqs". Does that usually mean only several courses or a minor? </p>
<p>I'm also a prospective premed, so would that help?</p>
<p>"unofficial prereqs" means neither several courses nor a minor. It means you've either taken courses that gave you what are considered key skills or you show you have the key skills somehow else. </p>
<p>Close reading of their website, especially materials for prospective students, can usually tell you this, but if in doubt, call the department.</p>
<p>NewMassDad, history is way too competitive for what you're suggesting to happen. Most people going in, if they had a different major, still took upper-division courses that related to the grad degree. Language mastery is another unofficial prereq that takes many by surprise. Certainly there are a few exceptions, but not many. Perhaps it is different in other fields.</p>
<p>OP, if you don't have any interest in other things now, why are you concerned? if you develop an interest in something else later, you can always take a few classes on the side and step up to grad school. But trying to plan for all eventualities is impossible. Enjoy your chosen field!</p>
<p>Quote by DespSeekPhd: But trying to plan for all eventualities is impossible. Enjoy your chosen field!</p>
<p>Well, I'm just trying to hedge myself against bad eventualities. Suppose I became unemployed with my current major. I would want be able to quickly change fields without any problems.</p>
<p>DSP, nothing I said is inconsistent with what you advise. But even your comment on history is an over-generalization, as the "adequacy" of preparatin depends greatly on (1) the person's overall record as well as prep within the field (for example, a Marshall Scholar will no doubt be cut more slack than someone with a marginal GPA) (2) the institution and (3) the prospective field. (someone interested in pursuing history of science may have NO formal history training, unless you argue that science courses fit your comment, which they may).</p>
<p>Finally, why anyone in this day and age would be surprised at a language requirement baffles me, but also note that many grad students find their toughest hurdle in getting a PhD is the language requirement. I know, because it was tough for me and my peers.</p>
<p>Generalization, certainly - I said as much - but not really an over-generalization.</p>
<p>OP, it's impossible to even hedge against all bad eventualities. People change careers all the time, and those career changes won't necessarily require grad school. It would be one thing if you knew you had a very strong interest in another field, but that isn't the case. You'd be better off protecting yourself against unemployment by being very aware of all the different careers and jobs you can enter with your degree.</p>