<p>
[quote]
All of the engineering majors at the Naval Academy share the same core courses:</p>
<p> Calculus (3 semesters)</p>
<p> Differential Equations (1 semester)</p>
<p> Statics (1 semester)</p>
<p> Dynamics (1 semester)</p>
<p> Electrical Engineering (Cables) (1 semester)</p>
<p> Thermodynamics (2 semesters)</p>
<p> Fluid Dynamics (1 semester)</p>
<p> Chemistry (2 semesters)</p>
<p> Physics (2 semesters)
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Most of the above are also required for "bull" majors. We didn't have the "dynamic" courses, but did take Weapons Systems Engineering and Law for the JO our firtie year. We took something akin to Thermo, but it wasn't called that, our 2/c year and intro to engineering as a plebe. We also took the same naval courses as everyone else (celestial nav, leadership, etc.) In fairness, bull majors also take lower levels of EE and a few other courses. Bull majors also had to take (or validate) 4 semesters of a language.</p>
<p>The downside, IMO, of being an engineering major is that, if you don't come to USNA knowing how to write, you won't learn it. You just don't get enough exposure to the humanities. I used to type papers for students (yes, in the days of -- hold your breath -- typewriters). I was amazed at those who couldn't construct a sentence, let alone a coherent paragraph. My husband (an engineer) agrees that, for all but a few positions in life, knowing how to express your ideas on paper is critical. </p>
<p>Personally, I found the combo of a technical background and a major that I enjoyed to be perfect. Math/science was always hard for me, altho I came to do quite well in it. But my true love was US politics and courses on the law. Maybe that's why I became an attorney. :)</p>
<p>That said, I do believe that my technical background gives me a different perspective than a lot of lawyers, not to mention helping me do well at Jeopardy when the subject is nuclear engineering. It's amazing what you remember. </p>
<p>I truly advise picking a major that interests you. If you want to go Nuc Power, I suggest an engineering/science major. History majors have commanded subs -- BUT, it's a much harder road for them. If you want to be an astronaut, stick with engineering and physics. But the rest of you should be okay with anything they offer.</p>