<p>I'm looking at engineering as a potential major. Originally I was really interested in BioE, but read somewhere that you need a PhD or else have a hard time finding a job; because BioE is so specialized, it's easier to teach MechE and ChemE majors Biology than to each BioE majors fundamental engineering. (Therefore the MechE and ChemE majors get hired over BioE majors for BioE jobs.)</p>
<p>How true is this? And if so, what kind of engineering should I pursue?</p>
<p>I don't have a particular preference in terms of my own interests. What is marketable with a Master's and has a good job prospects?</p>
<p>Before looking at BioE, I really was set on CSE because I really love working with computers. But my parents recommended BioE because the school I'm going to is highly ranked for BioE and CSE majors have low job security. I'm inclined to agree with them, and also fear that CSE might be too specialized (like BioE)...</p>
<p>(If you can't tell, my knowledge of engineering is laughably poor and limited.)</p>
<p>BioE is hardly too specialized (I’m a bioE). If anything, it is too unspecialized. Upperclassman have constantly been telling me that you really need to pick something to specialize in rather than be a jack of all trades, because when it comes down to it you can’t say a BioE can’t say he/she is a better mechanical engineer than a mechanical engineer. The type of BioE that I personally consider the true part of BioE is synthetic biology, gene therapy, and stem cell engineering. </p>
<p>From all the people I’ve talked to, Mechanical Engineering is the most flexible type of engineering since its such a broad field, but you’d still have to pick a speciality, as with Electrical Engineering.</p>
<p>As far as job security goes for EE/CSE, I think that depends on your luck. My mom who has a masters in EE/CSE currently has a relatively secure and stable job. But there are other people in the same field who are getting laid off right now and what not. There are, however, a lot of job opportunities and you can always start your own business.</p>
<p>How in-demand a degree is depends on the school. Your best bet is to call the Career Services department at your school and ask for information about your major. They should be tracking 1) number of offers per student in each degree, 2) average salary for each degree, 3) names of companies that come to school to hire your degree. All of those will give you an excellent comparison to others with similar qualifications. Don’t be afraid to call - career services departments exist exactly for this reason.</p>
<p>If you want to know in general, try this link from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics:</p>
<p>Scroll down to “Job Outlook” and it will give you the general growth/decline assessment of that degree for the next 10 years. This is an aggregate picture (i.e. it includes people with 4 years of experience and those with 40 years of experience), but it’s a good starting point.</p>