I’ve been admitted to Mechanical Engineering for Fall 2017 but many of my interests lie outside. I would like to study pure Physics, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science as well. I saw thay UT does not offer minors in any of these areas. Would it still be possible for me to take classes in fields as a MechE major or would I need to change my major or dual major?
UT Austin actually offers an ‘Elements of Computing’ certificate which is what people take who want background in computer science. Engineering doesn’t have a lot of room for electives or minors. Without credits coming in, you’re already almost guaranteeing yourself more than four years of school.
I know physics 1 and 2 are part of your mechE curriculum, and it looks like you may be able to fit in another science, physics 3?
Look into ‘Computational Science and Engineering Certificate’ as well. It looks to be a mixture of electrical engineering and computer science.
I’d recommend talking with an advisor over the phone with these questions. Engineering degree plans are pretty full and don’t have a lot of slack for electives.
I actually have enough credits to start as a Sophomore. Where can I find the contact for an advisor?
Recently I have been considering making a switch to Electrical Engineering as it includes several CS and Physics classes. Then perhaps I could take my electives in MechE?
Switching from MechE to EE would be hard. You would have to apply as an internal transfer student and compete against other students trying to get into EE.
Call UT
I called them and apparently its very hard to take courses outside your major. I got two conflicting reports about changing your major. One representative said it can be done with an appeal before enrolment and another said you must wait till December.