Double Major at SLO

r77r77
Sat, 29 Mar 2014 22:37:05 +0000

I would really not recommend double majoring ME/AERO.

First of all, ME is the major with the most units required to graduate at cal poly. Most schools require 180~ units for an engineering degreee, but Cal Poly requires 201 units for ME, and 193 units for AERO. The 4 year graduation rate for ME is around 20-30%.

Secondly, AERO and ME degrees are very similar in composition. The redundancy of degree requirements would decrease the value of each degree, thus rendering your time less useful. It is very common for students to do their undergraduate as a AERO, but get their master’s degree as a ME, or vice versa. In addition, many jobs that a AERO engineer can do, a ME can be hired to do also, but not always the other way around.

Thirdly, since the school is already impacted, getting classes can be tricky at time. During later years, according to upperclassmen I know, you will be taking more specialized classes which means trying to get specialized classes for both ME and AERO can be difficult. Most 3rd year undergrad students I’ve talked to say the 12-14 units of class they took for their junior year is a full load and the most work they’ve done in any quarter.

Fourthly, much of your college career is not just dependent on your school work, but also activities outside of class. Clubs, social life, sports etc. Club/outside involvement and experience is going to benefit you much more down the road than double majoring. Employers wants to see that you’ve actually done something hands on outside of classes.

I would highly suggest sticking to one engineering major. If you really are unsure, ME is probably the better pick considering it allows for more job flexibility.