Here’s the thing. I got admitted into University of Richmond which does not offer engineering major. I got good amount of scholarship so I didn’t want to decline it. So I enrolled. I have always wanted to become an engineer. But the only option available to me is 3-2 joint engineering program with another school. One of my friends told me that I could just take courses in physics and mathematics for undergraduate and go for engineering at graduate school. I doubt that. So what are the ways available for me? Is the joint program a good way to go?
One of my relatives got his BS in building construction from Uni of Florida, masters in engineering at Uni of Maryland as well as business administration from Northwestern.
He is currently the vice president for a construction company that builds hotels and resorts worldwide.
You can be successful majoring in physics and mathematics, then getting your masters in engineering. In fact I believe taking that route would make you more valuable to your employer; you’d be a jack of all trades.
I think you should take as many gen eds as you can at Richmond if that is what you truly want to do, take classes at ODU(if you’re from the Hampton Roads area) or some other college around you over the summer that are engineering specific. Once you’ve finished up gen eds at richmond, go to a college that offers an engineering program and graduate there. Like Benson8 said, it’s true well rounded people are valued today, but I caution you that joint engineering programs are risky. I know that some engineers, like civil and mech, can need licenses to practice without being under someone always watching them, and you’re going to need a valid degree to get a license like that.
Option number two: double major in physics and mathematics from richmond. Then go on to graduate school and major in mech e or civil or electrical, or construction. However, most companies are cautious about hiring people with a post baccalaureate degree becasue they will have to pay them more than someone with just a BS, across all disciplines, and that pay increase is significantly higher for engineers than other disciplines. Companies would rather higher someone with a BS in engineering, and train them to their standards than higher someone who has a post BS degree with an inflated sense of self worth.
Engineering is so much more than just math and physics. A BS in math/physics would leave so many holes in your preparation for engineering grad school. Freshman year in an engineering program would contain most of the math and physics that you would need. I would consider transferring into an engineering program ASAP.
The other issue will be that most schools offer very little financial aid to transfer students, reserving most of the aid for incoming freshmen.
The 3/2 program and earning a BS in Physics/Math/MS in Engineering are both valid options with lots of pros/cons. One negative they both share is time, it would take 5 or more (especially if you go the MS route) years to earn your degree in engineering. The longer it takes, the more expensive it becomes, not only in Tuition cost, but in lost salary.
If financials are a concern, think about spending the first year or two at Richmond and take all of the critical tracking courses (Calc, Physics, Chem, etc.), while taking advantage of your scholarships. Then transfer to a school that offers engineering (like VT). This is similar to going to a local CC and then transferring. If, while taking these classes, you determine engineering isn’t for you, stay at Richmond and finish your degree.
Good Luck!