So Many Engineering Majors…How Do I Choose? By Kareem S. Burney

Engineering Covers Many Areas There are many different types of engineering majors that cover many different scientific areas. For example: Aerospace Engineering Biomedical Engineering/Bioengineering Civil Engineering Chemical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Nuclear Engineering Environmental Engineering

Some Engineering Fields Cover Specific Scientific Areas Some engineering majors cover very specific scientific. What this means is that the information covered makes it difficult to leave that area during a career. Examples: Nuclear Engineering Biomedical Engineering/Bioengineering Aerospace Engineering Materials Science and Engineering

Some Engineering Fields Are Better for Research than Industry Some engineering majors are excellent for research careers but have very limited industry careers.

Core Engineering Fields Can Cover Many Different Areas The following engineering fields are considered “core” engineering fields. The classes in these programs can lay the foundation for advanced degrees in more specific engineering fields: Chemical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Civil Engineering

How to Decide? Do research on that particular engineering field. For example: Future Job Market Research potential Possible advancement in career This research should be based on your interest.

Conclusion There are many different types of engineering fields. Determine if you want to do research or go industry. Some fields are very specialized and others are considered core fields. Pursue the field that interest you. An option may be getting a core degree for undergrad and a more specialized degree in grad school.