- #1
awat
- 13
- 0
I want to be an engineer. I am doing my undergrad at a small private school that does not offer engineering and only offers a BA Physics (no BS Physics). I'm going to school here because a family member works here and tuition is fully covered.
My school offers a 3/2 program in conjunction with the University of Maryland College Park. I am earning my physics BA right now and will complete it in Spring '13. I could then start at UMD in Fall '13 to complete an engineering BS in two years. The Physics BA would not be officially awarded until I earn the BS engineering.
Alternatively, I could graduate with a BA Physics in Spring '13 and then pursue a graduate degree in engineering (2-3 yr).
I know that the best way to be an engineer is to start out with a BS in engineering so that you can actually earn your PE license. My understanding is that you cannot earn a PE without a BS. And I really want to have lots of job opportunities and lots of flexibility when I put my resume out there. I don't want to be limited.
The problem is that I'm 23 and am anxious to move on from the bachelors degree so that I can start earning a salary. I'm tired of waiting tables! If I go with the 3/2 program, I will still be pursuing a bachelors at age 26 and I'd be 2 months shy of 27 by the time I would hit the job market. Am I wrong to be horrified by that thought? I think it would be different if I was pursuing a graduate degree at that age.
Admittedly, I spent 2 years out of school before transferring. It was a tough time for me and I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. That, combined with the delaying effect of transferring (lost credits, etc.) has put me in this position.
I'm considering abandoning the engineering goal. My interests are wide-ranging (I started out as a Political Science major).
What should I do? Where are my level-headed career veterans out there?
My school offers a 3/2 program in conjunction with the University of Maryland College Park. I am earning my physics BA right now and will complete it in Spring '13. I could then start at UMD in Fall '13 to complete an engineering BS in two years. The Physics BA would not be officially awarded until I earn the BS engineering.
Alternatively, I could graduate with a BA Physics in Spring '13 and then pursue a graduate degree in engineering (2-3 yr).
I know that the best way to be an engineer is to start out with a BS in engineering so that you can actually earn your PE license. My understanding is that you cannot earn a PE without a BS. And I really want to have lots of job opportunities and lots of flexibility when I put my resume out there. I don't want to be limited.
The problem is that I'm 23 and am anxious to move on from the bachelors degree so that I can start earning a salary. I'm tired of waiting tables! If I go with the 3/2 program, I will still be pursuing a bachelors at age 26 and I'd be 2 months shy of 27 by the time I would hit the job market. Am I wrong to be horrified by that thought? I think it would be different if I was pursuing a graduate degree at that age.
Admittedly, I spent 2 years out of school before transferring. It was a tough time for me and I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. That, combined with the delaying effect of transferring (lost credits, etc.) has put me in this position.
I'm considering abandoning the engineering goal. My interests are wide-ranging (I started out as a Political Science major).
What should I do? Where are my level-headed career veterans out there?