BA Physics to MSME? | Advice from Experienced Students

[Sherman8r44]

Hello All,

I am a currently a sophomore econ-math joint major, and I have decided I want to study mechanical engineering and work in the automotive industry. My predicament is that my current school (Emory) doesn't offer engineering.

I have enough surplus credits to follow one of these paths:

1. Graduate a year early and get a BSME at Georgia Tech.
2. Double major with Physics (BA) and try to get into an MSME program.

Has anyone taken path #2? Is it feasible from an admissions standpoint? Feasible academically?

 

[physics girl phd]

It's always a bit tricky to switch fields, and I'm a bit concerned because you're thinking about double majoring with a BA in physics (while a quick online check did reveal that a BS is offered). The BS in Physics or Applied Physics would be better... perhaps Physics since the Applied Physics degree seems to have an emphasis on optics and condensed matter / materials -- or lean a bit towards electrical engineering (not mechanical).

Even so, as I said, switching fields is tough. There's a perhaps slight thing to be said about your institution not offering a degree that might work in your favor with an MSME admissions committee. Also, perhaps admissions into a master's program aren't as stringent as admissions into a Ph.D. program (the type of admissions I'm familiar with) since often no funding is really provided for the degree. Nonetheless, you'd want to be sure you still had the academic preparation for it. Look into some programs and their "recommended undergraduate preparation" if you can find it.

Is there a possibility to transfer to GT earlier? Perhaps not at this point, since perhaps they've already finalized fall admissions.

Hopefully others can give you their views on this.

 

[Sherman8r44]

Thanks for the reply Physics girl. I'm not transferring to GT; we have a dual-degree program with them which I would be entering. I'm too far in with credits, so I might as well finish out my degree at Emory. Which do you think would be better - BA Physics and a few cross-listed undergrad ME courses from GT, or straight-up Emory BS Applied?

The difference between the BS and Applied is that the former allows two electives while the latter stipulates those two courses, correct?

Some MSME programs say "BS in engineering or equivalent", some stipulate mechanical engineering majors only, and some say "we let in a few science majors". I'm really very confused as to what my chances would be coming out of college with a physics major.