Can I Transition from Mechanical Engineering to a PhD in Electrical Engineering?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of transitioning from a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BS in ME) to pursuing a Master’s (MS) and PhD in Electrical Engineering (EE). Participants explore the implications of this transition, considering the participant's interests in electromagnetic theory and related fields, while expressing concerns about the necessary prerequisites and academic background.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong interest in electromagnetic theory and related topics but a lack of enthusiasm for circuits, leading to a consideration of switching to mechanical engineering.
  • Another participant suggests that majoring in Physics might align better with the original poster's interests than switching to Mechanical Engineering.
  • There is a proposal for Engineering Physics as a potential major that could bridge interests in both engineering and physics.
  • A participant notes that transitioning to an MS or PhD in EE from a BS in ME may be challenging, citing the need for core undergraduate courses in EE.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential difficulties in applying to graduate school in EE with a background in ME, referencing a personal anecdote of someone who had to retake many undergraduate EE courses to qualify.
  • One participant suggests that it might be more efficient to pursue a Bachelor’s in EE directly, given the overlap in required courses for graduate school preparation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the viability of transitioning from ME to EE for graduate studies. While some believe it is possible with additional coursework, others emphasize the challenges and suggest alternative paths that may better suit the participant's interests.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need to take core undergraduate subjects in EE, but there is uncertainty about the time required to complete these prerequisites. The discussion also reflects varying opinions on the suitability of different majors based on career prospects.

stargazer2357
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Hallo everyone
I am studying electrical engineering,I have chosen electrical engineering because I was really excited about the electromagnetic theory ,electromagnetic waves,quantum mechanics ,and topics like fiber optics , optoelectronics ,and quantum electronics.

I have never liked circuits and mostly electrical engineering involves a lot of circuits,I don't feel inspired when I look at them ,I knew that it would be a major issue but a thought that
I would just like them, but I really don't.

I am thinking of becoming a mechanical engineer ,it doesn't involve the electromagnetic theory but it's not really bad it involves thermodynamics, classical mechanics,and fluid mechanics.

After I graduate is it possible to get an MS and a Phd in elctrical engineering ,I would love to do research related to electromagnetic waves, photonics...etc


How does my plan sound and is it really possible to get an MS and a Phd in EE starting from a BS in mechanical engineering

Please help me out ,sorry for putting such a long post ,thank you in advance.
 
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If you like E&M but don't enjoy circuits, have you considered majoring in Physics? That would seem to fit your interests better than ME. And no, I don't think you would set yourself up well for any MS or PhD in EE without a BSEE.

I'm going to move this to the Academic Guidance forum, since it can involve multiple possible majors, not just engineering.
 
What about engineering physics?
 
I would suggest Physics or Engineering Physics.

Is there a reason you have ruled out Physics from your list of possible majors?
 
I would love to major in physics ,but it would be very difficult if not impossible to have a cereer where I live.

I know that I won't be a good candidate for an MS or Phd in EE starting from a BS in ME,
but I think that some unversities are ok with that you just have to take the core undergraduate subjects,if so how much time would finishing thease subjects take?
 
Keep in mind you might have a little trouble coming ahead in the near future when trying to apply for Graduate school in EE with a Bachelors in ME. It is a possible task, my Professor has a Bachelors in ME and Masters/PhD in EE but the guy had to go back and retake many undergraduate courses in EE just to be considered into Graduate school. Having said that you might as well just get your Bachelors in EE since you have to take the similar courses anyway to prepare you for Graduate school.
 

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