Engineering Major looking for a minor

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the decision between pursuing a minor in mathematics or psychology for a chemical engineering major. Participants emphasize that while a strong foundation in mathematics is crucial for engineers, a minor in psychology can enhance interpersonal skills and make candidates more appealing to employers. The consensus suggests that a well-rounded education, including leadership and communication skills, is highly valued in the engineering field. Ultimately, the choice should align with career goals, particularly if considering graduate school.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ABET accreditation standards for engineering programs
  • Familiarity with the role of mathematics in engineering disciplines
  • Knowledge of the importance of soft skills in engineering careers
  • Awareness of the benefits of leadership experience in professional development
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of a minor in mathematics on graduate school applications
  • Explore the role of psychology in engineering team dynamics
  • Investigate leadership opportunities within engineering clubs or organizations
  • Examine case studies of engineers with humanities minors and their career trajectories
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for chemical engineering students, academic advisors, and professionals interested in enhancing their employability through interdisciplinary studies.

physstudent1
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I'm a chemical engineering major in my freshman year, doing well in my classes. My schedule works out so that basically if I use all my electives towards either math or a humanities I only need 1 more class for a minor, I'm wondering what would be more beneficial to being an engineer a minor in math or psychology. I know that engineers are very dependent on math but it seems like psychology would make me more rounded. I have liked the two psychology classes I have taken so far. What do you guys think what would be more appealing to an employer?
 
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to be honest, no
 
physstudent1 said:
I'm a chemical engineering major in my freshman year, doing well in my classes. My schedule works out so that basically if I use all my electives towards either math or a humanities I only need 1 more class for a minor, I'm wondering what would be more beneficial to being an engineer a minor in math or psychology. I know that engineers are very dependent on math but it seems like psychology would make me more rounded. I have liked the two psychology classes I have taken so far. What do you guys think what would be more appealing to an employer?

If you are interested in grad school, do math. An employer will be more impressed by something in the humanities that will set you apart. Having said that, I'm not sure where psychology fits in. It's different, but it's not directly applicable to engineering, and it doesn't focus on writing or literature like English or philosophy do, for example.

Employers do absolutely love seeing well rounded engineers. All engineers have at least an ABET specified level of math and technical expertise, but few have leadership or writing/communication experience. A minor, or especially a double major, can go a long way in demonstrating that necessary business and social sense that ABET certification doesn't require. Leadership roles in clubs or involvement in sports help for similar reasons.
 

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