How does this path sound?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Quantumfied
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of transitioning from a mechanical engineering master's program to a PhD in electrical engineering. Participants explore the implications of this path, including course selection, admissions committee perceptions, and the timeline for completing degrees.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in a 4+1 accelerated master's program in mechanical engineering and questions the feasibility of applying for a PhD in electrical engineering afterward.
  • Another participant inquires about the specific electrical engineering courses the original poster plans to take during their mechanical engineering studies.
  • The original poster mentions that they are considering taking an introductory electrical engineering course but is limited in how many additional courses they can fit into their schedule.
  • A participant suggests that admissions committees may question why the original poster is not studying electrical engineering if they are interested in it.
  • The original poster responds that they are close to finishing their mechanical engineering degree and feel it would be a waste to switch majors at this point.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on the timeline of the original poster's academic standing, asking whether they are a junior as of last spring or the upcoming fall.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of switching fields and the timeline for degree completion, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best path forward.

Contextual Notes

There are uncertainties regarding the specific courses that may be beneficial for transitioning to electrical engineering and how admissions committees evaluate such transitions.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering interdisciplinary transitions in engineering fields, particularly those interested in the implications of pursuing advanced degrees in different areas of study.

Quantumfied
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Hey guys, I’m a junior in Florida studying mechanical engineering. My school currently offers a 4+1 accelerated masters program for mechanical engineering which I’m strongly considering. How feasible is it for me to to do this and then apply for a PhD in electrical engineering to another university of Florida? I don’t mind that the most if any of the masters classes from my mechanical masters won’t count for the electrical engineering PhD. I’m also aware that the time I spend in school will be extended for a year or 2, but I’m wondering how with admission boards view the change in engineering major after a masters? Will this keep me from getting my PhD in electrical engineering? I know this is a year or 2 away still but it’ll likely creep up fast. Thanks for any help.
 
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What EE-type courses will you be taking while studying ME?
 
@Dishsoap that's what I’m looking into now so far the only thing I have in my degree plan is Introduction to EE which is my schools version of circuits for mechanical engineers. Any advice or guidance is greatly appreciated. So far I’m looking into fitting in some other course but adding anymore than 3 or so will register and extra semester for me.
 
A question the admissions committee will surely ask is "If he's so interested in EE, why isn't he studying it now?"
 
@Vanadium 50 I am close to finishing my degree in mechanical engineering seems like a waste to switching now
 
Quantumfied said:
I’m a junior
Does this mean a junior (third year student) as of last spring, or a junior as of this coming fall? To put it another way, how long would it take for you to finish your bachelor's degree if you stayed with mechanical engineering?
 

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