Is a Transition from Meteorology to Engineering Feasible?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of transitioning from a Meteorology and Atmospheric Science background to a Master's program in engineering. Participants explore the necessary prerequisites, potential challenges, and the relevance of the current academic background in relation to various engineering disciplines.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in pursuing electrical engineering, noting a strong background in relevant courses but questioning the adequacy of their preparation for a Master's program.
  • Another participant suggests that acceptance into engineering programs can vary significantly by school, indicating that some may have more lenient admission criteria.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes the necessity of covering specific undergraduate engineering courses such as statics, dynamics, and thermodynamics to succeed in a Master's program.
  • One participant highlights the importance of identifying a specific engineering discipline, as engineering fields are highly specialized, and additional upper-level courses may be required.
  • Another response reassures that pursuing a Master's in engineering is possible but may necessitate remedial undergraduate courses to fill knowledge gaps.
  • One participant encourages the original poster to pursue their ambitions despite perceived discouragement from others, emphasizing the value of determination.
  • A contrasting opinion warns that transitioning from a scientific discipline to engineering may require a second bachelor's degree and internships, questioning the compatibility of the two fields.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of support and skepticism regarding the transition. While some believe it is feasible with additional coursework, others argue that significant gaps in foundational knowledge may hinder success in engineering programs. There is no consensus on the best path forward.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need for lab experience and specific undergraduate courses, indicating that the original poster may need to address these gaps before applying to a Master's program. The discussion also reflects varying opinions on the relevance of the original major to engineering fields.

Tone L
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Hi all,

So I am considering becoming an engineer I guess, I love building things and enjoy using computers...Potentially an electrical engineer I like circuits and electricity in general but I also like fluids too.

I currently am a Meteorology & Atmospheric Science major. Also minoring in physics but I've surpassed the physics requirements already.

Entering my senior year here are some courses I've taken:
Chem (Two Semesters)
Calc 1-3
Diffy Eqs.
Prob and stats for scints and engineers
University Physics 1&2
Scientific Programing (python)
Modern Physics
Classical Mechanics
E & M (One semester)
Atmospheric Dynamics (Two semesters)
Atmospheric Physics Would it be possible to apply to a masters program in some sort of engineering with this background, I've talked to a few universities and they say I would have to take courses in the summer to catch up on certain things like no lab experience and other classes..
 
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It depends a lot on the school. You usually need to have some specific schools in mind and ask them.

There are some pretty light weight engineering programs out there who will let anyone in who has a 3.0 undergrad GPA and the $ to pay tuition.
 
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I'm a bit more skeptical. Engineering usually goes well past the basics and into specifics such as statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, fluids, fluid dynamics, circuits, signals, and so on.

You will need to cover those undergraduate courses somehow. If you don't cover those courses somehow, a Master's degree in Engineering could quickly become incomprehensible.
 
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Anthony LaRosa said:
Would it be possible to apply to a masters program in some sort of engineering with this background, I've talked to a few universities and they say I would have to take courses in the summer to catch up on certain things like no lab experience and other classes..
What discipline of engineering. Engineering is so specialized these days, and one seems to have taken some basic introductory courses that may be common to some undergraduate engineering programs, e.g., mechanical engineering with a specialty in fluid mechanics. However, one would likely have to take some upper level courses in specific areas to get up to speed with those who have obtained a dedicated BS program.

JakeBrodsky has identified some of the areas in which one would need some experience at the upper levels to qualify for a graduate program.

It would be best to determine which field on engineering if of interest, then look at the upper level requirements for a BS, as well as requirements from an MS.
 
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You could definitely do a masters in some field of engineering but you may be required to take some undergraduate level remedial courses to make sure you have your bases covered.

-Matt
 
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Go with it man, take the courses and get them over with. I've realized there's a lot of discouragement on this forum, so if you want to go for something; get on it, ambition is what counts, but if you want to listen to others and keep asking these questions that's up to you. Anyways good luck with what ever you decide!
 
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Most places I am familiar with would require you to do a second bachelor, including internships and all.

You come from a scientific discipline to move to an engineering discipline on a subject where there's few similarities.

Climate engineering doesn't exist yet, so the engineering variant of your original major has limitations. You are really sure you want to give up on that subject? I mean, you tried that and you tried physics and you are sure they both aren't your thing?
 

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