Math bachelors to MechE masters?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of pursuing a master's degree in mechanical engineering (MechE) after completing an undergraduate degree in mathematics. Participants explore the implications of this educational path, considering the importance of practical experience and alternative undergraduate majors such as physics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to pursue mechanical engineering after majoring in mathematics, questioning the educational feasibility of this path.
  • Another participant argues that a mathematics degree may not provide the necessary practical experience for a mechanical engineer, suggesting that transferring to a university with an engineering program would be more beneficial.
  • A different viewpoint suggests that majoring in physics could be a better option, citing examples of students who transitioned from physics to mechanical engineering.
  • Some participants acknowledge that while it is possible to pursue MechE after a math degree, it would require significant catch-up in graduate school, particularly in practical skills.
  • One participant shares an anecdote of a coworker who transitioned from a physics degree to civil engineering, indicating that there may be overlaps that could facilitate such transitions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the feasibility of pursuing a MechE master's after a math undergraduate degree, with some advocating for physics as a more suitable major. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best educational path.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of practical experience in engineering, but there are varying opinions on how much overlap exists between mathematics, physics, and engineering disciplines. The discussion does not resolve the specific requirements or challenges of transitioning between these fields.

Sherman8r44
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I've decided that I want to pursue mechanical (automotive) engineering as a career, but unfortunately my school (Emory) doesn't offer engineering. How educationally/vocationally feasible is it to major in math for undergrad, and then go onto a masters MechE program?
 
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I'd say it wasn't very feasible at all: whilst you may be able to learn some theory during your maths degree, you will have zero practical experience (which, i gather, is quite important for a mechanical engineer!) It would be way better for you to just go to a different university for undergrad so you can take mech eng.
 
you'd be better off doing physics undergrad. Our mech program has a few people who did that
 
Of course, that's not saying it's not possible. It's been done. You'll have a lot of catching up to do in graduate school. Physics is probably the better major for something like this.
 
cristo said:
I'd say it wasn't very feasible at all: whilst you may be able to learn some theory during your maths degree, you will have zero practical experience (which, i gather, is quite important for a mechanical engineer!) It would be way better for you to just go to a different university for undergrad so you can take mech eng.

Transferring now would mean a total of at least 5 years spent on undergraduate education (I want to major in economics, too). We have a 3+2 program with Georgia Tech that gets me a liberal arts bachelors from Emory and an engineering bachelors from GT; however, that process takes a total of 5.5 years (it's actually 3+2.5). So I figure it would probably be more advantageous to end up with a masters in engineering after 6 (or maybe slightly more?) years, no?
 
It is possible, but as others stated, it would be better for you to complete your undergrad in Physics. A coworker of mine completed his BA in Physics, then decided to go into Civil Engineering and completed a BS in it in just one year (there is a lot of overlap), and then went into Structural Engineering for his MS
 

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