Suggest to me which engineering major should I go for

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on selecting an engineering major for a career in nuclear engineering, particularly in power plants or shipyards. Participants recommend pursuing a Mechanical Engineering degree due to its broader job prospects, especially for foreign nationals, as many nuclear engineering positions may not be accessible. The conversation also touches on the possibility of transitioning from Electrical Engineering to Nuclear Engineering for postgraduate studies. Additionally, suggestions for affordable universities in the U.S. are provided, emphasizing the importance of choosing a major that aligns with career goals in the nuclear energy sector.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of engineering disciplines, specifically Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering.
  • Familiarity with international university application processes for undergraduate studies.
  • Knowledge of career opportunities in the nuclear energy sector and related fields.
  • Awareness of the implications of foreign national status on job availability in the U.S.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Mechanical Engineering programs that offer nuclear energy courses.
  • Explore Electrical Engineering degrees with a focus on energy systems.
  • Investigate postgraduate options in Nuclear Engineering for Electrical Engineering graduates.
  • Look into affordable universities in the U.S. that offer strong engineering programs.
USEFUL FOR

High school students considering engineering majors, particularly those interested in nuclear energy, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering, as well as international students seeking affordable university options in the U.S.

risp
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
I am currently in a high school IB student with Physics, Chemistry and Maths as HL.
I want to take up a career in nuclear engineering but not as a researcher instead I want to solve real life problems and work in a power plant or a shipyard which makes nuclear-powered submarines and ships.
I do not want to study for the next 10 years of my life instead I want to start working after my undergraduate or postgraduate but not a PHD.
So can you please suggest me which engineering major should I go for ?
If possible can you also suggest some good college which I can afford ( $15k-20k including living cost for international students)
Thanks in advance
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Mechanical. And you should be able to find a decent university without having to go to another country.
.
Why don't I suggest nuclear? We do have that degree in the US. However, many of the jobs you want would not be available to a foreign national. However a power plant in any country has need for a mechanical engineer. And any marine industry also has need for mechanical engineering. And If nuclear is available, you might be able to get onto the worksite with your mechanical. Without a nuclear industry, you won't find work vs a mechanical engineer would have a good chance of working in all of the above fields as is.
 
CalcNerd said:
Mechanical. And you should be able to find a decent university without having to go to another country.
.
Why don't I suggest nuclear? We do have that degree in the US. However, many of the jobs you want would not be available to a foreign national. However a power plant in any country has need for a mechanical engineer. And any marine industry also has need for mechanical engineering. And If nuclear is available, you might be able to get onto the worksite with your mechanical. Without a nuclear industry, you won't find work vs a mechanical engineer would have a good chance of working in all of the above fields as is.

Thanks for your answer.

As an IB student in India, I have no other option, I have to apply in a university outside India.
My dad is suggesting me to take electrical with computer science because it has more scope. Is a job in the nuclear energy field still possible with an undergraduate in Electrical engineering? And is it still possible to do a postgraduate in nuclear engineering after my undergraduate in Electrical engineering
 
risp said:
Is a job in the nuclear energy field still possible with an undergraduate in Electrical engineering? And is it still possible to do a postgraduate in nuclear engineering after my undergraduate in Electrical engineering

Why not ?

two suggestions come to mind

See this thread:
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/nuclear-engineering-courses.882759/

take a look at this school, it's where i went in 1960's because it was both affordable and respected in the US midwest.
http://futurestudents.mst.edu/visit/index.html?utm_source=v3topbar&utm_content=visit_link
 

Similar threads

Engineering Where Can I Find a Nuclear Engineering Internship?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
How to become a commercial nuclear plant operator?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Which Engineering Major is Right for Me?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
What's the best major between Physics & Chemistry for entering MS in Nuclear Engineering?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Engineering Should I major in physics or mechanical engineering?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
13K
Engineering Mechanical or Civil Engineering: Which Major is Right for You?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Other Is physics, computer science, or engineering the right path for me?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
7K
Physics Anxious about majoring in physics — considering a switch to engineering
  • · Replies 131 ·
5
Replies
131
Views
15K
Engineering Which path should i take? (physics vs. engineering)
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
10K
Schools Which College Should I Choose for a Career in Fusion System Design?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K