The Benefits of a Minor in Aero/Astro Engineering

[sydneyfranke]

Hey everyone. Just a quick question . . . . I am a ME major, about to start my second year. I've always been fascinated with space and such, so I'm wanting to minor in Aero/Astro Engineering. The only reason I'm minoring and not majoring in this is because there is not a program in my state that offers a major in AE, so this is my best option (and I really can't afford out of state tuition for a Bachelor's).

Anyways, what I'm wanting to know is what help this minor could realistically provide for me. I have plans for grad school, and I would really like to pursue an AE master's program. I will provide a link at the bottom outlining the required courses for my minor, but will this be enough credits to get me accepted into a master's program? If not, how should I go about getting the required credits?

Also, if grad school is not something that works out for me in the future, what could a minor in AE do for me in the work force? Would it be possible to get hired on as an AE or would I just be considered a ME that knows a little about AE stuff?

Grad school is certainly first in line as far as priorities (after undergrad of course), but I know that sometimes life doesn't go as planned and I was just was wondering where I would stand with that degree.

Thanks in advance for any constructive advice.

Here's the link.
http://appl003.lsu.edu/mech/mechweb.nsf/$Content/Getting+an+ME+Minor/$file/ME_Aero_Minor.pdf"

 

[hitmeoff]

I am not sure what a minor in AE can do for you. But in general, I would think that as a ME, you should be fully employable in the AE field. One of my friends was a Physics major, and now works at Edwards Air Force Base as an engineer, so I am sure as an ME major, you would be very qualified to work in AE. As far as grad school is concerned, I think the same idea applies. You are trained as an engineer, a problem solver. Those skills translate very well across the whole of engineering.

I know you wouldn't be the first person whose ever graduated in one field and went to grad school in another, closely related field.

With that said, I see a trend on these boards: People asking advice on classes and/or majors for the end result of "Will it help me get into grad school for this..." whatever happened to picking a major or course because you actually love it and have a deep interest in it. You've certainly expressed your interest for AE, so go for the minor if that's what you like!