Which Engineering Major Fits My Interests and Future Career Goals?

[rsslnhllngswr]

I am a senior in high school and i like aerospace science and physics and i don't mind calculus and I am pretty good at it. I only took one year of chem and bio. My grades are As and Bs and i am in the gifted program. i am interested in majoring in engineering because i like that sort of thing. I don't really know what kind or where. I live in Pa. I've narrowed it down to Aerospace engineering, mechanical, petroleum, industrial, nuclear, or engineering physics. i am also interested in majoring in astronomy because i find the universe very interesting. I hear that astronomy is a field that you pretty much need a Phd in or else you ll be stuck working at a planetarium or something stupid like that. what do you think would be a good choice considering my interests, schooling, job opportunities, and pay? thanks in advance.

 

[fss]

Go somewhere that allows you to hold of declaring your major. Take a bunch of different classes in whatever area you think is the most interesting and declare once you've made your decision.

 

[rsslnhllngswr]

i kinda want to have my mind made up so i won't waste time

 

[fss]

Well then make up your mind. Nobody else can tell you what will be best for you. It sounds like one of the engineering disciplines would be the best fit for you based on the limited information you have provided.

 

[jayrehme]

waste time? What's the big rush? Going to school for a job is overrated. Go to school to learn something you enjoy learning and it will eventually turn into a job you like anyways, instead of getting trapped into doing something you don't want to do. Take your time and enjoy life.

 

[Dug]

First you should be aware that 85% of people that graduate from college - work outside of their major (undergraduate level). I went through the same quandary you are experiencing. I suggest you get your first two years of college out of the way out of the way. At this level it won't matter much whether you go engineering or astronomy - most of the course work in the first two years will be the same. Make sure you take any electives that you can in your areas of interest. Then see if you can get a job or even volunteering in your field of interest for 6 months to a year. Less than that may not be enough - depending. The idea of working in a particular field is often very different from the reality. Just from what you have said - I suspect that astronomy is going to be a better hobby for you than a job and their are certainly more and better jobs in engineering fields than astronomy. Remember the best way to ruin a hobby is to turn it into work.