Which one is better ? Engineering Majors Dilemma

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the dilemma of choosing between Environmental Engineering and Civil Engineering majors for college transfer applications. Participants explore the implications of their choices on future career paths, the reputation of different universities, and the potential for interdisciplinary studies.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong preference for Environmental Engineering but is concerned about the practicality of attending UCLA due to its proximity to home.
  • Another participant suggests that the choice of degree should align with professional interests, highlighting different areas of focus within engineering.
  • There is a discussion about the reputation of Cal Poly SLO versus UCLA, with one participant stating that SLO is known for practical education.
  • Concerns are raised about the recognition of Environmental Engineering degrees by recruiters, with one participant noting that many firms prefer graduates from more traditional engineering programs.
  • Questions are posed about the feasibility of obtaining a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering followed by a Master's in Environmental Engineering.
  • Clarifications are made regarding the availability of Environmental Engineering programs at UCLA and UCI, noting that UCLA offers a specialization within Civil and Environmental Engineering, while UCI has a dedicated major.
  • Participants discuss the geographical distribution of engineering firms, particularly in Los Angeles, indicating a strong presence of major companies in the area.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the best university and major choice, with no consensus reached on which program is superior or more beneficial for future careers. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of choosing one major over the other.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the specific career outcomes associated with each major, nor have they addressed the potential limitations of their assumptions about program recognition and job opportunities.

insipidgirl
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Which one is better ?? Engineering Majors! Dilemma

okay so I am transferring this fall huge decisions to be made

@ CAL POLY SLO, UCI, UCSD, & USC
applied 4 ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING MAJOR

@ UCLA
applied for CIVIL ENGINEERING MAJOR

I environmental engineering appeals to me allot more than civil...
but...
UCLA is allot more convenient to attend b/c its closer to home, and significant others.

Now my dilemma is when i get out of college can i still do the work that of an environmental engineer or will i need to get a bachelor's in EE ??

and what is the great difference of having a bachelor's in one or the other??
 
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The choice of degree would seem to depend on what one wishes to do professionally. Does one wish to work on environmental matters, e.g. land use, potable water/sanitation, pollution abatement, . . . or does one wish to be involved with structures (e.g. bridges, dams, canals, . . .) or transportation (roads, railways, public transportation, . . . ), or perhaps renewable energy or sustainable development?
 


Yeah I'm definitely more interested in Environmental.
i know SLO would be the best choice engineering in general.

But most likely I'm going to attend UCI or UCLA b/c the are closer to home.

And I've been hearing that UCLA has a better engineering program. Is that true??

Also could I get a BS in civil engineering and Masters in Environmental?

*** thanks allot for your reply
 


I work for big company where we recruit SLO engineers because the education is incredibly practical. Go either SLO or UCLA. Do CE or Industrial Engineering. Recruiters don't know what an environmental engineering degree is.
 


thanks for your advice.
If you do not mind me asking where is your firm located?

I'm curious to find out where most of the engineering firms are at.

is there allot in los angeles?

thannks
 


All the big engineering companies have offices in Los Angeles. You're in a great place. I'm in NoCal.
 


insipidgirl said:
Yeah I'm definitely more interested in Environmental.
i know SLO would be the best choice engineering in general.

But most likely I'm going to attend UCI or UCLA b/c the are closer to home.

And I've been hearing that UCLA has a better engineering program. Is that true??

Also could I get a BS in civil engineering and Masters in Environmental?

*** thanks allot for your reply

UCLA doesn't seem to offer an Environmental Engineering major, but the department is called "Civil and Environmental Engineering" and there is a specialization in environmental engineering (minor).

UCI also has a department called "Civil and Environmental Engineering," but there is actually a major in environmental engineering. They both seem very similar and both engineering schools actually have the same name!

However, it seems that UCLA and Cal Poly SLO are more highly regarded than UCI. UCSD also has a good engineering school, but their environmental engineering program is in the mechanical engineering department. http://www.jacobsschool.ucsd.edu/academic/academic_undergrad/undergrad_majors/EnvironEBS.shtml
 
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