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How to Choose an Engineering Major

All engineers need a strong foundation in math and science, good analytical skills and a natural desire to solve problems. However, within engineering there are a wide range of career paths and areas for specialization. Some engineers work in office settings, using computers to design projects or write reports. Other engineers work outside, surveying construction sites or testing water or soil samples. Engineers work with everything from tiny materials in nanotechnology or chemical engineering to massive earthquake simulators in civil engineering. One of your first goals as an engineering student is finding the engineering major that's right for you.

The College of Engineering doesn't offer a general engineering degree. That means you'll need to select one of our eight engineering majors in order to begin making progress toward graduation. The sooner you declare a major, the sooner you can get started taking the classes required to graduate.

What if I don't know what I want to major in?

That's what we're here for. It's okay if you don't know which engineering major is right for you -- and it's okay if you decide you need to switch your major. While changing majors may mean you need an extra semester or two before you graduate, finding an engineering major that excites you can help you lay the foundation for a fulfilling and satisfying career as an engineer.

While some people are born knowing what kind of career they want, for most of us, finding the right major requires some research. We encourage your to talk to your advisor, attend engineering events and get involved with engineering student groups to see what feels like a good fit.

If you need help getting started, check out these resources on choosing a major.

How to prepare for your first semester

We encourage all students to declare an engineering major before you arrive on campus. While you can always change your major later, declaring your major early gives you the best chance at getting all the required courses in the recommended sequence.

Engineering students need to be ready to take calculus their first semester. You can prepare for calculus  by taking four years of math while you're in high school or taking summer courses to get up to speed on your math. If you're not ready to take  calculus when you start college, you can still be an engineering major -- it just may take you a little longer to get your degree. All engineering majors require students to take a heavy dose of math and science, so make sure you're ready to hit the books when you get to campus.