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what subject to do if you like engineering?
in high school
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7 answers
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Elizabeth’s Answer
Robert's answer is a great start!
If you aren't sure what area of engineering you might want to pursue, then I would focus on taking the following classes in high school and at AP level if your school offers it:
Math through Pre-Calculus or Calculus
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
English/Literature (this will be a required class in college, and you might be able to test out with AP credit!)
Any STEM courses your high school might offer
Programming class, even a basic one
If you do have an idea of what kind of engineering you want to study, then look at the curriculum at a few universities to see what other courses might be helpful for you. It will be difficult to take any specialized courses, but you might find some others you didn't expect and can take a beginning course while still in high scool.
Also, look for STEM or engineering programs in the community around you to participate in outside of school. You might get a better idea of what sort of engineering you like most!
If you aren't sure what area of engineering you might want to pursue, then I would focus on taking the following classes in high school and at AP level if your school offers it:
Math through Pre-Calculus or Calculus
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
English/Literature (this will be a required class in college, and you might be able to test out with AP credit!)
Any STEM courses your high school might offer
Programming class, even a basic one
If you do have an idea of what kind of engineering you want to study, then look at the curriculum at a few universities to see what other courses might be helpful for you. It will be difficult to take any specialized courses, but you might find some others you didn't expect and can take a beginning course while still in high scool.
Also, look for STEM or engineering programs in the community around you to participate in outside of school. You might get a better idea of what sort of engineering you like most!
Updated
Lavanya’s Answer
Hello! Robert and Elizabeth's answers are great. To add in a simple way to help you:
Here are some engineering fields to consider:
Mechanical: Machines and devices.
Electrical: Electronics and power systems.
Civil: Infrastructure like buildings and roads.
Computer: Hardware and software.
Chemical: Chemicals and processes.
Aerospace: Aircraft and spacecraft.
Biomedical: Medical devices and healthcare tech.
Hope it will help you to quickly pick one. Good luck! Which one sparks your interest the most?
Here are some engineering fields to consider:
Mechanical: Machines and devices.
Electrical: Electronics and power systems.
Civil: Infrastructure like buildings and roads.
Computer: Hardware and software.
Chemical: Chemicals and processes.
Aerospace: Aircraft and spacecraft.
Biomedical: Medical devices and healthcare tech.
Hope it will help you to quickly pick one. Good luck! Which one sparks your interest the most?
Updated
Ivett’s Answer
Hi John,
If you enjoy engineering, there are several important subjects you should focus on in high school, depending on the type of engineering you’re interested in. **Mathematics** is essential for all engineers, so be sure to study algebra, calculus, and geometry, as these are used in almost every field. **Physics** is also crucial because it helps you understand how forces, energy, and motion work, which are the building blocks of engineering. If you’re interested in chemical, materials, or environmental engineering, taking **chemistry** is very important. For computer, electrical, or software engineering, **computer science** classes, where you can learn programming and understand how computers work, will be especially useful. If you like mechanical or civil engineering, subjects like **design and technology** or CAD (Computer-Aided Design) can help you develop practical skills. For fields like biomedical or environmental engineering, consider taking **biology** or **environmental science** as well. Overall, the subjects you choose should match the type of engineering you’re passionate about, but focusing on math, science, and technology will prepare you for any engineering career!
I wish you all the best in your career journey!
If you enjoy engineering, there are several important subjects you should focus on in high school, depending on the type of engineering you’re interested in. **Mathematics** is essential for all engineers, so be sure to study algebra, calculus, and geometry, as these are used in almost every field. **Physics** is also crucial because it helps you understand how forces, energy, and motion work, which are the building blocks of engineering. If you’re interested in chemical, materials, or environmental engineering, taking **chemistry** is very important. For computer, electrical, or software engineering, **computer science** classes, where you can learn programming and understand how computers work, will be especially useful. If you like mechanical or civil engineering, subjects like **design and technology** or CAD (Computer-Aided Design) can help you develop practical skills. For fields like biomedical or environmental engineering, consider taking **biology** or **environmental science** as well. Overall, the subjects you choose should match the type of engineering you’re passionate about, but focusing on math, science, and technology will prepare you for any engineering career!
I wish you all the best in your career journey!
Updated
Duncan’s Answer
As the other awesome folks have mentioned, try and keep up with your Math and Science courses for sure. For electives, look for subjects that interest you; make sure you take a good look at the course catalog that your school offers. For example, my school offered courses like Engineering Concepts where we worked with CAD drawings. I got the chance to take AP Computer Science and got my first taste of coding which I loved.
Also look for clubs like robotics, science clubs where you can get your hands dirty and build things with your peers!
Also look for clubs like robotics, science clubs where you can get your hands dirty and build things with your peers!
Robert Rossi
Many things! But mostly chemistry and chemical engineering
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Answers
Updated
Robert’s Answer
No matter what kind of engineering you want to get into, you will want to take all the calculus-series math classes available to you. (That's Algebra I and II, Trigonometry, Geometry, and if they are available, Pre-Calculus and Calculus.) Secondarily, take any economics, linear algebra, and statistics classes you have as options. Other classes can be very helpful depending on the specific type of engineering you might be considering. Most of these are pretty obvious (take chemistry for chemical and pharmaceutical engineering, biology for biomedical, biochemical, and pharmaceutical, etc.) but here's a partial list to clue you in to some of the less-obvious options for the most common engineering majors:
Mechanical: Obviously physics, but less obviously any shop or drafting classes that might be available to you.
Civil: Obviously physics, but less obviously any class dealing with politics and/or social studies
Electrical: Obviously physics, but perhaps a little less obviously computer science and an electronics shop class if one is offered
Chemical: Obviously chemistry, but less obviously physics and computer science
In taking these classes, keep in mind that while your grades are important, actually learning the content is even more so. (If you don't, you will have to learn the content in the much higher-pressure and faster-paced environment of college!) Also keep in mind that an excellent teacher is as or more important than the subject matter...so if you have the option to take a less-relevant course, say, Economics from a great teacher or a more-relevant course, say Calculus, from a terrible teacher, I would probably steer you toward taking the economics class. Note that in this context "excellent teacher" does not equate to being an easy grader, it equates to their ability to teach the subject matter and make the subject engaging (which usually go hand in hand)!
Look into the course requirements (at the college level) for the engineering major(s) you are most interested in, and pursue any high school courses available to you that overlap with these. For example, for biomedical engineering the major map at https://degrees.apps.asu.edu/major-map/ASU00/ESBMEBSE/null/ONLINE/2024 suggests you should take any (pre-)calculus math, chemistry, physics, biology, circuits (electronics and/or computer science), and even ethics classes you can.
Mechanical: Obviously physics, but less obviously any shop or drafting classes that might be available to you.
Civil: Obviously physics, but less obviously any class dealing with politics and/or social studies
Electrical: Obviously physics, but perhaps a little less obviously computer science and an electronics shop class if one is offered
Chemical: Obviously chemistry, but less obviously physics and computer science
In taking these classes, keep in mind that while your grades are important, actually learning the content is even more so. (If you don't, you will have to learn the content in the much higher-pressure and faster-paced environment of college!) Also keep in mind that an excellent teacher is as or more important than the subject matter...so if you have the option to take a less-relevant course, say, Economics from a great teacher or a more-relevant course, say Calculus, from a terrible teacher, I would probably steer you toward taking the economics class. Note that in this context "excellent teacher" does not equate to being an easy grader, it equates to their ability to teach the subject matter and make the subject engaging (which usually go hand in hand)!
Robert recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Sylvia’s Answer
Utilizing Applied Mathematics, exploring Physics, designing Software Architecture, and composing business documents.
Updated
Amit’s Answer
Excellent Inquiry!
1. In response to your question, the choice of stream in Engineering hinges on your personal interests. There's a broad spectrum of subjects to delve into, such as Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Electronics, Environmental Studies, Mechanical or Automobile Engineering, Architecture, and the list goes on. However, it's essential, as many have pointed out in this forum, to maintain a solid foundation in Math and Science. These subjects are the backbone of all engineering streams. Enhancing your logical thinking and mathematical problem-solving skills will be a bonus.
2. It's crucial to identify your primary area of interest and where your strengths lie. This self-awareness will guide you in selecting the most suitable engineering stream.
3. There are also opportunities to explore courses like AI, Python, C++, Java, and other programming languages. These will serve as valuable tools during your course, especially if you opt for Technology/IT (Computers or Electronics) as your preferred area.
4. If Civil or Mechanical Engineering captivates you, then acquiring skills in CAD (Computer-Aided Design) would be beneficial.
5. If you lean towards Environmental Engineering, you can start by understanding concepts related to Waste Management, Water Treatment, Recycling, etc. This knowledge will enable you to tackle everyday challenges in Waste Management.
Remember, regardless of the course or area you choose, staying abreast of current industry trends and technology is vital. It will equip you for all your future career discussions and set you up for success. Keep pushing forward, and remember that every step you take is bringing you closer to your dream career!
1. In response to your question, the choice of stream in Engineering hinges on your personal interests. There's a broad spectrum of subjects to delve into, such as Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Electronics, Environmental Studies, Mechanical or Automobile Engineering, Architecture, and the list goes on. However, it's essential, as many have pointed out in this forum, to maintain a solid foundation in Math and Science. These subjects are the backbone of all engineering streams. Enhancing your logical thinking and mathematical problem-solving skills will be a bonus.
2. It's crucial to identify your primary area of interest and where your strengths lie. This self-awareness will guide you in selecting the most suitable engineering stream.
3. There are also opportunities to explore courses like AI, Python, C++, Java, and other programming languages. These will serve as valuable tools during your course, especially if you opt for Technology/IT (Computers or Electronics) as your preferred area.
4. If Civil or Mechanical Engineering captivates you, then acquiring skills in CAD (Computer-Aided Design) would be beneficial.
5. If you lean towards Environmental Engineering, you can start by understanding concepts related to Waste Management, Water Treatment, Recycling, etc. This knowledge will enable you to tackle everyday challenges in Waste Management.
Remember, regardless of the course or area you choose, staying abreast of current industry trends and technology is vital. It will equip you for all your future career discussions and set you up for success. Keep pushing forward, and remember that every step you take is bringing you closer to your dream career!