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What is the difference between majoring in Pre-Engineering and a specific type of engineering (electrical engineering, computer engineering, aerospace engineering, etc.)?

I am asking because some schools offer both and I don't understand the difference. I am going to be senior and I am thinking of majoring in some type of engineering. #college #career #engineer #computer-engineering #electrical-engineering #pre-engineering

engineer electrical-engineering computer-engineering pre-engineering
Thank you comment icon I would suggest you major in the career path you believe you can influence the world through. Tabah Baridule
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Jared’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team

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I work with lots of different types of engineers in my job. In the U.S. majoring in "pre-engineering" is much less common than majoring in engineering or an engineering specialty. The difference is often (but not always) that the pre-engineering program is for students who have not been admitted to the engineering school within the university, and is a way for students to prove out their interest in engineering while they attempt to re-apply. For example that's how Indiana Wesleyan University does it. If you already know that you want to study engineering, I would recommend that you go straight into the engineering school. It's ok to declare an interest in freshman year and spend the first couple of terms trying out courses in various engineering specialties (a CS course, a EE course, something related to Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering), and then begin to hone your studies in Sophomore year based on what you learn in Freshman year. It's also a good idea for you to start learning and exploring now if you can -- even before you attend school.


Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for this, I was worried about this subject too. Efe
Thank you comment icon nice answer thanks! Ralph
Thank you comment icon Pre-Engineering is usually the classes needed in the first two years of any 4-year Engineering program. They form a common core to any Engineering Major. I took mine at Community Colleges and transferred as a Junior into a University. It was less expensive that way, and the instructors had first hand experience in the fields they taught. At the time, all the Community Colleges in my state had a matriculation agreement with the state Colleges/Universities. Teresa Simpson
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Brian’s Answer

Pre-engineering is usually where one might start before they decide which specific field of engineering they want to pursue. To my knowledge you can't get a degree in "pre-engineering" but that doesn't mean it's not a good place to start. It will help fill the general requirements to move into a specific program later. In fact, it might be the best place to start. As you progress through some of the base courses you might find that you like Physics more than Chemistry so Chemical engineering might not be the best choice. The more you can explore before you commit, the happier you will be with your choice. Good luck.
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Lisa’s Answer

The courses you need for any Engineering program are Physics and Calculus. Pre-Engineering isn't a major, it is classes you need in HS and also freshman year college to pursue a major in Engineering.
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