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
3 answers
Jared Chung
CareerVillage.org TeamJared’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
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!
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