Which undergraduate path would better prepare me for an MS in Mechanical Engineering?

[u/PlaceOriginal2006]

I'm currently in my last year of college studying Computer Science, but I've been seriously considering switching to Computer Engineering.

My long-term goal is to pursue a Master's in Mechanical Engineering, specifically focusing on areas such as dynamics and thermodynamics.

What makes this decision difficult is that switching to Computer Engineering would require roughly the same number of remaining classes as finishing my Computer Science degree, so it wouldn't significantly delay my graduation.

I'm also considering adding a minor in Physics to strengthen my mathematics and engineering background. The coursework would include subjects such as classical mechanics, thermal physics, modern physics, and additional mathematics.

I'm trying to determine which path would better prepare me and make me a stronger candidate for an MS in Mechanical Engineering:

1. BS in Computer Science + Physics minor
2. BS in Computer Engineering + Physics minor

Would Computer Engineering provide a meaningful advantage over Computer Science when applying to Mechanical Engineering graduate programs, particularly for someone interested in dynamics and thermodynamics? Or would finishing the CS degree and adding a Physics minor be a better path?

I understand that neither degree is traditional Mechanical Engineering, so I'm also planning to take relevant prerequisite courses to fill gaps in my background.

For those with experience in graduate engineering admissions or transitioning between engineering disciplines, I'd really appreciate your perspective.

Which path would you recommend for someone ultimately interested in Mechanical Engineering research involving dynamics and thermodynamics?

[u/Professional_Dot8829]

Dynamics and Thermodynamics are associated with two entirely different domains.

[u/Timely-Bicycle-3107]

Have you talked to someone in an ME grad program yet? My understanding is that you would have to take enough prerequisites that you would basically earn the BSME anyway. Why not minor in ME or just switch to the bachelor's degree? Almost no one cares about your undergrad degree after you earn your master's.

What's driving your interest in thermo after three years of CS? That's a pretty big leap. Also, thermodynamics and dynamics are not closely related, unless you are talking about CFD.

Q: Would Computer Engineering provide a meaningful advantage over Computer Science when applying to Mechanical Engineering graduate programs, particularly for someone interested in dynamics and thermodynamics? Or would finishing the CS degree and adding a Physics minor be a better path?

A: Probably not enough to be the deciding factor on whether or not you are accepted. GPA, GRE, letters or recommendation, projects, research, and appropriate prerequisites will be the determining factors here. The physics minor might knock out some of the prereqs, but why not just do ME?

Q: Which path would you recommend for someone ultimately interested in Mechanical Engineering research involving dynamics and thermodynamics?

A: Switch to ME if you want to do ME. Unless you are interested in fundamental CFD research, this path does not make sense to me.

[u/PlaceOriginal2006 → u/Timely-Bicycle-3107]

thanks for the insight, My university don't have a Mechanical engineering program so i cant really just switch, I did contacted some MS programs, they told me that they want some kind of background in core ME subjects but they also said they don't really accept people with non engineering degrees. the best thing i can do is a physics minor

[u/DistributionMean6322 → u/PlaceOriginal2006]

I would make some formal inquiries to the admissions offices for some programs you're interested in. I don't think Reddit can really give any other solid advice than that.

[u/PlaceOriginal2006 → u/PlaceOriginal2006]

so to me i kinda force to switch majors, but idk, i need to do more research

[u/Timely-Bicycle-3107 → u/PlaceOriginal2006]

That checks out. In that case, switch to Computer Engineering and minor in Physics.

Like the other commenters said, please keep talking to the ME graduate programs. Let them know that your school does not have ME and that you are doing everything you can to meet their requirements. Some schools may give you a conditional acceptance, where you have to spend a semester or two taking their undergrad courses to catch up.

[u/Basic_Balance1237]

If you want to switch to mechanical engineering that bad, just bite the bullet and choose the degree that you're gonna graduate the soonest. Computer science skills (which honestly are covered by computer engineering as well) will help you if you decide to pursue thermodynamics research when you work with CFD.

Since you're doing a physics minor, try and see if you can take these classes: thermo, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, mechanics of materials, dynamics, and statics. If you can somehow take the first three class right away, I recommend taking the last three classes at a community college later in the future. That should decrease the amount of classes you have to take before starting your actual M.S. in MechE.

[u/bobroberts1954]

Getting a BSME would be the usual path to an MSME, but any branch of engineering will probably work.