5 answers
Saeran
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
4
Questions
Updated
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What if I don't like my college-major choice?
I'm heading into college and trying to decide on a major. I am between biomedical engineering and mechanical engineering. I'm really interested in biomedical engineering, but anatomy and biology have been a hit or miss topic for me, and I'm worried I won't like it. However, I am worried that if I major in mechanical engineering, I will regret not trying biomedical.
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5 answers
Jorge Cano Carmona
Engineering
5
Answers
Rohnert Park, California
Updated
Jorge’s Answer
Take your time, one semester can be significant and meantime try to enroll in anything that seems like fundamental or interesting for you. The name of a career doesn't define your preferences. Enjoy what you're learning and anyone of those can be a great catapult to your future.
Take time and set some time for deciding (One semestrer, one year, etc).
Think in what you really love,
There is no difficult career if it likes you enough.
Jorge recommends the following next steps:
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Software Engineer and Career Mentor
654
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
First identify your passions, strengths, and long-term career goals by thinking honestly about what you’re good at and what kind of work you see yourself doing in the future. Prioritize what genuinely interests you, then choose the option that excites your curiosity. Instead of deciding based on fear of regret, test your assumptions early through courses like introductory biology alongside core engineering classes, and observe what you naturally enjoy versus what feels forced.
You can strengthen your decision further through informational interviews with professors, industry professionals, and senior students, as well as attending career fairs to understand real workloads and career pathways. Remember that your choice is flexible: mechanical engineering is a broad foundation that can lead into biomedical applications like biomechanics and medical devices, while biomedical engineering already provides a direct route into those areas, including the option to specialize in biomechanics. If you feel you missed some biology in high school, you can rebuild it with structured study and revision alongside your college courses. The goal is not perfection now but choosing a starting point that gives you clarity through experience and keeps your options open.
You can strengthen your decision further through informational interviews with professors, industry professionals, and senior students, as well as attending career fairs to understand real workloads and career pathways. Remember that your choice is flexible: mechanical engineering is a broad foundation that can lead into biomedical applications like biomechanics and medical devices, while biomedical engineering already provides a direct route into those areas, including the option to specialize in biomechanics. If you feel you missed some biology in high school, you can rebuild it with structured study and revision alongside your college courses. The goal is not perfection now but choosing a starting point that gives you clarity through experience and keeps your options open.
Dennis Taylor
Self-employed
116
Answers
Columbus, Indiana
Updated
Dennis’s Answer
Hi Saeran,
I understand how you feel about having doubts. I went through something similar. I started as a Physics major and found it challenging compared to high school. I even thought about switching to music, which I also loved. The music department was open to my transfer, but by the end of the semester, I was doing better in physics, so I decided to stick with it. However, after my sophomore year, I realized Physics wasn't for me. A friend in Mechanical Engineering showed me how it connects with science, and I decided to switch to ME in my junior year. I had to catch up on some classes, but with my advisor's help, I managed to graduate on time. It was tough, but I ended up getting better grades than in Physics.
If you're unsure about your path, talk to your advisor or the deans of both departments. Speak with instructors and people working in those fields. Gather as much information as you can to make a well-informed decision. Remember, it's okay if you don't make the "perfect" choice. Trust your instincts, and know that you can change and adapt.
You might also consider getting a degree in ME and then pursuing a master's in the biomedical field, or vice versa. There are many options available for you.
I understand how you feel about having doubts. I went through something similar. I started as a Physics major and found it challenging compared to high school. I even thought about switching to music, which I also loved. The music department was open to my transfer, but by the end of the semester, I was doing better in physics, so I decided to stick with it. However, after my sophomore year, I realized Physics wasn't for me. A friend in Mechanical Engineering showed me how it connects with science, and I decided to switch to ME in my junior year. I had to catch up on some classes, but with my advisor's help, I managed to graduate on time. It was tough, but I ended up getting better grades than in Physics.
If you're unsure about your path, talk to your advisor or the deans of both departments. Speak with instructors and people working in those fields. Gather as much information as you can to make a well-informed decision. Remember, it's okay if you don't make the "perfect" choice. Trust your instincts, and know that you can change and adapt.
You might also consider getting a degree in ME and then pursuing a master's in the biomedical field, or vice versa. There are many options available for you.
Larry Apfel
Aircraft Mechanic
30
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Larry’s Answer
Saeran,
The first two years of college of any engineering program is pretty much the same. You will take some math, physics, electrical, chemistry, and English classes. You generally don't "declare your major" until your junior year in college which at that time you will begin to concentrate on your chosen major (meaning you will start taking courses that are specific only to your major). What undecided students do (and you're not alone) is they will use some of their elective choices in those first two years to try out biomedical engineering courses or organic chemistry to get an idea of what a biomedical engineering major would be like. Another thing you can do is have a double major, both mechanical engineering and biomedical engineering. There is a lot of overlap in the engineering curriculum.
So the best way to answer your question is to say it is very easy to change your major within the first 2 years of your 4 year engineering college.
I hope this helps.
Best wishes,
Larry A.
The first two years of college of any engineering program is pretty much the same. You will take some math, physics, electrical, chemistry, and English classes. You generally don't "declare your major" until your junior year in college which at that time you will begin to concentrate on your chosen major (meaning you will start taking courses that are specific only to your major). What undecided students do (and you're not alone) is they will use some of their elective choices in those first two years to try out biomedical engineering courses or organic chemistry to get an idea of what a biomedical engineering major would be like. Another thing you can do is have a double major, both mechanical engineering and biomedical engineering. There is a lot of overlap in the engineering curriculum.
So the best way to answer your question is to say it is very easy to change your major within the first 2 years of your 4 year engineering college.
I hope this helps.
Best wishes,
Larry A.
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
233
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Saeran,
Your current dilemma is quite understandable. Many people go through similar experiences.
Choice of career can be based on a number of factors. Potential (talent/special gifts) should be the most basic consideration. What you are exceptional at is an opportunity you can easily craft a successful career out of.
It's also important that you have keen interest in and love for what you do - being able to enjoy what you do is desirable. This way, you will show commitment, diligence and perseverance in what you do.
At the level of practice, real life is about choices - we do this on a daily basis in our routines.
It's rare that a given individual is exceptional at most things. Our risk management therefore focuses on trade-offs/compromise. What this means is that effort must now make up for our weaker abilities - a sincere effort can still allow us excel even in areas where we may not be that strong.
I hope this helps you choose wisely.
Your current dilemma is quite understandable. Many people go through similar experiences.
Choice of career can be based on a number of factors. Potential (talent/special gifts) should be the most basic consideration. What you are exceptional at is an opportunity you can easily craft a successful career out of.
It's also important that you have keen interest in and love for what you do - being able to enjoy what you do is desirable. This way, you will show commitment, diligence and perseverance in what you do.
At the level of practice, real life is about choices - we do this on a daily basis in our routines.
It's rare that a given individual is exceptional at most things. Our risk management therefore focuses on trade-offs/compromise. What this means is that effort must now make up for our weaker abilities - a sincere effort can still allow us excel even in areas where we may not be that strong.
I hope this helps you choose wisely.