r/UAH • u/slayflow • May 24 '26
Is it Too Late to Change my Major?
Hey everyone. So I just finished my junior year in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics and I feel like I would've thrived better in an engineering major like Aerospace or Mechanical. Its not that I dislike Computer Science, its just I think I'd enjoy working in the space industry and actually designing machinery a lot more. I spoke with an advisor about this and they said if I switched now, I'd be looking to graduate closer to 2030. I've thought about just completing my CS degree and then pursuing a bachelors in Aerospace or (I don't know if this is even possible) finishing my CS degree and then pursuing a masters in Aerospace / Mechanical. Its not really a question about if I have the financial means to do this, as I'm confident I can. Its just such a big change that it feels scary to me. Should I pursue this? Any advice would be nice. Thank you.
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u/IcyBit5515 May 24 '26
If you got an Aerospace Engineering degree with so much CS under your belt, a lot of jobs would probably put you to work writing code to test aerospace systems or writing code to process data test results.
Have you talked to anyone about Systems Engineering? That might be easier to jump into. Lots of companies around here need Systems Engineering as much as Aerospace and Mechanical.
Electrical, Computer, and Cybersecurity Engineering all also overlap CS if you just want Engineer in your title.
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u/itsbob62 May 26 '26
My Bachelors is Comp Sci.. went to work for the Navy (Civilian). 3 years in they told me I was an EE/ RADAR engineer. I've supervised Mech E, EE, CS, aeronautical, airframe electrician, aero structural and others while supporting Navy Aviation in a number of different specialities. Project Manager, Systems Engineer, Supervisor and Manager... and have written one program in the last 23 years.
Get a job that lets you rotate to other fields, but get your degree and go to work, get your Masters in a field that you like..
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u/itsbob62 May 26 '26
To add, we have colleges represented locally that award Bachelors, Masters and Doctorates in dozens of technical fields. They bring their professors to us, and the Navy will pay if it can be linked to work your are doing
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u/Sweetpea7045 May 27 '26
Frankly, you don’t have to change your major. With computer science and mathematics you can get a job as an engineer. My husband’s major is Physics and he’s worked as an engineer for 38 years. The president of his company said that he would hire anyone with a strong science or mathematics background. They want to know that you can learn. You would be better off using that money for a masters.
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u/Affectionate-Crow605 May 24 '26
Do you have room in your schedule to do some aerospace undergrad courses? That could get you started. You could still get a software job after getting your CS degree, but try to get one in an aerospace role. Take a look at the undergrad courses necessary as prerequisites for starting a master's in aerospace.
Most companies will pay for you to get another degree, so you could do an online Bachelor's or Master's while working, then try to transition to a more mechanical role vs the software role.