Is It Worth Completing an Engineering Degree in 6 Years or Should You Take Some Other Courses?

Many aspiring engineers are faced with the question of whether to stick to the standard four-year degree completion timeline or stretch out their journey over five or even six years. This article explores the nuances of this decision, highlighting the challenges that engineering students commonly face and the potential benefits of an extended degree program.

The Reality of Engineering Degree Completion

Contrary to what many might believe, a majority of engineering students do not complete their degrees in the prescribed four years. The rigorous curriculum often includes a combination of advanced calculus, chemistry, and physics, which can be overwhelming for many students. Even those admitted to top engineering programs are unlikely to breeze through the course load without any difficulties.

Struggling with Multiple Difficult Courses

Many students start their engineering journey with a full course load, including calculus, chemistry, and physics. The reality quickly reveals that managing the time and effort required for all these subjects simultaneously is too much for most. This often results in dropping one or more courses. According to reports, it is not uncommon for students to withdraw from a course in the middle of the semester. This problem persists on a wide scale, and even high-achieving students are not immune to it.

The Case for a 5-Year Degree Program

There have been discussions about extending the engineering degree to five years to accommodate more students. Especially for those who started with a poorly prepared high school curriculum, the prospect of completing a degree in the standard time is challenging. Engineering programs also lack preparatory courses, such as college-level algebra or introductory chemistry and physics, which are common in other degree programs.

Orientation and the Reality of Failure

Most prestigious engineering schools begin with a mandatory orientation class, often for just one credit hour. During this class, the overwhelming probability that at least one of the students will not graduate with an engineering degree is highlighted. This statistic is often all too true, given the high-stress and complex nature of engineering coursework.

Student Strategies and Alternative Paths

With the typical full course load of 16 to 18 hours per semester at universities like Auburn University, many students learn to plan for a balanced workload. Some opt for a 10-12 hour enrollment, which satisfies the full-time student requirement while offering a margin for success. Additionally, prestigious engineering schools often deliberately flunk out a portion of students during the pre-engineering first two years, recognizing that some students may not be suited for the rigors of the engineering field.

The Benefits of Extended Study

While the idea of taking more time to complete an engineering degree may seem daunting, it can actually be a wise investment. Students who take five to six years to complete their engineering degree often see better starting salaries and median salaries compared to graduates of other majors. This extended timeline provides them with the necessary time to achieve academic excellence, leading to greater job security and higher earning potential.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while engineering degrees can be challenging to complete in the standard four-year period, the option of taking five to six years is not without its merits. It provides students with the opportunity to manage the rigorous coursework with greater ease, increasing their chances of success. For those who are determined to pursue an engineering career, the choice to extend their studies may indeed be worth it.