Changing majors; Electrical engineering vs. Medicine (psychedelic therapy)

[Octarine]

Hello BL family.. I'm writing to hopefully get some insight about changing majors.

Currently I'm enrolled in an electrical engineering program at college. I have just begun and find it quite interesting but it doesn't feel as if my heart is in it.

I've always had an interest in studying psychedelic substances and their possibilities of aiding human development.
It feels like I am in a very loose bind, with both of these fields pulling me in either direction.

With engineering I see value in the possibility of innovating new technologies, which can be of use to our species... such as solar technologies, artificial intelligence, etc.

With medicine I see value in understanding the role psychedelics play in healing people with PTSD, depression, etc. and to allow individuals to maybe have a chance to change their worldview for the better.

Also I feel very much at home when talking about the mind and substances of any kind and their implications on the process of thought. I'm able to put away any bias I have so I can truly listen to people, so communication is clear.

With that being said I am aware that I may not enroll in biochemistry, psychopharmacology, psychiatry, etc. and go straight into working with people and these substances.

So it feels quite risky making a switch of this magnitude, and I don't knock engineering in any way.. But like I said, the heart just doesn't beat the same when exposed to either.

I'm looking for advice from anyone who may have something of value to add.. especially someone involved in the subjects i mentioned.

Thanks for reading and I hope to get some responses.

 

[Jerry Atrick]

How far along are you in school? How many credit hours do you have toward an engineering degree? I don't really care which subject you like more so I'm trying to come at this from a perspective of whether or not it is worth it to change majors. I don't have much experience with either subject but I do have experience being a dual major as well as eventually graduating only to pursue graduate studies in a different field than what my BA was in....sort of. Anyways, this is about you, not me.

If you have enough engineering credits then it may be worth it to continue with engineering while seeking a dual degree in biochem or whatever BSc you think you need to get you into a graduate program that more specifically targets your passion for psychedelics' affect on the human mind. Another route would be to minor in engineering with what credits you already have and then change majors to biochem, that way your engineering credits will not be wasted.

Either way, lots and lots of grad school is in your future. Good luck and have fun.

 

[double ewe]

med school doesn't really require any specific major, so as long as you can take the necessary chem/physics/bio classes before you graduate, you don't really have to choose at this point. as Jerry said, it's not uncommon for people to switch directions a bit for graduate school (i went from a psych/poli sci undergrad to a masters in applied math, my good friend did his undergrad in history and is now a surgeon), and an engineering degree gives you a ton of flexibility in terms of your next direction. likewise, it could be very helpful after you graduate in the short term, as opportunities for EE undergrads are likely more lucrative than biochem (where you would need a graduate degree to really break into the job market).

i know the heart wants what the heart wants, but given the rather limited opportunities in psychedelic research, it might be more pragmatic to keep your options open on the engineering side. especially since that doesn't preclude your pursuit of medical school.

 

[Ds]

the eletrical field covers alot of shit.not just the spot to charge your phone. Ive been building fiber lines and learning to make burns(fiber splice). Its the next line thats going 2 b on the utility pole near home. Just a suggestion its good 2 know how to get the line/cable from point a. To b.

The medical field is good. Its a bit more competitave to get into med school.if u do holler.haha

 

[Roger&Me]

OP i hope you realize that you can count on one hand the number of doctors in the world who are in any way involved with legitimate psychedelic research. that is a totally space cadet reason to want to go to med school. only go to med school if you are cool with becoming a real working physician.

 

[421]

OP i hope you realize that you can count on one hand the number of doctors in the world who are in any way involved with legitimate psychedelic research. that is a totally space cadet reason to want to go to med school. only go to med school if you are cool with becoming a real working physician.

This is very sound advice. However, you could always do psychedelic therapy illegitemately. It might even be very profitable. Of course then you have to evaluate are you willing to take the risks; imprisonment and dealing with the criminal underground even when free. The ridiculous amounts of stress, lies, even violence that is involved. But you might genuinely help people, and live your dream.

Or you might get lucky and be able to do it legally. If it's your passion you might even end up being the top authority on the subject.

Then again it might just be a childish dream and a way to push adult responsibilities further away.

Follow your heart but use your head too. I don't know what you should do, only you can answer that question.

 

[Tude]

How far along are you in school? How many credit hours do you have toward an engineering degree? I don't really care which subject you like more so I'm trying to come at this from a perspective of whether or not it is worth it to change majors. I don't have much experience with either subject but I do have experience being a dual major as well as eventually graduating only to pursue graduate studies in a different field than what my BA was in....sort of. Anyways, this is about you, not me.

If you have enough engineering credits then it may be worth it to continue with engineering while seeking a dual degree in biochem or whatever BSc you think you need to get you into a graduate program that more specifically targets your passion for psychedelics' affect on the human mind. Another route would be to minor in engineering with what credits you already have and then change majors to biochem, that way your engineering credits will not be wasted.

Either way, lots and lots of grad school is in your future. Good luck and have fun.

This!