Should I switch from Computer Science to Computer Engineering in my last year if I want 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/Fantastic-Loss-5223]

I am far from the most knowledgeable on this, but I don't think it's going to be that simple. There's hardly any class overlap from CS to ME aside from some calculus and a physics course or two. I've if you switch to computer engineering, the switch to ME is still giant. You'd have to start all the way back at Statics, Dynamics, Thermo, Fluids, etc, before you get into any of the real meat of ME, putting all that stuff together to actually make stuff.

Also, I'm going to sound like a downer here, but the field of "Mechanical Engineering Dynamics and thermodynamics research" is tiny. Why? ME is an engineering field, not a physics field. Engineering is about problem solving and applying, not discobering By all accounts, the physics is solved. Virtually all ground breaking engineering is being done by profit motivated companies that make stuff, not researchers.

All that to say, Mechanics is literally on the opposite side of engineering. I sort of think of it as being 2 main categories, Mechanics and Electronics. Mechanics including ME, Civil, industrial, manufacturing, aero, etc. Electronics being electrical, computer, software, etc. Jumping between stuff in the same main category is not that huge. Jumping across categories definitely is