Kelly asked Kristin Malosh, North Star BlueScope Steel AddedMonday, August 6, 2018 at 7:46 PM Hi Kristin, I am attending Michigan State to study engineering, but I can't decide between Biosystems or Environmental. What would you recommend? I love math and have loved all of my calculus classes. I ultimately want to do something along the lines of engineering solar panels and other clean energy sources and implementing them in third world countries. I initially thought environmental was the right path but I looked into biosystems more and now I'm unsure. What are the big differences between the two as far as employment and work environment and which one would you recommend for me? Thank you so much! Related to Bioengineering/Biomedical, Choosing a Degree, Earth Resources, Energy, Engineering Branches, Environment, Environmental, International Travel, Internships & Jobs, Work Environment Areas of Impact Energy, Environment Reset Sort By Default Kristin Malosh , North Star BlueScope Steel Answered Friday, September 14, 2018 at 8:59 PM Hi Kelly! This is a fantastic question....it takes me back to my time at MSU as I was making that same decision (although quite a few years ago I must admit). Ultimately, I chose Biosystems over the Civil/Environmental route because I was more interested in the link to agriculture/food/systems thinking that is the basis for Biosystems. I was still able to take the basic Civil Env courses which gave me a great foundation. I completed a Co-op assignment at an automotive manufacturer focused on environmental management which is where my fascination of manufacturing began. To be honest, I have a close friend whose major was Civil/Env and we ended up both going into consulting. Different majors, but same careers. I would recommend meeting the professors in the Biosystems engineering department and talking specifically about your interests. They may be able to talk about similar energy focused projects or paths that other graduates have taken. Same goes for the Environmental engineering side, although it sounds like you are more familiar with those options. To summarize, I don't think you can go wrong with either choice. An engineering degree is extremely marketable and if you have a specific focus or interest, it is more about the projects, and co-op or internship opportunities that you find over the specific major. Good luck! And- Go Green! Kristin Malosh , North Star BlueScope Steel Answered Friday, September 14, 2018 at 8:59 PM Hi Kelly! This is a fantastic question....it takes me back to my time at MSU as I was making that same decision (although quite a few years ago I must admit). Ultimately, I chose Biosystems over the Civil/Environmental route because I was more interested in the link to agriculture/food/systems thinking that is the basis for Biosystems. I was still able to take the basic Civil Env courses which gave me a great foundation. I completed a Co-op assignment at an automotive manufacturer focused on environmental management which is where my fascination of manufacturing began. To be honest, I have a close friend whose major was Civil/Env and we ended up both going into consulting. Different majors, but same careers. I would recommend meeting the professors in the Biosystems engineering department and talking specifically about your interests. They may be able to talk about similar energy focused projects or paths that other graduates have taken. Same goes for the Environmental engineering side, although it sounds like you are more familiar with those options. To summarize, I don't think you can go wrong with either choice. An engineering degree is extremely marketable and if you have a specific focus or interest, it is more about the projects, and co-op or internship opportunities that you find over the specific major. Good luck! And- Go Green!