If I study mechanical engineering can I still become an aeronautical engineer?

The short answer is yes because in many colleges, aerospace engineering is basically a specialization of mechanical engineering.

The reverse is also true however. Studying aerospace engineering doesn't lock you into only aerospace jobs...you can still get mechanical engineering jobs and even other field jobs.

I'd recommend studying what you're more passionate about. That's the key to doing well in school. 

Hi Tosin!

First off, that's great to hear you're going for engineering! 

Good news: you can still work in aerospace as a mechanical engineer. That's what I did. You can also go to grad school for aeronautical engineering and have both engineering disciplines as degrees. You could also minor in aerospace or even double-major, if you're up for a ridiculous challenge. There are options. 

The good thing with the first 1-2 years of college is that it's very easy (and very common) to switch majors. Also, consider this: if you graduate with aeronautical engineering and decide later that it's not for you, it'd be much harder to change focus than with a mechanical engineering degree. My best suggestion is to take introductory classes for both and see what you like best. I liked mechanical engineering because it offered a bigger picture/view of engineering as a whole; that's what made me happy at the end of the day and answered the bigger questions. And still, my passion was with aerospace. 

Finding out what makes you happy takes time. Explore both topics as much as you can, in and out of the classroom. When something lights a fire in you, chase it! 

I wish you the best of luck and don't hesitate to get in touch with any other questions!

Kindly,
Megan H.