jessica AddedWednesday, May 3, 2017 at 11:16 PM I am an International Development student, however, I would like to change to either civil or environmental engineering. How should I go about this? I understand that a background in maths, physics, chemistry and biology is necessary to begin this degree. Do you have any recommendations on specific topics that are needed e.g. more calculus or less algebra? Is there a certain level that I must be at before commencing? Additionally, I am very out of practice with mathematics and the sciences, do you think it is possible to get up to date with all of these topics before I begin my degree by myself through online resources (I would like to start in 2018)? And last but not least, I would like to work in developing countries in the field of community development, sanitation, and public health. Do you recommend civil, environmental or a double degree? Any other general advice or information about engineering, the workload and future prospects would be very much appreciated. Thank you in advance! Related to Choosing a Degree, Civil, Difficult Classes, Engineering Branches, Engineering Skills, Environment, Environmental, Math & Science, Merging Fields, Preparation for College, Self Doubt, Unique Challenges Areas of Impact Environment Reset Sort By Default Nancy Hayes , CSA Design Group Answered Monday, June 5, 2017 at 4:37 PM Without knowing what classes you have already taken, you will probably need a few additional math and science classes. I took up to Calculus 5, but again that all depends on the credits you already have and what engineering school you go too. You can get many of the class online since many of them are need for other majors. As to if can you start the engineering classes in 2018, I guess that is up to the workload you want to have over the next few months and how many core classes you already have completed. I would recommend speaking to the guidance consular in the engineering school you wish to attend and have her go over your transcripts and make suggestions on which classes would get you to your goal quicker. As to the last question, I actually graduated with an environmental engineering degree and ended up working as a civil engineer. Both degrees can be used in your chosen field. If you are working with more developing countries I think Civil may be the better bet since civil deals with infrastructure (water systems, wastewater, and roads) and public health and many developing countries need that more. Hope this helps.