Prepster filled me in a couple of days ago. Pretty much exactly what Midlo said.
Did a quick check with my son's team this past year...
9 of the 30+ made Patriot League Academic Honor Roll..
1..American Law & Legal Studies
2..Engineering Management
2..Operations Research (Math/Eng.Mgt Mix)
2..Undeclared (plebes)
1..Mechanical Engineering
1..Human Geography
My kid is presently in the middle of a semester of 21 academic hours (Op Research)..took 19 1/2 during season.
A very rigorous schedule, but it can be done.
9 of the 30+ made Patriot League Academic Honor Roll..
1..American Law & Legal Studies
2..Engineering Management
2..Operations Research (Math/Eng.Mgt Mix)
2..Undeclared (plebes)
1..Mechanical Engineering
1..Human Geography
My kid is presently in the middle of a semester of 21 academic hours (Op Research)..took 19 1/2 during season.
A very rigorous schedule, but it can be done.
Checked my alma mater. I went through about 2/3 of the lineup and found 0 engineering majors. I'd be shocked if there was even one.
Some coaches will not recruit players they think will insist on being an engineering major.
UCLA recruited Bauer despite his being an engineering major but he's had to back off and go with math or physics instead for now because of the demands of an engineering education vs baseball. Still pretty tough.
Some coaches will not recruit players they think will insist on being an engineering major.
UCLA recruited Bauer despite his being an engineering major but he's had to back off and go with math or physics instead for now because of the demands of an engineering education vs baseball. Still pretty tough.
quote:UCLA recruited Bauer despite his being an engineering major but he's had to back off and go with math or physics instead for now because of the demands of an engineering education vs baseball. Still pretty tough
And that kid is brilliant.
quote:Originally posted by RJM:
I can't imagine what it would be like to be an athlete at a military academy. From reading Civil Wars (the Army-Navy rivalry) it appeared very difficult.
Juniors freshman year, he had 22 hours of classes in season. All students are required to basically minor in engineering. Students who have transferred out of West Point have told my son that the receiving colleges credited the students with up to 1.5 hours for every hour of West Point credit. Juniors lightest semester was 16 hours, and he's never had less than 19 hours in season.
His major is Systems Management...and Junior is not brilliant.
quote:I can't imagine what it would be like to be an athlete at a military academy. From reading Civil Wars (the Army-Navy rivalry) it appeared very difficult.
Our son gave just that book to one of our closest's friends who is and has been an unbelievable mentor for our son.
The reason that book and all it means is so treasured is one of the student/athletes from Navy who contributed to that rivalry.
Jim Campbell didn't just compete in one sport while at the Academy, he was the last 3 sport athlete at Navy. All-American in Lacrosse, All East tight end, member of the basketball team and one of the most respected student/athletes in the Academy.
Went on to be the first Top Gun, fly innumerable missions over Viet Nam, and be a hero saving many during the USS Forrestal tragedy.
One of the most humble and kind men and a great example of a student/athlete of amazing skill and integrity and what happens to them when athletics come to an end.
Not quite sure but I got the impression that his plan was to finish the engineering studies after a pro career.
quote:Originally posted by CADad:
Not quite sure but I got the impression that his plan was to finish the engineering studies after a pro career.
I was a Civil Engineering major while playing for a Top 20 D-1 school. Anything is doable.
If the player wants it bad enough he will make the major work for him especially if he has a coach and professors who will work with him.
As with anything in life if you work hard it will happen for you
As with anything in life if you work hard it will happen for you
My son will receive his undergraduate degree in International Business. He is being required to spend one semester doing an internship in another country. His plans after graduation are to work one year at a hospital in a non english speaking country to gain both healthcare management & international business experience. His goal as of now is to enter an MBA program with a focus on healthcare.
It's probably a better idea if you are trying to do a more difficult major and play baseball at the sametime, to do it at a smaller school where profs deal with smaller classes, know the students, and are more flexible than you traditionally see at the huge state schools.
TX-Husker
I did not find that necessarily true---my son went to New Mexico State , a large state school, and he got all the assistance he needed or requested. In fact when he arrived his schedule was already set for him. He had profs that worked with him in conjunction with the teams road trips. Granted he was not majoring in engineering or science but just the same the college had things all lined up for him. In his 5 years, he redshirted his frosh year, I never heard him complain about any profs who had a distaste for athletes.
I truly believe that school size does not matter provided things are done in the right manner.
As we have so many times on this site, it is all about doing your detailed homework before signing on at a school. You have to know what you are getting into.
I did not find that necessarily true---my son went to New Mexico State , a large state school, and he got all the assistance he needed or requested. In fact when he arrived his schedule was already set for him. He had profs that worked with him in conjunction with the teams road trips. Granted he was not majoring in engineering or science but just the same the college had things all lined up for him. In his 5 years, he redshirted his frosh year, I never heard him complain about any profs who had a distaste for athletes.
I truly believe that school size does not matter provided things are done in the right manner.
As we have so many times on this site, it is all about doing your detailed homework before signing on at a school. You have to know what you are getting into.
Glad your son had a good experience. Let me state it different, the chances of you running into profs that are not willing to be flexible are greater at big schools where there are big classes and profs often don't even know the students. Heck, they don't even teach the classes in a lot of cases. That flexibility applies to more than just athletics. I've even seen it in the town I live in when comparing smaller private HS against the large public HS (1500+ per grade).
You are right about doing your homework. The inflexible schools/teachers are pretty well known for it if you just scratch around a little.
You are right about doing your homework. The inflexible schools/teachers are pretty well known for it if you just scratch around a little.
My son is at a Big school as well.Professors have been more than helpful.
Older son went to a school with about 4,400 undregrads and received more than sufficient academic support. Daughter plays softball at a very large D-1 and received equal support (now a junior, she is also a tutor for other athletes). I don't think it's defined by big or small, but rather from school to school and what they offer student/athletes.
Wrong major, wrong school and it isn't doable no matter how hard you work. Cal Poly will not allow architecture majors to play intercollegiate sports.
It can be done with Engineering but some schools, especially the bigger schools with big time baseball programs just don't have the flexibility to deal with how much travel and practice time there is in a major baseball program. Travel and labs just don't mix well. The time required for doing all the homework problems and the need for working with other engineering students on the problems and projects makes it so much more difficult than most other majors. The courses also build on each other so much that there is limited ability to be able to take courses out of sequence.
Most other majors are quite doable even though it is still hard work.
It can be done with Engineering but some schools, especially the bigger schools with big time baseball programs just don't have the flexibility to deal with how much travel and practice time there is in a major baseball program. Travel and labs just don't mix well. The time required for doing all the homework problems and the need for working with other engineering students on the problems and projects makes it so much more difficult than most other majors. The courses also build on each other so much that there is limited ability to be able to take courses out of sequence.
Most other majors are quite doable even though it is still hard work.
To get back to answering one of the questions that was asked early in this thread, about some common majors and also those to avoid...
I've found a large number of the players whom I've coached that have gone on to play in college have taken relatively easy majors, such as businesss, communmications (that's been described as business without math), or marketing. More than a few have taken kinesiology, which should transfer well to a physical therapy major/career. Not very many have taken engineering, and a few who chose engineering decided to give up baseball to focus on their studies.
One major I've been told to avoid if at all possible if you're going to play sports in college is Architecture. I've been told it is one of the most demanding, time intensive majors there is and very difficult to do well at while also playing a sport. Of course, if you want to major in architecture, perhaps you'd give up the baseball for your education.
When considering what major to focus on, what type of student the young man is, and what kind of baseball player. A pretty fair number of young men I've seen go to play in college are only OK students, and there is nothing wrong with a communications degree for them. A few of those guys wouldn't have gone to college at all were it not for the opportunities that baseball afforded. For those who are not elite prospects but who are very good students, choosing your major is probably a lot more important than your role on the baseball team. A lot of people don't want to admit it, but this is a common situation.
Not everyone is the stud player in college. There are a lot of guys who are fortunate to call themselves college baseball players, and they darned well would do better to focus mainly on their studies and take whatever baseball gives them as part of the college experience. Fifteen years past college, when they say "I played baseball for X university", few people will wonder if they started or were a substitute.
I've found a large number of the players whom I've coached that have gone on to play in college have taken relatively easy majors, such as businesss, communmications (that's been described as business without math), or marketing. More than a few have taken kinesiology, which should transfer well to a physical therapy major/career. Not very many have taken engineering, and a few who chose engineering decided to give up baseball to focus on their studies.
One major I've been told to avoid if at all possible if you're going to play sports in college is Architecture. I've been told it is one of the most demanding, time intensive majors there is and very difficult to do well at while also playing a sport. Of course, if you want to major in architecture, perhaps you'd give up the baseball for your education.
When considering what major to focus on, what type of student the young man is, and what kind of baseball player. A pretty fair number of young men I've seen go to play in college are only OK students, and there is nothing wrong with a communications degree for them. A few of those guys wouldn't have gone to college at all were it not for the opportunities that baseball afforded. For those who are not elite prospects but who are very good students, choosing your major is probably a lot more important than your role on the baseball team. A lot of people don't want to admit it, but this is a common situation.
Not everyone is the stud player in college. There are a lot of guys who are fortunate to call themselves college baseball players, and they darned well would do better to focus mainly on their studies and take whatever baseball gives them as part of the college experience. Fifteen years past college, when they say "I played baseball for X university", few people will wonder if they started or were a substitute.
Everyone is unique which makes this topic a difficult one to tackle in a lot of respects. As a parent or athlete you really have to know what is possible as well as what are the limitations....you really have to know yourself. You can look to see how others perform for guidance, but until you actually do it will you know.
Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is enlightenment. - Lao Tzu
Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is enlightenment. - Lao Tzu
First meeting with athlete advisors and we learned its all about eligibility, so from that point of view communications makes it easier.
This was the eye opener. Jr might have to switch from business to commnications.
This was the eye opener. Jr might have to switch from business to commnications.
quote:Originally posted by gonyard:
First meeting with athlete advisors and we learned its all about eligibility, so from that point of view communications makes it easier.
This was the eye opener. Jr might have to switch from business to commnications.
There are plenty of stories of athletes, who after they got through with college, regret the college path they chose, simply because it insured eligibility. They wind up with degrees in fields they have little or no interest in. Of course it's all about eligibility with athlete advisors. It should be about balance.
The good news, is that as an incoming freshman, he probably doesn't have to declare a major. Let him take his core courses and see how he adjusts to college life. The path will be more enlightened after.
My freshman son is Majoring in Physical Therapy and he said it is very difficult(chemistry,physics,statistics),academics are rigorous as well as workouts and baseball practice.So, adding it up... not much time left for anything else,but to eat,study, read, or do a 16 page report- which he says seems to be a required item every week.He said he talked to some friends in other programs and they all vary alot.I noticed alot of roster baseball players major in business.
Something to think about early in your sons high school career- take as many AP classes in high school as possible. This allows the college athlete to take fewer units each semester in college and possibly lighten their load. Not all colleges will give credit for hs AP classes but many will and it just helps accelerate the student in college.
quote:There are plenty of stories of athletes, who after they got through with college, regret the college path they chose, simply because it insured eligibility. They wind up with degrees in fields they have little or no interest in. Of course it's all about eligibility with athlete advisors. It should be about balance.
Totally agree ! There was a study that I read that showed something like 30% admitted they took the wrong major. There are probably a good percentage that don't admit that they made a bad choice. Lots of guy take majors they end up hating. Engineering, accounting and many majors are not for everyone.
My son loves what he took and Business is an extremely useful major in every day life. Understanding accounting and economics is very valuable.
O6Catcher Dad:
It is interesting that you describe communications as an easy major. I guess it depends on your talents. It's not so easy when you have to communicate on behalf of a nation at war or in regard to an epidemic or a nuclear power plant in trouble. And, most of all, it is not so easy to write and speak clearly and cogently, especially under pressure. Easy major? Not so much if done properly and at a school with the right program.
It is interesting that you describe communications as an easy major. I guess it depends on your talents. It's not so easy when you have to communicate on behalf of a nation at war or in regard to an epidemic or a nuclear power plant in trouble. And, most of all, it is not so easy to write and speak clearly and cogently, especially under pressure. Easy major? Not so much if done properly and at a school with the right program.
Seriously, my son is at USC.There is no easy major.he works his tail off.His major is sociology.Can he use it? He will enter the work force with an entry level job.Many college grads cant even find work rt now. Sociology is a good precursor to law, marketing,business.I am proud my son is getting a degree from an outstanding university.The alumni is huge.He will be fine.And he can go back and get a second degree, or a masters.These kids that can do engineering etc, are exceptional. I think as I have said before any major is an accomplishment with baseball.At a PAC ten school baseball is a 40 hour a week job just by itself.
quote:Originally posted by jemaz:
O6Catcher Dad:
It is interesting that you describe communications as an easy major. I guess it depends on your talents. It's not so easy when you have to communicate on behalf of a nation at war or in regard to an epidemic or a nuclear power plant in trouble. And, most of all, it is not so easy to write and speak clearly and cogently, especially under pressure. Easy major? Not so much if done properly and at a school with the right program.
In a relative sense, you would disagree that the curriculum for a communications major is on the less demanding side? I sense the hair on the back of an old journalists neck bristling. I understand that almost any major can be demanding, depending on the school and program, but the question is comparative in nature, and in that vein, communications is not widely regarded as falling on the demanding side of the razor.
CPLZ:
I think I could not be an engineer or an accountant. I also think that few engineers or accountants could do what I do. As I said, it depends on the talents of an individual. Is English a less-demanding major than architecture? Is it easier to design a tract home that will not collapse or to write like Hemmingway? I don't know, but there are reasons that different people do different things. I have great regard for anyone who becomes good at anything, because excellence seldom is easy.
I think I could not be an engineer or an accountant. I also think that few engineers or accountants could do what I do. As I said, it depends on the talents of an individual. Is English a less-demanding major than architecture? Is it easier to design a tract home that will not collapse or to write like Hemmingway? I don't know, but there are reasons that different people do different things. I have great regard for anyone who becomes good at anything, because excellence seldom is easy.
An interesting fact is that most people work outside of the field of their college degree.
I think getting a college degree is the most important decision that anyone can make in their life. I don't have the exact numbers in front of me, but people with college degrees, generally, make twice the income over the course of their lives than people without college degrees. Are there exceptions to the rule, of course...just look at Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook.
For the record I have an associates degree in Engineering, and a Bachelors in business with emphasis in marketing...and a minor in math. And now I coach baseball!
Choosing a major is a big decision, but it won't make or break your career. The most important things you learn in college don't have to do with the subject you study. They are how to be responsible, how to meet deadlines, how to be accountable for your actions, how to show up on time, etc.
Don't get me wrong, the subject you choose to study is very important, but the life lessons you learn from going to college are much more important!
I think getting a college degree is the most important decision that anyone can make in their life. I don't have the exact numbers in front of me, but people with college degrees, generally, make twice the income over the course of their lives than people without college degrees. Are there exceptions to the rule, of course...just look at Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook.
For the record I have an associates degree in Engineering, and a Bachelors in business with emphasis in marketing...and a minor in math. And now I coach baseball!
Choosing a major is a big decision, but it won't make or break your career. The most important things you learn in college don't have to do with the subject you study. They are how to be responsible, how to meet deadlines, how to be accountable for your actions, how to show up on time, etc.
Don't get me wrong, the subject you choose to study is very important, but the life lessons you learn from going to college are much more important!
GUN's taking the Business/Graphic Design path, he's already taken most of his freshman courses dual credit. He's in a RETAIL class, where he started a small retail business, selling t-shirts he designed for his High School. The school gave them a store front and all the retail profits go back into the district. It's pretty cool!
GED10DaD
GED10DaD
quote:Choosing a major is a big decision, but it won't make or break your career. The most important things you learn in college don't have to do with the subject you study. They are how to be responsible, how to meet deadlines, how to be accountable for your actions, how to show up on time, etc.
Don't get me wrong, the subject you choose to study is very important, but the life lessons you learn from going to college are much more important!
Well said Catching 101. Well said. This topic is so personal because everybody is different, but that is an excellent point.
Fenwaysouth jr continues to earn his stripes in the classroom. Everytime he takes an engineering calculus test, we hear "this is the hardest test I've ever taken". But he continues to stay ahead of the curve, bust his tail, and hit the books. As a parent, I can't ask for more than what he is giving for his engineering studies and baseball.
Fenwaysouth jr continues to earn his stripes in the classroom. Everytime he takes an engineering calculus test, we hear "this is the hardest test I've ever taken". But he continues to stay ahead of the curve, bust his tail, and hit the books. As a parent, I can't ask for more than what he is giving for his engineering studies and baseball.
quote:He's in a RETAIL class, where he started a small retail business, selling t-shirts he designed for his High School. The school gave them a store front and all the retail profits go back into the district. It's pretty cool!
It is very cool. My son had a marketing class that was similar. It was an Internet competition with over 12,000 competitors from all over the world. They had to create a product and design a marketing program to promote that product.
I have a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and accounting. I also have 3 years of Law at the Inns of Court in London UK. I managed a truss devision of a lumber company, worked as an accountant, and ran my own import business with a small chain of retail boutiques. I travelled all over the world floating containers of merchandise for my stores. I found it hard to work for anyone and be tied into a routine.
I also agree with catching 101 and CPLZ.
Reviving this old thread. Anyone care to add from their experience? Still a couple of years away, but business and marketing seems to be a good way to go. Seems to provide a great deal of opportunity for those willing to work hard. Thanks!
Here is a newer thread you may want to browse through. BTW- the link below should be moved to the golden threads!
http://community.hsbaseballweb...t-is-your-sons-major
Ohio Dad posted:Reviving this old thread. Anyone care to add from their experience? Still a couple of years away, but business and marketing seems to be a good way to go. Seems to provide a great deal of opportunity for those willing to work hard. Thanks!
If business degree is a goal, an accountant's degree will always get you hired. And a couple years in accounting is a great background for moving into just about any business field. If you get lucky and your employer has continuing education dollars, go to night school to get an MBA, that will springboard you into just about any area of a company you want.
Where we are Physical Therapy is a graduate program. You usu major in biology of exercise science. Pre-rec to get into program include physic and chemistry classes. PT grad programs are difficult to get into, and not many schools have the program.
playball2011 posted:Where we are Physical Therapy is a graduate program. You usu major in biology of exercise science. Pre-rec to get into program include physic and chemistry classes. PT grad programs are difficult to get into, and not many schools have the program.
And they are three year programs. And a great career. Seven years total. Your "bachelors" equivalent hours are essentially pre-med. And most programs you need to be very close to a 4.0 to get into the program.