Aeronautical Engineering Career Benefits?

What kind of job?

 

Well, since it's the 21st century, I suppose some sort of flying car might be developed eventually, but if you are no longer particularly interested in flying machines, a transfer to Mech Eng is probably warranted.

 

A degree in AE will not make it so you cannot get a regular ME job, as in most cases you will be qualified.
However keep in mind that when comparing candidates for that regular ME job, employers may favor ME over AE

 

That really depends on the classes you take and the job itself, and as such the question cannot really be answered.

For example. If you take a few classes in aerospace controls, aircraft dynamics, etc... and then apply for an aircraft controls job, you may be favored over a mechanical engineer who has the theoretical know-how, but doesn't have the limited application specific knowledge that you have.

At the end of the day, if you really want to work on aerospace structures and systems, it might be better to go into aerospace engineering, however mechanical engineering really won't limit you.

I would recommend doing a side by side comparison of the two programs at a school, and see which you like better, or talk to a professor or upper level student.

 

Aeronautical Engineering is basically Mechanical Engineering with more emphasis on compressible fluid mechanics.

What you learn could also be applied to HVAC design, turbocharger design, wind turbines, steam turbines, and many more things. Even firearm designs can be an part of this. All of them have interesting problems that involve compressible fluids.

Or you could simply go for Mechanical Engineering and take an extra course or two to minor in Aeronautical Engineering.

 

I don't think a dual degree would really benefit, as a lot of the classes cover the same material.