Aerospace Engineering vs. Mechanical Engineering

AI Thread Summary
Aerospace engineering focuses specifically on aircraft and spacecraft, while mechanical engineering offers a broader range of applications, including fluid dynamics and structural analysis in various industries. A mechanical engineering degree can provide more diverse employment opportunities, especially given the current slow job market in aviation. Many mechanical engineering programs allow students to engage in aerospace-related research, making it a viable option for those interested in aeronautics. If flight stability and control systems are of particular interest, aerospace engineering may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice should align with career goals and industry interests.
JClinton
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Hi, I am currently a high school junior and I've wanted to be an Aerospace engineer for a long time. But I recently began to wonder if i could do just as well or better with a Mechanical degree. I would like to have a job dealing with airflow (fluid dynamics, aeroelasticity, structural analysis, etc.) whether it be in the aerospace industry or other vehicular industry such as automotive, or perhaps in propulsion. My concern lies with the current employment outlook since the aviation industry is slow and was wondering if, since the Mechanical engineering degree is more broad, I would have more employment opportunities with a Mechanical engineering degree and therefore be better off. So I guess my question is: Should I go with Aerospace or Mechanical given my ideal occupational area? Any and all advice will be greatly appreciated.

Note: I would graduate with the BS/BE in spring of 2016.
 
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With a degree in mechanical engineering, you will be ready to get involved with fluid dynamics and structural analysis to as high a level as you desire in many different industries.
 
i think Mechanical engineering is quite amazing for what you need. Dealing with fluid dynamics system. Even some students of mechanical eng from many universities in the world which don't have aero-eng department, have dealed with many researches on rocketry and some other aeronautic technologies for their thesises.

but if you like fligth stability control-system, designs, etc, I think it would be aeronautic then.

Good luck JClinton,
 
Due to the constant never ending supply of "cool stuff" happening in Aerospace these days I'm creating this thread to consolidate posts every time something new comes along. Please feel free to add random information if its relevant. So to start things off here is the SpaceX Dragon launch coming up shortly, I'll be following up afterwards to see how it all goes. :smile: https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacex/
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