Are Some Engineering Majors Harder Than Others?

[Gauss177]

In general, how do the different engineering majors rank in terms of difficulty? I heard that EE and aerospace are typically some of the hardest; is this true? For EE, is the course load so much that it affects other areas of your life? In other words, do you have to be pretty much studying constantly to do well in it so you don't have much time to go out and do other things?

thanks for your input

 

[Astronuc]

Any engineering discpline can be considered hard, depending on the level of training or complex topics are involved. If one wants to be an excellent engineer, it will take hard work.

Mastering complex partial differential equations or vector calculus requires the same level of effort, no matter the discpline. Developing complex models of structures or processes or electrical systems require similar detaild knowledge of various fundamental equations which one also finds in the study of physics.

 

[brewnog]

Mechanical concepts always came more easily to me than electrical concepts. This does not mean that, say, a civil or mechanical engineering degree would be any easier than an electronic engineering degree. It depends on the person and the circumstances, and you should definitely not select a course based on what will be most difficult.

Any reputable engineering course is damn hard to complete, make no mistake. The course load will be so high that it will affect other areas of your life. No question.

 

[chroot]

EE is generally considered the hardest, mainly because it is more mathematically challenging than some other varieties.

I was very busy in undergraduate school, and sometimes stressed to the point where I tossed and turned half the night, just thinking about all the things I needed to do the next day. On the other hand, I still had plenty of time to enjoy myself, go out with friends, and so on. It's all about time management.

- Warren

 

[turbo]

Depending on the school, Chemical Engineering can be the bear. At the U of Maine, a 5-year degree in chemical engineering (with specialization for Pulp and Paper) was considered really tough. I can attest to the boot-camp grind (circa 1970). If you want to keep your ability to make a living, you might want to consider an engineering field that cannot be easily outsourced. Pulp and paper mills and lots of petroleum-based chemical operations are being sited in countries with lax environmental rules. You might want to talk to a few recruiters before you decide on a field.

 

[Gauss177]

Thanks for the input everyone. How is electrical engineering in terms of job opportunities in the future? EE is what I'm mainly looking at now. Also, how much work should I expect each week? I like engineering but recently I've been leery of the intense course load because I still want to be able to go out and do other things besides having to study all the time.

Also, how does aerospace and aeronautical engineering compare to EE?

 

[chroot]

It depends on where you live, but EE is, generally speaking, quite good for job opportunities.

You're going to be taking a difficult major, but, with good time management, you should not have to sacrifice a social life. The most important things I can tell you are: 1) never let yourself get behind, even a little bit. 2) Start doing assignments the day they are assigned.

- Warren

 

[dichotomy]

can attest to Chroots 2nd point. don't ever think you have time. ever. because you don't.

 

[turbo]

can attest to Chroots 2nd point. don't ever think you have time. ever. because you don't.

So true. Start the assignments while the supporting material is fresh in your mind and take the time not only to finish it, but to check it. You will get things done in less time this way, and that will be a big weight off your shoulders. I had a couple of female friends in the next dorm and when they dropped into see if I wanted to join them for a trip to the local pizza shop/bar, it was a great feeling to have no pressing work hanging over my head and be able to say "Sure!". Schedule your time, don't put off your work until the last minute, and you will be free to take advantage of spontaneous evenings out with friends. If you slack off and crowd your study time, you are going to either miss out on unscheduled fun stuff or you will blow off some work and your grades will suffer. I jumped into a full schedule of engineering courses plus an honors program with extra work in my Freshman year and still managed to have a social life, participate in bands, and play frat parties, etc on the weekends. The trick is not to get behind AT ALL. Engineering students who are behind in their work are often harried, worried, depressed. Stay caught-up and you will be comfortable and happy.

 

[Q_Goest]

The hardest engineering major is the one you don't enjoy.

 

[asdfmosin]

The hardest engineering major is the one you don't enjoy.

lol. That just about sums it up.

 

[Swapnil]

Personally, computer science is most time consuming and hence the hardest major in engineering.

 

[Maxwell]

I was very busy in undergraduate school, and sometimes stressed to the point where I tossed and turned half the night, just thinking about all the things I needed to do the next day.

The same thing has happened to me often. Sometimes I would wake up and quickly write down a list of things I needed to get done the next day.

But let me mention a very important practice that will keep you alive during engineering: triage!