Other Becoming an Engineer: Considerations and Personal Experiences

[MattRob]

Oh, and I want to add to my earlier post (I guess these forums don't have an "edit" button), that I really do have a strong love of physics, and recently, I've been finding myself very excited about reading "The Fabric of the Cosmos" and thinking on fields and elementary particles, but with waning interest in aerospace engineering. But I still worry about struggling to find a job and support a family, specifically at post-doctoral time and before then, in physics.

And, as a little note, I've been asked to TA in my math class after my first semester (so I'll be a freshman TA next semester)... Is that really unusual? Does that carry any implications?

 

[thegreenlaser]

Hey y'all;
So, I'm pretty passionate about engineering, but I also have a very profound love of cosmology and theoretical physics. So I guess my big question is; Physics or engineering?
...
But the possibility of a more lax lifestyle is also something I find very attractive in physics, though a big part of me thinks I'm probably entirely wrong about that; that a physics career would be just as, if not more stressful than engineering, namely because even if the hours and lifestyle are easier (a big if), there's also more stress about getting a decent job. Come to think of it, I may be entirely deluding myself with the thought that academic physics leads to a more relaxed lifestyle than the office environment of engineering, by imagining physics as being like Einstein exploring theories on a chalkboard from his home on Long Island, or his initial work being done in his free time as a patent clerk. Come to think of it, that view is probably entirely errant, isn't it?

Engineering is a lot of work during school, and it's especially a shock when you're coming from high school. Personally, first year was by far my hardest year so far, just because I wasn't used to the work load yet. Over time you just get used to it, and it's not so bad if you're motivated and have an interest in what you're doing. Yes, it's a crazy amount of work, but loads of people make it through just fine.

The nice thing about the engineering workload is that there's a light at the end of the tunnel. At the moment I'm working as a "baby engineer" (intern) in between 3rd and 4th year, and it makes me feel like my hard work in school is definitely worth it. The pay is decent, I rarely have to work more than 40 hours in a week if I don't want to, and I have really flexible hours. The main thing is just that I have to do my work and do it well. I was worried that when I got an engineering job they would expect me to work the same hours I had worked during school, but that's far from the case.

As far as physics goes, I wouldn't expect a physics major to be much easier than an engineering major. Engineering at my school definitely has a heavier workload, but it's not like physics is easy and relaxing. Also, the sense I get from reading forums like this and talking to my friends in physics is that the light at the end of the tunnel is a bit dimmer in physics. Once you're done your degree, I get the sense that physics majors have to, on average, work harder than engineers. You do physics because you love physics and you can't imagine doing anything else, not because of the fantastic career opportunities or because of how easy it is. Personally, I went with engineering (with a physics minor) despite wanting to do physics because I decided the career uncertainty just wasn't worth it to me. I don't regret that decision so far.

 

[omar alaa]

masters degree

I'm a 1st year engineering student and I'm looking for a scholarship abroad for masters in mechatronics engineering so please give me some advice how to choose a good university in this major and what is the skills needed ,I'm asking this to know what the universities and the market need from the newly graduates as academic skills and other skills to put that in my mind during my coming four years
thanks in advance

 

[sushifiend]

Hey guys, I have a weird background. I dropped out early on in high school to pursue a career in programming and entrepreneurship and now (at 26) I'm in the privileged position of having the freedom to really pursue what I want. I don't have to weigh any decisions about what I want to study according to career or job stability. I've always been interested in physics and math (perhaps from a distance) and now I'd really like to challenge myself and go back to school for engineering/physics. I love problem solving, doing challenging things, learning new things, I tinker around with sensors, circuits, small mechanical devices and small robots (That I usually program using python). I think I'm leaning towards engineering physics, or physics + an engineering grad program with an emphasis on design and research. I really love the idea of interdisciplinary research (Which the universities I'm interested in seem to heavily promote) and I think I would lean more towards EE, CE or a field that heavily uses physics. Bioengineering looks cool, so does nanotechnology/advanced material research and energy research (among other things).

Problem is, I have a really weak math background. These are the books I'll be studying for the next year in order to strengthen my math fundamentals. Is it a good/practical syllabus for my goals? I'd like to be able to do rigorous calculus, and study a physics intro with a heavy focus on calculus. I've read that Courant's intro to calculus is a good choice for physics majors and that Alonso/Finn's Physics intro is one of the best out there.

Algebra I
Elementary Algebra, Jacobs
Algebra, Gelfand
Elements of Algebra, Euler

Geometry
Geometry 2nd Ed, Jacobs
Euclid's Works
Geometry Revisted

Trigonometry
Trigonoemtry, Gelfand

Algebra II, Geomery II & Other Precalculus Stuff
Principles of Mathematics by Oakley (This seems like the most rigorous precalc book out there, goes over basic deductive logic and proof techniques and has a ton of exercises)
Precalculus, Cynthia Young
Precalculus, Sullivan

Problem Solving
How to Solve it, Polya
How to Prove it, Vellman
USSR Math Olympiads

 

[uik]

Is it possible for a physics major or applied math majors to build engineering projects about as good as actual engineers can? Or do engineers learn specific design principles that make them more suited to projects, as opposed to scientists who learn how to conduct experiments and learn how things work?

I'm in my 2nd year and I've taken upper level engineering and physics courses, but haven't taken stuff like 'intro to engineering design'. I'm still on the verge of seeing whether I want to be a math/physics major or engineering major. I want to code and build stuff but I also want to research new things.

To engineering majors: do those engineering project courses teach you invaluable tips on how to design a project? If so, what are some of those tips?

Also, has anyone taken 4 upper level courses, done research, and done a capstone project at the same time?

 

[pongo38]

To uik, I have been involved in a number of Engineering design projects and would advise that someone like yourself could make a contribution if given the opportunity. Many courses have design elements disguised as 'analysis', but design is very different from analysis. In analysis (which is often taught because it is easy to examine it) all the geometry and material properties are well defined, and the task of the analyst is to make an intelligent commentary on the future behavior of the project, often using mathematical models. In design, one or more aspects are not well-defined, and so the task of the designer is to examine possibilities, first qualitatively, and secondly with models, mathematical or not. The designer must think through the whole life of the project and conform with standards etc. Sometimes the designer must initiate tests to close the knowledge uncertainty. There is a very strong tradition in engineering of working initially under the guidance of an experienced engineer who is familiar with the class of project being undertaken; and I advise you to try to establish such a relationship if at all possible, if you want to enter the world of design.

 

[Astronuc]

Is it possible for a physics major or applied math majors to build engineering projects about as good as actual engineers can? Or do engineers learn specific design principles that make them more suited to projects, as opposed to scientists who learn how to conduct experiments and learn how things work?

I'm in my 2nd year and I've taken upper level engineering and physics courses, but haven't taken stuff like 'intro to engineering design'. I'm still on the verge of seeing whether I want to be a math/physics major or engineering major. I want to code and build stuff but I also want to research new things.

To engineering majors: do those engineering project courses teach you invaluable tips on how to design a project? If so, what are some of those tips?

Also, has anyone taken 4 upper level courses, done research, and done a capstone project at the same time?

I started in physics and migrated into nuclear engineering as an undergrad. A physics background in fine for engineering.

As for engineering design or projects, a lot depends on the type of engineering. Mechanical, electrical, aerospace, nuclear, civil . . . . will do different types of 'design' projects. An engineering physics program may be the way to go.

I had a colleague in my undergrad program who did 4 upper level courses, research and a project. The research and project become the basis of his MS and PhD programs. So it is possible.

It's best to take upper level courses that support one's research and projects.

 

[Astronuc]

To uik, I have been involved in a number of Engineering design projects and would advise that someone like yourself could make a contribution if given the opportunity. Many courses have design elements disguised as 'analysis', but design is very different from analysis. In analysis (which is often taught because it is easy to examine it) all the geometry and material properties are well defined, and the task of the analyst is to make an intelligent commentary on the future behavior of the project, often using mathematical models. In design, one or more aspects are not well-defined, and so the task of the designer is to examine possibilities, first qualitatively, and secondly with models, mathematical or not. The designer must think through the whole life of the project and conform with standards etc. Sometimes the designer must initiate tests to close the knowledge uncertainty. There is a very strong tradition in engineering of working initially under the guidance of an experienced engineer who is familiar with the class of project being undertaken; and I advise you to try to establish such a relationship if at all possible, if you want to enter the world of design.

This is a nice summary. There is a lot of detail that could be added, but students usually start with simple projects and work up to more complex design projects. There is a tremendous legacy in engineering, and some of that legacy is embodied in various sets of standards. However, one should bear in mind that many standards may not be appropriate, and the challenge becomes one of identifying the appropriate standard(s). That's where supervision of an experienced engineer helps.

Complex systems have many variables and many constraints (cost being one constraint, safety/reliability being another), and some of these may not be apparent in the beginning of a design project. Initially in a design, one might have sets of structures, materials and processes available, and during the conceptual and preliminary design phases, many of the structures (physical system), materials and processes will be discarded due to incompatibility with each other, system requirements, physical or economic constraints, or ultimate performance goals.

 

[Monstrous Math]

Problem is, I have a really weak math background. These are the books I'll be studying for the next year in order to strengthen my math fundamentals. Is it a good/practical syllabus for my goals? I'd like to be able to do rigorous calculus, and study a physics intro with a heavy focus on calculus. I've read that Courant's intro to calculus is a good choice for physics majors and that Alonso/Finn's Physics intro is one of the best out there.

@ sushifiend, here's a quote from the first post of the "So you want to be a physicist" thread that seemed relevant:

"The preparation one makes while still in high school before proceeding to college can be important. The most important of which, in my opinion, is one’s mastery of basic mathematics. Typically, by the time someone enters college, there should already be a good command of algebra, trigonometry and geometry. Taking intro physics without a good command of these three is a recipe for disaster. In many cases, one also needs at least a semester’s worth of calculus if the intro physics class includes calculus.

Although this appears to be obvious, it isn’t. In my brief teaching experience at the freshman level (1st year students in a university in the US), I often found that many students struggled with their physics homework not because they did not understand the physics, but they could not do the mathematics. Of course, they then blamed the difficulty of physics for this without realizing that the physics course itself was not to be blamed. Interestingly enough, we often encounter similar situation on our IRC channel. Students coming in with physics problems are often stuck more with the mathematics.

So, adequate preparations in mathematics at the high school level is crucial. In the US, one can still catch up on the necessary basic mathematics even after enrolling in a university by taking which ever mathematics courses that one needs. However, this will mean delaying other physics courses till one has the necessary mathematics skill." - ZapperZ

I have two friends who are doing what you are about to attempt. It isn't easy, but it is possible. They both started at community college, took the prerequisites to transfer, and moved from elementary algebra up through calc 3. One guy transferred in 4 years, the other in 5 years. They each are at UCLA and UCSD now respectively, and are looking at another 2-3 years. One is a physics major; the other electrical engineering.

That said, math is the weak link for most people, and you will be able to gauge for yourself after a semester or two. There's no substitute for the real thing. Good luck!

 

[alexsylvanus]

I'm just graduating High School and thinking about going into Electrical Engineering. Is college science extremely difficult right from the start? Or is there some overlap with high school AP physics/AP chemistry and review period. I've always been really good at math and science, and my teacher says that I'm his only student that he thinks will have an easy time with engineering, but based on this thread I'm starting to doubt him. Basically, I'm asking at what point do the engineering programs begin to really get difficult?

 

[donpacino]

In my experience physics 1 (mechanics) is nearly identical to ap physics. I only learned new material at the very end of the class.

I never took AP chem, however the 1/2 of college chem was basically a review of my honors chem class.

If you had an easy time of those AP classes, i doubt you will have an extremely difficult time in the basic science courses at college.

 

[Vite]

I'm just graduating High School and thinking about going into Electrical Engineering. Is college science extremely difficult right from the start? Or is there some overlap with high school AP physics/AP chemistry and review period. I've always been really good at math and science, and my teacher says that I'm his only student that he thinks will have an easy time with engineering, but based on this thread I'm starting to doubt him. Basically, I'm asking at what point do the engineering programs begin to really get difficult?

I just graduated as an electrical engineer. My experience with both math and chemistry (I didn't take physics in high school) was as follows:

I began college in trigonometry after having taken calculus in high school. From trig through integral calculus, everything was a review. The difference was that the problems were much more difficult in college. Same theorems/equations, just applied to much harder problems. If you did well in high school courses, you will probably have an easy time understanding everything, but you'll still need to practice with homework to master the exercises. Several students are able to skip right into integral calculus or further as freshmen, in which case they begin their college career with a slightly more difficult introduction.

Chemistry was similar. I took 3 chem courses, and the first 2 were almost completely reviews of AP chem in high school. Nonetheless, they were difficult courses because the problems required mastery of the material rather than the simpler applications high school generally requires.

The overlap described above is nice because it allows you to adjust to a college pace and test style with information you have already experienced. Next they start throwing new concepts at you with the same hard tests, but you will have adjusted to college study habits by then and be able to handle the raised level in difficulty.

My one piece of advice: MASTER ALGEBRA. Electrical engineers do all kinds of fancy things with equations it will be very difficult if you cannot manipulate equations or follow a professors' line of thought when he does 3 or 4 algebraic steps in 1 line. Just about every algebraic trick in the book come into use some way or another.

If you're willing to work hard and put in a lot of hours, you should do fine in electrical engineering. Some concepts are difficult to grasp, but most of the work in your engineering courses will just require large amounts of time. There is a plethora of resources willing to help as well. Good Luck!

 

[Ritzycat]

What is the market like for engineers who have PhD looking to become professors? Is it similar to the sciences or any better? Does it vary much amongst the disciplines (chemical, mechanical, electric etc.)

 

[dmacfour]

Here's my "should I become an engineer" story:

I almost picked up Mechanical Engineering 4 years ago. I was three years into school, and thought it would be wise to stick with what I was already doing. I thought I was avoiding 4 years of school not starting over, but ended up staying in school that long anyways. I ended up getting a degree in psychology, and most recently, an M.S. in Human Factors and Ergonomics.

Through it all, I find myself regretting my decision to stick with psychology. This feeling is compounded by the fact that Human Factors is largely an interdisciplinary field between psychology and mechanical engineering. I'm slightly jealous of my engineer friends that want to do HF engineering. So now I'm trying to formulate a plan in which I start working toward a mechanical engineering degree, while working in industry. Given that there's some level of overlap between my side and the engineering side of HF, it might actually benefit me to do so.

So a few questions: how many prereqs could I get out of the way with night classes at a community college? I'd be starting at the bottom, since I only took two math courses as an undergrad. Do upper level/graduate level statistics classes count for anything in engineering (tech electives)? At this point, I'm a huge consideration of getting another degree will be how much money it takes. I need to know how much I can get out of the way before I end up in an actual engineering program.

 

[Sol]

Second thoughts on Engineering

I didn't discover my love for math until my junior year of high school which I attended in Florida, I am now in New York and would love to get a degree in engineering. The quality of the education systems between the aforementioned states is pretty significant & I never took physics or calculus aside from mere dabbling in an intro to aerospace course. I am afraid that I will be coming from a much weaker standpoint than the rest of the students, making me wonder if this is still the sort of degree I should go for.

My question is, what is the difference between Engineering Science & Mechanical? The requirements for these courses are very different in terms of courses, GPA, & schools that accept the credits

Should I still try for this degree considering the disadvantages?

 

[pongo38]

Sol: To answer the immediate question, you first need to address where you want to end up in say 20 years time. Then the pathway to that goal may be clearer.

 

[rwm4768]

Right now, I'm strongly considering an Engineering degree (probably Mechanical). I've always been fascinated with how things work, and I think math and physics are cool. I also love the flexibility of an ME degree. I love the idea of creating something that can benefit the world and the idea of working on the cutting edge of Engineering research, where all the really cool stuff is going on. One of my favorite games growing up was Roller Coaster Tycoon. I didn't care about running the park. I just wanted to build the best roller coasters I possibly could, taking notice of things like lateral Gs and giving the guests air time.

However, I am a bit clumsy at mechanical tasks. I get how things work mechanically, but actually performing the tasks isn't always the easiest.

My engineering degree would be my second degree. I will be 25 when I start it. I already have a BA in Economics, in which I got a 4.0, but I didn't find the subject material all that interesting or stimulating. Many times, it wasn't all that challenging either.

I've always been great at math. I've gotten an A in every math class I've ever taken, including the Calc I, Calc II, Calc III sequence. I took the first two in high school and got a 5 on the Calc BC AP test. I took the last recently and loved it because I could see all the applications of math. I was also the best in the class by far. In addition to my 4.0 in college, I was #1 in my high school class, with quite a bit of math and science, including AP Chemistry (another 5 on the AP test). My Math and Science ACT scores were both 35, I think (though one or both might have been 34 or 36).

I've always been smart and a hard worker. I'm a perfectionist, and I don't like giving anything less than my best. In the past, however, I've struggled with depression (to the point of being suicidal). It's under control now, but I am a little worried about the difficulty of an Engineering program. At the same time, though, it should be noted that I won't have quite as packed schedules as other Engineering students due to already having a degree. I can probably get through the degree in four years with an average of 12 or so credit hours per semester. Also, my depression is under control now.

Debt isn't too much of an issue. I got scholarships for my first degree, so I have no debt, and I'll be getting the Engineering degree from a relatively inexpensive school within commuting distance (so less cost for housing).

It looks like a good option, promising an interesting and rewarding career that pays well. I've always been a creative person, and I enjoy working in teams with competent and motivated people.

 

[Monsterboy]

- I'm a mechanical engineer working in the field of HVAC design. I started off studying aerospace engineering, but the math was just too much for me. I like mechanical engineering because it is a very wide field with all sorts of job opportunities everywhere.

The math was too much for you? you mean some kind of highly advanced calculus? i am planning to take up aerospace ,i don't have a problem with math but i am not sure whether i am good enough ,i signed up in Educator.com ,can you recommend any particular courses that i must take ?

 

[KerenXD]

Okay, I'm a high school student, and I'm not really sure if I'm cut out for engineering. Help?
I'm good at maths, but I score really low in physics. I like physics, but I don't really understand everything. If I did, maybe...I also like astronomy, and chemistry. If someone could clear out all my physics-related doubts, I'd be the happiest person on earth. I seriously need help.

Thanks,
Keren

 

[pongo38]

To KarenXD: Although it is a bit unfair to say that engineers are 'failed physicists', there is some truth that in engineering you can specialise in branches which use the physics that you do understand. Even that is a bit sweeping because in real engineering day to day practice, you may have to turn to any branch of knowledge to solve a problem. However, the usual practice is to get help from someone who does know, if you are stuck. I have managed an engineering degree and a career in engineering although my school grades were woeful.

 

[KerenXD]

To pongo38: Who should I ask? Thing is, I'm in Class 10, and I have to decide what to major in , and it's hard not knowing what I'm best at. I need help in deciding my career, my future, and not making a mistake that could ruin the rest of my life. So..can you help me, please? I want to know if I'm good at physics. In India there are two boards, the central board and the state board. I study in the state board, which is relatively esay compared to the central board. Most exams are based on the CB portions, and I find it really hard. I go for CB classes, but my professor is very hard to understand. He confuses himself.

 

[pongo38]

To KarenHD: If you are in India, then I cannot help you directly because I don't know the system. The general point I would make is that any decision you make is not likely to be as critical in the end as you appear to think. From a European point of view, there is usually more than one way to become an engineer. If you do take a wrong turning at some point, think of the system being a network rather than a single path, and you will be able to find a way back. Whatever you choose, I wish you well. You can succeed despite your professor who gets muddled. Learn to use other resources.

 

[kaliyur]

At the suggestion of Shahil, I'm starting this thread as a general guidance thread for prospective engineers. Some typical questions:

-Should I become an engineer?
-What engineering discipline should I study?
-Is engineering difficult?

I encourage people to post personal experiences in school and in the professional world regarding the field of engineering.

Some background info on me - I'm a mechanical engineer working in the field of HVAC design. I started off studying aerospace engineering, but the math was just too much for me. I like mechanical engineering because it is a very wide field with all sorts of job opportunities everywhere.

 

[kaliyur]

Most Engineers end up using just a miniscule fraction on their job, what they learned during their undergrad years. Not just the first few years - their entire career. However, knowing one's fundamentals well will keep one in good stead. In several subtle ways, one's wide knowledge will help at different stages. It can be when one selects a good piece of furniture. Just by a mere look at two different models, one can easily say which one is stronger and stabler. Same product made out of two different manufacturing processes will have different strengths. Selecting a pump and corresponding motor becomes easier. When an upgrade in technology occurs, you'll be the first one to appreciate the difference. When a 5-star rated energy efficient equipment is presented, you should be able to guess what modifications in it has resulted in superior efficiency.. All this if one has performed well as student and understood the concepts well. When your company hires an external consultant you may be able to understand the logic behind the recommendations better than others if your fundamentals are strong. Ideally, nobody should be able to take you for a ride if your subject knowledge is clear about all mechanical engineering subjects like metallurgy, design, manufacture, quality control, laws of motion, mechanics, thermodynamics etc

 

[ShatteredAwe]

-Should I become an engineer?
-What engineering discipline should I study?
-Is engineering difficult?

I can use this thread as a "Q/A" right? Because I need some opinions on if I should continue to try and become an engineer.

(warning long because I'm adding a lot of background information on me to help others decide better.)

I'm currently in Grade 11, and I'm living in Ontario,Canada in Toronto. I literally have no idea what I should grow up to be, because I have a lot of interest areas. For example, every time I take one of those "What should you be when you grow up" quizzes I'll get results from all over the place. On my spare time, I love to write stories, watch animation, play video games, exercise, read about history, read about science, talk to friends, play music, and stuff like that I guess. I've also loved animals (But never owned them) and when I was younger I had a huge interest in Biology and Zoology. Now that I'm a bit older, I *love* computers, Chemistry and I would love to learn more about Physics, while still having a love for Animals and the Environment. I'm looking into the Engineer pathway because I think that I'd be able to work with or for the things that I love, and that I'm sort of interested in making a change in the world, and I think that if I became an Engineer it would probably help me begin to meet those goals. (Nothing major, just a want to reduce pollution.)

However I'm wondering if I'm the right fit for it. I still have another school year until Universities start looking at my marks, but I've been having some trouble keeping certain marks over certain thresholds. My family moves around a lot, and during my first 2 year of high school I was in a pretty bad environment, and my marks really showed that. I moved again for this year (But ended up missing the first 2 weeks of school due to familial issues), and so far I'm loving my new school and I'm taking all of the courses that I was interested in, but I'm having a bit of trouble with Chemistry so far. I'm getting As in literally the rest of my subjects (This semester I have English, Biology, and Music), but so far Chemistry is giving me a hard time (Mostly it's just small mistakes that I'm making, but a lot of small mistakes add up). Eventually, for my first Unit test in the course I think I might have finally fixed that issue (I don't have the test results back yet though), but I'm still very unsure. While I love Science, I'm not a big fan of math. I don't mind doing it, but it's not something that I exactly *love* to do as much as Science, which sort of made me doubt if I wanted to go into Engineering since I hear that they use a lot of Math. I think ultimately I'd be able to grin and bear it, as long as it's not to a crazy amount.

Another reason why I wonder if I'm the right fit for a Career in Engineering is that - and I hate to bring gender and race into this - but I'm a bit worried at how I'd be treated in a STEM workplace. It's a bit sad because most of the careers I'm looking into involve STEM, but as a girl and as a member of a visible (and apparently hated on the internet) minority group, I've just read a lot of articles about how people like me are treated, and it's a bit concerning for me. I don't think that the field is completely sexist/racist, but if someone could just answer me on exactly how bad it is, I would be grateful. I also sort of think that the potential of having to work in a potentially unsafe workplace could turn me off of looking into Engineering.

I also would like to work in an active workplace as well. Does engineering offer a lot of opportunities to travel around/ and or work outdoors? Will I be working in a more hands-on mode as opposed to being behind a computer all of the time? I personally like hands-on work and outdoors a bit better, but a mix would be best. Is Career Stability well/good? I especially ask the last because one day I hope to have a family. And lastly, after reading the paragraphs about me above, which engineering discipline do you think that I would find best?

Sorry if I'm a bit disorganized. I was a bit busy. But to summarize:

1. Judging from what I wrote above, should I even bother trying to become an Engineer?
2. If so, can anyone recommend me a sub-discipline?

Thanks in advance.

 

[darkxponent]

-Should I become an engineer?

The answer to this question should be that one should try to become an Engineer if one wants to. As simple as that. Whether one will complete his degree in Engineering or not is a different thing. But if if one wants to be an Engineer then he must give it a try at least.

-What engineering discipline should I study?

Depends on which subject you found more interesting in your high school. If you liked Electrodynamics/Semiconductors then go for Electrical. If you found Thermodynamics and Mechanics more interesting then go for Mechanical/Civil. Similarly Chemical for Chemistry loving people and Software Engineering for those who like Coding.

-Is engineering difficult?

It depends on which branch you choose and how much you study everyday. But comparably we can say that Bachelors in Engineering is tougher than Bachelor on Science degree. It also depends on which University you are studying in. Some universities have a very difficult curriculum compared to other.

 

[Cod]

Is a bachelor's in an engineering discipline required to become a certified PE? Or can one be certified with just a master's degree in an engineering discipline?

I have a bachelor's in computer science, but looking at different grad school options for engineering at this time.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[Astronuc]

Is a bachelor's in an engineering discipline required to become a certified PE? Or can one be certified with just a master's degree in an engineering discipline?

I have a bachelor's in computer science, but looking at different grad school options for engineering at this time.

Any help is appreciated.

Usually one would obtain a degree in one of the engineering disciplines which is recognized by NSPE (http://www.nspe.org/) or one practices engineering under the guidance of an engineer, or licensed professional engineering. Anyway, one take a fundamentals tests (FE), which used to be the EIT or engineer-in-training. After some experience, one would take the PE, or P&P, which is the Principles and Practices test, in a particular discipline, e.g., Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, . . . .

http://www.nspe.org/resources/licensure

NSPE does not do the licensure, but rather NCEES, which is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing professional licensure for engineers and surveyors, develops, administers, and scores the examinations used for engineering and surveying licensure in the United States.

http://ncees.org/

A PE is usually required in order to sign drawings and other engineering documents used in the design or construction of some engineered system. One becomes licensed in a given state of residence/practice, but there is often a reciprocal arrangement that eases the licensing in other states.

 

[sousa1]

Hello. I have some questions and I think this is a good place to get the answers. I'm thinking of studying mechanical engineering, because I always ponder about how a train or a clock works. I've recently made a career aptitude test and the top result was engineering. I've refrained from considering scientific or mathematical paths because in my home country the secondary school is divided in multiple categories and I chose humanities, which limited my professional prospects from early on. This means I barely have knowledge of any kind of science and I haven't made calculations, other than simple arithmetics used in day-to-day life, in more than five years. A cousin of mine is currently in his last weeks to get his Masters in Automotive Engineering, and our conversation in Christmas rekindled my interest. I still don't know if I'll try to enter into a Mechanical Engineering course, so I've decided to finally sign up to this forum in order to get some answers from a more informed and open mindset.

1) I want, first of all, to move to UK and study there. Is a course with a foundation year a good option for me, and what are my chances of entering, given that I have nothing more at all than just finishing high school? Consider that I live in the European Union, have family in England and I've passed several weeks there for the last two years. I read novels and magazines in the english language, and I'm capable of maintaining casual conversations with natives.

2) I am currently twenty years old, even if I enter this year in a foundation year I'll only get a diploma at 26, and this is if I can enter at the earliest chance and make it as fast as possible. How does it hurt my professional prospects if I just finish my degree in the late twenties?

3) Are there any programs, internships or workshops I can do now or during the next years to learn more about M. Engineering and improve my chances of entering a university and build my résumé? And is there anything I can do to know if I'm absolutely certain that I want to follow this professional path?

P.S.: 4) What are some daily activities, including leisure, that can improve my skills for anything mathematical and scientific?

 

[ME_student]

I have a general question about engineering. I'd thought I just post here instead of making a new thread. So I am almost done with my sophomore year of engineering, only a few engineering core classes than I can transfer.

So how much harder is junior year? I heard it's way harder than sophomore year, however one of my engineering instructors said sophomore years the hardest... I heard as an ME student junior year you take fluid mechanics 1 and 2, thermodynamics, an upper level statics, machine design, and an upper differential equations class (forgot the name of it). Today while studying circuit analysis I saw an old classmate I took vector Calc with. He told me he was taking 300 and 400 level EE classes and not having a life. So I am pretty much not going to have a life junior year?

 

[SteamKing]

I have a general question about engineering. I'd thought I just post here instead of making a new thread. So I am almost done with my sophomore year of engineering, only a few engineering core classes than I can transfer.

So how much harder is junior year? I heard it's way harder than sophomore year, however one of my engineering instructors said sophomore years the hardest... I heard as an ME student junior year you take fluid mechanics 1 and 2, thermodynamics, an upper level statics, machine design, and an upper differential equations class (forgot the name of it). Today while studying circuit analysis I saw an old classmate I took vector Calc with. He told me he was taking 300 and 400 level EE classes and not having a life. So I am pretty much not going to have a life junior year?

Some of the classes you mention you probably should have already taken. What courses have you spent your first two years taking?

It's not clear what 'upper level statics' encompasses. Statics is pretty basic. Do you mean dynamics, perhaps?

Did you go to school to study engineering or to be a party animal?

It's not clear why you are concerned with what classes of yours can transfer. Are you thinking about changing schools and/or majors?

Look, getting your education is an opportunity to do something which will affect the rest of your life. Missing a couple of parties is a small sacrifice to make for a chance at getting a career.

 

[ME_student]

All I need to take is strength of materials, circuits 2, CAD, gen Chem 2, and a few Gen electives then I am good to go.

The core classes looked at by the university I am transferring to looks at Calc 1-4, differential equations, linear algebra, Gen Chem 1-2, Calc based phy 1-3, strengths, statics, dynamics, CAD, microecon, and a few more.

I've never partied in my life and I don't plan on partying ever. As of right now I don't have much of a life right now... When I was referring to not having a life I meant not just relaxing a bit from the studies. I don't plan on changing majors ever... I've put a lot of time and money into this career (been paying for college since I started), about half way why stop now? It's been a dream to be an ME since I started school.

 

[pongo38]

Dear ME STudent "So I am pretty much not going to have a life junior year?" I would say this IS your life that you have chosen, and you need to find a work-life balance in it. This phase of concentrated study doesn't last forever. You can be encouraged by the observation that many have trodden this path before you did, and have succeeded.

 

[onethatyawns]

Do many people attempt to get a graduate degree in engineering after studying physics in undergrad? What might make the transition easy or difficult?

I assume the answer here would vary depending upon the field of engineering, so assume that I am speaking about any of the closest engineering fields to physics.

 

[andreyw]

Hello PF !

I plan to go back to school in september but I don't know what I should choose. I am 27 years old and my initial plan was to go back to school for 5 years and get a degree in Condensed Matter Physics (in Luxembourg, it is 3 years for the bachelor's degree (undergraduate kind of) + 2 years to get the master's degree).

I want to work in sciences and I want a degree that will open me those doors. I know that a degree in physics can open a lot of doors like finance etc but I hate finance (I am a software developer in the financial sector at the moment and I have a bachelor's degree in IT). I am not sure I will have the motivation to try to get a PhD and finish school at 35 years old.

I often read that engineering is awesome for the job prospects (compared to Physics) if you want to work on a daily basis with sciences. The thing is that I am not sure I would like engineering. I love to understand how and why things work and as far as I know, I have no love for design or build things (I love software development though).

I read a lot about that and I think the best thing for me would be Computational Physics but I don't have the possibility to study it (no university offers that degree close to me).

I am not worried about my future because I will have a bachelor's degree in software development and a master's degree in Physics (if everything works of course :) ).

Any advice ?

Thanks.

 

[Meron]

I'm a Class 12 student in a CBSE affiliated school in Saudi Arabia. I am strongly interested in Maths and Physics, and I am very strong in both of them. I've always been infatuated by space and have considered to be an astrophysicist. But currently I have started to feel lost. I don't know whether I should go for engineering or physics. Since becoming a physicist would take a lot of time(around 12 years I guess), I don't think I can afford it without a scholarship of some kind. So, can anyone please help me find scholarships?

 

[jorcesca]

Should I become an engineer: I am currently a nursing student but I've always had a knack for computers and technology i take apart cell phones and mp3 players and laptops and put them back together to make them work more efficiently, and I am great with most math effortlessly, and today i realized those gifts could be nurtured in a career that id love and it would actually pay me (the pay being a bonus)

but I am 27 and i feel like id be starting all over and its too late in life to start over bc I am getting old and need to hurry up and get my degree.

if i do switch I am thinking magor computer hardware engineering with a minor in geology geared toward oil and gas extraction

 

[ME_student]

I think it's best for me to put this question here than to make a new thread. Apologies for threading jacking.

I am a student who is about to enter junior year for mechanical engineering. Do we have any petroleum engineers here on physics forum? I was wondering what classes were like junior year and give me a quick summary of what kind of work you do? Someone told me I should go to school for petroleum engineering... I don't think it's worth it since I will have to attend a college out of state and most likely move down south.

 

[ME_student]

Should I become an engineer: I am currently a nursing student but I've always had a knack for computers and technology i take apart cell phones and mp3 players and laptops and put them back together to make them work more efficiently, and I am great with most math effortlessly, and today i realized those gifts could be nurtured in a career that id love and it would actually pay me (the pay being a bonus)

but I am 27 and i feel like id be starting all over and its too late in life to start over bc I am getting old and need to hurry up and get my degree.

if i do switch I am thinking magor computer hardware engineering with a minor in geology geared toward oil and gas extraction

Do you like math, phy, science, programming, circuits analysis, not having a life (social life), and studying all the time? If you like the following then I say go for it!

 

[Caolan]

Lastly, the money is good BUT you should

NEVER
NEVER
NEVER
NEVER

ever choose a career for the money - and I'll stand by that.

Hope this helps.

I have been a software engineer for 20+ years and that is so true. I have seen many people try to do engineering because of the money but they do not have the brain, patience, or whatever it is necessary to be a good engineer. They end up frustrated, angry, and in some cases, feeling like they're not intelligent. Not everyone is meant to be an engineer, just like not everyone is meant to be a politician, or a doctor.

 

[irenebaron]

If you are debating as to which field of engineering to enter and want to ensure you will have employment when you obtain your degree, check out in what fields the engineering scholarships are being offered. Any field that needs engineers will be offering scholarships. At one time there were not enough engineers entering the fields of mineralogy, petroleum, and geology. The geology firms were so desperate, they were hiring first and second year students out of college to get workers. I wrote a blog about the Mohole Project which relates to that. The project was begun to bring attention to geology and to entice college bound in that field.

http://irenebaron.com/irene_baron_blog1/mohole_project___the_true_origin/

 

[brainbaby]

-Is engineering difficult?

the person who ask this question..should be probably the last person to become an engineer on earth...

 

[kevnst]

I have a general question about engineering. I'd thought I just post here instead of making a new thread. So I am almost done with my sophomore year of engineering, only a few engineering core classes than I can transfer.

So how much harder is junior year? I heard it's way harder than sophomore year, however one of my engineering instructors said sophomore years the hardest... I heard as an ME student junior year you take fluid mechanics 1 and 2, thermodynamics, an upper level statics, machine design, and an upper differential equations class (forgot the name of it). Today while studying circuit analysis I saw an old classmate I took vector Calc with. He told me he was taking 300 and 400 level EE classes and not having a life. So I am pretty much not going to have a life junior year?

I remember the freshman and sophomore year classes to be the "weed out" non-engineer students. I had plenty of fun in all 4 years of my mechanical engineering undergraduate program. The list of classes you have -- thermo, fluids, thermal power systems was some of the best classes I ever took (you can tell I'm a true blood ME).

If you decide to major in ME, then the upper division EE classes you might have to take is either in Process Controls or in Automation. Those are useful classes and I really enjoyed the practical lab aspects of it. When it came to theory, not so much for me. And obviously it showed it my grades -- good thing I had stellar grades in the first two years such that my last two years of college only managed to pull me down to a 3.4 GPA. I aced every upper division class related to thermal / fluids / energy. I did my best to skip every upper division non-engineering courses.

The last two years is basically when you get to apply the knowledge you have gained and do fun stuff in classes and labs and projects. Oh, it was also in the last two years when I took on engineering internships of 20-30 hours per week on top of taking a full ride in courses. So I think your instructor might be on the right track...

 

[ME_student]

I remember the freshman and sophomore year classes to be the "weed out" non-engineer students. I had plenty of fun in all 4 years of my mechanical engineering undergraduate program. The list of classes you have -- thermo, fluids, thermal power systems was some of the best classes I ever took (you can tell I'm a true blood ME).

If you decide to major in ME, then the upper division EE classes you might have to take is either in Process Controls or in Automation. Those are useful classes and I really enjoyed the practical lab aspects of it. When it came to theory, not so much for me. And obviously it showed it my grades -- good thing I had stellar grades in the first two years such that my last two years of college only managed to pull me down to a 3.4 GPA. I aced every upper division class related to thermal / fluids / energy. I did my best to skip every upper division non-engineering courses.

The last two years is basically when you get to apply the knowledge you have gained and do fun stuff in classes and labs and projects. Oh, it was also in the last two years when I took on engineering internships of 20-30 hours per week on top of taking a full ride in courses. So I think your instructor might be on the right track...

I transfer next term as a junior. I would say Sophomore year was a lot of fun. I did pretty well in all my engineering classes.

 

[rwm4768]

So I'm in a bit of a difficult spot right now. I'm trying to decide between Engineering and Physics. I love Physics, but I don't know how much I love the idea of going on to a PhD. This decision is made more difficult by the fact that my school has a limited selection of Engineering majors. You can do only civil, mechanical, or electrical. The field that interests me the most is Materials Engineering. I can't switch schools because this is my second degree, and I'm only able to finance it because of student loans and living with my parents. I'm 26 and only in my second semester, so that's why I'm wary of going the Physics route. I'm not completely against the idea of a PhD, but I want to have more options when it comes time for that decision.

Technically, I could fit in a double major in either mechanical or electrical and physics, but that would require a pretty insane course load. It would also limit me when it comes to electives in both disciplines. I'd only be able to take the bare minimum.

As for my background, I'm doing very well in my physics classes. The lowest grade I've had on a physics test is a 91, and the class average is usually between 65 and 75 percent. I'm currently taking statics. My first test is tomorrow, and I think it should go pretty well. I feel like I get what's going on. I've also gotten through all my Calculus sequence and Differential Equations with an A in every class.

If this were my first degree, I wouldn't hesitate to go with physics, but at some point, I feel like I need to get an actual job.

I'm having trouble deciding between Mechanical and Electrical. Each one has courses that sound interesting and courses that don't. I wonder if I could do the Mechanical and take a few of the materials related electives in both Mechanical and Electrical and maybe sprinkle in a few elective courses in Physics and Chemistry.

 

[Zionic]

I am a Chemical Physics major for two years now, and now I think I will be switching majors to Chemical Engineering or Engineering Physics. For my University, the average courseload engineering students take is around 6 or 7 courses. That is insane! I have only at most done 5 courses in one term and it ended up being decent however, 7 seems suicidal. So my question for you folks is that, how does one manage to even DO 7 courses in a term (around 4 months)

Best Wishes,
Zionic

 

[billy_joule]

That is insane! I have only at most done 5 courses in one term and it ended up being decent however, 7 seems suicidal. So my question for you folks is that, how does one manage to even DO 7 courses in a term (around 4 months)

I don't know how it's done elsewhere but in my country all degrees follow the same standard course load. Doing more courses just means the average work per course is lower. The highest workload I had in my mechanical engineering degree was while taking just 2 courses, on paper it was the standard course load I had taken throughout the rest of the degree, including a semester I took 7 courses.

 

[Zionic]

I see, it differs from course to course, some courses are 3 credit (9 hours of study per week outside of lecture) and some are 4 credit (12 hours of studying per week outside of lecture), my first and second term I will be taking 21 and 23 credit hours respectively (63 and 69 hours of study per week outside of lecture) that how it works here with Canadian Universities in British Columbia

 

[Derek Francis]

Would studying engineering on a part time basis (2 classes per semester) - while working - make the difficulty more manageable?

 

[Zionic]

Would studying engineering on a part time basis (2 classes per semester) - while working - make the difficulty more manageable?

I really depends on yourself and the kind of student you are.
It will definitely take longer to complete the degree, though at the same time you are less likely to burn out.
Also it will cost you more in the long run enrolling in more semesters as fixed rate student fees and activity fees (for some institutions) add up (these fees for my university are charged every semester regardless of how many credits or courses you take, it is about $150 every semester so if I enrolled full-time for a year I would have paid $300 as opposed to the $600 I would pay if I completed the same amount of course work as a part-time student)
Another factor that I have heard often is the notion that:
"employers would like to see a full course load that was well accomplished, showing that you can handle the rigor of the work."
or something of the sort. There are more factors to be taken into account.

Zionic