It feels like M.E. undergrad degree is a JOKE

  • Thread starter Thread starter Curl
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    Degree Undergrad
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the perceived inadequacies of the undergraduate Mechanical Engineering (M.E.) curriculum. Participants express frustration with various core classes, questioning their relevance and effectiveness in preparing students for practical engineering challenges.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant criticizes core classes such as Mechanics of Materials and Engineering Thermodynamics for being overly simplistic and lacking depth, suggesting they focus more on rote memorization than on understanding fundamental concepts.
  • Another participant argues that engineering is about applying scientific concepts to solve practical problems, implying that the curriculum is designed for that purpose rather than theoretical exploration.
  • Concerns are raised about the effectiveness of classes like Fluid Dynamics and Manufacturing Processes, with claims that they do not adequately prepare students for real-world applications.
  • Some participants suggest that the frustrations expressed may stem from personal expectations or a mismatch between the individual's interests and the nature of engineering education.
  • There is a viewpoint that undergraduate education serves as a filtering process for those truly committed to the field, with a suggestion that real challenges arise in professional practice rather than in academic settings.
  • One participant reflects on the importance of hands-on experience and additional learning beyond the undergraduate curriculum to achieve expertise in engineering design.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need for a problem-solving approach rather than expecting to gain complete knowledge from undergraduate studies alone.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions, with some agreeing that the curriculum may lack depth while others defend its structure and purpose. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing views on the effectiveness and intent of the undergraduate M.E. program.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in their educational experiences, including a perceived lack of theoretical depth, practical application, and hands-on learning opportunities. There is also mention of personal expectations versus the realities of engineering education.

  • #61
Antiphon said:
Curl, you're in the right degree but the wrong college. One of the big ten or PAC ten or ivy league engineering schools would have done right by you.

I am at a PAC-10 school...

any tips on improving my general knowledge, as well as my job prospects?
best case scenario- I want to have my own shop, where I develop soft robots, UAVs, and whatever else interests me. I know I'll need more than a basic Mechanical Engineering degree for that!
worst case scenario- I make sketches in solidworks/ all day for 40 years. I wouldn't be ok with that!
I definitely want to get my EIT and PE!

I guess my question is, how do I know what I need to know?

Looks like your "best case scenario" is similar to mine. Sad news is, it takes a lot for that to happen. It's not even about how much you know or how much talent you have, it's all about having hookups, opportunity banging on your door, etc.
 
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  • #62
You also can't expect to learn everything at school that you'll need to know in order to start your own company that deals in some of the most cutting edge technologies. The information is out there, there are seminars, articles, published papers, expo's, etc.
 
  • #63
jehan60188 said:
best case scenario- I want to have my own shop, where I develop soft robots, UAVs, and whatever else interests me. I know I'll need more than a basic Mechanical Engineering degree for that!

The thing you are looking for is experience.
 

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