Hello, I’m here to ask what is the differnece between the two majors and which I should choose? I’m sure this has been discussed many times, but I wanted to see what you guys think is better for me.
I’ve always been more interested in aerospace, as I think working with planes or possibly spacecraft is cool. Also, I’m interested in fluid mechanics, so another plus for aerospace. However, I’m a little worried about what could happen if something goes wrong. That’s why I was wondering if I should do mechanical engineering instead, perhaps with an emphasis in fluid mechanics. I’ve been told there is more of a safety net.
If I will be trying for a masters, would it be better to do four years of mechanical and then pursue aerospace then? Is is easier to get in as one major over the other? Which should I put as my main major choice and which as my second? (If a school only offers mechanical, I’m putting electrical as my second choice, by the way) Finally, is it difficult to pursue a minor with any of these majors, probably in computer science?
Thanks if you can help me decide.
Have you researched this topic at all, either on this site or elsewhere? This has been discussed at length. In short, the two fields are basically the same science (mechanics) with different practical examples. In many cases the two degrees are interchangeable, though there are still more fallback options for mechanical engineers.
Both feature fluid mechanics as a major area of study.
It is too early to decide you already want a MS degree. You can keep that in the background but I wouldn’t plan your life around it yet. It’s not necessary for getting a good job and you don’t know if you’ll have the grades or desire to do it after 4 years of undergraduate study. Just worry about earning a BS for now and studying a topic that will qualify you for a job you’d like at the BS level.
So I should just pick the one I like more and it won’t really matter?
I suppose it depends on how nervous you are about that safety net. I studied mechanical engineering as an undergraduate because I just wasn’t sure. Then I studied aerospace engineering in graduate school, and now am doing nothing a job that probably means slightly more toward mechanical engineering again. You just never know.
I also believe having “mechanical” in the name of your major is much safer than having “aerospace” in it. Many more openings are expected for mechanical engineers than for aerospace engineers during 2012-2022 (100,000 vs. 25,000) by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_table_102.htm). And on the Indeed.com jobs website today one gets about 1,600 results for “aerospace engineering” and 17,000 for “mechanical engineering” (27,000 for “electrical engineering”).
I’m reminded of a long time ago when I was in school. Aeronautical Engineering was very competitive for entrance and everyone else got Mechanical Engineering. However, when graduation time rolled around, all the Mechanical Engineers got employed locally at a large, well-known aerospace manufacturer doing things that made them pretty happy while the AEs were left casting their net much wider to catch a job.
I think I will put mechanical then. I’d like to have a safety net to fall back on.