Aerospace vs. Mechanical

<p>So I'm a freshman, registered for mechanical engineering with an aerospace concentration... but I keep coming down to, what about aerospace as a major? My school offers it. What are the differences between the two? Does one have a better chance of landing a good job? Thanks</p>

<p>I'm kind of in the same boat of settling on an engineering major. I am currently a MechE/AeroE dual. So my first suggestion would be to try a dual as it will make you more attractive. As far as the job market, Aero is more specific than mechanical, and can therefore has the potential to make the job search more difficult, although you shouldn't have difficulty finding a good job for either.
From what my advisors have told me, the job market for Aero's is cyclical, and depends on when you enter the job market. </p>

<p>So don't weigh my advice to heavily, but from what I have learned, MechE have the potential for better job security, but Aeros aren't that far behind. Again, if you can dual, there should be many similar courses that you will take, so look into that.</p>

<p>Any serious work in aero is going to require an advanced degree. If there is a chance your terminal degree will be a BS, I'd stick with MechE to keep your options open as much as possible. Should you go on for an advance degree in aero, a BSME (with aero electives) will not a problem for grad school admission.</p>

<p>Well I am a MechE, and I will give you the same advice that my dad gave me. He is an Aero and has worked at Boeing for quite some time, but after being there so long, he has said that there are as many MEs doing the same jobs as him as there are AEs, and those MEs have the option of going and working in a different industry if the aerospace industry takes a big downturn. He told me if I wanted to do AE, just do ME and take the Aero type stuff as my electives.</p>

<p>Pretty much, that is what I have done. I am in my senior year of ME and all of my electives have been fluids related save two, which were FEA and Heat Transfer II.</p>

<p>During the engineering career fair held at my university, I spoke with one of the senior engineer/manager from Lockheed Martin and I asked him about this. </p>

<p>Specifically, I asked him -Do you prefer mechanical engineering majors over aerospace major? He then stated - Mechanical, at least for the type of work/problem we are dealing with…Something like that.</p>

<p>Having said that, do you think it would be wise (for someone who have a bachelor other than mechanical or aerospace) who is pursuing a masters degree to pursue said mechanical, instead of aerospace.</p>