alternative energy - mechE??

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>I am about to enter my second semester in engineering and recently declared environmental engineering, but am now thinking I should maybe go into mechanical. I chose environmental because I am interested in pollution control and sustainable energy, etc., but it seems like to get into alternative and sustainable energy, it would be much better to go the mechE route with fuel cells, etc. I think I would find that more interesting. Also, mechanical is a good lead-in to materials science, which could be interesting, and I really enjoy physics which I think would go well with mechE over envE.</p>

<p>My main worry: mechanical seems almost like a dying field of engineering. I definitely do not want to go the typical engine/car building route, not that I don't appreciate that, but that job outlook seems poor (too many parents getting laid off with airplane engines) and not exactly what I'm looking for. So will I find a good job with a mechanical engineering degree with a focus on sustainable energy or maybe materials science???</p>

<p>Also, I have completely ruled out electrical (definitely not my thing), and I am minoring in physics, so those are just a couple important interest things. I appreciate any help!!</p>

2

<p>Mechanical is probably the most general of the engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers can find jobs in many different fields of engineering so it is a good choice.</p>

3

<p>thx, that’s what I was thinking, I’m sure I can go a lot of different ways with it,
any more opinions???</p>

4

<p>If you’re interested in pollution, MEEN would be a fine major. You see quite a few mechanical professors and professionals who work with pollution controls and aerosol dispersant modeling (my thermo prof does research with aerosols). You learn numerical methods which are directly applicable and environmental modeling. </p>

<p>Also, Mechanical Engineering is not a dying field. Mechanical Engineering is much more than engines. You learn circuits, fluids, mechanics of materials and internal combustion engines etc.</p>

<p>I’m not trying to push you away from Environmental or anything, but you have the wrong impression of Mechanical. It’s very broad, not just engines, and honestly has good job prospects compared to some.</p>