I will be graduating with my associates degree in mechatronics in a few months, and my GPA will be around a 3.3. I am taking extra classes that will hopefully transfer to university, and I initially thought EE would be my major. The more and more I hear people talking about the math portion of EE, the scarier it is, as I work hard to understand the material in math, and I come out with a B/C. I haven’t taken calc yet. I am looking at possibly doing engineering management as a major, and EE as a minor, I heard this will lighten the load on EE? I like more of the management, design, prototyping type stuff, as well as electronics and design, proto. Maybe industrial/design engineering?
You would still need plenty of math with Industrial. Here is an example from Virginia Tech for Industrial and Systems Engineering- you need 133 credits to graduate - with courses in linear algebra, vector geometry, multivariable calculus, differential equations, theoretical statistics, etc. included in that number. https://www.ise.vt.edu/academics/undergrad/bsise/docs/2017-bsise-checksheet.pdf
Good luck!
Also to add, even though I have not went through Calc yet, I’m not saying I’m horrible at math, but I will need to insure extra help is available so I can get through without any problems. I plan on going to office hours and having a tutor if needed. Math is heavily evolved in engineering, and I will need to submerge myself in it before I know with certainty if its for me or not.
Note that not having taken any calculus yet means you will basically be starting at a freshman level, meaning probably three or four more years in school. Not sure if you were expecting two years like the average transfer.
I still have about 6 months after I graduate to take classes before I transfer, I will be fulfilling some cal and physics classes. I am finishing my English classes at this time. Am I headed in the right direction as far as careers and degrees go?
Are you ok with 4 more years of school? Expect it to be a very challenging path if you are making C’s in precalculus math. A degree in Engineering Technology or continuing with Mechatronics might go faster. Look at the course requirements for the degrees at the 4-year schools you are considering.
In your first post, you mention Industrial Engineering but also mention Design. An Industrial Design degree is different from an Industrial and Systems engineering degree. An Industrial Design degree would not need the substantial math that an IE degree would need. For instance, Georgia Tech has an Industrial Design degree and only 2 semesters of calculus are needed. http://www.id.gatech.edu/undergraduate/curriculum Not sure though if this is the kind of thing you might be looking for or not.
As @nw2this notes, it does sound like an engineering degree might be challenging for you and would take a while to complete. But, since you are open to seeing if office hours or tutors could help you with math, that could be a plus in exploring whether or not engineering is right for you. Are there any other types of programs you have considered?
I’m fine with 4 years of university, I’m happy to get out of CC and transfer to a solid degree. I’m seriously considering engineering management as a bachelors program with a minor in EE, Design Engineering or Industrial Engineering (though the later two need more research). I’m not interested in mechatronics as a career, I used it as a starting block to a more specific engineering field. I’m looking at these colleges;
Lake Superior State U
Penn State- Abington
Washington State U
Oakland U
Ferris State U
U of M- Dearborn
Michigan State U
Michigan Tech U
Lawrence Tech U
University of Illinois- Chicago
U of Washington
U of M- Ann Arbor
University of the Pacific
NY Institute of Tech
I am not familiar with the idea of EE as a minor. Is it maybe a concentration area in the engineering mgt program?
Engineering management and electrical engineering are part of engineering, but unrelated in the material. I was hoping to lessen the math if I were to minor in EE. Does anyone have experience in minoring in EE?
A BS in engineering management is sort of a laughable concept. Who is going to hire a manager with no experience?
There’s just no way around the math if you want to be an engineer. If you want less math, consider engineering technology.
As far as PSU goes, I would call and ask the admissions office if you are even eligible for transfer. Engineering doesn’t take junior-level transfers at University Park, and their website directs you to apply to a branch only if you have less than two years of college coursework.
I agree with boneh3ad that “engineering management” is a non-starter. To manage something you have to understand it first. College will provide the basis for starting an engineering career but there is so much more to learn on the job.
I do have three years ‘real’ experience at the company I have a co-op with, I also have 4+ years of experience at other jobs. I know it a more common masters program, but I’ve always been interested in management. I dont want to shoot myself in the foot by saying I’m bad at math, I just need more exposure with it and help if necessary. What other degrees would you recoomend I look into with these interests?
Design, prototyping, electronics, management
Many of the schools you listed do not even offer undergraduate Engineering Management. Michigan Tech and NY Tech do and the math requirements don’t look too extreme for a student who is willing to work at it and get help when needed. As far as the career oportunities, I’d speak with the department. They may have relationships with specific employers.