<p>I know you don't need a degree to invent but it sure does help. For example, a computer programming degree may help if you want to invent new software, and a marketing major might have an easier time in marketing (duh!) his products. I want to invent new gadgets and machines, likes phones, new transport systems, electronics etc. Which engineering degree might help with these?
And also which degree (doesn't have to be engineering) will help if I want to discover new fuel sources and food processing and manufacturing methods?</p>
<p>Well obviously you should do __________ engineering!</p>
<p>Seriously, insert any word that completes that sentence and that sentence will be true. There is no one way to get a technical background that will help you come up with an invention, and like you said, you really don’t even need a degree if you have a good idea already and the know-how to put it all together. If you aren’t that lucky, study any engineering. You can’t just ask “how do I invent stuff” and expect a simple, straightforward answer given that most “stuff” is the culmination of many peoples’ hard work and expertise and usually that expertise spans a huge variety of fields.</p>
<p>Something that’s as basic science as possible. Engineering is applied current knowledge, basic science is what’s true and what’s new. Physics, CS (with scientific computing emphasis) or math or some combination of them would be good choices.</p>
<p>Because when I think of favor inventors, I generally think of theoretical physicists…</p>
<p>Inventors can also be computer/mechanical/bio/etc engineers.</p>
<p>BUT, if you’re going to found a company based on the invention(s), I would recommend getting a patent lawyer and moving to a state that’s hostile to patent ■■■■■■.</p>
<p>[Meet</a> the nice-guy lawyers who want $1,000 per worker for using scanners | Ars Technica](<a href=“April | 2013 | Ars Technica”>Meet the nice-guy lawyers who want $1,000 per worker for using scanners | Ars Technica)</p>
<p>That company? They own a patent on the concept of scanning documents into email. And they only shakedown the small businesses that can’t afford an army of lawyers compared to IBM or other big-shots.</p>
<p>Reactor, how much state of the art knowledge do you get in an undergraduate physics degree?</p>
<p>Invent is a funny word. The only products that are considered “inventions” are the ones that solve a real problem in society. Otherwise its a word used by people who do not understand the process of how a product or service enters the market. </p>
<p>If you want to invent for the sake of inventing, then become a product designer. It deals with mechanical engineering and choosing the right materials and method of manufacturing, but the beginning steps involve disciplines in art as well. Kickstarter is product design heaven.</p>
<p>Otherwise, choose a field that interests you to the point where you can identify a problem and think of a market solution. From the OP, seems like you have an interest in electronics and phones which means you should look into becoming an electric or computer engineer.</p>