<p>I have been accepted into Virginia Tech for Mechanical Engineering and Purdue for Mechanical Engineering Technology and I need help. I am stuck and dont know if I should go the ME route or MET route.
-Can anyone tell me the main differences between the two majors?
-Which one has a bigger workload?
-Which degree am I likely to make more money with when I graduate and in the far future?
Any suggestions as to what I should do would also be great!</p>
<p>I would think they are very similar...as in very similar job opportunities. Workload will depend on the school more than the major. Choose for yourself. Both schools are very respectable in the engineering world.</p>
<p>The Mechanical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering Technology degrees study the same subjects, but in very different ways. A Mechanical Engineering Technology major studys the subject with a lot less math - it is more applied knowledge. The jobs you could get with this degree are more applied, like a technician and less like a designer.</p>
<p>A regular engineering degree is more work but better high-paying jobs would be available to you. The biggest difference is the math, it is a lot simpler for a MET major.</p>
<p>How far do you want to go in your studies?</p>
<p>In engineering technology, the BS degree is usually as far as you can go. In fact, many people who enroll in technology programs never even get that far; they study engineering technology at community colleges, and stop at the AS (associate's) degree level after two years. </p>
<p>The vast majority of people who go beyond the BS level have engineering degrees. If you ever want to pursue an MS degree or a PE license, a BS in engineering technology may put you at a disadvantage. Most or all graduate schools and state engineering boards prefer engineering degrees, and in some cases require them.</p>
<p>I'd go with the pure engineering degree as it will give you more job and grad school flexibility as you look down the road. And, on a side note, I've been to both campuses and I would choose VT hands down; the Purdue campus seemed kind of dull and limited to me compared with Tech.</p>
<p>I would go for the four year BS degree in MET at purdue.... I was thinking of maybe getting a masters in buisness... does anyone think that is a good idea
?
Also does anyone think there is different, better, and higher paying job opportunitys for someone who has a BS degree in MET from purdue vs someone with the two year degree from a community college?</p>
<p>You can read more about engineers[/url</a>] vs. [url=<a href="http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos112.htm%5Dengineering">http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos112.htm]engineering</a> technicians at the Bureau of Labor Statistics. </p>
<p>According to this source, the starting salary for mechanical engineering techs is $43,400, vs. $50,236 for mechanical engineers with a BS degree (salaries are higher for MEs with advanced degrees). In general, potential salary growth is probably higher for engineers as well, since they are more likely to be promoted into management positions. However, I expect that techs with the right experience and skills, and who are willing to work overtime, can earn high salaries too. </p>
<p>It's common for engineers to earn MBA degrees, expecially if they transition (or want to transition) into management. This is probably much less common with engineering technicians, but I'm sure that it is possible if you are sufficiently motivated.</p>
<p>I would expect that a Purdue BS in MET would graduate with better connections and job prospects than a community college AS in MET. Purdue also offers the AS, so you could stop at the AS level if you wanted.</p>