<p>Which engineering field/school has the most hands on approach during undergrad and at work?</p>
<p>From what I've heard mechanical engineering can be very hands on.</p>
<p>All 4 of the traditional engineering disciplines in academia can be hands on. Electrical engineers build circuits, chemical engineers work in the labs a lot, and mechanical engineers build various things. It's hard to categorize for mechEs. I've seen everything from robots to mini wooden stick truss bridges. In my civil engineering studies, I've designed, mixed, and tested concrete, a few 6-foot long steel bridges, and worked with steel and soil in labs.</p>
<p>What is the actual work like compared to the lab work?</p>
<p>Thanks. What about schools for undergrad and grad?</p>
<p>If you do a MS w/ thesis or a PhD, you'll be in the labs a lot most likely. Instead of having a variety of projects, you'll be working mostly on one big one. </p>
<p>I can only speak for how actual work is compared to lab work in civil engineering, since that's what my background is. As an entry-level employee, more than likely you'll be sent out into the field on construction sites, either for surveying purposes or inspections. So you'll be able to get your hands dirty, but you won't ever be building or making anything. Perhaps you'll run some tests on some samples, or maybe your company has technicians to do that.</p>
<p>EE, </p>
<p>Many labs with courses, plus a very hands on senior design. The EE projects are always the coolest imo and many of them have mechanical components to them. This may vary depending on your department's philosophy, some may be more theoretical than others.</p>