<p>I plan to do either Double Major or Major/Minor in one of the following:</p>
<p>Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science
-Pro: More interesting to me
-Pro: Robotics/Mechatronics opportunities
-Con: Companies hire people to do ME or CS, not both</p>
<p>Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
-Pro: Easier to schedule/More overlapping classes
-Pro: Higher need for EE/CS than ME/CS
-Pro: The two degrees will complement each other
-Con: Slightly less interesting than ME</p>
<p>EE/CS also has robotics opportunities just different aspects of it. Do not dual major in ME/CS if anything major in ME and minor in CS. It think it will take you a lot longer to dual major in ME/CS than EE/CS. </p>
<p>It comes down to your interests. If you are more interested in ME than EE than do that.</p>
<p>Concentrate on the first major before you do the second. A dual major with these concentrations could bring down your gpa and focus. If you want to get a second engineering degree, look for a MS program.</p>
<p>I was actually thinking more of a Major/Minor than a Double Major (which would only be possible at a few of my colleges).</p>
<p>From what I hear, computer science complements all fields of engineering. In most cases, a minor in computer science is sufficient.</p>
<p>I guess the real question is, what are the job prospects for a mechanical engineer in the computer industry? I know there are more opportunities for electrical engineers/computer scientists, but I'm far more interested in mechanical engineering.</p>
<p>So in other words, should I pursue something that I'm interested in (ME), but is not directed towards my career aspirations? Or, should I pursue something I'm less interested in (EE), but leads me directly towards where I want to end up?</p>
<p>If you want to get into the computer industry then ME isnt really the right degree. CS/EE/CompE are all appropriate for entering the computer industry. Though I find it strange how you find ME more interesting yet don't want to enter an ME career? Why do you not want an ME related career?</p>
<p>Remember, the computer industry includes the manufacture and design of computer components. Examples include: Wii Remote, Sony SixAxis, Multi-Touch technologies, Sony Aibo, etc. Those projects all required mechanical engineers too.</p>
<p>Ideally, I would love to be a mechanical engineer working on those projects. But because I'm unsure about those job prospects, I fear I might end up designing engines, generators, pumps, or HVAC systems (the typical mechanical engineering jobs).</p>
<p>I never said I wasn't interested in EE or CS. With EE or CS, I'd still be happy. But with ME, there is a chance I could be happier. But is it really worth pursuing ME if my interest in it is so concentrated?</p>
<p>
[quote]
Remember, the computer industry includes the manufacture and design of computer components. Examples include: Wii Remote, Sony SixAxis, Multi-Touch technologies, Sony Aibo, etc. Those projects all required mechanical engineers too.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I'm still going to say EE's are more responsible for those devices. There's not much mechanical engineering involved in any of those things. </p>
<p>Honestly it doesn't sound like you're even that certain you're interested in mechanical engineering. And lets be honest, if you don't plan on getting an ME job then why major in it to begin with? If you want to work on computer peripherals like the things you listed you're much better off doing EE or even CompE.</p>
<p>Of course, those projects involved electrical engineers, but don't neglect the presence of mechanical engineers. Anything that involves kinematics and mechanics is going to require mechanical engineers. </p>
<p>When Sony released the SixAxis controller, the vibration features were removed in favor of motion sensing capabilities. In designing the DualShock3 controller, mechanical engineers were responsible for re-implementing the vibration feature in a way that didn't interfere with the motion sensing capabilities. I would be thrilled to be involved in this project.</p>
<p>When Sony created the Aibo, the project team was composed of mainly of electrical engineers and computer scientists. But mechanical engineers played a major role in making the Aibo balance and walk. This task required intensive knowledge of dynamics and controls, a distinctly mechanical engineering topic.</p>
<p>These are the types of mechanical engineering roles I'd like to take on. But I fear that it'll be impossible to find such a job. In such a case, I am wondering if I'm better off just becoming a hardware/software designer.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I guess the real question is, what are the job prospects for a mechanical engineer in the computer industry?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>ok. Trinitrondel, i know where you are coming from because i was exactly like you. I have a degree in ME but i really wanted to go into computer/tech companies such as Sony, Microsoft, Google, Qualcomm....</p>
<p>I will tell you straight away. Except for Sony, none of those computer/tech companies hire MEs at all. i've been there, i've been trying to snuck some interviews with these tech companies, but these places simply do not need/hire MEs at all. </p>
<p>their job posting majors do not inclue MEs, and their job qualification/description matches nothing at all with what we learned in ME program.</p>
<p>(i did interview with Microsoft but i had to convince them i knew decent amount of programming to qualify for position... they asked me straight way why I majored in ME if i wanted to work for Microsoft)</p>
<p>and even for sony... don't expect to work in their Aibo/ Sixaxis things. in fact, i think even they hired only CS/EE ppl last time i checked their hiring website.</p>
<p>i think their QA engineering positions were open for all types of engineering....</p>
<p>ME and Comp Sci seem like a strange combination. I am an ME and have never heard of somebody double majoring (which doesnt mean they dont exist). Most ME's (myself included) dont do any programming, and are only really interested in using the computer for applications of enigneering, such as design and analysis. The only thing most ME's would do that would come close to programming is writing some code for a user defined function in an enviroment such as MATLAB.</p>
<p>it sounds, from what you have described, that you are more interested in EE. Most ME's dont touch on robotics, and when they do it's usually designing the structure. Basically, ME is concerned with mechanical systems. It's the EE's and CE's who usually power them up and design the computer components. You would probably have a better shot at doing that with EE.</p>
<p>I dont know what you think you will gain from a double major, because you will probably be no better off. Sure, there are some people who benefit from it, but the only thing the vast majority of people gain is the love of the subject they double majored in.</p>
<p>Your time would probably be much better spent enrolling in a COOP if you choose to study engineering.</p>
<p>You pickup a lot of skills in ME. Our S has a mechanical BS and went on to get a MS in CS, applications and design. His MS advisor wanted someone with mechanical experience and got it on a full ride. S has had two internships with MS Research and is finishing up another internship in an academic setting. All positions require some mechanical and programming work. He considers himself only a marginal programmer (C') but good enough to get the job done. He also considers his mechanical as only average. </p>
<p>I will add that his mentors are tops and have big reputations. Son's work ethic is also very good and he works well in either a team or alone. </p>
<p>Work in one engineering field and on your people skills.</p>