Mechanical Engineering vs. Electrical Engineering

<p>Hey guys, I just finished my first year of college in engineering but was undecided. After taking some classes other than math and physics it's come down to mechanical or electrical. I've ALWAYS wanted to work with the development of new technology be it electronics or design of systems. I hear that mechanical is typically an easier major for most but electrical is more in demand and pays a little more. I know pay isn't everything, but it's a factor I take into consideration. Anyway, any EE or ME majors or graduates that can help me out? Does it make sense to major in one and minor in the other? What are the biggest differences between the two? I'm leaning more towards mechanical but electrical just seems more interesting to me. But I want to know what's in store so I can decide now what to do and not waste time in something that I end up not liking. </p>

<p>Have you taken Physics II yet? If not, wait and see how you like E&M, if you have - how did you like it? If you did well and liked it, maybe EE is for you.</p>

<p>I haven’t taken that yet, but I did enjoy mechanics! In high school however I was pretty bad at mechanics but pretty good at the electricity unit. Then again, that was a high school accelerated class. I’ll definitely decide after taking physics II. If anyone has taken it, what kind of concepts do you study?</p>

<p>I have taken it and taught it as well. Physics II usually covers electric charge and field, Gauss’ law and electric potential, capacitance, current, resistance and circuits, magnetic fields and induction, Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic oscillations and waves </p>

<p>Thanks guys, will definitely make my choice after taking physics II</p>

<p>I also recommend you take the first “engineering” EE and ME classes - circuits for EE, statics and dynamics for ME. Chances are you will have to take both sooner or later, but take them early and you start to get a feel for what the majors are actually about in the sense of actual engineering work.</p>

<p>Cannot agree one is easier than the other, it all depends on which one clicks the best with you personally. I knew after Physics II that it wasn’t for me. It’s good though as a ME to know basic electrical issues, EMI, ESD, Thermal and etc, because depending on what field you get into, you may be working in a collaborative environment with double Es, I do and have been since day one. </p>

<p>I’m confused. You say “I’ve ALWAYS wanted to work with the development of new technology be it electronics or design of systems” and “electrical is more in demand and pays a little more” along with “electrical just seems more interesting to me” but then you say you are leaning toward ME? </p>