<p>I realized that I have a strong interest in programming. But I'm not sure how would programming complement with a mechanical engineering major, especially when I plan on working in companies such as Rockwell Collins, Boeing, Caterpillar, or John Deere.</p>
<p>If you are not yet in college, I’d suggest you wait until you are accepted and then find out what it will take at your U to get a BME and also a CS minor. At S’s U (USoCal), he was told that it was pretty onerous to get a minor or dual major, but just to take courses that interested him, since so much of the engineering coursework was already mandatory. He followed the dean’s advice and hasn’t any regrets. If you ARE in college, I’d suggest talking with your advisor about your issues, as well as the internship and career placement offices. Good luck!</p>
<p>I am a first year mechanical engineering student at University of Iowa. I’m just not sure how would programming go with mechanical engineering, especially when designing equipments or vehicles.</p>
<p>One word: Robotics</p>
<p>Programming fits in with any type of engineering or science. Not every engineer will use it, but every engineering branch does.</p>
<p>Also, programming is one of those things you can learn on your own and put on a resume. You don’t need a minor. If you’re worried about how it can relate to an ME major: like Sohoist said above, robotics, to name but a single area. Robotics, mechatronics, anything involving dynamics/vibrations/kinematics, fluids, systems and controls, etc. Programming is very relevant to ME and its many areas.</p>