<p>After some thought, I realized that mechanical engineering may be the major most relevant to what I actually want to do (in terms of which industries I want to work in). For some reason, I haven't had much feedback about mechanical engineering, so I ask, what's it like? I think one of the reasons I did not consider ME earlier was because the course load looked rather boring, but of course, there is no real way of telling just by looking. What is your experience with ME? I like physics.. is mechanical engineering very concept-oriented?</p>
<p>Lastly, my parents are concerned that ME may not be as highpaying or job-secure as EE (my intended major). While I know it is a very broad and thus secure field, I am curious as to how a ME salary compares to EE. Since I plan to go to grad school, what kind of options are available if money is an important factor? (we all have reasons). Also take into consideration salary growth, and not just starting salaries. Thanks a lot.</p>
<p><a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=330179%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=330179</a></p>
<p>I doubt that EE is a more secure field than ME. It is slightly higher paying - but that metric doesn't correlate well with job security.</p>
<p>salary.com is a good place to start for a comparison</p>
<p>Guy...ME is a very versatile, and secure field and the pay is great. Stop listening to your parents. Don't go for ME if you don't truly enjoy it. In the end, $$ is trivial compared to job satisfaction. You are still young. Spend a year in college, and your opinions will change a lot. Trust me, I been in your spot.</p>
<p>I'm actually finishing my freshman year in college... anyway, I made the switch to ME, and it really was a choice I felt good about. I know money is trivial, especially when considering the marginal difference between ME and EE. I just wanted to know if there was as much opportunity for salary growth, and what doors a BS degree opens in terms of grad school.</p>
<p>Also, what do grad schools look for? I've heard I would have to do undergraduate research (i'm not sure what this entails). Also, do they look at intern/job experience? What do you guys think of co-op programs?</p>
<p>Lastly, my school, Virginia Tech, offers a 5 year B.S./M.S degree program, where students who maintain a 3.5 are eligible to apply for the ability to use some of their senior year credits towards a master's degree (thus resulting in the completion of a master's in one year). My friend is taking 3 years to complete his masters in biomedical engineering. Is this common among graduate students, and are there any drawbacks to this option? Thanks.</p>