<p>I'm thinking about graduate school, and I'm just wondering about what sort of research engineer's do? I always think of Engineers as building things rather than doing research which I always felt is a job for science majors.</p>
<p>Also, if I want a M.Eng or an Engineer's degree, should I still focus on research in undergrad or are these degrees looking for other things?</p>
<p>If you want an M.Eng, you don’t need to bother with research.</p>
<p>As for what engineers do for research… that is way too broa of a question to get a real answer. I varies wildly between departments and even within departments.</p>
<p>The line between engineers and scientists is blurry at best. It gets even blurrier as you get higher and higher degrees (not counting M.Eng. or Eng.D.).</p>
<p>What boneh3ad said: MEng and Engineer Degrees require no research before or after - the goal for those degree is simply to make you a more competent engineer. They notably do NOT qualify you to teach or do research at most schools.</p>
<p>MS and PhD degrees are for engineering research - basically figuring out the first engineering solution to a new problem. At an undergrad level you can check with your professors to see if they have projects you can get in on, or do an REU or similar research program to gain experience.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies guys.</p>
<p>So basically, if I want to work for other companies/industries, then I should focus more on getting an Engineer’s degree, but if I want to be a professor/researcher, then I should do a M.Sc/PhD?</p>
<p>Also, what’s the difference between a Professional Engineer and someone with an Engineer’s degree?</p>
<p>Be careful making generalizations like that. Typically someone with an MS can do all the things someone with an MEnf can do but not the other way around.</p>
<p>Engineer’s Degrees are just that, degrees. A professional engineer is someone with at least a BS who is licensed by the government. Qualifications vary by state.</p>