Hi. I am a second semester freshman and Penn State University. I am struggling on deciding between majoring in mechanical or electrical engineering. My end goal is to get into the mechatronics and robotics field, which can be entered from either major. My issue is that the mechanical engineering department is significantly better than the electrical engineering department and may be more related to mechatronics (14th vs 31st). But electrical engineering really interests me right now. Please give me your thoughts and advice. All is appreciated.
The difference between 14th and 31st is tiny compared to the importance of choosing what is right for you. Mechatronics and robotics can indeed be entered into from either field, but with different foci. Choose what interests you and you will be happier and more successful, and if you need more education to do your specialty of choice, there is always grad school!
I will second @cosmicfish and may take it even further. the difference between 14 and 31 might be nonexistent. It depends on the ranking system and how close their methodology matches you personal needs. Going with your gut means WAY more than any ranking. Good luck!
Have you talked it over with your advisor? Often specific on-campus advise is very helpful.
Like the above posters have said, the difference between 14 and 31 is not necessarily significant. And you can enter mechatronics/robotics with either degree. You’ll probably have an easier time with an EE degree than ME, but if you supplement the standard ME curriculum with electives in EE and programming/software, ME would be an excellent choice.
Ranking is usually very subjective. If you are looking at programs that are ranked that closely, then you should choose the major which you a) have greater interest in, and b) are more capable of doing well in.