Soo.a few questions about Mechatronics, Ph.d's and Startups

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>Hello everyone I have a few questions that I cannot seem to find the answers for online.</p>

<p>I want to pursue an engineering ph.d in engineering for mechatronics but none of the very good engineering schools offer a degree in mechatronics (undergrad and grad) </p>

<p>my priorities are:
1. Successful run a tech startup, Business and Engineering Aspects.
I don't want to be the genius behind the tech (like Wozniak) but more like the head of the corporation and the head of engineering ideas. But </p>

<ol>
<li><p>I want to be able to contribute to the theory of the field. Ex: instead of simply making a bridge, making a theory that makes the bridge even stronger </p></li>
<li><p>Have a very deep understanding of the theory of engineering but also the philosophy behind it and how tech, math, science all affect humans in a societal, psychological, etc. aspect. </p></li>
</ol>

<p>I essentially have 3 options available to me.
1. UnderGrad - Economics, Mech Eng Minor in Comp Science
After choosing Option 1
A. Masters in Eco, Masters in Mech E with focus in Comp Science
B. Masters in Bus Admin (MBA), Mech E with focus in Comp science</p>

<ol>
<li>Undergrad, Mech Eng, Electrical Engineering + computer science
3.Undergad, Philosophy and Mech Eng.</li>
</ol>

<p>Grad School</p>

<p>After Choosing Option 2 or 3 or any Grad School Option
X. Get a Doct of Science in Mech E. With focus in Comp science</p>

<p>Questions...
1. Any general advice in accomplishing these goals?</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Which Option should I pick and why</p></li>
<li><p>Can i successful run a tech startup with Option 2, Double Majoring in Mech Eng and ELectrical Engineering+Computer Science??</p></li>
<li><p>How can I modify a Mech E. curriculum to be, for all practical purposes, a Mechatronics Engineer</p></li>
<li><p>Will a philosophy degree help me understand engineering in a more intellectual philosophical way? Or does a doctorates already do that</p></li>
<li><p>Is there any news of more schools adopting a Mechatronics Degree Curriculum</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Essentially, what I am trying to get at is that I want to be able to have the appropiate background so I can do well in business for engineering, actually engineer cool tech, and not just practice engineering but understand it so I can expand the field.</p>

<p>Any Productive Responses Appreciated.</p>

2

<p>I don’t think there is such a thing as a PhD in MechE with a focus in CS.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Undergrad degree in economics and/or philosophy is useless for your goals. Your best bet is to major in ONE area of engineering (MechE or EE or CS) and then take interesting elective classes in the other areas. Then apply to a PhD program - I don’t see why you need a master’s degree (and often you get a masters halfway through a PhD program). However, I’m a little concerned because a PhD is almost exclusively for academic, theoretical research, and will have little bearing on your ability to create a product for a company that you start. In that sense, goals #1 and 2 are a little contradictory (not entirely, though).</p></li>
<li><p>You can successfully run a startup with any engineering degree. A background in business is not required (and not necessarily helpful).</p></li>
<li><p>Take some EE and CS classes?</p></li>
<li><p>No. Just take one or two classes on the philosophy of technology or something. Read some books. Read some science fiction novels.</p></li>
<li><p>I’ve never heard of a mechatronics degree, so I doubt it.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>You do not need a business background to start and lead your own tech company.
None of these people every majored or minored in business: Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, Larry Ellison, Eric Schmidt (former CEO Google, now chairman), Larry Page, Sergey Brin, Marissa Mayer (former VP Google, recently appointed CEO/President of Yahoo).</p>