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Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??
17

Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

(OP)
Hello,

I am 26 years old, have a wife and two children, am a sophomore in college, and faced with a desicion to make.  

First of all, allow me to explain my goals in life:

>  I want to be a design engineer.  I want to be a creator.
>  I want to make good money doing so.
>  I do not want to be limited in any way when it comes to my previous goals.
>  Math and physics are my strong subjects; I do not want to be in a lab problem solving someone elses designs.  
>  I have a passion for the theoretical side of engineering.  Basically, I enjoy mathematics and creating things.

Situation:

I am an Engineering Technology major (Mechanical concentration)(Bachelor of Applied Science).  I have taken 6 Engineering Technology courses in college along with many standard courses such as English, Communication, History, and Calculus.  I am evaluating the feasibilty of changing my major to Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor of Science in Engineering).  If I change majors, none of the Engineering Technology courses I have taken will count towards my new major.

Questions:

1)  Even if I am a very motivated individual, will the engineering technology degree limit me in life at all?

2)  Even if I have to spend an extra year in school (along with other added hardships), is the Mechanical engieering degree going to be worth it compared to engineering technology degree?

Thank you for your time.

Brian





RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

I would have to say that you will find yourself presented with greater opportunities if you have a BSME, particularly if you want to be involved on the design side of things.  This is not to say that you couldn't find your dream job with an engineering technology degree, I just think that the probability of this happening would be greater with a BSME.

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

Answer to question 1)
In my opinion yes it COULD limit you. My experience is that it could limit you in the following two major ways. A small percentage of companies will not hire MET's. Second the ME curriculum would be better if you want to get an MS later.
2. Hard to measure the comment "worth it". Do you mean monetarily? Maybe... Maybe not. I have an MET degree and have been very successful in my career; I have 16 years experience and am employed by a company that pays me on the upper end of what an ME with my years of experience typically makes according to Design News and Salary.com surveys.

You state that you really like math. If this is true you should like the ME degree better. Do you have the time, money, and inclination to back up and go for the ME?

Others will have other opinions and experiences

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

(OP)
If having a MET degree could possibly come between me and my goals, then I will endure any added hardships.  However, a few people have the opinion that the degree will not make much of a difference.  If this were the case, then I couldn't see myself taking on the added hardships.

By the way, I appreciate your comments.

Brian

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

Assuming you are in the US here,I can forsee the US requiring all Engineering functions being done by a PE. At that point, having the BSME would be priceless, as would attaining your PE.

You are young enough that you will probably see this transition.

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

Take a look in the want ads some time.  Most engineering positions require a BS, even if it makes you overqualified sometimes.  You'll also need it if you ever want to go for your PE license.

To me, the big advantage of the BSME is that it makes you a mechanical scientist...the buck stops with you.  For example, if I'm delving into new scientific areas involved in my design, I can pick up virtually any book on the subject and understand it, no matter how much higher mathematics and advanced physical principals are presented.  That's the principal reason you need all that math.  You won't really use much, if any, calculus on the job, but knowing it allows you to fully understand how advanced mechanical principles work and why.  

You are expected to be able to handle any mechanical, fluid, or thermodynamic situation that you come across, or be able to quickly research the problem and formulate a solution.  In these situations an MET is very limited.

Don
Kansas City

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

Also, be aware that if you do not have a BSME your path to professional licensure as an engineer may be blocked or limited.

For instance, here in Louisiana, the law says that to be licensed as a PE, you must be either an engineering intern, meet the requirements thereof, or be already licensed in another state whose requirements don't conflict with ours.  To meet the requirements for intern certification with an engineering technology degree, you must get a master's in that field at a university which also has an ABET certified undergraduate program in the same discipline.  Getting a PE license from another state that doesn't have the same requirements will not allow you to gain a license here.  So, spending the time to get the BSME would be worth it because it allows you to pursue licensure much more easily.  In the past, experience without an engineering degree was considered to be a valid qualification, but those doors are quickly closing in favor of a more rigorous and verifiable level of training and education.

This might be of importance to you because you said you'd like to do design engineering.  If you want to work for a company doing design, the PE license is not necessarily essential because there will likely be one on staff who can stamp your designs, but without the PE license, you'll never attain that position.  If you are interested in striking out on your own, it is almost essential.  Granted, you could always hire a PE to work for you, but that's not as fun.

If you want to attain professional licensure as an engineer and all of the benefits and responsibilities that come with it, by all means, get the BSME.

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

I think that for most product design engineering positions, a BET is more than sufficent. I think it's a great way to go. The only thing that really holds you back in life is you. If you let yourself believe that without a ME degree then you wont be sucessful, then you wont be sucessful. But if you let yourself believe that you are sucessful, then you will be.

Why don't you talk to your professors, and alumni of your program to find out what they are doing. That is truly the only way to know.

Oh and by the way, most of product design is "designed" by an industrial designer (ie artist) and you the engineer are expected to take their "design" and make it physically work.

Good Luck.

Wes C.
------------------------------
No trees were killed in the sending of this message, but a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

I worked at a company where MET's started for less money than ME's.

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

I live and work in the Washington, DC USA and hold a BSME.  In this part of the country (and only within my 22yrs experience as a design engineer) NO ONE is given the engineer title (and pay) without a BS in engineering or (maybe) Physics.  A BSMET covers many of the same subjects but is less rigorous and more practical.  If you want to be a technician then go with the MET degree.  If you want to call yourself an engineer then you gotta have that BS degree!

Of course I've met PhDMEs who couldn't design their way out of a cardboard box but their baliwick is more into science and theory.

If you want to make sound design decisions you have to possess quantititave skills which the MET degree does not provide.

As for practical knowledge, it's understood that the successful BSME newgrad must rapidly learn many things that were overlooked in his degree program.

To be honest with you, unless you're a genius an engineering degree can stifle your creativity because it so heavy on the analytics (again this only within my experience).  I'm sure there are incompetent BSME's and crackjack BSMETs out there!  It's just that most companies hire only BSMEs (or BMEs) because they know the education is more rigorous, opens doors for graduate study, and make someone more likely to take on an analytical and/or research role.

Tunalover

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

My company recently revamped their pay scales.  Technology graduates are 1 pay grade lower than Engineering graduates, even if doing the same work.  Another engineer I work with switched from technology to engineering because when he went to talk to employers, they quit talking to him when they found out he was a technology student.

So yes, I would say the technology degree CAN limit your possiblities, especially if you desire to be a design engineer.  However, that is not to say your goals cannot be realized with a technology degree.  The technology degree gives you many useful skills, it will simply limit you in some companies.

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

One of my favorite quotes:

Quote:

you should unbias yourself as to how you acquire the player and look past the name and at the production instead

Wes C.
------------------------------
No trees were killed in the sending of this message, but a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

Tell that to the major employers!  Personally I wouldn't want a Physicians Assistant doing surgery on me.  There are too many people who call themselves engineers that are non-degreed, under-degreed, or unlicensed.  Now if only the states would mandate that all engineers be licensed and degreed, then we would at least have competency-by-regulation and licensure!


Tunalover

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

should have never gotten involved... should have known better.

Wes C.
------------------------------
No trees were killed in the sending of this message, but a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

Had to weigh back in on some of these comments.
Regarding the comment that "forsee the US requiring all Engineering functions being done by a PE" .... not from where I see the politically correct US heading!! Everyone is an Engineer (ie) Sanitation Engineer, (Garbage Man). Maybe they will in the Civil world but try looking at other industries.

Also the comment about "major" companies not employing MET's? Not from my experience. Largest Defense Contractor in the US employed me for three years with my MET degree.

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

In my 25 years experience (BSME) having a MET degree rather than a BSME degree WILL cause you some limitations. This has much more to do with the piece of paper rather than ability, but the truth is it can be a roadblock. If your resume has MET rather than BSME, many HR departments will toss your resume before they even read it thru if the stated job description says "Engineer". Now this might not apply if you stay with a single company and prove yourself, but if you would like the option of moving around, I believe you will find a big difference in the way the degrees are looked at.
  Just my 2-cents worth.

"You can observe a lot just by watching"
Yogi Berra

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

Hazakated,

The engineers job is to solve problems. Then that changes into how to solve it for a dollar less. What training, other than "hard knocks" do you think will better prepare you to solve problems. Knowledge is one think that cannot be taken away from us.

My quote would be " You shall above all things be glad and young" e.e. cummings

Enjoy the day.

Mecoman

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

I have a BSMET degree.  

A "real" engineering degree would have been better.

Where I went to school nights the difference was Calculus 3/4 and DIfferential equations courses.  In the mid 80s my school (Lowell tech/ UMass Lowell Massachusetts) would transfer most, if not all of my machine design, strength of materials, etc credits towards a "day" degree.  

Some employers did indeed turn up their noses at my BSMET (cum laude).  At least 2 that hired me said they admired my diligence working and going to school. They sort of created positions to get me the pay I was asking. In my present job my experience (rotating machines, Solidworks, self taught FEA, experience with project management and DFMfg and DFAssembly ((making parts)) got me hired as a contractor.  My performance and attitude turned that into a permananent position in a few months.

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

TECHNICAL NOTE:

BS MET, with a PE is the best way to go. You will have the best of both world's.

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

Including perfect grammar, apparently. Or not.

Actually a technology degree is not a sufficient qualification for a professional engineer, for at least some jurisdictions. At the very least you may be required to take extra exams.

Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

Be aware there are many states that will not license you as a PE if your degree is technology.  Check your state if that is your eventual goal.  Typically, they will require you to take extra classes like calculus-based physics.  You can take those now while you are still in college if you want to get the technology degree but still get the PE.  Your technology program shouldn't have a problem with you taking more advanced classes in place of your regular classes.  

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

jpankask (Mechanical)

Please list the State that will not license as a Professional Engineer after taking the PE Exam if your B.S. Degree is in Mechanical Engineering Technology

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

"I've met PhDMEs who couldn't design their way out of a cardboard box"
Haven't we all!!  "Engineers" with strings of qualifications who couldn't design a dogs kennel, much less erect it!

"Personally I wouldn't want a Physicians Assistant doing surgery on me"
Personally I'd want someone with a good track record of sucessful surgery not someone who had read the book and passed the exam.

"Now if only the states would mandate that all engineers be licensed and degreed, then we would at least have competency-by-regulation and licensure!"
Well they'd all have degrees and licenses, but would they be good engineers?


By the way, what qualifications did Brunel have?

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

In Ontario (Canada), EngTech vs Engineer is a huge difference.  First, "P.Eng" (Professional Engineers) and "Engineer" are titles reserved by law for Licensed Professional Engineers; no sanitation engineers, no domestic engineers, etc.  The Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario prosecutes those within the province who use these titles without license; they've won a suit against Microsoft for their use of "Microsoft Engineer" for their service techs.  If an Eng Technician or Technologist (or non-reciprocity agreement foreign-trained engineer) wants to get their license, there's coursework and exams required to establish their academic credentials; few ever do it because it is a pretty heavy load.  

As for how industry here treats them, there's little difference at the production-design level.  There is a greater difference when it comes to R&D, where Engineers (licensed or not) are typically favored.  There also tends to be a preference or greater flexibility in assigning Engineers to the more challenging projects.  The assumption and historical norms put the Engineers as more capable in developing the abstract than EngTechs.  I've found this to often be the case with the EngTechs that I've worked with, though I've also worked with a number of them who were far ahead of the majority of Engineers.  Financially, I've seen Engineers get better assignments, postings and promotionsl, with the added pay that follows.

On the other hand, most of the EngTechs were under a lot less stress than the Engineers.

Regardless of which way you go, it's what YOU do with your education and training that will determine your prospects.  Good luck!

Jim Sykes, P.Eng, GDTP-S
Profile Services
CAD-Documentation-GD&T-Product Development
www.profileservices.ca

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

(OP)
All,
 
Without a shred of doubt, I've decided to go with the BSME.  I'm signed up to take ME classes for next semester.

Thank you!

Brian




RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

HaZakated,

To make sure you get into the type of work you want to do, you may want to look into intern, or summer jobs that give you the experience on paper (resume) that will help you standout once you graduate with the herd.

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

In regards to which jurisdictions will not allow professional licensure solely with a BSMET, check out my earlier post.  Louisiana will not.

You cannot get a license solely with a BSMET.  You also cannot go to another state that allows it and bring that license here and use it to become licensed.

New licenses for BSMETs without accompanying Master's degrees will not be issued under current law.

Louisiana Revised Statutes
LRS 37:681 through LRS 37-703

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

Without a shred of doubt, I've decided to go with the BSME.  I'm signed up to take ME classes for next semester.

I wish you the best.  As others have said, don't lose sight of the art of engineering while you're learning the more rigorous science of engineering and you'll do well.  I'm also in with the camp that can't stress enough the importance of interning with a company.  An engineering curriculum is only the bare minimum required to be an engineer.  The things you learn on the job are just as, if not more, important.  Basically, the piece of paper proves a bare minimum of ability.  The experience you bring to an employer along with it is an assurance that you're not stuck in the ivory tower of academia and can perform in the real world.  Don't fall into the trap of trying to get the degree quicker by sacrificing the internship.

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

Also, being if you're interested in being creative, consider some courses in Industrial Design. I'm in New Product Development and am an engineer. I work with an industrial designer. Together, we come up with stuff that looks good and can actually be made. I imagine a lot of companies would appreciate an engineer that has some style, which could separate you from the competition.

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

Something you may want to look into is credit transfers from MET to BSME.  Some Universities will give 2+ years credits of BSME courses for MET credits.  You could possibly save money to take the 2 year MET program, then switch to BSME and still complete in 4 years.  Also if you live in Canada, there are grants for technical programs that you may qualify for.

Regards

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??


Thank the Lord that the Wright Brothers were BSMEs.

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

rhodie,

Disclaimer

I'm writing this reponse under the assumption you were being sarcastic - if this is not the case then please disregard.

End Disclaimer

While I completely understand and agree with your implied point, it does nothing to answer the question the OP asked.  

Yes, it's possible to get your dream job and be very good at it with an engineering technology degree, or no degree at all.  This does not mean, however, that the opportunities presented to a person with this degree will be equal to those of a person with a BSME.  I'm not by any means trying to say that a BSME is a be-all / end-all, far from it.  I am saying, speaking from experience, that a large number of companies require a BSME when looking to hire engineering personnel.

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

(OP)
I will look into the industrial design classes (Great Idea!).  Maybe I can take a class or two as technical electives.

As for the internship, I have been Co-op'ing for a year now.  At this rate I will have 3 years experience  when I graduate.

I understand what you mean about creative skills being stifled by an engineering program.  The way I see it is there are alot of ways to solve problems (some better than others).  I could be mistaken, but isn't it our job (as design engineers) to devise the best solutions to problems?  In doing so, won't we be creatively thinking to solve these problems?  I realize there are other functions of engieering, but I was under the impression that a design engineers primary function is to design.  Doesn't the concept of designing and creating go hand-in-hand? For what it's worth, these are the observations/assumptions I've made.  If I'm wrong, let me know.  I also understand that things vary from place to place.

Thanks for all your comments.  

Brian

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

I could be mistaken, but isn't it our job (as design engineers) to devise the best solutions to problems?

Absolutely.  As long as you remember that the word "best" is a completely useless word that will never define the solution to a problem, you'll at least be a step ahead.  

Invariably, if you design low-cost and utilitarian, the sales department will want sleek and more expensive.  If you design elegant and clean, marketing will demand another feature that will blemish your original lines.  If you design strong and durable for long life, management will ask you to back it down a notch to cut down the costs (and in my cynical mind, move more product).

In the projects I've worked on, the design that went to market was never the "best" one in anyone's mind.  Everyone involved had something they were forced to compromise on and thought could have been done "better".

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

Folks-
Here's a quote right off the NCEES website:
"At the 2006 Annual Business Meeting of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), delegates voted to modify the NCEES Model Law requirements for licensure to require additional education for engineering licensure.

The approved language states that an engineer intern with a bachelor's degree must have an additional 30 credits of acceptable upper-level undergraduate or graduate-level coursework from approved providers in order to be admitted to the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) examination.

NCEES committees have been studying this issue for more than five years, first through the Engineering Licensure Qualifications Task Force (ELQTF) and then through the Licensure Qualifications Oversight Group (LQOG). ELQTF, which was made up of representatives from NCEES, engineering professional societies, government, industry, and education, was established in 2001 to evaluate the U.S. licensure system. The task force concluded in 2003 that additional education would be necessary in the future to prepare students for engineering practice at the professional level."

Bottom-line:
Even the BSMEs will need ten more graduate and/or upper-classman three-semester-hour engineering courses to qualify to take the PE.  Anyone else beleive the MET will fit into this new mold?
 

Tunalover

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

I look at this a bit more simply.

If you want to work as an engineer, you need a PE. To get a PE, it is prudent you have a engineering degree (not a technology degree).

If you want to work as a technologist, most firms will allow you even though you have an engineering degree.

If you want to work as an engineer, most firms will probably require you to have an engineering degree.

Depends on what you want now, soon and later, and what you can afford.

It is not an easy choice. Some posters here are pro engineer, some are pro technologist/designer. Some feel they wasted their effort getting their engineer degrees. Some feel they should have gotten the engineering degree.

It all comes down to what you want/need.

Talk it over with some people you know in your real life (not just on line), including your family.

Good luck.

"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater."   
Albert Einstein
Have you read FAQ731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

lshill,

http://www.ncees.org/licensure/licensing_requirements_2005/survey_e.pdf#3

Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, South Carolina, Florida to name a few.  Follow the link above and you will have the complete list.  It's not that these states will not allow licensure after taking the PE exam, they will not allow technology graduates to even take the exam.

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

jpankask (Mechanical)

Thank you for trying to reply to the question..Please list the State that will not license as a Professional Engineer after taking the PE Exam if your B.S. Degree is in Mechanical Engineering Technology


jpankask (Mechanical)
Yes!!!Now: I love this part:   ABETaccredited 4-year engineering technology program if your statutes allow for such. "Purdue University School of Engineering Technology dose have an ABETaccredited 4-year engineering technology program".  

Note In the NCEES 2005 Licensing Boards Survey what happen to the State of Indiana..

Also.. Note: Please check the State of Texas: 12 years of engineering experence now you can take the P.E.. Exam.
  

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

Not sure what you are really looking for as I did answer your question.  I don't know the statutes of every state but the ones I listed are the states I know will not license engineering technology graduates.  There are no states that will allow technology graduates to take the exam and then will not license those graduates but there are some states who will not license technology graduates, period.   They can't take the exam, they can't earn their PE license and they can't seek reciprocity from other states that do allow licensure of technology graduates.  I didn't say it was right but it's the fact and if the original poster resides in one of these states, that may influence the decision to pursue a BS or BSET.

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

Quote:

I think that for most product design engineering positions, a BET is more than sufficent. I think it's a great way to go. The only thing that really holds you back in life is you. If you let yourself believe that without a ME degree then you wont be sucessful, then you wont be sucessful. But if you let yourself believe that you are sucessful, then you will be.

You are now armed with a lot of information.  Only you know your goals, dreams and how you want to impact your community.  We wish you the best of luck.

Best Regards,

Heckler
Sr. Mechanical Engineer
SW2007 SP 2.0 & Pro/E 2001
Dell Precision 370
P4 3.6 GHz, 1GB RAM
XP Pro SP2.0
NVIDIA Quadro FX 1400
      o
  _`\(,_
(_)/ (_)

Never argue with an idiot. They'll bring you down to their level and beat you with experience every time.

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

Heckler-
Are you quoting yourself?

HaZakated-
I beg to differ with Heckler.  As a design engineer I do calculations frequently and many of my decisions are based on quantitative data (hand calculations and FEA).  Without a quantititative education emphasizing the sciences (e.g. physic) then I would be just "winging  it" which is unacceptable in some industries.

Anytime a design failure involves human lives, expensive equipment, and mission success or failure you can't "wing it."  I suppose there are some industries where you can "wing it" but I've never seen a project that didn't benefit from an individual possessing common sense, pragmatism, and quantitative skills.


I've had to step in and fix situations where designers/techs were given free rein to conduct a design without an engineer's involvement.

Tunalover

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

Sorry Tuna I made a calculation error.....hopefuly nobody was hurt in the process.  I think Wes hit the nail on the head with this quote.


Quote (Wes):

I think that for most product design engineering positions, a BET is more than sufficent. I think it's a great way to go. The only thing that really holds you back in life is you. If you let yourself believe that without a ME degree then you wont be sucessful, then you wont be sucessful. But if you let yourself believe that you are sucessful, then you will be.

Best Regards,

Heckler
Sr. Mechanical Engineer
SW2007 SP 2.0 & Pro/E 2001
Dell Precision 370
P4 3.6 GHz, 1GB RAM
XP Pro SP2.0
NVIDIA Quadro FX 1400
      o
  _`\(,_
(_)/ (_)

Never argue with an idiot. They'll bring you down to their level and beat you with experience every time.

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

6
I am truly qualified to answer your question.

I have both degrees - one in MET and the other a BSME. I got my technology degree first (4 year degree) and then approximately 3 years later I got my ME.

Why?
1. I found my geographical locations for employment limited to certain areas. If I wanted to live in a certain area this was going to be a real problem.

2. The path to Professional licensing was longer (in Texas it is now 8 years vs. 4 for a BSME- it was 6 years)

3. At work, I found that my assignments were the grunt work of the ME's.  Recognition was there, but the more important assignments were typically given to the BSME's.

4. ME's made more starting out although the gap closed after several years.

5. Lastly, I got tired of explaining that my MET degree was a true 4 year degree and not an associate degree.  Some employers were trying to hire us at $18,000 (when the average starting salary was $29 to $30k).

6. Some employers didn't even know such a degree existed -that made job interviews start on the wrong foot.

Lastly, I have found in my 16 years of employed life - everything I have done to better my education has in fact bettered my life.  

I used to tell interns that were asking the question about which path to follow:

You will most likely be able to do 80% of the same work as a full bird BSME, but you will have to explain it to every employer who doesn't know/understand what your degree is.

My last job would have been a real stretch with a MET degree due to the math and the design calculations - no one was there to teach me.  However, I have hired MET knowing what they "are" and trained them to do "engineering" work.

My recommendation - get the BSME. You will not regret it.

roadapple

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

roadapple,

Great answer, examples and all.  Star for you......

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

(OP)
Here is my plan for now:

1) Earn BSME while working Co-op jobs/job.

2) Earn Masters of Science.

3) Earn P.E.


I think I'm starting to take shape...lol.  I WILL succeed!

Thank you for your comments.  Everyone has been very informative.  

Brian

RE: Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology??

I have a B.S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. I'm also a P.E. If you plan on teaching I would say switch over to Mechanical Engineering. If you plan on working in Industry then I would suggest don't throw away those credits and finish in Mechanical Engineering Technology.

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