Both the Automotive Engineering and Mechanical Engineering Degrees will provide you with a strong foundation in mechanics and the basic concepts needed to be successful in the automotive field but there are some differences. The Mechanical Engineering path provides a solid foundation in mechanical design theory and statics, thermodynamics and dynamics that can be applied to a variety of engineering fields. The advantage of this degree is that if you are unable to find a job in the automotive industry the skills you have gained with a Mechanical Engineering Degree can be applied to other specialties so you will be more likely to find work. The Automotive Engineering degree does have some advantages as well. When you use your time in college to focus on Automotive Mechanical Engineering related topics you will complete your degree with the specialized knowledge you need to begin your career immediately and the on the job learning curve will be quicker. Additionally, there are specialized jobs available where your skills will be the only ones qualified for the job which will give you an edge over the competition. However, if you are looking for the path to take to ensure you have the best opportunities after school, there is one best option.
The Best of Both Worlds
I can tell you, without a doubt, that those with a mechanical engineering degree and a masters in automotive engineering are golden and will never have a problem finding a job.
Stuck in your decision? Consider this: There are two accredited automotive engineering bachelors programs in the US as of today. There are roughly 500 accredited Mechanical engineering programs. Why? well a mechanical engineering degree covers most of the same elements that an automotive engineering degree does, except it lays a much better foundation in the fundamentals of engineering. Mechanical engineering will lay out all the basics that you need to understand before you can ever comprehend the specialized automotive subjects. The mechanical engineering degree will be your best option for learning a full foundation in engineering principals while allowing you flexibility to focus on automotive elements in electives and outside of school.
However for the best effect do not just stop there. Once you get your mechanical engineering degree you should start looking for an automotive masters degree to make you an automotive expert. There are many universities that offer automotive engineering as a masters program and this is where you will be above 90% of all other automotive engineers. The masters program will allow you to activity apply your mechanical foundation you learned in your bachelors degree. I can tell you without a doubt that those with a mechanical engineering degree and a masters in automotive engineering are golden and will never have a problem finding a job. More OEM’s and top suppliers will be begging you to come work for them than if you had only one degree or the other. This may take longer in time and will of course cost more money, but the financial and career rewards of this choice will occur immediately upon graduation. If your dream is to be an automotive engineer and be successful right out of school this is your best bet.
No matter which degree you choose to begin your automotive engineering career, you will gain the skills you need to be successful in the automotive field. Be sure to choose the best fit for your career path which works best for you and what you want to do.
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