GoMiamiDolphins

I believe I had read at this forum that you can major in Mechanical Engineering and specialize in Aerospace Engineering, not major, and it would be a better career choice than majoring in Aerospace Engineering. Is this true and is this available at schools which don't offer Aerospace Engineering such as UC Berkeley?

*Brahmin

I think it is very much possible...I am not sure about your second question...I might be doing a minor in AE instead...I also have the same dillema as yours..I am interested in AE but need mechE as a backup

aibarr

Many disciplines of engineering, including electrical, structural, and decidedly mechanical engineering, segue easily into the aerospace engineering industry. Mechanical engineering is indeed often used as a substitute degree for aerospace engineering when an aerospace engineering degree program is unavailable at a particular university. Many believe that a mechanical engineering degree is a better deal than an aerospace engineering degree because a mechanical engineering degree is more versatile and offers many employment options outside of the aerospace industry, which can be a little volatile.

GoMiamiDolphins

So if I wanted to become an Aerospace Engineer, but I could only choose UCLA , which offers Aerospace Engineering as a major (rank 16 2008),or UCB, which is rank #3 in Mechanical Engineering (offers no Aerospace Engineer).

I most likely will transfer out of a community college and I hope to have a choice out of these two schools.

*Brahmin

So aibarr, if you are interested in Aerospace engineering, there is no need to take AE as a minor, ME is enough?? What might the advantages be with that minor?? Worth it?

Panglossian

Well, think of it this way: the MechEs can be hired by an aerospace company to work on things such as the hydraulics in flight controls (maybe not the actual airframe parts themselves, i.e. ailerons, rudders, etc.), the entire landing gear system, IFR probe actuators, canopy egress systems (aka, ejection seats), bleed air systems, the aircraft fuel system, external stores jettisons, etc.

Meanwhile, the AeroEs would deal with the engine design, the overall airframe aerodynamics, etc.

*Brahmin

Will a guy with a minor in AE be awarded? a guy knowing mechE with the background of AE. (in terms of jobs and salaries) Is it true that AE guys recieve a higher pay. Can someone get some statistics in that area? Maybe the graduate salaries of AE majors vs. ME majors of certain uinversities