<p>I’m currently in Mechanical Engineering, however my college offers a degree called Applied Engineering. It is basically part Engineering, and part Business. I think this sounds awesome and that it fits me really well since I’ve learned that programming, robots, and physics are not my favorite things in the world.
However, I’m concerned that since this is a unpopular degree (Michigan State basically invented it) that I would be second in line to all the Mechanical Engineers majors that I would be interviewing with. Even second in line to Business majors. Would that be the case? Or would I actually have an upper hand because I have all the technical knowledge as well as communication and a solid understanding of economics?</p>
<p>Another incentive is that the courses required for Applied Engineering are considerably easier (in my opinon). A few accounting classes, a few economics classes, a few marketing classes etc. Also, Calculus 4 is not required and there are 8 less credits required for graduation. I always try to follow the rule of thumb “the easier the major the less the pay” but I’m just really not sure if this would even be the case with an Applied Engineering Degree.</p>
<p>I just really don’t want to regret in 4 years that I didn’t put in a little more effort and got a ME degree. But then again, maybe I’ll regret that I worked hard and stayed an extra semester for the exact same degree. </p>
<p>What makes you think you’d be competing for jobs with all the MEs? That program leaves you quite unqualified for most jobs that MEs will be doing, and in the ones that overlap, you should be on roughly equal footing or even at a slight advantage since it’s things like technical sales.</p>
<p>Just do the one whose jobs interest you the most.</p>
<p>I suppose maybe it wasn’t obvious that my statement implied that it applied to the jobs offered by each of your choices, meaning it clearly doesn’t apply if there are no jobs?</p>
<p>Maybe when asking for help, don’t reply with snark.</p>
<p>My thought is that the Applied Engineering is not an ABET degree, which puts it in a completely different category. It seems that you may spend a lot of time explaining the Applied Engineering degree. </p>
<p>So you guys think I would have a harder time finding a job with this degree compared to ME?
My plan is to get an intern or co-op next school year so I will graduate with some experience. Will that help any?
I’m also an Engineering Assistant right now which is a fancy title for someone who does paperwork. Will these things compensate for the lack of the Mechanical Engineering degree?</p>
<p>You would probably have a hard time getting a mechanical engineering job, not necessarily a job in general. The competences don’t seem to overlap all that much.</p>
<p>It sounds like the major is similar to Industrial Engineering. Of course there are jobs in this area, just not the same ones as for Mechanical Engineers. </p>
<p>I’m still having a really hard time deciding. Do you think it’s a bad idea?</p>
<p>Pros<br>
Easier degree
I’ll enjoy it more
It may open up more job opportunities</p>
<p>Cons
Not ABET accredited… how important is this? I don’t planning on getting a MBA.<br>
It may close the door to a lot of job opportunities
It may be hard if(when) I want to switch jobs after I graduate. (Assuming my intern will offer me a full time position, which is typical) because it’s not a popular degree. </p>
<p>Note: My brother is a ME and his coworker has an AES degree from Michigan State and they have the exact same job. </p>
<p>I’ll be honest here, I’ve never heard of “Applied Engineering”. It seems almost a redundant statement since all engineering is essentially “applied”…</p>
<p>Maybe take a few classes in the major and see what you think. Mechanical Engineers is probably the most diverse and broad fields of engineering.</p>
<p>I would imagine (although I don’t know for sure) that with this type of degree you might be a good fit for more customer interface positions - project manager, sales, coordinator, planner, etc. Basically, the types of jobs most of us regular engineers don’t want any part of (LOL). But hey, if these types of jobs interest you, great! In the end, that’s all that matters.</p>
<p>Bottom line: If you’re not particularly interested in the “engineering” aspect of engineering, yet still want to be involved in the engineering process, then perhaps an Applied Engineering degree might be a good fit for you. I don’t think the lack of accreditation really matters in this case, since I don’t believe this type of degree is very common. As long as school itself is accredited, you’re good.</p>
<p>It sounds like the hybrid ID (Industrial Distribution) degree at my school. Now I think it is merged into a new ed “Supply Chain Management” dept. For many students it was a very good fit. You’ll get your best feedback from the campus advisors and career center. They will know most about your specific programs and placement track records. </p>