Why do alot of engineers not have engineering degrees?

Question

Like math or physics majors get called engineers at work. Is this a way companies save money by putting them in engineering jobs?

Answer 1

You have a good point. Some companies will have a master engineer with degree and then hire non-degreed to work under him for less $$$. As to math or physics majors they clearly do not yet have their degrees.....plus....they are listed in the engineering disiplines.

Check with IEEE and see the listing of different types of engineers.

Also there are very able people who never got a degree but are good engineers anyway. And there are those with degrees who have a problem finding their way to work.

Answer 2

I don't see how a company would save money. As an engineering student you take lots of math and physics courses. The coursework may say "Electrical Engineering" or "Mechanical Engineering", but it is just applied math and physics.

A math or physics student masters the theories behind applications. So, if you understand the theories, then you should be able to apply those theories. A person with a physics degree is just as qualified as an engineer. In fact, a physicist would be better able to move through various engineering fields than a more specialized engineer.

For instance, I am working as a Civil Engineer, but I have a BS and MS in Materials Engineering. I can do the work though I don't talk about problems the way a Civil Engineer would. A physicist would have similar problems and others like not being exposed to CAD or engineering drawings while having advantages that I don't possess.

Answer 3

Because thats what they call themselves, or what their job title says. I could go around calling myself a doctor, without a degree does that mean anything? That's up to you to decide.

A company can hire anyone they want and put them in an "Engineering" position, and like you said probably save some money. But, if they actually rely on that person to properly design something they're going to want someone with an engineering degree from an acredited school.

Answer 4

Ability to perform the job. Degrees are for puffing up the resume and demonstrate the ability to and willingness to gain knowledge. They do not demonstrate the ability to perform any particular task.

Answer 5

Yes it is a good way to go,I had 2 yrs.college and want to work for N.A.S.A. and i had all my pre eng.. they sent me to there special schools.It has been good to me.
Good luck

Answer 6

If you are qualified, you are qualified, and it's not like they're employing English majors.

Answer 7

You got it in one!