Is an Engineering Degree worth going through years of difficult classes?

Question

Let's say something like Mechanical/Mechatronics/Structural etc. More physical and less computer science/chemistry.

(EDIT)
Why I'm asking is because I'm going to a school that doesn't have Engineering but I think I'm going to do it for a Masters degree. I have a lot of science/technical classes and labs that seem to be a decent foundation but I'm still contemplating about going for a Masters. I honestly think the benefits probably outweight any negatives.

How is the job market looking for engineers though? I can never seem to get a good feel for that.

Answer 1

yes

Answer 2

You should really decide if you want to be an engineer or be a technician.

An engineer designs devices and requires a high-level degree filled with lots of difficult coursework. A technician position is more hands on and can be achieved with a two-year degree. Technicians fix stuff that the engineers build or help build stuff for the engineers.

To prepare for engineering you need more than science classes, you need calculus, DE, statics, circuits, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, physics, computer programming, and statistics at a minimum. That's for general engineering. You'd need more courses for a specific engineering: mechanical, electrical, biomedical, industrial, civil, or chemical.

I would say that if you've already taken these classes then it's worth it. If not, then it might be more time consuming than you anticipated. You should always do what you want though.

I'm a biomedical engineering graduate student who majored in engineering as an undergraduate.

Answer 3

I certainly hope it is worth the trouble. I'll be graduating soon with my degree in Mechanical Engineering, heading to grad school either to continue with the mechanical side (fluids/heat transfer), or switch to bioengineering. Just because that's the engineering field that is just about to go boom.

Now, it's time for you too choose. If you are seriously considering grad school and engineering, I'd say you are probably pretty good at that science stuff. Stick with it. Engineers are always needed, engineers with advanced degrees and some experience have little trouble securing great jobs. Just becareful, engineering course loads are very rigorous. It will be doubly so for you because you don't have a background in engineering and will have to catch up in more basic courses. Luckily, you should already have the math skills so the basics will be easy, well easier.

Good luck man.

Answer 4

I hope so, because i am in my 4th year and about to graduate soon. If a engineering degree isn't worth it, then I'm in the wrong field. I also think you have to have a interest in the field. Mechanical engineering is awesome because you learn about engines and structures. Which i find the most interested anyway. I believe the years of suffering are truly going to be worth it.

Answer 5

It depends on what you want out of the degree. If you absolutely love engineering, it's certainly worth it. However, engineering courses at the University level are notoriously difficult and competitive. If your goal is to cruise through college and get a high-paying job, I'd recommend a business major and an MBA. Alternatively, skipping college altogether and starting an apprenticeship in a skilled trade will also get you a good lifestyle without the stress and debt of a traditional college education (assuming you don't live in a socialized country where education is free). Also, apprenticeships typically pay well from the beginning, which gives you a good lifestyle immediately and puts you on the fast track to accumulating wealth.

Answer 6

I'd say if you like the challenge of solving problems and working with other people, yes. Remember you're going to be doing this for 40 hours a week for a long time so you need to like it plus in my area, managers come through the engineering ranks and not out of MBA classes.

If you do decide to go for it, try and get an internship or a co-op. It'll get you experience and you can see for real if you like the work.

Answer 7

I am graduating in May with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. These four years have been the best times in my life. I have loved each and every engineering class I have taken and I am very excited to get out in the working world. You must have a desire to learn though. You will learn more than you ever though you could possibly learn, don't ever underestimate your potential though. It may appear tough, but you just need to work hard and use your mind.

Answer 8

If you see engineering as "years of difficult classes" then I would say no, it's not worth it.

If you reverse your thinking and see it as opportunities to expand your mind and exercise your abilities, then it would create challenges for you to overcome and provide motivation.

If you are looking at it financially as a risk/reward scenario, most engineering jobs start out at higher sallary than the average for all degrees. However, long term, the top-performer in any one field will almost always make more than an average worker in any field.
And, if you have chosen something that fits who you are better, then you will be more satisfied and productive as a bonus.

Answer 9

Being an engineer is really very good , and creat a very attractive personality and good decisions most of the time , no matter what is job market wants , being an engineer worth all ur efforts

Answer 10

Please do it. You will be compensated. There is a huge demand for it and America is not producing enough of them. This is one of the most exciting times to be involved in engineering. We have so many neat tools to work with to make the job easier, but it is still a challenging career field and not everyone makes it. Just be persistent, pospone a little of your personal life, and you will never regret it! It's an easy $50k to start, but some make as much as $70k with an advanced degree!

Answer 11

YES. It IS worth it! Although it may be true that while you are in and taking those difficult corses, it will seem hard and like you have to all of the sudden do more work than even makes sense. BUT, one day, once you have the dgeree, you will be able to look back on those years of hard work, with a smile with satisfaction, knowing that it's over, and that it wasn't THAT BAD, ...and that you NOW have the tools necessary to progress towards all of your future goals!

So just go for it.