Which type of engineering degree?

Question

Which type of engineering degree would allow me to get a job building new technologies, like developing more technically advanced televisions, gadgets(such as phones, pda's, mp3 players, ect...), and perhaps cars? And would I need a specialized degree to go into a research and development job for things such as cars and computers?

Answer 1

To help design new technologies you should probably focus on Electronics Engineering if you want to design the inner workings of gadgets like the things you mentioned (MP3 players, PDA's, etc). Pretty much anything that has a circuit board had an Electronics Engineer is involved during it's design phase.

You wouldn't need a specialized degree to perform R&D for something like that because the R&D is usually part of the Engineers job. However, if you want to make yourself even more valuable to an employer you should think about getting an M.S. in Engineering. Engineers with M.S. degrees usually end up in management positions. Having an M.B.A also helps quite a bit. You don't *really* need an M.S. or M.B.A. though if you're just interested in being an Engineer. A B.S. in the Engineering field of your choice is sufficient.

For more info check the links below. The WikiPedia link will give a good overview of Electronic Engineering and the Occupational Outlook link will give you an idea of what being an Engineer is like along with salaries and educational requirements.

Answer 2

I am going to say that electrical engineering is the way to go. That will give you the best background for what you want to do. You don't need to have a mechanical degree to work on cars necessarily. Most of the improvements lately in cars (I believe) come from the computer interfacing and and computer controls of the car. Things like variable displacement engines would have never been possible without electronic management. The BS will give you a good background and maybe open your eyes up to new things that you want to do that you never even thought of. Now after 4-5 years spent on your BS you may reconsider the R&D path. Now, as a general rule for engineering there are people engaged in R&D with only a BS, but they typically work for smaller companies or start-ups. Job security isn't there but the prospect of making an impact and a huge amount of money is. If you are REALLY looking at doing R&D I say that the best way to go is to get your MS and/or PhD (PhD is really the way to go I think). You also should try and do your thesis/dissertation in the particular field ro subject area that you want to work in. The statement about management and getting an MBA is really company or agency dependent, and you really need to make that descision after you get to your workplace. Usually it helps only if you are interested in being a manager. Some companies have their ladders set up so that the only way to advance is by going into management, but others recognize that the true talent of people is somtimes NOT management. Of course the ultimate R&D position is to get a PhD and be a research or tenure track faculty member at a university.

Answer 3

I am going to say that electrical engineering is the way to go. That will give you the best background for what you want to do. You don't need to have a mechanical degree to work on cars necessarily. Most of the improvements lately in cars (I believe) come from the computer interfacing and and computer controls of the car. Things like variable displacement engines would have never been possible without electronic management.

The BS will give you a good background and maybe open your eyes up to new things that you want to do that you never even thought of. Now after 4-5 years spent on your BS you may reconsider the R&D path. Now, as a general rule for engineering there are people engaged in R&D with only a BS, but they typically work for smaller companies or start-ups. Job security isn't there but the prospect of making an impact and a huge amount of money is. If you are REALLY looking at doing R&D I say that the best way to go is to get your MS and/or PhD (PhD is really the way to go I think). You also should try and do your thesis/dissertation in the particular field ro subject area that you want to work in. The statement about management and getting an MBA is really company or agency dependent, and you really need to make that descision after you get to your workplace. Usually it helps only if you are interested in being a manager. Some companies have their ladders set up so that the only way to advance is by going into management, but others recognize that the true talent of people is somtimes NOT management. Of course the ultimate R&D position is to get a PhD and be a research or tenure track faculty member at a university.

Answer 4

Electrical/Electronics and Mechanical Enginerring area usually associted with those type of work. I myself am pursuing Electrical/Telecommunications

Answer 5

electrical engineering for all of the above and mechanical for cars.

Answer 6

You would need electrical and mechanical. Good luck.