Industrial engineering or chemical /materials engineering?

Question

I am currently a JC student in CA. I've been taking some science and calculus classes, just trying to apply for Cal Poly Pomona in engineering. I'm trying to decide between Industrial engineering and chemical engineering (with an emphasis in materials science, because Cal Poly no longer offers that major). I realize these are very different fields, but I feel like I am interested in both. I'm doing ok in my math and science classes, but I'm still worried whether my level is high enough.

So here's my question:

If you are familiar with either of these engineering fields, could you share your experience and thoughts on it? And maybe provide a comparison? I've heard that chemical engineering is a slowly diminishing field because it is being replaced by materials engineering. Is this true? Also if anyone has any tips on bettering the chances of getting accepted to Cal Poly, it'd be nice.

Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

I'm not in California, so I can't offer any advice about that school. I am a degreed civil engineer and worked as a mechanical engineer for 28 years. My facility closed down, so I'm currently unemployed. My advice is:

Industrial engineers are generally the lowest paid engineers because it's an easier degree. The assignments are helping to run a manufacturing facility smoothly. In many cases, they are glorified maintenance men. Chemical/materials engineering would be the more highly paid of the two degrees. I don't see a difference in the two. They tie together. I think there is a tremendous future in materials engineering. Do a search on self-healing materials (even steel). There is current work on microprocessor controlled materials manufacturing. It would allow a steel structure (like a bridge or steel reinforced building) to monitor itself and heal itself. I haven't read anymore than that but it sure sounds like the future of materials. Metallurgical degrees are becoming less common and less in demand. Micro-electro-mechanical devices (MEMS), some molecular size, are a hot research subject right now.

Whatever engineering major you choose, try to get as much cross knowlege as you possibly can. Penn State requires that their graduating engineers get cross-trained. They are electro, mechanical, biological, chemical, etc. engineers. Most engineering jobs require this multi-disciplinary approach.

In my job search, I have noticed an overwhelming demand for software/electrical engineers. If you lean at all this way, your employment prospects will be great.

The other thing to keep in mind. Be ready to move often after you graduate. Engineering jobs used to be the most stable jobs geographically about 20 years ago. They are now one of the most unstable jobs geographically. If relocating often is not a problem for you, you should be fine.

Two more things to keep in mind. One. Many companies are international. It's a bonus to know another language, perhaps Japanese, Chinese, or Spanish. Two. Japanese companies are very ethnocentric. If you are Japanese, you are the most highly valued. Any other ethnic group is treated as being genetically and intellectually inferior.

Answer 2

As a retired Industrial Engineer, I believe that unless you pursue a PHD it has few areas for growth. It is interesting but you have to please both management and manufacturing personnel. If I could do it over I would pursue the chemical engineering / material science field.
Remember chemical engineering is at the top followed by mechanical, then electrical and / or industrial followed by civil, and if all else fails there is sanitary engineering.

Answer 3

As for Chemical Engineering...this is what I majored in because of the broadness of the field. With a degree in ChE, you can go in many different directions...food, chemical, plastics, pharmaceutical, medical...

Materials engineering is similar, just more specialized.

Answer 4

As a mechanical engineer, several companies that I worked for over the years kept a Metallurgist and a Materials engineer on staff, and they acted as consultants to anyone in the company that had unusual materials applications and problems.

The metallurgist handled all the metals problems such as developing welding procedures, heat treatments, specifying metallic materials for specific chemical environments, etc.

The materials engineer handled all the problems dealing with non-metallic material applications such as plastics applications, adhesives, gaskets, rubber and sealing materials, etc.

It seems to me that there would be less demand for materials engineers if these companies only hired several of them to keep on staff to assist all the other engineers with their materials choices and specific applications.