What are the differences in the Chemical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering majors?

Question

What are the differences in the Chemical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering majors?
Specifically:
What are the differences in coursework?
Which field is easier to get a job in with a B.S.? M.S.?
Is one considered easier than another?
Anything else you find important to talk about?

Answer 1

Mechanical engineering is 80% applied physics. As to which is harder, it depends on the individual. What do you find easier to understand, mechanical or chemical concepts? Much of the chemical engineering employment is in or related to the petroleum industries. So when oil prices and profits soar so do the careers of good Chem E.'s However when prices and profits fall some Chem E.'s get down-sized and jobs become very difficult to find. I knew one that at such a time decided to become a professional photographer instead and another that decided to change and runs a very successful athletic shoe store that he started. Mechanical engineers also face employment peaks and valleys but because they are more diversified through many industries the peaks are not as high and the valleys are not as low.

As far as which major earns more, it varies depending on which year's statistics you use and which industries are included in the study.

I think 90% of the decision should be based on what you could enjoy doing for the next 40 to 50 years.

Answer 2

Depends upon your tastes.

I'm doing Mechanical as I like being able to visualize machines and stuff. I shied away from Chemical (and Electrical) as they are too abstract for my tastes.

It is true that Chemical Engineers tend to make more money, but I don't think it's that severe.

Definitely shoot for a Masters. I feel like having a B.S. is almost expected nowadays and an M.S. will really help you stand out. That's what I'm planning for.

Answer 3

Difference -- about 20,000 bucks per year beginning salary.
Furthermore, the C.E. ends up in the Plant Manager's office and makes $500,000 per year while the M.E. becomes the Engineering Manager and makes $150,000 per year.
C.E. is harder because it pays more (or vice versa).
Yeah, go Chemical, dude.