How to go about studying ME and EE.

[Seth0Mitchell]

Hello everyone. I'm currently working towards a D&D degree, and afterwards I'm going into an engineering program. I'm definitely going to be getting my BS in ME and Physics also. And afterwards I would like to get my MS in ME as well. But alas, I have always loved electrical engineering. I'm a big fan of Nikola Tesla if that tells you anything. Now my problem is trying to find the best method of working in an EE education alongside my current plan.

Here's my current planned path:

Drafting & Design AS(almost finished with this)>BS in Me and BS in Physics(dual major)>MS in ME

I've come to the following few possiblities:

-Get my BS in ME and Physics and take some fundamental EE classes on the side a then after I get my masters in ME work part time towards getting a Masters in EE.

-Just get my BS in physics and then get master degrees in both engineering disciplines.

-Just go my current path and minor in EE

-Go my current path but also get a BS in EE after completion of my other programs.(a lot of the courses overlap so it would only take about 3 extra semesters at the school I'm going to)

I'm open to any other suggestions.

I really would like to be a design engineer.See my main area of interest is energy, both fossil/standard energy and alternative/experimental. I'm also interested in weapons engineering(which is a good field where I live), robotics, and just general innovation in these fields. I'd like to think that I'm an exceptionally creative and intelligent person, wouldn't we all though, and I feel like I can really offer something to these fields. I love the idea of research and innovating new designs.

I am admittedly green to the matter at hand though. So any information or criticism concerning that matter would be appreciated.

My main question is really just what the best method to go about studying to be able to work in these two disciplines would be?

 

[Travis_King]

What kind of work do you want to do when you get out of school?

 

[johnbbahm]

The things you mentioned you are interested in look more like ME and Physics.
The portion of EE that would help the most is analog, and most EE programs are focused on digital. Research can be great, but when you plow new ground, expect to hit a bunch of rocks.
A good ME program will also include a lot of physics. You would almost be starting as a freshman, as most AS programs are not a good fit for a 4-5 year Engineering program.
If this is your passion, keep learning, and don't get discouraged.

 

[Seth0Mitchell]

What kind of work do you want to do when you get out of school?

Well it depends really. I live and study in New Orleans and the MS gulf coast. Realistically the most prominent industry for engineers in my area is the oil industry. But, there are also a lot of experimental energy concept companies around here. I would love to work with one of these companies, but it's all very new and fairly competitive. My idea is to just really bone up on some of the aspects of electrical engineering and get the required classes to enroll in a masters in ee program that doesn't require a thesis. They have one at my school here, and it just uses a personal research and design project to replace it. It takes less time, and I can sort of focus it on the aspects of ee that I really want to cover.(power systems and electromagnetics)

 

[Matrix0]

I would suggest the following approach for studying both mechanical engineering (ME) and electrical engineering (EE):

1. Start with a strong foundation in mathematics and physics: Both ME and EE are highly mathematical and physics-based disciplines. It is important to have a solid understanding of these subjects before diving into the specific engineering courses.

2. Take introductory courses in both ME and EE: This will give you a basic understanding of the core concepts and principles of both disciplines. It will also help you determine which one you are more interested in.

3. Consider a dual degree program: Many universities offer dual degree programs where you can earn a degree in both ME and EE in a shorter amount of time. This will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of both disciplines and make you more marketable to potential employers.

4. Focus on courses related to your areas of interest: As you mentioned, your main areas of interest are energy, weapons engineering, and robotics. Try to take courses that are related to these fields in both ME and EE. This will help you develop a more specialized skill set and make you stand out in the job market.

5. Get hands-on experience: It is important to gain practical experience in both ME and EE. Consider taking on internships, co-op programs, or research projects in these fields to gain real-world experience and apply your knowledge.

6. Pursue a graduate degree: If you are interested in research and innovation, a graduate degree in either ME or EE would be beneficial. You can also consider a dual degree program at the graduate level to further enhance your skills and knowledge.

Overall, the best method for studying ME and EE would be to have a strong foundation in mathematics and physics, take introductory courses in both disciplines, focus on your areas of interest, gain hands-on experience, and pursue a graduate degree. It is also important to constantly update your knowledge and skills as these fields are constantly evolving. Best of luck in your studies!