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JaredPM
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What are some of your guys thoughts about a Mechanical Engineering Technology degree?
Are you an engineer tygerdawg?
tygerdawg said:I don't mean to denigrate the MET degree, but...
The MET curriculum is a "watered down" version of the ME curriculum. I've seen it in 2-year and 4-year versions. It isn't simply a reduction of humanites courses, but the major coursework is not as deep or rigorous. MET does not provide the depth of understanding of subjects that survivors of an ME curriculum get. How can this be described well? How about this: MET graduates may be very good designers of things, knowledgeable of CAD programs, how to fit things together. ME grads have deeper skills and would be able to design things optimally through effective use of engineering principles, with least material to accommodate the loads.
There's a place in industry for both. MET is simply not as rigorous or deep as ME and I would think the MET's career options are limited. I wouldn't hire METs to do engineering analysis. But I'd hire them to produce detail drawings and chase things through the shop.
I met a guy who had a EET degree and started a machine building / systems integration business. He started out as an electrical technician that eventually got his EET degree. Then he tried to gain legitimacy by putting "EET" on his business card and calling himself an "Electrical Engineer". That was laughable. And offensive because it reduces the value of the EE degree. He was really good at building electrical panels and programming PLCs. He was really poor at sizing equipment properly, robotic applications, and the overall machine configuration issues for user-friendliness. He was moderately successful because he had a lot of one-time customers, but very few repeat customers.
A bit of a ramble, but did I get my point across? The MET is not a shortcut to be trained as an engineer. It is something less.
Mechanical Engineering is a field of engineering that focuses on the design, development, and manufacturing of mechanical systems, while Mechanical Engineering Technology is a more applied and hands-on approach that prepares individuals for technical roles in the industry. Mechanical Engineering Technology degrees typically have a stronger emphasis on practical skills and less on theoretical concepts compared to Mechanical Engineering degrees.
Yes, a Mechanical Engineering Technology degree is a great choice for those interested in engineering. The degree provides a solid foundation in mechanical engineering principles as well as hands-on experience in designing and building mechanical systems. Graduates with this degree are well-equipped to enter technical roles in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and more.
Graduates with a Mechanical Engineering Technology degree can pursue a variety of career opportunities in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy, and more. Some common job titles for these individuals include mechanical engineering technologist, design engineer, product development engineer, quality control engineer, and project manager.
Both Mechanical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering Technology degrees can lead to successful careers in the engineering field. However, traditional engineering degrees may have a slight advantage in terms of job prospects, as they typically cover more in-depth theoretical concepts and may be preferred by certain employers. However, graduates with a Mechanical Engineering Technology degree can still find many rewarding and well-paying jobs in the industry.
Some important skills and qualities for success in a Mechanical Engineering Technology degree program include a strong understanding of math and physics, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and hands-on technical skills. It can also be beneficial to have strong communication and teamwork skills, as many projects in this field require collaboration with others.