What is the Difference Between Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

The Disciplines of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

The course of engineering demands a considerable amount of creativity. Selecting a particular field of engineering to specialize in can be challenging, especially if you enjoy repairing faulty wires and designing new things.

What is Mechanical Engineering

As one of the most comprehensive engineering fields, it encompasses the entire lifecycle of work and its corresponding benefits. Mechanical engineering applies principles in designing and constructing machines and their components. Graduates with a four-year degree in mechanical engineering become mechanical engineers who can work on anything from individual parts to complex machinery or even the human body.

Core Concepts in Mechanical Engineering

Kinematics and Dynamics: Mechanical engineers study the motion and forces of objects to design efficient and safe systems.

Thermodynamics: This area focuses on energy and heat transfer, crucial for designing engines and power plants.

Materials Science: Understanding the properties of materials helps in selecting the right materials for specific applications.

Mechanical Design: This involves creating detailed plans and blueprints for mechanical systems.

Career Opportunities in Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineers find employment in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and energy. They work as design engineers, project managers, and research scientists.

Educational Requirements for Mechanical Engineers

A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering is typically required, followed by optional certifications or advanced degrees for specialized roles.

What is Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineering pertains to studying, designing, and implementing equipment, devices, and systems that employ electricity, electronics, and electromagnetics. This branch of engineering deals with high-current systems like lighting, power supply, and appliances. It encompasses various sub-disciplines such as computer engineering, power engineering, telecommunications, and radio frequency engineering. Electrical engineering graduates become electrical engineers who concentrate on the large-scale production and distribution of electrical power.

Core Concepts in Electrical Engineering

Circuit Analysis: Understanding and designing electrical circuits is fundamental to electrical engineering.

Electromagnetism: This field explores the relationship between electricity and magnetism, pivotal in designing motors and generators.

Digital Systems: Electrical engineers work with digital logic and microprocessors for various applications.

Power Systems: This area focuses on generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power.

Career Opportunities in Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineers find employment in industries like telecommunications, power generation, electronics manufacturing, and automation. They can work as design engineers, control systems engineers, and telecommunications specialists.

Educational Requirements for Electrical Engineers

Similar to mechanical engineering, a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering is typically the minimum requirement, followed by potential advanced education for specialized roles.

Mechanical and Electrical Engineering?

Curriculum: Colleges of engineering typically offer electrical and mechanical engineering programs in many schools. Students in these programs may share some courses. However, the electrical engineering curriculum is broad and covers theoretical and practical knowledge. Graduates can pursue careers in various fields, including design, research, sales, management, and teaching. Mechanical engineering teaches students to design, manufacture, analyze, and test mechanical systems and components. It offers energy conversion, design, materials, and manufacturing engineering concentrations. Students will take courses in product design, engineering science, and manufacturing capabilities to create efficient, affordable, and high-quality products.

Job Outlook: The job descriptions of mechanical and electrical engineers indicate that their expertise is necessary for various industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.GOV) forecasts a 5% growth rate for mechanical engineers and a 2% growth rate for electrical engineers from 2018 to 2028, which suggests demand for their services. Attending a reputable school and possessing adequate knowledge can increase the chances of securing employment after graduation, potentially placing graduates among the 2% employed.

Salary: Forbes reported that electrical engineers earn an average annual salary of $101,600 in 10 states, while BLS estimates the average yearly wage for electrical engineers at around $99,580. Career Explorer data suggests an average annual salary of $96,640 for electrical engineers. In contrast, according to Forbes, mechanical engineers in the top 10 states earn a net annual salary of $92,800. Thus, while mechanical engineering offers more job opportunities, electrical engineering is a higher-paying field.

Mechanical Engineering vs. Electrical Engineering: Which is Harder?

The difficulty of studying engineering depends on various factors such as determination, career choice, and interest. According to a study from reliable sources, engineering is generally challenging. Electrical engineering, in particular, requires strong math skills and is widely considered a challenging major in the field.

What career options are available with a degree in Mechanical Engineering

• Automotive Research Engineers
• Heating and cooling systems engineer
• Robotics engineers

What career options are available with a degree in Electrical Engineering

• Energy systems engineers
• Signal Processing Engineers
• Telecommunications engineers

What do Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering have in common

Mechanical and electrical engineering require students to attend an accredited university and complete a four-year degree program. ABET accreditation is also required in some locations. Distance learning and online programs are available for both. Common courses include Introduction to Systems Engineering, Engineering in the Global Environment, and Principles of Engineering Management. Graduates have many job opportunities available to them.

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