MECHANICALENGINEERING

MECHANICALENGINEERINGTECHNOLOGY

WHICH PATH WILL YOU TAKE?

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

MECHANICAL ENGINEERINGTECHNOLOGY

WHICH PATH WILL YOU TAKE?The term "mechanical engineering" refers notonly to a specific profession, but also to a spec-trum of occupations and challenges that lie with-in the broad field of engineering. Mechanicalengineering comprises a wide range of activi-ties, including research, development, design,testing, manufacturing and production, opera-tions and maintenance, and marketing andsales. The many areas within the scope ofmechanical engineering include transportation,power generation, energy conversion, climatecontrol, machine design, manufacturing andautomation, and the control of engineering sys-tems, subsystems and their components.

There are many ways to participate in mechan-ical engineering activities and not all positionsrequire the same temperament or educationalpreparation. The most common paths to thesecareers are through college level programs inmechanical engineering (ME) and mechanicalengineering technology (MET). The spectrum ofoccupations provides employment opportunitiesfor those with associate and bachelors degreesin mechanical engineering technology, in addi-tion to those with bachelors, masters, and doc-torate degrees in mechanical engineering.Furthermore, the scope of mechanical engi-neering continues to widen as the accelerationof technological development continues andmechanical engineers engage more and more inactivities involving interfaces with other disciplines.

The purpose of this brochure is to contrast sev-eral aspects of mechanical engineering andmechanical engineering technology programsand careers. Both options represent viable pro-fessional paths, and it is important for studentsto carefully assess their abilities, interests, andpersonal career objectives before selecting aspecific program.

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GENERAL OVERVIEW

An innovator — one who is able to interweave a knowledge of advancedmathematics, the natural and engineering sciences, and engineeringprinciples and practices with considerations of economic, social, envi-ronmental, and ethical issues to create new systems and products.The ME graduate can develop new procedures to advance the state ofthe art.

A doer or implementer — one who is able to apply a basic knowledgeof mathematics, the natural and engineering sciences,current engineering practices, and an understanding of economic prin-ciples to the solution of design problems and to the operation or test-ing of engineering and manufacturing systems. The MET graduate canapply established procedures which utilize the current state of the art.

Program Graduate

To provide the knowledge necessary to design and manufacture state-of-the-art products and systems needed to meet the current andfuture needs of society.

To provide the knowledge required to apply state-of-the-art techniquesand designs to meet the current and future needs of society.

Program Objective

Four years. Associate Programs: Two years.Baccalaureate Programs: Four years or two years if an associatedegree program is first completed.

Program Length

Emphasis is on developing methods of analysis and solutions for open-ended design problems.

Emphasis is on applying current knowledge and practices to the solu-tion of specific technical problems.

Program Emphasis

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Associate Programs: Associate of Engineering Technology or Science.Baccalaureate Programs: Bachelor of Technology, EngineeringTechnology, or Science.

Degree Awarded

Graduates are referred to as engineers. Associate Programs: Graduates are referred to as engineering techni-cians.Baccalaureate Programs: Graduates are referred to as engineeringtechnologists.

Academic Terminology

To develop conceptual abilities. To develop application abilities.Expertise Objective

ME PROGRAM MET PROGRAMS

PROGRAM CHARACTERISTICS

The equivalent of one full year of mathematics and basic science cours-es provides the foundation for the program that is calculus based.

Associate programs and baccalaureate programs require the equiva-lent of one-half of a year and three-quarters of a year, respectively, ofapplied courses in mathematics and basic sciences. Although bothprograms are algebra based, calculus usage is required at both levels.

Program Basis

Engineering courses stress the underlying theory as well as currentand potential applications in business and industry.

Technology courses stress application of current technical knowledgeand methods in the solution of current business and industrial problems.

Emphasis of TechnicalCourses

Laboratory courses provide intensive work in experimental methodsand the related underlying theories.

Laboratory courses, an integral component of MET programs, stresspractical design solutions as well as manufacturing and evaluationtechniques appropriate for industrial type problems.

Emphasis of LaboratoryCourses

General design principles and tools applicable to a wide variety of newproblem situations are heavily stressed.

Current design procedures of a complex but well-established natureare developed and applied to problems in a specialized technical area.

Technical DesignEmphasis

Transfer to a technology program from an engineering curriculum ispossible with a minimum loss of credits and time.

It is generally not possible to transfer to an engineering curriculumfrom a technology program without a significant loss of credits andtime.

Transfer Potential

ME PROGRAMS MET PROGRAMS

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

ME PROGRAMS MET PROGRAMS

Typical Aspirations of the New Graduate

The ME graduate entering industrywould most likely aspire to an entry-level position in conceptual design,systems engineering, manufacturing,or product research & development.

The MET graduate entering industrywould most likely aspire to an entry-level position in product design, devel-opment, testing, technical operations,or technical services and sales.

Technical Interest The ME graduate is relatively broadand has an analytical, creative mindchallenged by open-ended technicalproblems.

The MET graduate is often special-ized and has an applications orienta-tion, challenged by specific technicalproblems.

Adaptability to CurrentIndustrial Practices

A ME graduate may require a periodof "internship" since engineering pro-grams stress fundamentals.

The MET graduate is prepared tobegin technical assignments sincetechnology programs stress cur-rent industrial practices and designprocedures.

Mobility Many MEs move into managementpositions.

METs can move into industrial super-visory positions.

Professional Registration MEs are eligible to become registeredprofessional engineers in all states bya process of examination and docu-mentation of experiences.

Technicians and technologists maybecome professionally certified intheir specific areas of expertise.Technologists may become registeredprofessional engineers in manystates; however, the requirementsare usually different than those forengineers.

Graduate EducationOpportunities

Graduate study in engineering as wellas other areas is available for qualifiedstudents having a B.S. in engineering.

Graduate study in technology is limitedand entrance to graduate engineeringprograms is most often difficult.Advanced degrees in technical educa-tion and business are also possible.

More mathematical Less mathematical

Research

Complex design

Routine design

Production

Operation, service and maintenance

Distribution and sales

Development

Manufacturing Test and evaluation

Complexanalysis

ASME GUIDANCE & CAREERDEVELOPMENT RESOURCES

Sloan Career Corner Stone www.careercornerstone.orgThis site is a comprehensive education, networking, job-hunting,and career planning resource center for those pursuing careersin engineering, mathematics, information technology, and thephysical sciences.

Free Downloadable Videoswww.asme.org/education/guidanceVisit our Website to view free downloadable videos: Careers forMechanical Engineers, Great Achievements in MechanicalEngineering, Mothers of Invention, and Engineering is forEveryone.

ASME Scholarships, Loans & Fellowshipswww.asme.org/education/enged/aidASME awards over $400,000 annually in low-interest studentloans, scholarships and fellowships to ASME student members.

The Student Centerwww.asme.org/studentsThe Student Center has career resources, contests and compe-tition information, e-mentoring opportunities, as well as variouson-line publications for engineering students.

Professional Practice Curriculum (PPC)www.professionalpractice.asme.orgThe ASME PPC is a free on-line program of study for engineeringstudents and early-career engineers that will supplement the for-mal college/university engineering curriculum.

ME Department Websiteswww.asme.org/education/dh/me/melist.htmThis site links directly to mechanical engineering departments atover 600 colleges/universities around the world.

ABET Accredited Programswww.asme.org/education/enged/abetThis site lists accredited engineering, engineering technology,computing, and applied science programs in the U.S.

Complete List of Resourseswww.asme.org/education/guidance

To order any of our resources:Phone: 800-THE-ASME (800-843-2763)

Fax: 973-882-1717Email: infocentral@asme.org

Mail: ASME Service Center, 22 Law Drive, Box 2900,Fairfield, NJ 07007-2900

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