Difference between Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

Hello, I am a first year manufacturing engineering student in Ontario at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, which has just started this year. I need help distinguishing which engineering field is better: mechanical or manufacturing. Initially, I was told that there was a good chance that second year mechanical engineering would be set up and run in the university's second year of operation, however, I have now found out that it is not. The mechanical engineering program will be up and running next year only in it's first year. I have also been informed by a professor that the first two years of the manufacturing engineering and mechanical engineering program are the same.

From reading articles on the Internet and talking to a few professors it seems as though mechanical engineering is a better choice, as mechanical engineers can do a manufacturing engineer's job and more. Furthermore, one professor told me that manufacturing engineering is relatively new to the industry and many companies do not know completely what it is. I have the same impression about it.

One option I have is popping into business either next year or the year after that to do management courses. After I come out of the business, I would then be able to enter mechanical engineering, as it is a year behind. I would then graduate with a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering with Management, and it would take me five years. So here I am stuck in a dilemma. I could finish off manufacturing engineering, but then my career options would be focussed, or I could take a year of business, which I am not really thrilled about, and enter mechanical engineering.

As a sidebar, if I went into mechanical engineering I could possibly do energy engineering or mechatronics or stick with pure mechanical engineering.

It would be much appreciated if anyone could tell me if there is a significant difference between manufacturing and mechanical engineering, and if it is worth taking a whole year of management to make up for this difference? Thank you in advance.

Reply to
M
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You're right in saying that an ME can often do the job of an IME but towards the end of the third and then the fourth year of either discipline, you'll be drifting away from the two subjects. In ME, you'll get the broadest range of curriculum compared to any other engineering study (including CE/EE/ChemE/and AE). This may sound bias and who knows, maybe not all agree but i am a practicing ME but I have an EE concentration (and MBA which is a waste). To answer another of your questions - Yes, the first two years of either discipline are the same (at least at ABET schools...Ontario I have no idea about)so maybe you can continue on the current path and switch when needed?

I say do the following (since I know you so well ha ha ha):

find a hot med-school student to date/marry, get a degree in something ...ME/IME/whatever(once again the MBA sure was fun and easy but pointless so maybe strive for that?), then convince her to begin practicing as soon as technically feasible, you sit at home and think of the next Velcro to invent!

No seriously, just be an ME and be done with it!

taj

Reply to
Drew

Dear M:

Just a little to add to Drew's response...

Manufacturing engineers are involved in bringing a completed design to manufacture, and hosting the design while it evoles over its product lifecycle. Is there manufacturing where you wish to live? And I don't mean a little manufacturing... unless you are married to the boss's daughter/son, job changes are a reality.

Mechanical engineers can usually do their job from long distances, only getting "up close and personal" at the endpoints of a job. But ME designs are usually like works of art. A period of struggle, and someone else (hopefully) admires the efforts. You aren't "married" to the completed project, as you would be as a Manufacturing Engineer.

My favorite saying: Mechanical Engineers make weapons, Civil Engineers make targets.

Gets the civvies going pretty good...

David A. Smith

Reply to
N:dlzc D:aol T:com (dlzc)

... and Manufacturing Engineers crank out the ammunition.

-Mike-

Reply to
Mike Halloran

Thank you all for your responses, they will all help me make my decision....and yes I live near manufacturing facilities --> General Motors. Thanks again for everything

Reply to
M

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