Engineering is an exciting and rewarding field, solving complex problems, designing new technology, and, quite literally, building the future. If you love math, science, and solving puzzles, becoming an engineer could be the perfect fit.
However, picking the right direction within engineering can be tough. There are so many different types to explore. Two of the most popular choices are mechanical and electrical engineering.
When considering these two options, it can be difficult to decide where to focus. Both fields are incredibly interesting and offer fulfilling career opportunities working with today’s most advanced technology. And while they sound a bit similar, mechanical and electrical engineering involve very different day-to-day work.
If you’re still making sense of the different branches of engineering, look no further. This guide will focus on and explain the difference between mechanical and electrical engineering. By the end, you will know which engineering path will work best for you.
Degree overview
Before you choose a major, you need to understand the focus of each potential field. What do these engineers actually do?
Mechanical engineering
Mechanical engineers design, build, and test physical machines. If a product has moving parts, a mechanical engineer probably got their hands on it. This field is all about motion, energy, and force. Earning a Mechanical Engineering degree means learning how things are made and how they move. You might work on anything from tiny medical devices to massive airplanes.
Electrical engineering
Hence the name, electrical engineers deal with electricity and electronics. They design power systems, microchips, and communication tools. If a product uses power or processes information, that was probably thanks to an electrical engineer. This field focuses on generating power and controlling electrical signals, including in smartphones, vehicles, and even power grids.
Curriculum comparison
The types of classes you take in college will depend heavily on your chosen major and what you choose to focus on. Naturally, you’ll have core engineering classes involving strong math and science skills. However, the specific topics you study will branch off in different directions.
Mechanical Engineering courses
Prepare to get directly into the heart of mechanics when you start a Mechanical Engineering bachelor’s degree. Dealing with mechanics, your classes will be very hands-on. You’ll focus mostly on how to engineer certain materials and what can affect them. During your time, you’ll take classes like:
- Fluid Mechanics
- Materials Science
- Structural Design
- Thermodynamics
A BS in Mechanical Engineering degree teaches you how materials handle stress and heat. You will spend a lot of time in labs building physical prototypes. The work can be rigorous, but it is very rewarding.
Electrical Engineering coursework
Electrical Engineering students aren’t just focusing on electricity, despite the name. Alongside learning about circuitry and computer processors, you’re also taking heavy math and physics classes. That’s because these engineers focus on the digital and unseen parts of machines. Your coursework will include:
- Circuit Design
- Digital Systems
- Electromagnetics
- Signal Processing
Mechanical engineering is about directly dealing with the physical components of a machine. Electrical engineering is about controlling the unseen flow of power and data within that machine.
Compare your options and find the right fit. Learn more about Engineering programs at University of Bridgeport.
Career paths and industries
Where can you work after graduation? Both degrees open the door to dozens of industries.
Mechanical engineering careers
With a Mechanical Engineering bachelor’s degree, you have highly versatile skills. Every physical product needs a mechanical expert. You can work in automotive design, aerospace, robotics, or manufacturing. Typical career outcomes include:
- Aerospace engineer
- Automotive engineer
- Manufacturing engineer
- Mechanical engineer
Electrical engineering careers
Electrical engineers are in high demand, with a projected 7% growth rate according to the BLS. They work in telecommunications, computing, and renewable energy. As the world becomes more digital, these engineers are needed more than ever. You can expect to earn positions like:
- Controls engineer
- Electrical engineer
- Electronics engineer
- Power Systems engineer
So, when weighing mechanical engineering vs electrical engineering, think about what you want to make. What fields do you most want to have a hand in? Do you want to help build jet engines or the hearts of computers?
Salary expectations
Engineering is a highly respected profession, and it’s compensated as such. It’s the backbone of making sure daily mechanisms and machines function as they should. Both engineering paths pay well, and companies allocate top dollar for graduates who know their field.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, both careers offer strong, reliable salaries averaging six figures, so choosing what’s “better” is truly a matter of personal preference.
A mechanical engineering degree sets you up for lifelong financial stability, no question. And while electrical engineers also earn high salaries, they’re sometimes slightly higher on average due to the booming tech and software industries.
No matter which path you choose, a BS in Mechanical Engineering degree or an Electrical Engineering degree is a well-placed financial investment. Both fields offer clear paths for promotions and salary growth over time.
Which is right for you?
Engineering is a diverse discipline, and you might still be unsure of what to focus on. Take a look at how you will learn best and what degree will accommodate that. Understanding the difference between Mechanical and Electrical Engineering matters most when helping you decide where to focus.
Ask yourself how you like to work:
- Do you need to be direct and hands-on with your work? If you like results you can see and feel, mechanical engineering might be a better fit. A Mechanical Engineering bachelor’s degree is perfect for people who like to slot in gears or watch an engine spin.
- Do you prefer working at computers more? If you enjoy complex systems and coding, electrical engineering might be a better fit. You cannot always see electricity, but you can measure it and control it.
In the mechanical engineering vs. electrical engineering debate, there is no wrong answer. It all depends on your personal interests and long-term career goals.
Start your journey at University of Bridgeport
Both fields are vital to our modern world. Both offer exciting, high-paying, and rewarding careers. Now that you know the facts, it is time to take the next step and learn more about UB’s degree programs.
University of Bridgeport offers a comprehensive bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering degree and a BS in Electrical Engineering degree designed for you. You will work alongside expert faculty in modern, state-of-the-art labs. We prepare our students to design the future across all industries.
Apply to University of Bridgeport today and take the next step toward a brilliant career.