3 answers
Alexander
Student
Yuma, Arizona
2
Questions
Asked
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What education do you need to become a mechanical engineer?
Hello my name is alex and i am 12 years old.
What education do you need to become a mechanical engineer?
I want to know this because people say that it is very hard to become a mechanical engineer, but i don’t know what you actually need to become one.
Also, what classes in high school and college would be good to help me become a mechanical engineer.
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3 answers
Klaus Z
Senior QA atuoamtion engineer
17
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Klaus’s Answer
Hi Alex,
It's fantastic that you're thinking about your future at such a young age! Mechanical engineering is a fascinating field with a lot of opportunities. The following is typically what you will need to get into the mechanical engineering field.
1. High School Classes:
* Mathematics: Courses like algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus will provide you with a strong foundation. Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus could be beneficial.
* Sciences: Physics is essential because mechanical engineering relies heavily on the principles of force, energy, and motion. Chemistry can also be useful.
* Computer Science: Having a basic understanding of programming can be advantageous since many engineering projects nowadays involve some software components.
2. College Education:
To become a mechanical engineer, you would typically need a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. During your undergraduate years, you will be exposed to a variety of engineering in depth. You'll study subjects like thermodynamics, mechanics of materials, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, control systems, and machine design, among others. You'll also have laboratory sessions where you get hands-on experience with various mechanical systems and tools. In my school Georgia Tech, students who major mechanical engineering often takes computer science as second major because now a day, a lot engineering is down in software and simulation.
Lastly, while becoming a mechanical engineer requires hard work and dedication, if you're passionate about it, you'll find the journey rewarding. Remember that every engineer once started where you are now - curious and eager to learn.
Best of luck
It's fantastic that you're thinking about your future at such a young age! Mechanical engineering is a fascinating field with a lot of opportunities. The following is typically what you will need to get into the mechanical engineering field.
1. High School Classes:
* Mathematics: Courses like algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus will provide you with a strong foundation. Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus could be beneficial.
* Sciences: Physics is essential because mechanical engineering relies heavily on the principles of force, energy, and motion. Chemistry can also be useful.
* Computer Science: Having a basic understanding of programming can be advantageous since many engineering projects nowadays involve some software components.
2. College Education:
To become a mechanical engineer, you would typically need a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. During your undergraduate years, you will be exposed to a variety of engineering in depth. You'll study subjects like thermodynamics, mechanics of materials, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, control systems, and machine design, among others. You'll also have laboratory sessions where you get hands-on experience with various mechanical systems and tools. In my school Georgia Tech, students who major mechanical engineering often takes computer science as second major because now a day, a lot engineering is down in software and simulation.
Lastly, while becoming a mechanical engineer requires hard work and dedication, if you're passionate about it, you'll find the journey rewarding. Remember that every engineer once started where you are now - curious and eager to learn.
Best of luck
Carolina DiCampo
General Engineer
7
Answers
Burlington, Vermont
Updated
Carolina’s Answer
Hi Alex,
It is wonderful that you are asking what education you need, to become a mechanical engineer.
I want to add to the wonderful answers the others have provided.
Often times people will say that engineering is “hard” because they don’t know what else to say about it (which is a shame because there are so many cool things to say about engineering).
Hard is subjective. Engineering takes effort. If you’re willing to put the effort where required, you can be successful in engineering.
Engineering can be very difficult, but lots of other things can be too. What is most important is to be willing to persist. Do not get discouraged when things get difficult. Find friends and teachers/professors who will review things with you and know that you can learn anything given time and patience.
There’s nothing specific you “need,” to do in high school to prepare for a degree in mechanical engineering. However, putting effort in your math and science courses is a good start. Also get comfortable going to your teachers to ask for help. In college one of the best things you can do to help yourself get the most of your education is asking a professor (teacher) or teachers assistant to further explain things to you in a smaller setting. This gives you a more in depth understanding, and keeps you from spending too long ‘stuck’.
Best of Luck,
-Carolina
It is wonderful that you are asking what education you need, to become a mechanical engineer.
I want to add to the wonderful answers the others have provided.
Often times people will say that engineering is “hard” because they don’t know what else to say about it (which is a shame because there are so many cool things to say about engineering).
Hard is subjective. Engineering takes effort. If you’re willing to put the effort where required, you can be successful in engineering.
Engineering can be very difficult, but lots of other things can be too. What is most important is to be willing to persist. Do not get discouraged when things get difficult. Find friends and teachers/professors who will review things with you and know that you can learn anything given time and patience.
There’s nothing specific you “need,” to do in high school to prepare for a degree in mechanical engineering. However, putting effort in your math and science courses is a good start. Also get comfortable going to your teachers to ask for help. In college one of the best things you can do to help yourself get the most of your education is asking a professor (teacher) or teachers assistant to further explain things to you in a smaller setting. This gives you a more in depth understanding, and keeps you from spending too long ‘stuck’.
Best of Luck,
-Carolina
Ray Koch
Mechanical Reliability Engineer
29
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Ray’s Answer
Hi Alex!
Klaus did a great job answering this but I will add a few things:
1) All engineering programs are very math heavy. In college you will be required to that multiple semesters of calculus and additional courses in Linear Algeria and Statistic may also be required. Many engineer (including myself) minor in Mathematics because they only need 1-2 additional courses to meet the requirements and some graduate schools require it.
2) If you school offers "tech" class or an engineering type class I also recommend this. It will teach you more about engineering and all the disciplines and help give you an idea where to focus.
3) If you have the option to take a presentation/public speeching course I would also highly recommend that. Engineering can involve the need to present to others and this is an often overlooked skill.
Klaus did a great job answering this but I will add a few things:
1) All engineering programs are very math heavy. In college you will be required to that multiple semesters of calculus and additional courses in Linear Algeria and Statistic may also be required. Many engineer (including myself) minor in Mathematics because they only need 1-2 additional courses to meet the requirements and some graduate schools require it.
2) If you school offers "tech" class or an engineering type class I also recommend this. It will teach you more about engineering and all the disciplines and help give you an idea where to focus.
3) If you have the option to take a presentation/public speeching course I would also highly recommend that. Engineering can involve the need to present to others and this is an often overlooked skill.