4 answers
monica
Student
Midland, Texas
1
Question
Updated
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Getting my associates degree in mechanical-engineering ?
hello! I was just wondering how hard is the math for mechanical engineering is .... it kinda scares me. I have a bachelors degree in psychology already. just trying to figure out how realistic is is for me. && im looking to get my associates and stop there. Is that a bad idea?
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4 answers
Rafael Diaz Montelongo
Consultant
563
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hi Monica! Totally get that the math part feels scary, but honestly you've already proven you can handle a tough degree by finishing one in a completely different field, so don't sell yourself short. The math for mechanical engineering does get serious, think calculus, physics, differential equations, and some statistics, but it's very learnable if you take it step by step, and having a background in another field actually shows you already know how to study and push through hard stuff. From my own experience, I started with an engineering undergrad and the math was challenging at first but it clicks over time, especially when you see how it connects to real-world problems. As for stopping at an associate's, I'd be honest with you, most mechanical engineering roles really do look for at least a bachelor's, so an associate's alone might limit you to technician-level positions rather than full engineer roles, which is totally fine if that's what you want, but just go in knowing that. Since you already have a bachelor's in something else, you might actually want to look into bridge programs or a second bachelor's in engineering instead, because that could open way more doors and some of your previous credits might even transfer. Either way the fact that you're even considering this switch shows serious drive, so don't let the math scare you off, just take a pre-calc or calc course first to see how it feels. You've got this!
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
monica
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
239
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Monica,
I do appreciate your current dilemma. The value of knowledge lies in the extent to which we put it to good use, irrespective of the field of study.
Mathematics and physics are foundational subjects for any engineering course. Proficiency in the two subjects in high school is generally sufficient for one to cope with engineering mathematics in college/university.
Approaching a mathematical field of study from first principles is usually very helpful. With practice, many of the concepts will become readily available at your finger tips. With diligence, commitment, perseverance, passion & positive mindset, you should be able to successfully complete your studies in mechanical engineering.
Take up every opportunity for practical work that is available to you. This way you will get to learn a lot of things through experience - not everything is learnt in school. Experiential learning is, often, very enduring. Besides, putting theoretical knowledge into practice will give you a better sense of appreciation for what you have learned.
Wish you the very best of luck in your studies.
I do appreciate your current dilemma. The value of knowledge lies in the extent to which we put it to good use, irrespective of the field of study.
Mathematics and physics are foundational subjects for any engineering course. Proficiency in the two subjects in high school is generally sufficient for one to cope with engineering mathematics in college/university.
Approaching a mathematical field of study from first principles is usually very helpful. With practice, many of the concepts will become readily available at your finger tips. With diligence, commitment, perseverance, passion & positive mindset, you should be able to successfully complete your studies in mechanical engineering.
Take up every opportunity for practical work that is available to you. This way you will get to learn a lot of things through experience - not everything is learnt in school. Experiential learning is, often, very enduring. Besides, putting theoretical knowledge into practice will give you a better sense of appreciation for what you have learned.
Wish you the very best of luck in your studies.
Thanks for your encouragement!
monica
Andrew Au
Professor of Mathematics & Statistics, Retired
258
Answers
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Mathematics is the language of science and engineering. For an associate degree in mechanical engineering, my guess is that you need to have Calculus I, Calculus II, Ordinary Differential Equations, and, possibly, Linear Algebra in your typical mathematics curriculum.
The important question is why you want to work for an associate degree in mechanical engineering after a BS in psychology. If engineering is your passion or you are looking for more viable future career opportunities, it is a reasonable option. As far as the math courses are concerned, it would not be as scary if you started at your comfort level first. You should start at the math level you will be tested at and proceed from there. Do not try to enroll at a level which you are not prepared for.
The last question is why you would stop at the associate degree level. With an associate degree, you should be able to continue and earn your BS in mechanical engineering. This would be a reasonable move for future career options.
The important question is why you want to work for an associate degree in mechanical engineering after a BS in psychology. If engineering is your passion or you are looking for more viable future career opportunities, it is a reasonable option. As far as the math courses are concerned, it would not be as scary if you started at your comfort level first. You should start at the math level you will be tested at and proceed from there. Do not try to enroll at a level which you are not prepared for.
The last question is why you would stop at the associate degree level. With an associate degree, you should be able to continue and earn your BS in mechanical engineering. This would be a reasonable move for future career options.
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
monica
Larry Apfel
Aircraft Mechanic
30
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Larry’s Answer
Hi Monica.
Fortunately, the math for an associate degree (2 yr) in mechanical engineering (technology) is not as intense as it is for a 4 year degree leading to a bachelor's of science in mechanical engineering. Generally speaking, technical math/associates' level doesn't require deriving formulas using advanced techniques such as calculus or differential equations.
Don't let the math requirement scare you. A good teacher and lots of practice and you will understand the math. You just take it one step at a time. Get the solution manual and work through the solutions. Also, find a partner to study with and get the teacher's office hours...go visit the teacher for help if you need it.
You will probably take 4-5 math courses to get an associate's degree; Algebra 1 and Algebra 2, as well as Calculus 1 and Calculus 2. The fifth math course might be called Technical Math which is used a lot in manufacturing (a lot of adding fractions or converting decimal numbers to fractions) The intensity of these classes is not as difficult as the engineering level.
I hope you aren't scared after reading my answer to your question. I originally got a mechanical technology degree (a 2 yr associates degree) then transferred to a four year university and took mechanical engineering and got my bachelors. The 4 year school took almost all my credits from my 2 year school as transfer credit but they made me retake all of the math courses because the academic level for a bachelors is higher than for an associates degree.
I hope this helps Monica. Best of luck.
Larry A.
Fortunately, the math for an associate degree (2 yr) in mechanical engineering (technology) is not as intense as it is for a 4 year degree leading to a bachelor's of science in mechanical engineering. Generally speaking, technical math/associates' level doesn't require deriving formulas using advanced techniques such as calculus or differential equations.
Don't let the math requirement scare you. A good teacher and lots of practice and you will understand the math. You just take it one step at a time. Get the solution manual and work through the solutions. Also, find a partner to study with and get the teacher's office hours...go visit the teacher for help if you need it.
You will probably take 4-5 math courses to get an associate's degree; Algebra 1 and Algebra 2, as well as Calculus 1 and Calculus 2. The fifth math course might be called Technical Math which is used a lot in manufacturing (a lot of adding fractions or converting decimal numbers to fractions) The intensity of these classes is not as difficult as the engineering level.
I hope you aren't scared after reading my answer to your question. I originally got a mechanical technology degree (a 2 yr associates degree) then transferred to a four year university and took mechanical engineering and got my bachelors. The 4 year school took almost all my credits from my 2 year school as transfer credit but they made me retake all of the math courses because the academic level for a bachelors is higher than for an associates degree.
I hope this helps Monica. Best of luck.
Larry A.