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is engineering complicated

is engineering a hard degree to get or to understand?

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Subject: Career question for you

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Glenn’s Answer

You've received several insightful responses here, but I'd like to offer a fresh perspective. When choosing my field of study, I considered my strengths, but the deciding factor was my desired career path. I excelled in math and science, yet I wasn't inclined towards a career in pure science. Instead, engineering, a practical application of science, piqued my interest.

Indeed, the engineering degree can be challenging for those with a strong knack for math and science, as it requires a deep understanding of the basics. Engineering students often have more projects and homework compared to those in non-technical degrees. However, for myself and my colleagues, this was a conscious decision that provided us the chance to work in a challenging and rewarding field.
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Will’s Answer

Hello, Michael!
Engineering is often perceived as one of the more challenging disciplines to study, with varying levels of complexity across its different branches. However, your comfort with engineering can greatly depend on your proficiency in calculus, algebra, physics, and related subjects. If you're more inclined towards arts or humanities, engineering might seem more daunting.

It's common for engineering students to dedicate many hours to their studies, which could either highlight the discipline's difficulty or demonstrate the students' commitment to excel in their class.

Despite the common belief that engineering is complex, strenuous, or a tough degree to achieve, the decision to pursue it ultimately rests in your hands. Consider whether you have a genuine interest in the subject matter and potential career opportunities in engineering before making your choice!
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Seong’s Answer

I studied aeronautical engineering but chose a career in business. If I could do it all over again, I’d major in engineering again! Engineering helped me become a critical thinker and problem solver, not just in the field I studied, but in my life overall. You grow the most when you’re stretched to your limits, and I think engineering is one of those fields that can challenge you in that way. I also believe that engineering is a very versatile major that many employers value (whether for engineering jobs or not).
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Kari’s Answer

I think it helps to consider what kinds of things come easily to you and what sorts of things are interesting to you. Do you tend to quickly understand how things work? Do you enjoy stitching concepts together to apply to new situations? Are you excited to take things apart and put them back together again?

I ask because "hard" is such a relative term. In my lifetime, I've done all kinds of really, really hard things because I enjoyed them. I wasn't good at them when I began, so it was a slow hard road, but I was so happy to do the work. And there have been other things that have been "easy" for me, but I didn't enjoy, so I wandered away over time.

I hope that is helpful!
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Tricia’s Answer

Engineering is not the easiest degree to get, but my jobs have not been nearly as hard as school. If you can survive four years of classes, you will find work comparatively easy.

I would say the degree was harder than the material. That is, the projects and papers and classes were designed to challenge you to dig in, plan, and work hard.

PS Engineering degrees are some of the best paying bachelors degrees out there!
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Brian’s Answer

Hi Michael,

Short Answer: Yes,

Long Answer: An Engineering degree can be very difficult and depends on how quickly you can learn new things and requires alot of complicated mathematical concepts. How you manage your time is very important. You may have to put up with the inflated egos of college professors, and while GE classes are usually easier for people compared to engineering classes, they can still be annoying/difficult to get through.

That being said, in my experience working as an engineer is significantly easier than for studying for an engineering degree. Generally speaking, most engineering roles are highly specialized and focus on a handful of core principals. Following design standards is a massive help for actual engineering.
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Art’s Answer

I agree with Glenn 100% but in addition choosing any Engineering discipline (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Environmental etc.etc.) will be much easier if you have the aptitude for Math, Science (Physics, Chemistry).
Your high school councilor should be able to set up a test for you, if not your local military recruiter will be able to give you a test. Beware the military recruiter will keep you on file and would very much like to to sign on.

I also like to think of Engineers as Practical Scientist problem solvers. As an engineer you can fit into a career with Pure Scientists in the lab to practical hands in the grease boots on the ground prototype design tweaking.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Michael,

Is Pursuing an Engineering Degree a Tough Task?

Introduction

Engineering is a vast field, covering a range of disciplines, each presenting its own set of challenges and intricacies. It's a given that engineering demands a solid grounding in math and science, but the question that lingers is: is engineering a difficult degree to obtain or comprehend?

The Intensity of Engineering Courses

Engineering courses are recognized for their intensive syllabus, challenging assignments, and high academic expectations. Students frequently take numerous advanced math and science classes alongside their major-specific subjects, which can be demanding. Furthermore, engineering courses necessitate students to apply theoretical concepts to practical problems, which can be mentally taxing.

Investment of Time and Effort

Engineering degrees also demand a considerable investment of time and effort. Students often find themselves spending long hours in labs, working on assignments, and preparing for tests. The hefty workload can be daunting for some, leading to heightened stress levels and potential burnout.

Learning Styles and Preferences

The engineering educational approach may not suit everyone due to variances in learning styles and preferences. For example, students who are more inclined towards conceptual learning may find the practical-based approach of engineering courses difficult. Likewise, students who prefer a more theoretical approach may find the hands-on lab work challenging.

Career Prospects and Earning Potential

Despite the hurdles, engineering degrees open up a plethora of career opportunities and promise high earning potential. Engineers are sought after in various sectors, including technology, healthcare, energy, and manufacturing. Furthermore, engineering graduates typically out-earn their peers in other fields.

Conclusion

To sum up, engineering is a demanding degree that necessitates a strong foundation in math and science, a significant investment of time, and the ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical problems. However, the intensive curriculum and challenging workload pave the way for numerous career opportunities and high earning potential for those who endure. Ultimately, the difficulty of engineering is subjective and depends on individual strengths, weaknesses, and preferences.

Authoritative References:

National Research Council's "The Role of Mathematics in Engineering Education" (2012)
American Society for Engineering Education's "The Impact of Time Commitment on Undergraduate Engineering Students’ Success" (2018)
Journal of Engineering Education's "A Comparative Study of Learning Styles in Engineering Education" (2017)

May God Bless You!
James Constantine.
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