Are you considering a career in Computer Science or Mechanical Engineering?
It can be challenging to decide what to study.
This article highlights their differences as well as their career potential.
Computer Science vs Mechanical Engineering, Which One Is Better?
In short, Mechanical Engineering is better if you are interested in the design, development, and production of machinery, aeroplanes, and other vehicles. Computer Science is better if you are interested in computers and technology.
A four-year degree in Computer Science or Mechanical Engineering will lead to interesting, rewarding employment with high earning potential. Computer science opens up a wider range of job possibilities. Because computer science graduates are in higher demand, they will have an easier time finding work.
However, the answer to this question can be found in a person’s interests in either of the two fields.
Both fields can provide a rewarding career; however, this is dependent on your ability to adapt to the domain you choose.
Perhaps the best way to identify and pursue your interests is to understand the differences between the two fields, which will provide you with a more in-depth understanding.
You can then make the best decisions for yourself by considering job prospects, salaries, and, most importantly, your own interests.
So let’s talk Mechanical Engineering
You should consider studying Mechanical Engineering if you are interested in the design, development, and production of machinery, aeroplanes, and other vehicles employing problem-solving and abstract thinking via the application of mathematics, physics, and other disciplines
Working as an Engineer you will use your knowledge from college every day, thinking and working out everyday problems.
It can be very tiring and at times frustrating to solve complex problems, yet very rewarding.
Engineering is a broad area, where there are many branches or career paths that can be chosen.
Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
A typical bachelor’s degree program in any discipline of engineering requires four years of full-time study
Some colleges and universities offer 5-year programs that allow students to obtain both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.
Some 5-year or even 6-year cooperative plans combine classroom study with practical work, enabling students to gain valuable experience and earn money to finance part of their education
The employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 7 per cent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
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So let’s talk about Computer Science
Consider studying computer science if you want to learn more about computers and technology while also developing your creative problem-solving abilities. You will strengthen your problem-solving talents by studying computer science and be capable of developing software and hardware solutions.
As a computer scientist, you might work on power companies’ utility grids and generation equipment.
Or develop software for mobiles, create (or upgrade) smart weapon navigation systems, or create websites
Computer Science is an exciting and rapidly evolving field to study.
You might end up creating algorithms to convert mobile apps for smartphones, control complex machinery or devices, simulate complex prediction processes, improve business processes.
Then there is the opportunity to analyse massive amounts of data for exploitative patterns, automate manual tasks, and build machine learning and AI systems to make disease diagnostics faster, more reliable, and accurate.
Computer science admissions requirements often emphasise additional mathematics, with some schools requiring a physics background.
A background in psychology or sociology can help you understand how people perceive information, and other natural disciplines can also be useful.
Computer science degrees can lead to a variety of interesting and exciting careers.
Not an exhaustive list of career options, here are a few career options;
- Data scientist
- Programmer or software developer
- Computer systems and network-manager
- Software architect
- Systems analyst
- Database administrator
- Software engineer
A computer scientist can work in just about any industry.
Many companies, such as the entertainment sector, mobile banking for the finance industry, online ordering for the supermarket industry, and mining companies use remote-controlled trucks.
From 2020 to 2030, employment in computer and information technology occupations is expected to expand 13 per cent, faster than the average for all occupations.
These occupations are expected to generate 667,600 new jobs.
The increased emphasis on cloud computing, big data collecting and storage, and information security will increase demand for these workers.
To obtain a Computer Science degree normally takes around four years of full-time study, the same amount of time as a Mechanical Engineering degree.
Computer Science harder than Mechanical Engineer? (Explained)
Mechanical Engineering is often rated as being more difficult than Computer Science by students.
The reason is, with Mechanical Engineering you have to study a wide range of subjects such as mathematics, structures, dynamics, fluids, thermodynamics, electrical engineering, electronics, CAD solid modelling, FEA, materials science etc.
Make no mistake: Computer Science is a difficult major. The majority of students struggle with advanced arithmetic (algebra + calculus) and require excellent technical skills, the ability to master various programming languages, and great analytical and problem-solving talents.
Computer Science or Mechanical Engineer who earns more? (Explained)
Mechanical Engineers make $88,430 a year, which is little less than Computer Scientists, who make $91,250.
However, this should be used as a rough guide as wages will vary depending on years of experience, geographical location, size of the organisation, public or private, and finally the industry.
Final Thoughts
A four-year degree in Computer Science or Mechanical Engineering will lead to fascinating, gratifying jobs with good pay. Computer science provides a broader choice of career options. Computer science grads will have an easier time getting jobs since they are in more demand.
Mechanical Engineering is better if you are interested in the design, development, and production of machinery, aeroplanes, and other vehicles. Computer Science is better if you are interested in computers and technology.
The decision of what to study is crucial.
Before choosing courses with this purpose in mind, it’s best to try to comprehend the job goal.
If you’re still undecided, choose a course that you’re interested in yet that offers a variety of job choices.
Consult with trusted friends and family members, as well as a career counsellor.
Before choosing a job route to pursue, think about your skills and weaknesses, as well as your likes and dislikes.
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References
- Medical Scientists: Occupational Outlook Handbook:: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
- Mechanical Engineers: Occupational Outlook Handbook:: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
