Anne Said:

Question about Materials Engineering and Materials Science?

We Answered:

Materials engineering is more the engineering side of things (manufacturing, using) and the material science is part of the physics department (the physics behind the materials - how they 'grow', how they respond to temperature, optical properties, resistivity, etc).

Kristin Said:

I need help deciding on my engineering major?

We Answered:

Engineering is cyclical. It's impossible to predict from one year to the next which field will be in more or less demand.

If you like structures, there is a specific field called "Structural Engineering. UC-San Diego offers this degree.

Civil Engineering is slowly becaming a field where the Master's is entry level, and a Master's is projected to be the minimum for a Professional Engineer license by 2015.

Wanda Said:

Does anyone here do materials engineering?

We Answered:

Material science is interested in how to optimize the properties of materials for a particular application. Hardness, tensile strength, elasticity, creep, conductivity. Crystal structure and grain boundaries
You will find them altering the recipe for metal alloys, plastics, composites and in semiconductors manufacture.

Its a bit more specialized and so tends to pay more. The caveat being there are less positions to fill.

Less about the contraption more about the material.
Machine design is in the domain of the Mechanical Engineer.

Maureen Said:

Is an engineering career worth all the hard work and stress?

We Answered:

I would have a chat with your adviser of studies. He/she should be able to help. What I would do is finish this semester as best as you can this will allow you to make a good choice at the end of it (Take a year out etc). But it is worth it. It is always good to have a good degree behind you then you can make the choices you want to make. Who knows you may end up doing something else but nobody can take your degree away from you at the end of it.

Jeffrey Said:

How is the job prospect for a person with a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering?

We Answered:

I have a master's in materials science. I now work in the software industry and have no connection to my studies.

So I'm asking you why you want to get a Ph.D in materials science? Do you like research? Do want to teach? A Ph.D is a big time commitment. For at least 3-5 years, you will be making almost no money and slaving away long hours. Of course if you are very good, you could then move into corporate research or educational research/teaching. These can be solid jobs. But again, I'd ask why you are considering going for your doctorate? It shouldn't be just because you can't find a job for a couple of months.

Neil Said:

can anybody please give me some input about materials science and engineering career options?

We Answered:

Um... Carbon Nanotubes. That's totally where it's at. Also there's always good old pyrotechnicians. And a TON of new biological potential in so many different ways, it's unbelievable

Eric Said:

which GCSE choice is good for ENGINEERING/LAND SURVEYOR as a career- resistant materials or graphics?

We Answered:

Depends upon which kind of engineer. I'd go for resistant materials, I've learnt more from studying that than doing graphics which has mostly been CAD.