Electro-Mechanical Engineering Degrees
Electrical and mechanical engineering are normally considered two separate disciplines, but students can pursue an associate's degree or even a bachelor's degree in electro-mechanical engineering. Students who pursue graduate degrees in electrical or mechanical engineering have the option to specialize in electro-mechanical engineering.
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Topics
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In courses, students spend some time performing research, some time in a traditional lecture and some time performing hands-on work with mechanical systems. Students must learn about advanced math, science, physics, software engineering, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. Students must not only be able to design electrically powered mechanical systems, but must also understand how microcontrollers can direct the behaviors of these machines and how computer programs allow human operators to give instructions to these machines. So, students must be trained in computer science. The projects that students work on tend to be open-ended. Students are expected to not only learn about mechanical system design and analysis, but are also expected to develop communication skills. Usually, electro-mechanical engineers work in teams with increasingly specialized skill sets. To create products and other innovations that are helpful, various highly trained individuals must communicate technical knowledge so that diverse skill sets can create well-rounded machines. For example, one professional may have advanced knowledge of hydraulic fluids, while another professional may have advanced knowledge of the durability and corrosion resistance of various mechanical parts. Both professionals must be able to synthesize these bodies of knowledge to create hydraulically powered machines that work.
Requirements
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To enter into an electro-mechanical degree program, students usually must have a high-school diploma, high math skills and a background education in physics.
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Special Projects
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Electro-mechanical degree programs usually have special projects where students play a role in faculty research projects. Research projects often need manpower, and students can serve as this manpower in exchange for resume-worthy credentials and more one-on-one instruction time. Also, universities often try to set their students up with internship opportunities so that they can get on-the-job experience.
Automated Systems
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Industrial facilities that use automated systems need electro-mechanical engineers to design and maintain these systems. Engineers must design the automation apparatus, circuitry, computer systems and machine elements. They must also understand how these automated systems will interact with the manufacturing process. As of 2010, emphasis has been placed on robotics and the use of robotics in automated manufacturing systems.
Ongoing Training
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After acquiring a degree, students with electro-mechanical specializations must continue to receive training, since the engineering field by definition is constantly changing. Engineers acquire much of their skills from on-the-job training, but these engineers might also need various training programs for certification and retraining.
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References
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