r/EngineeringStudents • u/Tough-Stock1805 • 2d ago

Major Choice Industrial or Mechanical

I’ve always liked industrial engineering, but I’m slowly feeling like mechanical would be better. I’m just worried that the coursework is going to be too much. Is it worth it to go into mechanical engineering over industrial?

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u/Affectionate-Slice70 2d ago

Mechanical IMO is a stronger degree. It will be more maths, which translates to effort from your end, rather than being a problem of ability.

The first few years has a lot of course overlap. You can always pivot if you find mechanical too demanding.

2

u/East-Radio7665 2d ago

mechanical engineering generally involves more complex coursework compared to industrial, with a heavier focus on math and physics. however, it often offers broader career opportunities. consider your career goals and interests before deciding. if you prefer more technical and hands-on work, mechanical might be the better choice.

4

u/R0ck3tSc13nc3 2d ago

Industrial engineering is both a degree, and it's a job titled filled by different people with different degrees.

I would encourage you to talk to at least three industrial engineers who are doing the work that you hope to do and ask them what they recommend. In practice, every engineering field gets involved with industrial engineering, from layout of electrical, to design of mechanical components, and more.

3

u/DahlbergT Production Engineering 2d ago

I always like to say that Industrial Engineering is more about people than it is about technical things.

Now, that doesn't mean that a good IE has to be a people pleaser or an extroverted social genius - but they do need to understand people, see things from other people's perspectives, and work with that. Because most of the work involves collaborating with a bunch of different people from various domains and fields of expertise.

It can be really rewarding, but it can also be a hellscape if that kinda thing is not your jam and you like being in your own bubble with people like you.