If you have a hard time with math and sometimes science should you be majoring in Mechanical Engineering?

Question

I'm majoring in Mechanical Engineering, but I feel as if I may be making a mistake. I've always had a hard time with math and to be real honest can't say I enjoy doing it. I'm actually wondering if its possible for a person who doesn't like math to actually be sucessful in Engineering.

Answer 1

Sure a person can be suceccful at anything they put their mind to. But the main thing is going to be are you happy in what you do for a career. think about it like this. Is it going to be a good working enviroment if you know you are going to dread what the upcoming day is going to bring.

think about your options

Answer 2

No.  Especially Mechanical engineering...

You have to really like differential equations to be a Mechanical engineer.

Answer 3

You have to really sit back and evaluate what you want to do with your life. If you stay in engineering, you will be doing math, at least low level math, the rest of your life. Would you be happy with that?

On the other hand, if your problem is with calculus, and more advanced math, then forget it. That is not used much in mechanical engineering, and there are certainly lots of slots in ME that don't use it at all.

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Answer 4

It depends.  I know some mechanical engineers that are great at designing and visualizing things but are terrible at math.  There are so many different jobs you can get as a mechanical engineer, so in your career you might not end up solving complex differential equations for the rest of your life.  Also, hate to say it, but that's what a lot of people use engineering software for.

That being said, you'll probably have one heck of a time finishing your degree.  Also, there are some jobs that you probably wouldn't be well suited for if you don't like math.  You should ask yourself what you want to be doing after you graduate, where you want to work, etc, and see if that fits with your Mechanical Engineering major.  Maybe even see if you can job shadow some mechanical engineers for a day?

Answer 5

Math is only hard when you first learn it, but will get easier over time because it would never change in the engineering application of it.  Especially when you watch it in action in mechanical engineering, it enforces the application of mathematics and if you find that its fun, then that's your answer.

Also, if you take engineering and then go for management degree, you could be engineering manager or such and use very little math depending on what position, field, and company.

Answer 6

I didn't like it my first two years; it was A LOT of hard work.  I actually lost 70 lbs during my stint in engineering school!  However, I got the hang of it towards the end and actually started to do really well and to like it.  

I would suggest getting some math help.  You can get help from your professor and/or TA.  Most colleges have tutoring help.  Also, you can set up consistant study groups with your friends.  I am sure that if you are having math problems, so will other people.

Engineering school takes a lot of work.  Just hang in there.  If you keep plugging away, it does get easier to do.  And remember, in the end, you will have accomplished something you can be proud of!!  To quote - Keep your eyes on the prize!