Opinions about Mech Eng degree program

[jharvey407]

I'm new to CNC work and the CNCzone.

I am considering taking this online course in mechanical engineering.

Mechanical Engineering Technology Degree - Training Outline - Penn Foster College

I am 42 and own a small marine electronics firm in Florida. Due to the current economic situation I decided to expand my line of services and I built a CNC router of my own design. Rather than simply run another job shop I would like to specialize in CNC machines and automation. I feel that my engineering skills are lacking. I don't have the knowledge or experience to calculate the required torque for servos or motors. I don't know how to figure out what materials to used based on loads and stresses etc.

The program posted above looks like it would cover all of the basics, especially semester 3. I feel like it would be a good stepping stone to point me in the right direction for further self study.

Any comments or oppinions on this or other programs for getting a background in engineering?

Thanks,
James

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

If you intend to have standing as professional mechanical engineer, be sure the accreditation is accepted. Many, if not most, online degrees aren't recognized, no matter what they tell you. Easiest way to find out is to see if credits can be transferred/accepted to a state university.

If you just need the education for specific applications you probably can find that information here or in tech support info on line. Motor manufacturers, ball screw suppliers, all have tech sections in their online catalogs.

Machinery's Handbook is full of info. College/University book stores can supply a lot of the reference material you might need as well as libraries.

Dick Z

[Caprirs]

I have a BSME from Univ. of Arizona so I will be biased in my opinion.

Looking at the courses offered in that link, I don't think there's much there that isn't openly available for free, much at the local high school or in company catalogs. Those courses appear to be too general. For example, cramming chemistry, physics, earth and space sciences into one class seems to be either a helluva intense course or a lot of material is being omitted.

To me, the key item lacking is the math. There are a lot of engineering concepts that cannot be understood without calculus. Although calculus is offered as a tech elective eventually, my (biased) opinion is much of the preceding courses cannot really cover the subjects properly without calculus. For comparison, a BS degree has calc as the first math class first semester followed by two more semesters of calc and another semester of differential equations.

All that aside, I'm a huge fan of education. Any chance to learn is good and it is not my intent to demean that sequence of courses. I just fear the material has to be "dumbed down" too much and will not be as beneficial as hoped. I agree with Dick Z that if the goal is specific to being able to size servos, just work with the servo motor companies. If the goal is the accredited degree for furthering your career, then vetting out that institution is critical before giving them your money.

[harryn]

Hi, I tend to agree that calculus, and frankly, differential equations is a key part of really understanding what is needed. I will admit though that you can get pretty far on just some basics of understanding what it takes to do core calculations without a full load of calculus, if your trig and algebra skills are strong.

As a possible alternative, consider to hire, at least part time, a real BS degreed Mechanical Engineer. The come in all shapes, sizes, ages, and personalities. There isn't really any shortage of them, and most are more than willing to show you their calculations. No doubt, you will both learn from each other far more than you will from the class.

A decent engineer can shave literally years off of your learning curve and business goals. I suppose by now, you can tell I was also trained as an engineer, although in chemical engineering, but that has been a while.

[jharvey407]

Thanks for the input guys.

I agree with with all of the points that you've made and I realize that this course is not a 4 year degree in mechanical engineering from a top school but I simply don't have the time or money to get a proper degree. If I had my way about it I'd spend a few years at MIT and get a proper education, but that's not going to happen.

I also realize that the course ware must be fairly bland and generic, but if I take the course I will definitely learn things that I don't know now. I'm sure that I could find the resources to learn this material on my own, but every time I do that I end up with gaps in my education, mainly from not knowing what I don't know.

I am thinking about taking this course for two reasons.

1. I'll be able to tell people that I have a degree in engineering, which will give me a bit of credibility.

2. I'll learn more about engineering, which I am hoping will be the first step in self study process I will use to continue my education.

I'll do a little more research and read a few engineering reference books before I decide because your comments are making my think that the course may be a waste of money.

I'll keep you posted as to my progress.

James

[harryn]

Hi, don't take this the wrong way, but you will not have a degree in mechanical engineering. You will have a degree in mechanical engineering technology.

It still might be a good decision, but please don't confuse the two - very different degrees.

[jharvey407]

Now I'm wondering if the course would even be worth the time and money. I think I'll do some extensive self study first.

[canyon289]

I think it's not worth your money. It may be worth your time insofar that yes you are learning something new. The problem is that if you would like to use those classes to get an accredited Mech E class you won't be able to, you might not even be able to use those to get a Mech E technology degree. My advice to you is enroll in the nearest community college and start taking the math and support courses. From there you can branch off anywhere!

[MrWild]

Calculus sucks, but it's needed. You might get away with algebra and trig for statics, but not for dynamics. These are two ground level courses needed for Mechanical Engineering.

Do not fool yourself that you will have "credentials." This will last just as long as the second interview. While the PR person might be fooled, your new boss will not be. There are just some things you can't BS about. It's one of those things where if you know, you know. Another item is that many PR folks have lists of what degrees/colleges are real/accredited and which are bogus.

There are some GREAT on line degrees. Rochester Institute of Technology has many of them. This is a premier engineering college, and their online courses, and prices reflect this. All you have to do is go to a RIT job-fair-for-grads to see how seriously this college is taken by the Industry. Then again, I'm biased as one poster pointed out, as I'm RIT Alumni.

[Caprirs]

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

I know some of those online "degrees" will get your application filed immediately in the "circular file", AKA wastebasket. They are not considered qualifications, they are immediate disqualifications.

Dick Z

[albasha mohmed]

do not worrie my friend it is easy if u try