What is MET and how is it different from the traditional ME program ?

Often there comes a time in every student’s career, when they have to choose among best of the options available for further studies. During the admissions process, many prospective engineering candidates are unsure as to which is better among Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) and Mechanical Engineering (ME).

Mechanical Engineering is an extensive discipline that a variety of industries use to optimize the manufacturing processes, improve efficiency and resolve all the problems. It is one of the oldest branches of engineering. Most often, it is referred to as the ‘mother’ branch of engineering. Another interesting feature of mechanical engineering is that it is extremely broad and diverse.

Students often find themselves in the dilemma for choosing the right, suitable course for themselves as Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET), both provide a detailed approach to the students about engineering principles. But certainly, MET is more dynamic as it focuses upon producing graduates who are able to apply technical skills, business and enterprise skills such as project management, cost estimation and cost accounting on their jobs when compared to the ME degrees which do not emphasize upon business and enterprise skill.

The key difference between mechanical engineering and mechanical engineering technology is the focus of degree programs in the field and the types of occupations in which graduates work.

While Mechanical Engineering (ME) degree programs focus on component and process design, Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) programs focus on the implementation of processes and designs. ME degrees require Calculus I, II & III, plus differential equations. Typical ME degrees do not incorporate statistical process control, but in order to incorporate advanced skills it is essential for students to be efficient in areas of statistical process control and reliability.

The main focus areas in Mechanical Engineering Technology are mechanism design, automation and system integration, while Mechanical Engineering degrees mostly emphasizes Thermodynamics, heat transfer and heat conversion. A MET degree would include subjects ranging from Engineering Design to Macroeconomics to Product Design & Development.

Mechanical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering Technology are separate courses but closely related professional areas that differ in:

• Curricular Focus – Most ME degrees are built around content which is lecture based, emphasizing theory and conceptual design; while MET Program at a reputed university follows a focused approach which is built around laboratory based experiences and analytical content.
• Career Paths – After Pursuing MET, a student develops integrated knowledge about various engineering principles and apparently more practical exposure than that of a ME graduate. Typical MET jobs titles include Application Engineers, Design Engineer, Energy Engineer, Engineering Manager/Supervisor, Manufacturing Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Process Engineer, Product Development Engineer and Quality Engineer.

The MET degree also emphasises business and enterprise skills such as project management, cost estimation and cost accounting. These skills provide graduates with competitive advantage whereas a ME degree does not emphasizes on imparting business and enterprise skills.

Major industries that employ mechanical engineering technologists include automobiles, air conditioning, aeronautical, energy and utilities, space research, bio-mechanical industry. Other major employers include giant air conditioning and refrigeration industry, oil and gas exploration, manufacturing plants, turbine manufacturing plants, and refining industries and the agricultural sector.

There is a wide scope for Mechanical Engineering Technology worldwide and lots of job opportunities are available in the USA. One of the top colleges of America, Missouri State University holds admissions every year for students from India who wants to pursue Mechanical Engineering Technology. MET is the considered to be the broadest engineering technology discipline. The MSU MET degree is intended to produce graduates who are able to apply technical skills and are job ready on day one. The Missouri State University’s MET degree prepares students for a high skill, high demand, high growth, and high pay career.

To sum up, it can be concluded that Mechanical Engineering Technology is more advantageous than Mechanical Engineering as it involves more practical exposure and is highly preferred in different industry. Moreover, the ever increasing scope of MET job profile, offers a wide bouquet of job options to students who are looking for a stable and stimulating career.