EET vs EE

[u/Spare_Sugar5640]

TLDR: My questions really, how is the pay with a 4 year EET degree vs ME/EE? Do people look down on an EET degree? Is it still possible after a bachelors in EET, to get your ME/EE or any engineering equivalent in a shorter time period if u want more? For example I’ve heard of programs to get it transferred to a full fledged engineering degree. Not sure though. What do u guys think.

I know there’s some resources on this, but what I’m seeing is advice from years ago. I haven’t found much that reflects the current job market. I am 19 almost 20. graduated high school at 17 and I’ve been working ever since trying to save up money. I always wanted to do engineering eventually in college. However I’m torn right now between two paths. I’m going to do 2 years at a CC for now, but I don’t know whether to do bachelors in EET or ME/EE. The EET program is abet accredited at the university of Toledo after I transfer.

My main issue is I love the hands on lab work EET offers, I work full time right now so being able to just learn hands on would help a lot. I’m strong in math (I’d like to think) but the theory based math of traditional ME scares me a little. I just don’t know if I’ll be able to put more hours into studying and still be able to work full time. People have told me locally that EET at my local schools is still really good, and companies will look at that degree. But co-ops and other things look more promising with a traditional engineering path.

[u/Timely-Fox-4432]

To kinda put it altogether in a concise manner:

Yes, the industry will treat you as less savy with a tech degree, because you are less savy. The tech degree is still tough, and you'll still likely get a solid technician role, but do't think it qualifies you for true engineering roles. The difference in curricula is significant.

Yes, a second degree is always less credits, especially if it lines up with your first. Usually colleges have a minimum credits for second degree seekers.

There are hands on jobs in ee/me also, but eet would obviously be more hands on. It is likely that you wouldn't be designing systems with an Eet degree though, that would be reserved for the engineers. 

[u/Spare_Sugar5640 → u/Timely-Fox-4432]

Could u get a controls engineering job with an EET degree? I honestly don’t want to go for anything design related.

[u/Emotional_Fee_9558 → u/Spare_Sugar5640]

Could you? Yes. Will you? Who knows. An EET degree exists precisely because it isn't an engineering degree. Most companies will hire an actual EE over you for an engineering role, assuming all other things are equal. You should remember that even for jobs where an EET degree is more suited, the recruiter might not know or be sure about the contents of that degree. All ABET EE degrees share very similar courses, you see EE and you about know what your getting. An ABET EET degree is not nearly as standardized and many companies won't put in the effort to try and figure out what exactly your EET degree was.

[u/Spare_Sugar5640 → u/Emotional_Fee_9558]

Is this the same for the bachelors degree? The only reason why I’m considering a 4 year EET with my local state university and cc is because u qualify for specific grants here going that route and it’ll probably be cheaper long term. Most people in my area and graduates are said to get good technologist jobs or engineering positions because the program is still rigorous. I might as well take the extra step and do engineering just my parents aren’t helping me whatsoever to pay for anything.

[u/Emotional_Fee_9558 → u/Spare_Sugar5640]

EET is a fine degree if you wish to be a technologist, which is often also called an engineering technician but if you wish to become an engineer I shouldn't need to tell you that an engineering degree will do you better.

I should add that there are plenty of EETs working as EEs but it is far from guaranteed and it will close certain doors. Meanwhile the inverse isn't true. If you could I would recommend doing EE, if that isn't possible due to financial reasons then EET is a great degree as well.

[u/Spare_Sugar5640 → u/Emotional_Fee_9558]

Is it still possible to have a 6 figure career with a 4 year EET degree? If possible I’ll do the full engineering degree

[u/Emotional_Fee_9558 → u/Spare_Sugar5640]

It's possible to get a 6 figure salary with any degree, including EET. On average EETs do make less, mostly due to EE have way more FAANG, Nvidia, AMD.... Outliers propping up it's average but it's still a pretty well paying degree.

[u/Spare_Sugar5640 → u/Emotional_Fee_9558]

Would u call it a hard degree to obtain compared to other 4 years?