USCGA Mechanical Engineers

[Eaglehurst]

For USCGA ME majors what level of 'hands-on' engineering is part of the program? ie stripping down and rebuilding mechanical engines/systems etc. Trying to get a feel for how biased the program is to theory vs practical engineering.

 

[FutureAcademyDad?]

Mechanical Engineering - United States Coast Guard Academy

Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering students apply scientific principles in the design and improvement of mechanical and energy/power systems. Students are challenged with design problems that provide opportunities for developing creativity in solving real-world problems. The...

uscga.edu

Don't know if that answers your question, but is a good place to start.

 

[Eaglehurst]

Mechanical Engineering - United States Coast Guard Academy

Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering students apply scientific principles in the design and improvement of mechanical and energy/power systems. Students are challenged with design problems that provide opportunities for developing creativity in solving real-world problems. The...

uscga.edu

Don't know if that answers your question, but is a good place to start.

Thanks but already been through the official pages in some detail. Question was more a question to any current cadets or recent graduates as to how that major practically played out from a 'hands-on' experience point of view.

 

[Northwoods]

For USCGA ME majors what level of 'hands-on' engineering is part of the program? ie stripping down and rebuilding mechanical engines/systems etc. Trying to get a feel for how biased the program is to theory vs practical engineering.

DS and I toured the academy 6 weeks ago. It looked the MEs were working on an engine in the power lab when we walked by (couldn't go into the lab at the time).

 

[CGAprof]

DS and I toured the academy 6 weeks ago. It looked the MEs were working on an engine in the power lab when we walked by (couldn't go into the lab at the time).

The junior mechanicals (2/c) were dismantling a small gasoline engine as you said. They then analyze it and eventually have a lab to reassemble the engine. If it does not run, our MKCM and MK1 are amazing and can get anything running. At the same time in the Power Lab, the sophomore mechanicals (3/c) were each machining their own bilge pump. They learn to use a metal lathe, mill, tap holes, etc. There are some pictures of past groups on the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Mechanical Engineering FB page.

 

[Eaglehurst]

The junior mechanicals (2/c) were dismantling a small gasoline engine as you said. They then analyze it and eventually have a lab to reassemble the engine. If it does not run, our MKCM and MK1 are amazing and can get anything running. At the same time in the Power Lab, the sophomore mechanicals (3/c) were each machining their own bilge pump. They learn to use a metal lathe, mill, tap holes, etc. There are some pictures of past groups on the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Mechanical Engineering FB page.

Very helpful - thanks!

 

[cb7893]

Always think of the simplest things first:

 

[Texas_Pirate2024]

Also wondering about mechanical engineering. Still trying to decide between cyber and ME.

Do y'all know what it is like switching from one to the other if I were to start in one and decide I'd rather do the other? I've heard its a lot easier to switch out of engineering than into it because of the freshman engineering classes, but I'm not sure if that is the same for cyber or not.

 

[Iwutke]

A person can’t just switch majors because they want to like at a civilian college. The switch has to be approved - can be denied. Each major may have a cap on number of cadets per class (4/c, 3/c, etc.) and overall. Others here will have more specific info.

 

[Haveaniceday]

Also wondering about mechanical engineering. Still trying to decide between cyber and ME.

Do y'all know what it is like switching from one to the other if I were to start in one and decide I'd rather do the other? I've heard its a lot easier to switch out of engineering than into it because of the freshman engineering classes, but I'm not sure if that is the same for cyber or not.

ME vs. Cyber is sort of an Engineering degree vs a Policy degree. Anyone can join the cyber team if they want some hands on work, but if you look at the USCGA catalog, the Cyber degree is more policy focused, less math and science than the ME degree. So if your more hands on you may tilt ME. If you like Cyber also, maybe consider the EE degree, it is an engineering degree that is closer to cyber than ME.

Recommend you look at the catalog list of classes between the majors and it will give you a better idea between the two.

 

[Army82_90]

Just another perspective.
Do u want to be a DWO or an Engineer Officer.

The cyber systems degree is a top notch program. Good mix of computer science courses along with leadership, maritime, and general ed.

AND...85% USCGA grads go afloat first assignment. Choose ur hard.

DS is in the cyber program. Enjoys it.

Me: ever thought of EE son?
Son:

 

[CGAprof]

Also wondering about mechanical engineering. Still trying to decide between cyber and ME.

Do y'all know what it is like switching from one to the other if I were to start in one and decide I'd rather do the other? I've heard its a lot easier to switch out of engineering than into it because of the freshman engineering classes, but I'm not sure if that is the same for cyber or not.

Cyber Systems is in the same school as the engineering majors, as a result, it has the same 4/c year requirements. Switching between schools, by comparison, may require attending summer school. The comment to consider electrical engineering is a good one. You can still join a mechanical engineering capstone team from electrical engineering in addition to cyber systems.

 

[CGAprof]

A person can’t just switch majors because they want to like at a civilian college. The switch has to be approved - can be denied. Each major may have a cap on number of cadets per class (4/c, 3/c, etc.) and overall. Others here will have more specific info.

The request to change majors within a school is decided by its dean. If you want to change majors between schools, the deans meet and make the decision. Numbers of entering cadets by major can vary greatly from year to year and therefore affect the ability to change majors. The deans will generally allow a student to switch into a STEM major in the fall of their 4/c year. To switch the other way, one would likely wait until the spring registration period. Unless, an engineering major is packed, the dean makes it very easy to move between cyber systems and the engineering majors.

 

[27BearDad]

Also wondering about mechanical engineering. Still trying to decide between cyber and ME.

Do y'all know what it is like switching from one to the other if I were to start in one and decide I'd rather do the other? I've heard it’s a lot easier to switch out of engineering than into it because of the freshman engineering classes, but I'm not sure if that is the same for cyber or not.

Like others have said, switching is a process for sure and nothing like civilian college.

Also be aware whichever major you listed as first choice may not be what you get. They may put you in your 2nd choice depending on need.

Sometimes mistakes are made which can muddy the water a little as well. Prior to reporting last year, my daughter received a welcome email from someone in charge of MES I believe. It wasn’t even a major she had listed. Her first choice was Cyber and 2nd choice was ORDA. She responded to the email explaining all of that, and subsequently learned she was placed in her 2nd choice ORDA.

She was a bit disappointed as she really wanted Cyber, so respectfully inquired about it with her AO. He apparently worked some magic behind the scenes because during CAP week after Swab Summer, she found out she was in her first choice of Cyber. Fast forward a year later she couldn’t be happier!

Morale of the story, if you think you know what you want, don’t be afraid to respectfully advocate for yourself a little prior to reporting as it may be a bit easier to do on the front end. Also understand that “needs of the service” ultimately trumps nearly everything!

 

[VAcadetmom]

Back to the original question - I asked a current 1/C ME and he says he does about 30% han

For USCGA ME majors what level of 'hands-on' engineering is part of the program? ie stripping down and rebuilding mechanical engines/systems etc. Trying to get a feel for how biased the program is to theory vs practical engineering.

I asked a current 1/C ME and he says it's about 70/30 theory vs practical. Most ME classes have an accompanying lab for the hands on part. He is going afloat for his first tour and will be a student engineer.

 

[Eaglehurst]

Back to the original question - I asked a current 1/C ME and he says he does about 30% han

I asked a current 1/C ME and he says it's about 70/30 theory vs practical. Most ME classes have an accompanying lab for the hands on part. He is going afloat for his first tour and will be a student engineer.

Thanks - another useful data point!