[Chris Hibner]

I have a bachelor and masters degree in Mechanical Engineering (dynamic systems and control), both from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

I think what Andy said is correct. Here at TRW, the people with engineering degrees are more involved in the product development, while the engineering tech degreed people are working on the practical side (prototypes, testing, trouble-shooting, etc). This may be different at other places.

I chose engineering (as opposed to engineering tech) because I'm good at math, and I like it. Control theory and dynamic systems is about the most math intensive area of mechanical engineering, so that worked out well for me as well.

For my job, I use my advanced math skills (calculus, differential equations, linear systems) quite a lot. However, I would say that this is NOT true for the majority of engineers here (or anywhere). I would say that 80% (or more) of the engineers that I know never use anything more complicated than algebra or trig.

Therefore, if you want an engineering degree and the math is freaking you out - I wouldn't jump off a bridge just yet. Once you graduate, you should be fine. You will mainly use algebraic formulas (formulas that were created thanks to calculus). The main way you will use calculus in college is to derive the algebraic formulas, so you understand how they were created and how they work. (Once again, that's not to say that once you graduate you won't use calculus, there is still a chance that you will, but there are plenty of jobs out there that won't require it).

I hope this helps.

-Chris