University of Pennsylvania, its Bachelor of Science electromechanics program is only one of five schools in the nation that offer combined electrical and mechanical engineering in a baccalaureate degree program. The university states that program is a direct response “to a growing demand from industrial and consulting companies for engineering staff members with a wide range of technical knowledge.” The program offers graduates knowledge and skills to design, operate, and manage electromechanical systems, especially those systems that are automated.

The University of Strathclyde in Scotland promotes that students with an electromechanical engineering degree will work in industries such as energy generation, hybrid petro/electrical vehicles, advanced aircraft design, satellite technology, robotic systems, and sustainable environmental technology. Some of the classes under this degree include:

• Electrical principles

• Heat & flow

• Design & manufacturing

• Digital electronic systems

• Instrumentation & microcontrollers

• Flight & spaceflight

• Alternative energy sources

• Computer-aided engineering design

Electromechanics does not just seem like the best step forward, but rather the most logical step forward. As electronic equipment and devices become more and more integrated into our daily lives, it only makes sense that mechanical engineers learn how to program these electrical devices. The vice versa is also true. Electrical engineers will start designing equipment for mechanical engineers to use. They need to know how design properly for those users. The degree of electromechanics benefits both sides.