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[Mike Robinson]

Hello,

I am currently an undergraduate student at the University of Georgia pursuing a double major in Chemistry and an possibly an engineering discipline.

I say possibly, because my interest in IP law was not sparked until the middle of my college years. I've noticed that for biotech patents, an advanced degree in the life sciences (biology, biochemistry, etc) is usually prefered. I have no desire to get one.

I also noticed that many IP jobs consider an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering suitable. This is the route that I want to go because it will enable me to get out of school and into a job faster than if I went to graduate school for 5+ years to get a PhD exclusively for the purpose of becoming a patent attorney (think of all those years of lost salary, just so you can make your resume more attractive for one very specific area of IP work).

The school that I attend, however, only offers two engineering degrees: One in biological engineering (B.S.B.E.) the other in Agricultural Engineering (B.S.A.E.)

The Agricultural Engineering degree is the more versatile of the two, covering a broader range of disciplines, and has an option for an electrical systems area of emphasis. The B.S.A.E. with electrical systems area of emphasis is fully ABET accredited and prepares you to enter the same jobs that someone with a B.S.E.E. would normally enter upon graduation, and is accepted as the equivalent of an EE by the state of georgia as far as requirements for licensure as a professional engineer is concerned.

The curriculum is as follows, so if there are any people here who have electrical engineering backgrounds, you can compare it against your undergrad curriculum and see what the similarities and differences are.

One year each of chemistry, biology, and physics.
Two years of calculus (through multivariable calculus and differential equations) and statistics.

Introduction to Engineering
Engineering Graphics
Computer Programming for Engineering
Engineering Decision Making
Statics
Dynamics
Strength of Materials
Engineering Design Methodology
Thermodynamics
Heat Transfer
Fluid Mechanics
Mechanism Design
Electrical Circuits
Electronics I
Electronics II
Sensors and Transducers
Microcontrollers
Advanced Microcontrollers
Electrical Machines and Power Distribution
Linear Systems
Feedback Controll Systems
Senior Design Project
Optional Co-op for a semester with a company

As I said, I'm also a chemistry major, so if I begin taking engineering classes next semester, it will only add one more year to my undergrad degree.

So, do you think that B.S.A.E. - Electronics and Electrical Systems Emphasis (which is how it would look on a resume) is adequate technical preparation for a career in patent law?

[eric stasik]

Dear Mike Robinson,

As a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, I can say with some confidence that the only job you'll qualify for with a degree from the University of Georgia involves a drive through window.

(Inside joke between Georgia Tech and UGA.)

Sorry, couldn't help myself. Consult the USPTO's list of approved technical degrees on pages 2-3:

http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/dcom/olia/oed/grb15oct03.pdf

If in doubt, confirm with the USPTO for your specific circumstances. I think a degree in chemistry, even from UGA, should be good enough.

Good Luck!

Regards,

Eric Stasik

[Isaac]

Agricultural engineering is on the approved list, so the quesiton is not so much qualifying for the patent bar.  I think the quesitions are

1) How will employers view the degree when they think they want/need to hire a BSEE?

2) How will clients view the credential?

3) What technical limitations are there for a BSAE holder compared to a BSEE.

I think 1 and 3 are the important questions.

I think that a BSAE may in some cases not make it past some hiring screeners who may be HR types looking for a BSEE and nothing more.  

The scope of the BSAE coursework seems a little less varied than a BSEE would typically take, but if you are not looking to work in fields not covered by your course work, that does not seem too important.   My transcript is a lot heavier in physics, and electronic communication stuff but considerably lighter in mechanical engineering type courses than the curriculum listed for BSAE.