Masters Degree in Civil Eng
Masters Degree in Civil Eng
(OP)
Hi
How valuable is a masters degree in civil/envr. engineering? This may seem like an obvious question to some of you, but I have received mixed views/advice on the issue.
To make the question more specific...Would taking 1-2 yrs off professional experience to attain a masters degree, be worth it considering that I am a jr. engineer?
Thnx!!
How valuable is a masters degree in civil/envr. engineering? This may seem like an obvious question to some of you, but I have received mixed views/advice on the issue.
To make the question more specific...Would taking 1-2 yrs off professional experience to attain a masters degree, be worth it considering that I am a jr. engineer?
Thnx!!





RE: Masters Degree in Civil Eng
RE: Masters Degree in Civil Eng
A two years master’s degree will effectively count for about 4 year’s experience.
This gets difficult to see since those who get master’s degrees are typically the more career driven and ambitious people so they would usually do better even without an advanced degree.
Still, I am glad I got mine, I’d go for a MEng or MSc as well as the MBA if I had it to do over again but that’s just me.
Rick Kitson MBA P.Eng
Construction Project Management
From conception to completion
www.kitsonengineering.com
RE: Masters Degree in Civil Eng
You get hired at a little higher salary w/ masters but nothing 2 years experience wouldn't account for.
You get the EXACT
A P.E. and experience are far more valuable in civil/env; these will weighed far heavier when its time for promotions & compensation.
RE: Masters Degree in Civil Eng
www.SlideRuleEra.net
RE: Masters Degree in Civil Eng
-bioengr82: ur response is one that i have been hearing alot from some coworkers. and i truely understand that prof. experience in civil seems to dominate academics.
my need for a masters is merely on my need to learn more about my current job position which im highly interested in. my undergrad background has no relation to my current work description.
RE: Masters Degree in Civil Eng
If you have the time, and drive to get your MS; Go for it! I would also advise as others have to get your PE also.
RE: Masters Degree in Civil Eng
I see how it takes away from experience but in the long run how can it hurt? In 15 years will it matter if you have 13 years working experience or 15?
RE: Masters Degree in Civil Eng
RE: Masters Degree in Civil Eng
RE: Masters Degree in Civil Eng
heres a few more clarifications:
- part time is always an option, but a partially full scholarship may be available to attain this ms degree on a fulltime basis only. this is why this decision is hard. if im given an opportunity to get this degree pretty much free at a good school, i will feel awful turning it away...and since its fulltime theres a big possibilty i may get it over in less than 2 yrs.
- the PE is definately something i need and want. the purpose of gettin this degree is not only for advancement but for more clarity in this field...
RE: Masters Degree in Civil Eng
I don't regret getting mine. It knocked a year off the time to get the P.E. It only took me 2 years at night while I worked full time.
It was a tough 2 years, but it was worth it.
RE: Masters Degree in Civil Eng
I'm working part-time on a masters, but am also doing some coursework outside my area of specialty, including studying foreign languages. I think versatility is just as important as being a specialist engineer. Those posters that have recommended an MBA are really on to something.
Best of luck!
RE: Masters Degree in Civil Eng
In reality, BS with a PE is valued more than a MS or Ph.D. without one, at least in the civil/structural design firms.
In terms of pay, in the long run, there is hardly a difference in the design world between BS, MS and PhD. If you want to pursue graduate level education, do it for the sake of self satisfaction. If money is the motivator, there are fields other than engineering that pays much higher... Good luck.
RE: Masters Degree in Civil Eng
Hg
Eng-Tips policies: FAQ731-376
RE: Masters Degree in Civil Eng
DO IT! Do not wait another second. The notion that you will have the same salary / same job / no benefit as only having your BS is ridiculous.
Three important points:
1) Most of the time, you will be paid to go to school. A teaching or research assistantship is there for the taking. Now who wouldn't want to be paid for 2 more years of the college experience?
2) You will get 2 years of experience either way. A lot of what you do in grad school is even BETTER experience than the real world. Make sure you do your work under a professor with interesting work and research. And make sure to vary your classes / labs / etc. (Also remember the networking as you meet someone new everyday.)
3) [THE BIG REASON TO GO] With increased knowledge and confidence, you will zoom right past those around you. You obviously have the drive and determination or you wouldn't even be considering this. Couple that with addtional knowledge and it will be a deadly combination. You will be faster with your calculations, more organized with your reports, and more professional in everything you do.
One final note, nowadays everyone has a college degree. It is the modern day high school diploma. The only way to differentiate yourself is with the advanced degree. Take it from me, there have been so many doors opened for me because of my advanced degree. Things I wouldn't have even been considered for without it. Remember, knowledge is power.
ZCP
www.phoenix-engineer.com
RE: Masters Degree in Civil Eng
That may very well be true for mech-e, but we are talking about the civil.
RE: Masters Degree in Civil Eng
it was a walk in the park...I took 1 class a semester(spring/summer/fall) and was finished in 3.5 years...1 class a semester is pretty easy to handle, even when working full time
i could not imagaine actually attending a masters program in person since there are several reputable schools that offer masters degrees in CE online
check out the link
http://
just my 2 cents
good luck
RE: Masters Degree in Civil Eng
Engineering is engineering when it comes to additional knowledge, increased productivity, and getting the job done. Are you telling me a masters in civil is not up to par with a masters in any other discipline? You get more knowledge, more experience, networking, and you just might get paid to do it. If you have the desire and motivation to learn, how can a masters be bad?
ZCP
www.phoenix-engineer.com
RE: Masters Degree in Civil Eng
And yes, I would hazard to say a master's in Civil is not on par with other disiplines on a cost/benifit ratio (benifit = finincal compensation, advancement). Many disiplines require a master's to even be considered for employment (ex. physical therapy).
RE: Masters Degree in Civil Eng
If you are making your career decisions only based on the money then you are making the wrong decisions.
Make the best decision for you and for what you want to do and the money woill take care of itself and you will be a happier person for it.
Rick Kitson MBA P.Eng
Construction Project Management
From conception to completion
www.kitsonengineering.com
RE: Masters Degree in Civil Eng
So, if money and promotions are interesting to you then you should bear that in mind. This also ignores the difference in earnings and expenses while you are doing the Masters itself, but on that basis we'd all be plumbers.
Cheers
Greg Locock
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