Second engineering degree?
Second engineering degree?
(OP)
Hello all.
I'm about to pick up a bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering. I field that I am very interested in and would most probably enjoy working in.
The choice had always been between nuclear and electrical, and I had choosen nuclear because I thought it would make me stand out.
However I was forced to take an electrical course during my time here (just so I know the basics) and I loved it. I went on to take the follow up of that course and another EE course (both of which were not required).
Now I really love EE. The classes that I have taken I have really enjoyed.
I have a few questions to the engineers who would know:
- How would I benifit with a Nuclear engineering degree and an Electrical engineering degree?
- Would just any job say it would be okay to work and go to school. Or go to work, take time off school, and then go to work? (For a degree that probably has nothing to do with them)
- Would it be easier and more benificial to get a masters in nuclear engineering while working? (Many have suggested this)
- How are most companies about continuing your education?
I'm definetly willing (and used to) putting in the extra hours and effort to pull this off.
I'm thinking hard about this and would like any and all suggestions.
I will get this degree, sooner or later, so not doing it is not an option for me.
Thank you!
I'm about to pick up a bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering. I field that I am very interested in and would most probably enjoy working in.
The choice had always been between nuclear and electrical, and I had choosen nuclear because I thought it would make me stand out.
However I was forced to take an electrical course during my time here (just so I know the basics) and I loved it. I went on to take the follow up of that course and another EE course (both of which were not required).
Now I really love EE. The classes that I have taken I have really enjoyed.
I have a few questions to the engineers who would know:
- How would I benifit with a Nuclear engineering degree and an Electrical engineering degree?
- Would just any job say it would be okay to work and go to school. Or go to work, take time off school, and then go to work? (For a degree that probably has nothing to do with them)
- Would it be easier and more benificial to get a masters in nuclear engineering while working? (Many have suggested this)
- How are most companies about continuing your education?
I'm definetly willing (and used to) putting in the extra hours and effort to pull this off.
I'm thinking hard about this and would like any and all suggestions.
I will get this degree, sooner or later, so not doing it is not an option for me.
Thank you!





RE: Second engineering degree?
But, I have very little experience in the nuclear field.
Chris
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RE: Second engineering degree?
But I'm curious about having both.
RE: Second engineering degree?
If I could, I would definitely get an electrical engineering degree.
RE: Second engineering degree?
It may be true that you dabble with this and that but if something seriously needs to be done, they have electrical engineers for that.
How would it help me in: salary, job placement, advancement, things like this.
Would a job be readily okay, and willing to work with me, when I claim to want a EE, or would they say get lost. I'm curious if anyone out there knows answers to these concerns.
RE: Second engineering degree?
RE: Second engineering degree?
For example, I get a call from a the utilities engineer (mechanical) retired and rather than replace him, they moved an electrical engineer into his place. He knows nothing about mechanical engineering but he is in charge of sizing cooling towers, HVAC systems, chillers, compressed air systems, boiler operation, etc. If someone had been available who was an EE and ME, he would have likely gotten the promotion. Things like this happen all over.
I agree with COEngineer. Get a graduate degree in EE. There is a demand out there for people with multiple degrees, that means better chance for higher salary, advancement, etc.
RE: Second engineering degree?
RE: Second engineering degree?
Cheers
Greg Locock
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: Second engineering degree?
I can understand this and have been told this before. Would you agree with the statement that getting a MS in electrical engineering would be a good investment? Or is any education that deviates from my main one (nuclear) a poor investment?
Newfella:
Now that you have flexibility after all this time, I'm thinking to myself, to do this there must be opportunity costs. If you had to do it all over again, would you do it the same way?
RE: Second engineering degree?
I think having more than one B.S. in Engineering is simply a waste of time/money.
In a perfect world, I think the engineering world would be better served if Engineering diciplines were only choosen at a graduate level. Opps, I'm getting off the OP subject. Sorry.
RE: Second engineering degree?
Cheers
Greg Locock
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: Second engineering degree?
Jason
RE: Second engineering degree?
Only a few questions I had thought of are:
How exactly would I be able to jump from a BS in nuclear to a MS in electrical. I don't expect anyone to know this but, I'm thinking out loud.
One thing that depresses me is that I'll miss all the fun 200-400 level classes in electrical. I really do enjoy this stuff.
I guess years down the road, some get their corvettes, I'll just get my EE.
RE: Second engineering degree?
Also, if you play this right, you won't have to give up on your corvette to get your MSEE. Just go to work for a company that will pay for it. Good luck.
Jason
RE: Second engineering degree?
To earn a BSEE would be straightforward; you already have a number of credits that would apply directly to the EE. If you insist on having a masters, get it in business or other related field.
RE: Second engineering degree?
The cost of education and the loss of the 3 or 4 years salary would far outweigh any benefits.
If you are only part way through your course then you may be able to transfer over to electrical. I would advise this rather than 2 separate degrees.
RE: Second engineering degree?
RE: Second engineering degree?
If this works out you may be able to do your masters in electrical after some years of experience. Talk to a university advisor about this.
RE: Second engineering degree?
csd72: It would only take 1.5 years to finish. However this in itself is a big opportunity cost. I want to work in the nuclear industry but I also love this electrical stuff. Somehow someway I want to do both, at the same time. Most probably impossible. If anyone knows anything about this, please let me know.
KENAT: Yeah, it's a little late, :) I have all the credits I need to leave, but I'm here doing some elctrical classes.
RE: Second engineering degree?
I have a degree in nuclear engineering. I don't know how yours was based but it required me to take senior level courses in power and instrumentation although my base discipline was mechanical.
Now I work as a design engineer for a utility. I am responsible for process/instrumentation design. I leave the power concepts to another for resource-sake. I would say get your MScEE if you want to get into that work. The pure nuclear engineers I work with stay in the reactor safety, fuel physics.....if you want to design the nuts and bolts you need a specialty to get the chance.
Good luck.
Frank "Grimey" Grimes
Rule 25. of Swanson's "Unwritten Rules of Management"
Have fun at what you do. It will reflect in your work. No one likes a grump except another grump.
RE: Second engineering degree?
Also, 42 hours to complete a BSEE...do some online looking and find some MSEE programs. They should have listed the types of prerequisites they require and if they don't call. There is probably only 8-12 hours of classes you HAVE to have to start on the MSEE. In the time it would take you to finish your BSEE, you could have the prerequisites and a MSEE, which will be much more worth your time than a second BS.
Good luck.
RE: Second engineering degree?
I'd recommend what many others have, get your MSEE. That will benefit you more immediately and in the long run.
I will also vote for obtaining the PE but for nuclear and EE. A PE will open doors for you that otherwise will be shut.
I would also vote for going straight through school for the master's. That is the voice of experience. You'll gain a higher starting salary with your MSEE.
I do instrumentation and controls and love it. It is a fascinating and ever changing field. However, if you have your eyes on management, even project management, many companies will look over you in favor of a mechanical or civil engineer. If you desire management eventually, I would suggest taking some business courses at some point and ensuring you gain experience in other areas of your company.