Which sub-discipline in mechanical to pursue?
Which sub-discipline in mechanical to pursue?
(OP)
A little about myself... I am a fairly recent graduate (summer 06') with BSME. I worked in the HVAC/controls industry for a short while before I decided to give patent law a try and went to USPTO and experienced first hand patent law is not for me (pretty boring stuff). So now I'm thinking about going to grad school but don't know which area to specialize in. I'm thinking either HVAC, Fire protection, or Structural
Seems University of Maryland and WPI are the only two schools that offer master's in fire protection. Job outlook is good from what I hear because of new regulation and laws. Can anyone chime in about salary, job satisfaction and advancements? Is this a respectable engineering field?
Also, should I pursue the thesis or the technical mater's program? I'm thinking thesis would be useless unless I decide to do PhD.
What are some good schools for HVAC or structural programs?
Thanks for all the help
Seems University of Maryland and WPI are the only two schools that offer master's in fire protection. Job outlook is good from what I hear because of new regulation and laws. Can anyone chime in about salary, job satisfaction and advancements? Is this a respectable engineering field?
Also, should I pursue the thesis or the technical mater's program? I'm thinking thesis would be useless unless I decide to do PhD.
What are some good schools for HVAC or structural programs?
Thanks for all the help





RE: Which sub-discipline in mechanical to pursue?
My 2 cents,
MPE engineer, JPR
RE: Which sub-discipline in mechanical to pursue?
RE: Which sub-discipline in mechanical to pursue?
-- MechEng2005
RE: Which sub-discipline in mechanical to pursue?
Any objections about bio-med eng'g? If I had it to do over, that's where I would go. I don't think the medical side has much ups and downs.
RE: Which sub-discipline in mechanical to pursue?
Chris
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RE: Which sub-discipline in mechanical to pursue?
RE: Which sub-discipline in mechanical to pursue?
RE: Which sub-discipline in mechanical to pursue?
I might get started working to get my PE and then have my employer pay for the Masters if you really want one.
RE: Which sub-discipline in mechanical to pursue?
Look at the price of energy and how much energy buildings use, and see that your career will be much in demand with this type of background.
RE: Which sub-discipline in mechanical to pursue?
Either discipline will only help you with materials background.
Chris
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 08 3.1
AutoCAD 08
ctopher's home (updated Aug 5, 2008)
ctopher's blog
SolidWorks Legion
RE: Which sub-discipline in mechanical to pursue?
What is the average salary of someone w/PE license?
GMcD, do you know any institutions that offer the courses that you mention. what are some companies/firms that are involved w/building systems consulting?
RE: Which sub-discipline in mechanical to pursue?
RE: Which sub-discipline in mechanical to pursue?
Hg
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RE: Which sub-discipline in mechanical to pursue?
RE: Which sub-discipline in mechanical to pursue?
In the Ohio PE when I took the exam, a majority of the candidates passed, but the fail rate was not negligible; something like 15-20%. I doubt that the masters made a difference. What made a difference for me was the refresher course given by the plant facility engrs. It was a life changing experience. Everybody had their short cuts and helped each other. Working a complicated looking HVAC problem on the psych chart was easy.
RE: Which sub-discipline in mechanical to pursue?
The current NCEES Model Law language contains the requirement for 30 hours post BS (they're calling it "masters or equivalent"), and more than a few states have said that they would incorporate that part of the language in their statues.
At the 2008 National Convention they decided to delay implementation until 2020. There were so many issues raised that they've created a couple of task forces to address the major issues. See http://www.ncees.org/news/index.php?release_id=37 for a discussion.
David
RE: Which sub-discipline in mechanical to pursue?
Bart Brejcha Chicago
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RE: Which sub-discipline in mechanical to pursue?
petrochem, oil & gas, mining, food, pharmaceutical, rail, water & wastewater, manufacturing, HVAC.
So if you see it as a vacation go for it but dont expect to get rich anytime soon.
RE: Which sub-discipline in mechanical to pursue?
B.Sc Bullsh*t
M Sc More sh*t
PHD Piled higher and deeper
MBA make bullsh*t an Art form
Work a couple of years in design. Then get some practical experience under your belt on a construction site or in an operating company, then go back into design. Plenty of top flight engineers without additional qualifications. Some with qualifications need a taxi to get them to work as they are not practical enough to catch the bus.
If you are good enough, someone like Esso or Shell may take you. If not work on one of their projects for the constructor. Keep your ears and eyes open. Dont be bashful about asking the tradesmen on how things work.
Dont ask a question and be dumb forever. Ask a stupid question and appear dumb for a few nano seconds, but you will never have to ask again.
RE: Which sub-discipline in mechanical to pursue?
But i HVAC a vacation? I got the impression that they were sweatshops
RE: Which sub-discipline in mechanical to pursue?
Luck is a difficult thing to verify and therefore should be tested often. - Me
RE: Which sub-discipline in mechanical to pursue?