Master of Science v. Master of Engineering
Master of Science v. Master of Engineering
(OP)
I'm considering enrolling in a masters program... I was thinking Master of Engineering (I am done with my BS and working). However, a recent thread was posted with the opinion that an MS was better than an M.Eng, that got me rethinking.
My thought was that the two are nearly the same... the only difference is the 1-3 courses (depending on school) that are replaced by a thesis in the MS program. Do employers view the two degrees differently? For someone with a BS, done with school and working, and plans to earn the degree online, which one would be more appropriate?
The two programs are advertised as the MS being for research or PhD and the M.Eng being for work experience. I'm just curious if that's how they're actually viewed outside of academia.
My thought was that the two are nearly the same... the only difference is the 1-3 courses (depending on school) that are replaced by a thesis in the MS program. Do employers view the two degrees differently? For someone with a BS, done with school and working, and plans to earn the degree online, which one would be more appropriate?
The two programs are advertised as the MS being for research or PhD and the M.Eng being for work experience. I'm just curious if that's how they're actually viewed outside of academia.





RE: Master of Science v. Master of Engineering
RE: Master of Science v. Master of Engineering
Most companies, I don't think, care about the nuances of your degree, just:
> Are you qualified and can you do the job being applied for?
> Are you going to be disatisfied with the job and bail in short order?
> Is your salary commensurate with what they are offering?
> Do you present yourself well?
> Are you sufficiently articulate to demonstrate competency?
> Are you actually knowledgeable in your discipline?
TTFN
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RE: Master of Science v. Master of Engineering
In the UK for a 'taught' masters, MEng is more common in engineering. In face an MS is pretty rare unless things have changed since my time in school.
On the other hand MPhil are fairly common for researched based Masters.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Master of Science v. Master of Engineering
Did the extra 2 or 3 classes make a difference? I can't really say, but the whole program made me a much better technical engineer as my BS degree came in the era of main frame computers on campus and slide rules for classroom calculations.
The M. Eng. degree (Dec. 2006) really forced me to become computer literate and that has been a big plus back in the real world.
Financially it really has not made a difference. No raise or promotion upon the completion. I ended up working for 3 different employers in the time it took me to get the degree and 2 of the 3 did reimburse me for my tuition and book costs. My present employer did not, but by then I was 90+% done and I wasn't going to quit the program just because it was not being reimbursed.
As the others have said - your choice really depends on what your future plans are. The M. Eng. degree may limit future options to some extent.
Good Luck!
gjc
RE: Master of Science v. Master of Engineering
I'm with IRStuff. Go with what you need from the program. If there's any possibility you might want to go on for a PhD, then do the MS. If you're quite sure you won't, then go with whatever program aligns most closely with your interests.
Hg
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RE: Master of Science v. Master of Engineering
I don't expect my salary to increase significantly. I am mostly considering it for personal interest and because my employer will reimburse education. I'll give it some thought and decide which I'd prefer.
RE: Master of Science v. Master of Engineering
RE: Master of Science v. Master of Engineering
To be entirely honest, as an employer, I wouldn't care if you had an MSc, MTech, MPhil, PHD, MEng or any other post-grad qualification unless you had a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate the work you undertook at post-grad level. A thesis or research project demonstrates an ability to investigate, analyse and present data to your future or current employers. I think any masters programme that does not involve a thesis or project should be avoided..
RE: Master of Science v. Master of Engineering
MPhil was effectively half a Phd or something like that, entirely research/project based.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?