Construction Project Manager: PE, MS-CE, MLS?
Construction Project Manager: PE, MS-CE, MLS?
(OP)
Hi Everyone, I am construction project manager/estimator working for the past 5 years in this field. I actually graduated in Information Systems with a bachelors in 2006 but I ended up working in the construction industry. To further my education, I was taking bridge courses to start a master's program in civil engineering concentration construction engineering management but I am reevaluating everything and I was wondering if you guys can help me out. I have 3 options I am looking into. BTW, I am paying for everything and going to school at night.
1) MS-CE Construction Management: it will take 2 years to complete. The classes are related to my field but will it be worth the money?
2) Civil Engineer Bachelors: will take 4+ years, lot of hard work but maybe I can get PE later on.
3) Licensed Surveyor: it will take 2 years. This is my boss's first choice because it is always good to have in-house surveyor as we don't do much design work. I can also get a license later on.
Please let me know what you guys think I am really at a crossroads right now.. Please keep in mind, I plan on staying in the construction industry because I really like what I do and I get paid well :)
1) MS-CE Construction Management: it will take 2 years to complete. The classes are related to my field but will it be worth the money?
2) Civil Engineer Bachelors: will take 4+ years, lot of hard work but maybe I can get PE later on.
3) Licensed Surveyor: it will take 2 years. This is my boss's first choice because it is always good to have in-house surveyor as we don't do much design work. I can also get a license later on.
Please let me know what you guys think I am really at a crossroads right now.. Please keep in mind, I plan on staying in the construction industry because I really like what I do and I get paid well :)





RE: Construction Project Manager: PE, MS-CE, MLS?
After being out in the field for so long, #2 becomes less practical and doable.
RE: Construction Project Manager: PE, MS-CE, MLS?
#2 is going to have a pretty high risk of failure because the longer you've been out of school the harder it is to go back and engineering is no picnic even at the best of times. Do some older people get engineering degrees? Sure, but the odds-makers in Vegas would put out a pretty steep line against someone in their 30's going back and successfully completing an engineering degree while working.
#3 would be very practical and is something more people are able to accomplish while working full time. It also sounds like your current employer would value it, always a plus.
http://www.linkedin.com/in/gregtirevold
RE: Construction Project Manager: PE, MS-CE, MLS?
http://www.linkedin.com/in/gregtirevold
RE: Construction Project Manager: PE, MS-CE, MLS?
RE: Construction Project Manager: PE, MS-CE, MLS?
My sister has no need for an engineering degree, and other than some certs, has never even considered going back to school. Sometimes she takes classes to remain up to speed on current constrution advances, but they are usually company sponsored.
An engineering degree or surveyor will take you in a different direction from a PM.
RE: Construction Project Manager: PE, MS-CE, MLS?
Doing a PE is just going to be really tough right now. I am really busy with work and I don't think I will keep up. What sucks is all the classes I took for my masters like statics, strength of materials, structural design and soil mechanics don't transfer into my university's bachelors program because those classes are not calculus based. They are however acceptable for the masters program.
Surveying which is recommended by my boss I can get but like Maury said I have to work under a surveyor to get the license and I don't know how to get while working for my company. I live in New Jersey btw.
RE: Construction Project Manager: PE, MS-CE, MLS?
Forget about the PMI-useless.
Start looking for jobs where you actually manage projects. Most jobs where your a project manager/estimator are not project management. The person you and the site project superintendant work fo is a project manager.
RE: Construction Project Manager: PE, MS-CE, MLS?
Just another idea. You might be able to land some letters after your name with no additional college.
Of the options mentioned above, I'd go for the masters degree.
Hydrology, Drainage Analysis, Flood Studies, and Complex Stormwater Litigation for Atlanta and the South East - http://www.campbellcivil.com
RE: Construction Project Manager: PE, MS-CE, MLS?
RE: Construction Project Manager: PE, MS-CE, MLS?
RE: Construction Project Manager: PE, MS-CE, MLS?