Words of wisdom/suggestions for ME returning to school for grad work
Words of wisdom/suggestions for ME returning to school for grad work
(OP)
I am in the (very) early stages of investigating the options for returning to school for graduate study in the field of mechanical engineering. My undergraduate degree is also in mechanical engineering, which was obtained about 5 years ago. I would like more technical training in my professional work, which typically involves a mixed bag of design issues (material stresses, joint design, material specifications, ect).
I am interested in part time study so that I can continue working. I am also open to considering online classes. My goals are to increase my technical ability in my professional career. As of yet I have not developed a specific interest, and would potentially be interested in more general study if possible.
Does anyone have suggestions for graduate study in the field of mechanical engineering related to part time and/or online course work?
I am interested in part time study so that I can continue working. I am also open to considering online classes. My goals are to increase my technical ability in my professional career. As of yet I have not developed a specific interest, and would potentially be interested in more general study if possible.
Does anyone have suggestions for graduate study in the field of mechanical engineering related to part time and/or online course work?





RE: Words of wisdom/suggestions for ME returning to school for grad work
RE: Words of wisdom/suggestions for ME returning to school for grad work
Given your OP interests/design specs. (issues), why not consider a Structural Engineering Masters? With courses in Advances Strength of Materials, Theory of Elasticity, Materials Testing Methods, Materials Sciences (metallurgy, etc.); Structures, maybe including Shells and Pressure Vessels, Welding, Machine and Equipment Design; Fabricating and Manufacturing methods, and of course various software applications and methods, etc. Some programs will let you tailor most of your courses to build your own program. And, that might lean more toward becoming a good practical, well rounded, engineer, rather than some specific advanced degree, by whatever name. This mixed bag will be from several different university departments, and many of these kinds of courses aren't taught every quarter, or in night school. I've often wondered if having the advanced degree (sheep skin) was as important as being the better engineer you would be for having taken the advanced course work and then show what you can do. Masters degrees and Ph.D's. can sorta be a dime a dozen, and many of them couldn't engineer their way out of a paper bag which was open at both ends, and they would need a big computer and FEA software to even make that attempt.
RE: Words of wisdom/suggestions for ME returning to school for grad work
For me, the upper level graduate classes is when a some of my undergrad stuff came together. I've said in previous posts on the subject, I can still remember the point in Numerical/Analytical Techniques for Engineers class when several semesters of finally all merged in an "aha" moment and I understood WHY the analysis was done that way.
Am I glad I did the work to get my MS? Yes, it has given me a good background and opened up opportunities for promotion that would have taken me much longer to qualify for at work. Would I do it again if I had really known going into it how much work it would be? I can't definitely say yes to that. When I started, I had one new baby. By the time I was done, I had 3 kids. It was very difficult to juggle work, school and family. My wife was very supportive. Good luck with your decision.
RE: Words of wisdom/suggestions for ME returning to school for grad work
Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Words of wisdom/suggestions for ME returning to school for grad work
That coursework always benefited me, as my contemporaries with BS degrees had not been exposed to it. Segway 27 years down the road and I found 2 schools with structural MS programs (there are plenty more now). I got started and found that I could only take 1 class at a time while juggling work and family. Had some semesters when there was nothing being offered that I wanted. Still in 6+ years I got my degree, learned a lot about computer analysis that had greatly evolved, and know that it made me a better engineer.
At the same time, I knew a young EE that was in a similar program and was taking 2 classes per semester because he had promised his wife that he would get this behind him so they could start their family.
There is no distinction on my MS diploma that indicates that this was from Distance Education in lieu of being on campus. About the only downside is that it was out-of-state tuition.
gjc
RE: Words of wisdom/suggestions for ME returning to school for grad work
RE: Words of wisdom/suggestions for ME returning to school for grad work
You have to return to school with an open mind, and above all.. understand you have to pass that professor's tests...
RE: Words of wisdom/suggestions for ME returning to school for grad work
Truth is probably somewhere between the 2, but just saying.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Words of wisdom/suggestions for ME returning to school for grad work
But you still have to pass that professor's test. And arguing with them only antagonizes most professor's and eats up valuable class time.
You have to play the game to win.
RE: Words of wisdom/suggestions for ME returning to school for grad work
As an undergrad I would have entirely agreed with your point of view.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Words of wisdom/suggestions for ME returning to school for grad work
I had to drop the program and re-evaluate where I wanted to be because of that. Because going forward meant following the program they had set out for me. I had no option of switching to another grad advisor, or to another project. Thanks to the new graduate department head and I not having a strong relationship.
You can argue with academics all you want, till youre blue in the face...but it comes down to doing what they want if you want a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD.