Master of Science or Master of Engineering for Structural Engineer!
Master of Science or Master of Engineering for Structural Engineer!
(OP)
Any inputs and opinions would greatly be appreciated!!
I am debating whether to go for a Master of Science or Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering. What is the different between the two when applying for a job? Would one have more benefits than the other out in the industrial world?
I graduated with a BS in Civil Engineering and took one year off to work in the nuclear industry (structural part). And now i am going to back for my master but debating betweem MS or MEng. Thanks for your inputs!
I am debating whether to go for a Master of Science or Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering. What is the different between the two when applying for a job? Would one have more benefits than the other out in the industrial world?
I graduated with a BS in Civil Engineering and took one year off to work in the nuclear industry (structural part). And now i am going to back for my master but debating betweem MS or MEng. Thanks for your inputs!





RE: Master of Science or Master of Engineering for Structural Engineer!
Wikipedia says an MEng is more coursework-based and an MS is more research-based. That seems true for what I did.
RE: Master of Science or Master of Engineering for Structural Engineer!
RE: Master of Science or Master of Engineering for Structural Engineer!
At my university in the UK, and I think most in the UK, an MEng was a taught masters in engineering. A research masters was an MPhil - basically half a Phd.
I've got a feeling that if you went back and did a Masters through correspondence school (Open University) it may have been an MSc though.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Master of Science or Master of Engineering for Structural Engineer!
gjc
RE: Master of Science or Master of Engineering for Structural Engineer!
RE: Master of Science or Master of Engineering for Structural Engineer!
I am from the United States. And I am planning to apply to the top ten civil/structural schools (ie: mit, uiuc, uc berkley, cornel, etc). I guess it is different for each school. I will look into them.
I am not leaning towards getting a ph.d at all. I am just making sure that it is worth quitting my job to go back to school for a master for a year or two.
RE: Master of Science or Master of Engineering for Structural Engineer!
Delta Between MEng and MS
MEng vs MS
You will never regret investing in yourself through engineering education. It's a good investment for a lot of reasons!
Pamela K. Quillin, P.E.
Quillin Engineering, LLC
RE: Master of Science or Master of Engineering for Structural Engineer!
It is a great investment on yourself and you will never regret having obtained the education, just giving you a few things to think about.
RE: Master of Science or Master of Engineering for Structural Engineer!
RE: Master of Science or Master of Engineering for Structural Engineer!
If you are more interested in the "why", i.e. how stresses work at a microscopic level, that's an M.S.
If you are more interested in the "how", i.e. an advanced course on how to design a structure to withstand an earthquake, that's an M.Eng.
Those interested in an academic career should go M.S. Otherwise, I think the M.Eng. is a little more weighted towards practical knowledge. In terms of your career prospects for job procurement and advancement, M.S. and M.Eng should be equivalent. All anyone cares about is that you have a "Master's degree". Also, I'd just recommend using it as a tiebreaker... go to the best school you can get into regardless of whether it's an MS or an M.Eng track. Prestige of school WILL have an impact on your job prospects.
RE: Master of Science or Master of Engineering for Structural Engineer!
RE: Master of Science or Master of Engineering for Structural Engineer!
ME = Field/Industry
In MS, you will be required to have a Thesis. On ME, you will be required to take additional units and conduct a study or solve a problem that is related into the field of work you are into (e.g. Redesign a Pavement). Most will take ME while working.
If you want or you think you will be taking up PhD in the future, go with MS. If not, it depends if you want to research on something, etc.
If you can, study part time while working.
I'm taking up MS part-time while working, so it is feasible.
The important thing is that you are going to take up Graduate Studies not for the "Title", but because you want to learn more and help the industry/profession you are in.
RE: Master of Science or Master of Engineering for Structural Engineer!
I quit my job and did exactly what the OP is suggesting (got a MS from a top ten, under assistantship) and it opened up many more opportunities that paid better.
And for people who are saying that thesis is only for the academic career, I say you're pretty much wrong. I got more practical knowledge, industry connections, and techniques out of my research rather than sitting in classes. The non-thesis students seemed like mindless robots doing impractical homework while the thesis students actually had to think and solve problems.
RE: Master of Science or Master of Engineering for Structural Engineer!
RE: Master of Science or Master of Engineering for Structural Engineer!
I think M.Eng is the way for me. Regardless I heard both of them are challenging and required alot of work.
@MainMan10 : what you do mean by "he can end up in a more specialty position and be making more than double what he did before." How can grad students make so much? do you mean after graduation?
Top ten grad schools are mad expensive!!!!