Advantages of a PhD in Aerospace Engineering over just a B.S./M.S.?
Advantages of a PhD in Aerospace Engineering over just a B.S./M.S.?
(OP)
Hi Everyone:
I am an aerospace engineering student at a top engineering university, getting a Masters degree. I was offered to stick around for a PhD, since my funding was extended. However, I'm wondering if there is an practical benefits in spending an extra 3-4 years getting a PhD, as opposed to spending 3-4 years as a practicing engineer in industry (and making much more money).
I typically hear that there are very little benefits in getting a PhD, when compared to getting Masters degree and working immediately. I have even heard that getting a PhD can make you less marketable and you're considered to be over-specialized.
Here are some of the questions I have:
1) Does a PhD in Aerospace Engineering open up doors to high level management positions?
2) What type of jobs are available to doctorate olders that aren't available to the rest?
3) How to salaries of doctorate holders (in aerospace and similar industries) compare to others?
4) Do engineers with a PhD have more or less job security than others?
5) I feel like spending 3-4 years in academia publishing (and coding and working with software) is good, but LESS effective then 3-4 years actually working as a practicing engineer. Is the 3-4 years spent on a PhD wasted time?
A lot of people on this forum have great careers and experience, and your input would be appreciated.
Thanks!
I am an aerospace engineering student at a top engineering university, getting a Masters degree. I was offered to stick around for a PhD, since my funding was extended. However, I'm wondering if there is an practical benefits in spending an extra 3-4 years getting a PhD, as opposed to spending 3-4 years as a practicing engineer in industry (and making much more money).
I typically hear that there are very little benefits in getting a PhD, when compared to getting Masters degree and working immediately. I have even heard that getting a PhD can make you less marketable and you're considered to be over-specialized.
Here are some of the questions I have:
1) Does a PhD in Aerospace Engineering open up doors to high level management positions?
2) What type of jobs are available to doctorate olders that aren't available to the rest?
3) How to salaries of doctorate holders (in aerospace and similar industries) compare to others?
4) Do engineers with a PhD have more or less job security than others?
5) I feel like spending 3-4 years in academia publishing (and coding and working with software) is good, but LESS effective then 3-4 years actually working as a practicing engineer. Is the 3-4 years spent on a PhD wasted time?
A lot of people on this forum have great careers and experience, and your input would be appreciated.
Thanks!





RE: Advantages of a PhD in Aerospace Engineering over just a B.S./M.S.?
I don't think sol in fact, I think it's the exact opposite. What's the point of getting an advanced degree if you're going to do management?
2) What type of jobs are available to doctorate olders that aren't available to the rest?
Generally, that would be research and academic positions
4) Do engineers with a PhD have more or less job security than others?
Depends. If the R&D positions get whacked, the PhDs are more likely to get whacked, compared to if regular jobs are whacked. Typically, in downturns, research gets whacked harder than other jobs, since they are the least likely to produce immediate revenue.
5) I feel like spending 3-4 years in academia publishing (and coding and working with software) is good, but LESS effective then 3-4 years actually working as a practicing engineer. Is the 3-4 years spent on a PhD wasted time?
Depends on what you what to do. If you are looking for a research position, then a PhD may be necessary condition.
TTFN

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RE: Advantages of a PhD in Aerospace Engineering over just a B.S./M.S.?
RE: Advantages of a PhD in Aerospace Engineering over just a B.S./M.S.?
Get a PhD in no more than 3 years learn as much as you can if doable and than hide it completely from your resume whereas possible of course (find some excuse like a long break after graduation or another story - at least try to not trigger a question from recruiter). Show only the master to recruiters.
Then join industry in a engineer position but do not talk about your PhD. Build up between 5-8 years experience as Engineer.
At that point when you apply for future jobs, you apply as an Engineer and then show your PhD and write in bold. During interview the interviewer will have no excuse to focus specifically on your PhD and try to block you as at that point it is fair to say you are recognized to be have a solid Engineering background and references.
RE: Advantages of a PhD in Aerospace Engineering over just a B.S./M.S.?
It is true that when applying for positions that do not require the PhD in industry (which is the majority of them), the employers may ask you "so, why the PhD? will you jump ship once something better comes along?".
However, if you really want to work in the industry and you can show the transferable skills into the job (there are many), you can promote your PhD as some extra skills and experience compared to the next guy.
After all, soon everyone will have a masters and you need a way to differentiate yourself.
Check out this thread http://eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=347499
Also, I feel that if you move up in the company, doctorate gives you (and the company) more credibility and professionalism. Similar to having P.Eng. or not (of course I mean this as an indirect comparison).
Bottom line when applying is to answer that question above really well and they will for sure be interested in you.
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." L. da Vinci
- Gian
RE: Advantages of a PhD in Aerospace Engineering over just a B.S./M.S.?
http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=156572
Maui
www.EngineeringMetallurgy.com
RE: Advantages of a PhD in Aerospace Engineering over just a B.S./M.S.?
Be smart about industrial positions and things will work out great.
Compensation wise, you may not see a big difference at the beginning of your career. But later, you will be glad you got that degree.
Cheers,
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." L. da Vinci
- Gian
RE: Advantages of a PhD in Aerospace Engineering over just a B.S./M.S.?
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." L. da Vinci
- Gian
RE: Advantages of a PhD in Aerospace Engineering over just a B.S./M.S.?
Possible exceptions are defense research organizations - especially some of the govt labs etc. Also to reach the senior positions in some analysis departments, such as structure or aero, of large organizations it may be of use - however generally for management roles it wouldn't be a positive and may sometimes be a negative.
I'm now out of aero/defense and in scientific instrumentation/nanotechnology & having a Phd is often a plus - most of our recent hires have Phd's, though I'm not sure their pay is particularly impressive or much higher than bachelors with equivalent experience.
Now, whether that Phd actually makes them better engineers than folks without the Phd, well that's another matter entirely. Sadly my experience with Phd's at this place has reduced my opinion of them. Not to say there haven't been some very smart & impressive ones - like my current manager. However, many of them don't seem any better (sometimes worse) than those of us with Bachelors or Masters not just in the day to day nitty gritty but even in the more blue skies stuff.
Also several of our VP's & directors have Phds though I'm far from convinced it necessarily makes them better leaders.
[Full disclosure, I'm pretty much bringing up the bottom of the bell curve in our engineering department these days but I have certain applied skills & abilities that have kept me around so far. So take anything I say to impugn those better qualified than me with an appropriate pinch of salt.]
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Advantages of a PhD in Aerospace Engineering over just a B.S./M.S.?
www.EngineeringMetallurgy.com
RE: Advantages of a PhD in Aerospace Engineering over just a B.S./M.S.?
I do not know if this will influence the discussion at all but here is some more info:
1) The PhD would be funded
2) I am a US citizen
3) The University is well regarded in Aero Engineering (Purdue)
RE: Advantages of a PhD in Aerospace Engineering over just a B.S./M.S.?
Dan - Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com