Getting a Masters Degree in Structural Engineering
Getting a Masters Degree in Structural Engineering
(OP)
I graduated with only a BS in Civil Engineering and proceeded directly into work. I've worked at consulting companies performing structural design for around 6 years. Is there any point in going back to school to get a MS?
Here is a bit of personal info for all of those who may provide insight.
1. I like design work. I enjoy working on design teams, solving problems, creating construction documents, etc.
2. I like building design.
3. I like learning new structural concepts and improving my existing knowledge. There is a lot about structural engineering that I don't know, which I am not satisfied with.
4. I like to teach, and would like to be in a position someday, professionally, where I can mentor younger engineers.
5. I can see myself working my way up the company ladder, but still want to be involved in projects.
I guess I would like to know if there is a benefit to getting a MS rather than going through textbooks myself. I understand that going to a class will allow me to learn the new info better, but it does cost a lot of money and don't know if it is worth it from that perspective. Additionally I would assume that a MS is a good resume enhancer, but I am opposed to going back for that reason.
Here is a bit of personal info for all of those who may provide insight.
1. I like design work. I enjoy working on design teams, solving problems, creating construction documents, etc.
2. I like building design.
3. I like learning new structural concepts and improving my existing knowledge. There is a lot about structural engineering that I don't know, which I am not satisfied with.
4. I like to teach, and would like to be in a position someday, professionally, where I can mentor younger engineers.
5. I can see myself working my way up the company ladder, but still want to be involved in projects.
I guess I would like to know if there is a benefit to getting a MS rather than going through textbooks myself. I understand that going to a class will allow me to learn the new info better, but it does cost a lot of money and don't know if it is worth it from that perspective. Additionally I would assume that a MS is a good resume enhancer, but I am opposed to going back for that reason.





RE: Getting a Masters Degree in Structural Engineering
RE: Getting a Masters Degree in Structural Engineering
I went back and got an MS in Structural Engineering and was very glad I did.
I was a good, but not great, undergraduate and after two years of working and growing up my return to school was a very good experience.
I was hungry to learn and the education I got there really made a huge difference in my technical abilities.
In undergraduate school I learned a lot about engineering.
In graduate school I learned engineering.
Based on your point number 4 above - I would say you definitely should consider the MS degree. Lots of light bulbs going off for me during graduate school and gave me a much more robust ability to teach and mentor younger engineers through the years. And of all the engineers I've hired there is a distinct difference in abilities and personal growth in those with the graduate degree.
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RE: Getting a Masters Degree in Structural Engineering
I have a Master's. But I can't say there's a 100% (or any) correlation between degrees and talent. If that was the case, we'd all be working for PhDs. It's more of a factor of curiosity, recall and providing results. My Master's gave me more confidence, which is a big factor, but most of the classes were very high level that don't apply day to day. Once in a while, but not as often as I'd like.
I'd never discourage anyone from pursuing another degree. But I got to (actually had to) get my MS right after by Bachelor's degree. One year more at the same place doing the same thing. I can't even remember applying. But working and going back, that's a big deal. Good luck.
RE: Getting a Masters Degree in Structural Engineering
My overall thought struggle is centered around the fact that I have been working for 6+ years. It seems like it would almost be too late to make it a productive endeavor. It would have to be a part time thing as I have family responsibilities plus the need for an income, so I would assume it would take a few years to get the degree.
Would it add anything professionally outside of an additional credential? I'm already a licensed PE and have passed the SE exam(just paperwork to push and money to throw now to get my license). Maybe I should be content with reading textbooks and being more active in my discussion of theory with other engineers. I don't know.
RE: Getting a Masters Degree in Structural Engineering
RE: Getting a Masters Degree in Structural Engineering
RE: Getting a Masters Degree in Structural Engineering
I got my MS from a Distance Learning Engineering Outreach program. I took 1 course per semester because of family and work limitations. As noted above, it took me 6.5 years but I missed one semester because of medical issues and another because there were no classes that I was interested in. The biggest advantage is the higher level courses in all of the building materials and the analysis courses in matrix analysis and FEA.
You learn much more than you were ever introduced to as an undergrad.
gjc
RE: Getting a Masters Degree in Structural Engineering
Having said that - the OP was asking about whether to get an MS degree after 6 years, etc.
One option would be to pick and choose some classes to take that would expand the OP's knowledge base, fill in any weak areas, etc.
As I said above - the MS degree certainly helped me learn how to learn and the OP here may have the ability to self-teach without a formal program.
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RE: Getting a Masters Degree in Structural Engineering
Andries
RE: Getting a Masters Degree in Structural Engineering
RE: Getting a Masters Degree in Structural Engineering
I appreciate all the comments. It looks like it is not going to be the easiest decision of mine, so we'll see where it goes!
RE: Getting a Masters Degree in Structural Engineering
If you're in a town with several schools, look around at the different offerings and vibes. Good luck with your decision.
Please remember: we're not all guys!
RE: Getting a Masters Degree in Structural Engineering
Cheers
Greg Locock
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RE: Getting a Masters Degree in Structural Engineering
I was practically in the same position you are in right now. Worked for 5 years after my BS, then decided to get my MS. Some of the classes I took felt like review courses, since most of the topics covered I already perform as part of my job responsibilities. This rang especially true in design classes. If you decide to go back to school for your MS, I would advise you to focus on taking classes that focus in theory rather than design, or to take classes that are different from your job responsibilities (Bridge Design if your company only design buildings). In the end, I am glad I went back to get my MS because it did sharpen my technical abilities and even if some of the classes felt like review courses, it at least allowed me to confirm that what I'm doing at work is right (lol... sad I know).
RE: Getting a Masters Degree in Structural Engineering
RE: Getting a Masters Degree in Structural Engineering
It's good to know you are right! Confidence in your work is very important to your ability to enjoy what you do. I've struggled with it and still do.
RE: Getting a Masters Degree in Structural Engineering
RE: Getting a Masters Degree in Structural Engineering
RE: Getting a Masters Degree in Structural Engineering
RE: Getting a Masters Degree in Structural Engineering
RE: Getting a Masters Degree in Structural Engineering
Dan - Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Getting a Masters Degree in Structural Engineering