Choosing Graduate Schools 4

[grneggsnham]

Just received my acceptance letters from stanford, berkeley and UC Irvine's master of envioronmental engineering science. Unfortunately Stanford and berkeely did not offer me any finanical aid for the masters program. UC Irvine on the other hand has given me a fullride for the masters program. I'm having a difficult time choosing what school I should go for. Since I'm not pursuing my PhD, would it matter what school I went to for my masters? Does anyone know how much more employers are more likely to pay an stanford or berkeley graduate compared to other schools like UC Irvine? Is it worth it to pay $33,000 of tution a year at stanford, even though their environmental engineering program is ranked number one in the nation? Berkeley's tuition is considerable cheaper and they are ranked number 2 in the nation, right now, I'm leaning towards this institution.
Also, since I did not obtain my undergrad in engineering but in environmental science, does anyone know if I will be allowed to take my EITs after I finish my master's in environmental engineering?

 

[FishScreener]

If possible, visit the campuses, and meet with your major professors and probable advisor before making the decision.

A bad department, doing research you find uninspiring, or even interesting can be a small version of hell.

 

[ChrisAust]

I've studied at some very obscure (or to be kind, 'specialist') universities, and certainly haven't found it any barrier. As Francesca mentioned, it's the topic of your thesis and the papers that you publish that will get you noticed. If Irvine can offer you an interesting and relevant thesis topic, save your cash and go there.

 

[lamojai]

BIMR brings up a very good point! I got an MS in environmental engineering with a non-engineering BS degree (i.e., geology). I took and passed the EIT, now FE, and also took the PE and passed it. After that I had a difficult time being accepted as an engineer and I also had problems getting my license in some states. SO... I went back to school and got my BS in Civil Engineering at 45. Moral of the story get the BS also because it will really help, in my opinion, down the road in your career for getting licensed and for your professional stature with your peers.

 

[civilperson]

You should take the EIT exam immediately, or sooner.