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Master of Science Mechanical Engineering Program?
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GregLocock
Automotive
It seems slightly odd that anybody who wants a /great/ engineering degree would write off MIT on the basis of an hour's travel a day.
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Greg Locock
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Greg Locock
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
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Have you considered or looked at distance learning programs for Master's degrees? Georgia Tech has had a program for several years, as does University of Missouri-Rolla, Kansas State University, Idaho State University and many others. You'll need to do a lot of research because the programs differ greatly in their offering. For example, the Georgia Tech program offers very little in the way of thermal sciences, which was my concentration so that program was out for me. You'll also want to look at the other programs that are offered because you may want to take a few classes from outside ME to broaden your experience. If your options are limited, you might not get all you want out of your program.
I recently completed my MS through distance learning while working full time and raising a family. The flexibility of the programs are great when you are facing other commitments. Most of my classes were videotaped on campus and delivered to me on video or DVD to watch. I took the same exams and completed the same homework as on-campus students, talked with the professors, etc. The only difference was I didn't have to drive to campus or attend a regularly scheduled lecture. Having the lectures recorded also meant I could rewatch anything I didn't understand. It was truly a worthwhile learning experience. You do really need to consider the future as well because it will probably take you 3-4 years to complete the program part time. When I started the program, I had no children. When I finished, I had 3 boys. That made the last few semesters difficult because I wanted to spend more time playing and less time studying so you really need to get your wife on board with you to encourage and motivate. Good luck with your decision.
I recently completed my MS through distance learning while working full time and raising a family. The flexibility of the programs are great when you are facing other commitments. Most of my classes were videotaped on campus and delivered to me on video or DVD to watch. I took the same exams and completed the same homework as on-campus students, talked with the professors, etc. The only difference was I didn't have to drive to campus or attend a regularly scheduled lecture. Having the lectures recorded also meant I could rewatch anything I didn't understand. It was truly a worthwhile learning experience. You do really need to consider the future as well because it will probably take you 3-4 years to complete the program part time. When I started the program, I had no children. When I finished, I had 3 boys. That made the last few semesters difficult because I wanted to spend more time playing and less time studying so you really need to get your wife on board with you to encourage and motivate. Good luck with your decision.
whotmewory
Mechanical
Hey Steve!
Are you a PE yet?
I PRIMARILY ask because as professionals and also as adults with families we we are taught early and expected in our professions do perform even the most rudimentary Cost Benefit Analyses about so many things in our profession. Overe these past years, I've become rather stunned at the number of relatives,, friends, and acquaintances I have met who have lept into the time and expense of earning a Masters without considering for more than ten minutes what the payback is.
For some it's prestige and I understand this, but seems to me you might want to know what it will get you. A lot of employers don't give a rat's pattoty about an MS and they CERTAINLY aren't too easily convinced that paying you more $$$ simply because you have MS after your name when your position with them doesn't demand it.
I ALSO ask about the PE because I am of the impression that [when I get mine next Spring - hooyah!] it will net me more impressive reasons for a raise and promotion AND I'll be able to job myself out or start a consulting firm or business AND write engineering books if I want.
What's your take?
Chris in NC
Are you a PE yet?
I PRIMARILY ask because as professionals and also as adults with families we we are taught early and expected in our professions do perform even the most rudimentary Cost Benefit Analyses about so many things in our profession. Overe these past years, I've become rather stunned at the number of relatives,, friends, and acquaintances I have met who have lept into the time and expense of earning a Masters without considering for more than ten minutes what the payback is.
For some it's prestige and I understand this, but seems to me you might want to know what it will get you. A lot of employers don't give a rat's pattoty about an MS and they CERTAINLY aren't too easily convinced that paying you more $$$ simply because you have MS after your name when your position with them doesn't demand it.
I ALSO ask about the PE because I am of the impression that [when I get mine next Spring - hooyah!] it will net me more impressive reasons for a raise and promotion AND I'll be able to job myself out or start a consulting firm or business AND write engineering books if I want.
What's your take?
Chris in NC
As whotmewory said,
A simple cost analysis will also tell you whether you should go the PE route. If you are in a "product" branch of engineering, the cost of having a PE will in time excede the benefit. You will see no $$ benefit from your employer. You will take on the cost of maintaining your liscense. You will bring personal exposure of legal liability to yourself and your family.
My suggestion is look at the industry you are in... and if you want to stay industry, see how others before you have gone.
Also, talking you your boss about these kind of issues helps as well (amazingly enough). They are many times supportive. I have even heard of some companies paying for your graduate program, and giving you time off (paid) to complete it (but these are usually for programs that are a cross of technology and business, with you then moving into a management roll).
Wes C.
------------------------------
There are no engineers in the hottest parts of hell, because the existence of a 'hottest part' implies a temperature difference, and any marginally competent engineer would immediately use this to run a heat engine and make some other part of hell comfortably cool. This is obviously impossible.
A simple cost analysis will also tell you whether you should go the PE route. If you are in a "product" branch of engineering, the cost of having a PE will in time excede the benefit. You will see no $$ benefit from your employer. You will take on the cost of maintaining your liscense. You will bring personal exposure of legal liability to yourself and your family.
My suggestion is look at the industry you are in... and if you want to stay industry, see how others before you have gone.
Also, talking you your boss about these kind of issues helps as well (amazingly enough). They are many times supportive. I have even heard of some companies paying for your graduate program, and giving you time off (paid) to complete it (but these are usually for programs that are a cross of technology and business, with you then moving into a management roll).
Wes C.
------------------------------
There are no engineers in the hottest parts of hell, because the existence of a 'hottest part' implies a temperature difference, and any marginally competent engineer would immediately use this to run a heat engine and make some other part of hell comfortably cool. This is obviously impossible.
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