difference between MCE and MS structural

[zaes73]

I am wondering what is the main difference between a "MCE ( master of civil engineering ) with specialization in Structrual engineering" and MS Master of science in structural engineering, and M.E. Master of Engineering (civil engineering with specialization in structural engineering.

which one is the best ? if one wants to go for a masters degree. ?

 

[CJJS]

I have never heard of MCE or M.E. My university only offered MS. It was an excellent program. My guess is the degree designation is specific to each university. Just make sure they are ABET accredited whichever program it is. You can search ABET website for accredited programs.

http://www.abet.org

 

[RARWOOD]

Some schools only offer MSCE degrees where other schools offer MSSE degrees. I have a MSCE degree from the UNiversity of Iowa, however all my graduate course work was in structural engineering.

I don't think the degree name is important. What would be more important is the University you attend and that only to a small extent. A poor student with a degree from MIT would be of less value to an employer than a good student from almost any other engineering school.

 

[ARLORD]

I don't think there is a difference. Technically, my degrees are BS & MS in civil engineering. However, I use civil when referring to my BS but I never use civil when referring to my MS, I use MS in structural engineering. All my graduate engineering courses were structural. Personally I don't like being refered as a civil. Most schools offer structural engineering through the civil engr department. I think structural should be a separate department, with its own BS & MS degrees.

 

[structuralaggie]

The main difference is probably whether or not you have to do a thesis. I did the non-thesis option and my university called it Master of Engineering. The Master of Science was the thesis option.

My old boss had Master of Science on his diploma from Berkley (I think) but he also did the non-thesis option. I think Master of Engineering there was the thesis option. Different schools call it different things.

If you are planning on getting a PhD, it would probably be best to go the thesis route. In my case, the non-thesis was a much quicker route and allowed me to take more electives. I don't think many employers would think one was better than the other.

 

[shin25]

I also agree with structuralaggie. I did non thesis options. This was the quickest way for me to finish my MS. My course work was in structural but, yet my degree is master of sceince in civil engineering

 

[UcfSE]

At my university, you can get MSCE or MS. The MSCE takes you through more of the breadth of civil engineering, while the intent of the MS is to focus more on one branch. There are options in there, of course. Both are offered in thesis or nonthesis options.

 

[zaes73]

MCE stands for "Master of Civil engineering"; intregued by the advertizment in the magazine "Civil Engineering" which all the A.S.C.E. members recieve i am considering taking this Distance learning program at Norwich University, I too had only heard of M.Sce ( master of science, civil engineering) and M.Ece (Master of Engineering, civil engineering). both with the option of core subject that would be "structures".

so this M.C.E program was new to me too, the university tells me all the good stuff about it, but i am still not sure enough to make a dicision. I certainly cant go back to regular university with life stuck in three kids and a wife.

and i certainly feel the need of Masters degree !

 

[zaes73]

-CJSchwartz i think ABET accredits is only of BS BE programs.

 

[FSS]

I have both Master of Science and a Master of Engineering degrees. Both are engineering degrees and I would be hard pressed to describe a difference in the academics. Different schools have different ways of describing things, although maybe an academic type could shed some light on subtle differences.

I had to look up on the wall to see which one was which. That should tell you how important the difference is.

 

[Dinosaur]

As for the question, Which one is better? ... It is the student, not the degree that makes that distinction. I have a BS and an ME in Civil Engineering. Most of my 400 level BS work was in a structures related subject. All my masters degree work was related to structures. I also refer to my masters level work as "My Masters in Structural." But, I have worked with several fellows with masters degrees and others without. Half of the masters guys were not worth a damn, as well as three-quarters of the bachelors level guys. It is not the degree or the school that makes the man.

 

[haynewp]

I don't think it matters much the title of the degree unless you want to get a PhD then you need to write a thesis. I went back and got an MS. It helps but I believe it comes down to the individual. I think a very smart person can be a great engineer with just a few basic classes and the right amount of desire. But some employers expect a graduate degree in structural now so...