Dual Degree Value 4

[Rnewcomb11]

Hey Everybody,

I'm new to the forum here so excuse me if there has already been a post about this.

Let me explain my situation and I hope one of you more experienced individuals will be able to give advice as to my career path.

I'm currently enrolled in a 4+1 mechanical engineering program at an ABET accredited school. I have 2 years left until I receive both my bachelors and masters in mechanical engineering. The masters will have an emphasis in energy and thermofluids. If I decided to drop the program I'll have 1 year until I receive my bachelor's in ME.

I'm curious about the value of having the 5 year degree. Will my master's in this type of program hold as much weight as the traditional 2 year master's degree that is more common?

Mainly I'm worried about how marketable I'll be as a fresh grad with no experience and a dual degree under my belt. Will it be detrimental for me to continue with the 4+1? Should I just graduate with my bachelors, work for a couple of years and then get my master's else where?

I've read some similar threads to this but they aren't exactly like my situation. Any advice/insight is appreciated.

 

[spciesla]

Considering that most students are getting their BS degrees in 5+ years, I think you are better off staying with the program. Getting both degrees in a 5 year period will tell potential employers that you are motivated. As far as being marketable, you should pursue part-time, co-op, or intern experience in an engineering capacity.

 

[GregLocock]

When applying for your first job after graduating somebody may read your transcript and understand that you didn't do a 2 year MEng, and possibly mark you down a bit for that.

By your second job all they'll see is MEng and tick the box.

Stick with it.

Cheers

Greg Locock


New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

 

[truckandbus]

Put in the effort now while you are young and Life hasn't caught up to you yet - I've too many colleagues burning the candle at both ends getting advanced degrees part-time while still coaching kid's soccer, remodel house, etc.

 

[greenone]

Finish it now.
One of the reasons for the 4+1 is so you can keep your tuition assistance-many programs won't pay for grad work, so by holding off on being awarded the bachelor's until year 5, you are still eligible for undergrad assistance.

It gets harder to go back for the Master's once you are working.

 

[SLTA]

I will say I am glad I didn't go straight through, but worked for a few years first. I had the time to learn what I didn't know, and my masters' program was WAY more practical than my undergrad, so I'm glad I went somewhere else for the second degree.

I agree that a co-op or internship would be good. If you're motivated and can stay focused for a 5th year, then fine. For me, though, I needed a bit of time between degrees to figure out how real-world engineering works, and honestly, to have a break from the constant studying.

 

[beej67]

In my experience, employers in the private sector outside of research don't pay attention to what "kind" of masters degree you have. They see "masters" and the school and that's it.

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[Rnewcomb11]

Thank you all for your replies! I think I'm going to stick it out and get the MS.