Environmental Engineer but want to pursue Civil/Structural 2

[jackindersingh]

Hello All,
I am going to make this post short as possible- I am an environmental engineer and matriculated my degree in environmental engineering. I did not study in the Civil discipline and as per the environmental curriculum , I did not take the following courses: Statics, Deformable bodies, soil mechanics, steel design, FEA. In the future I want to be a practicing structural/civil engineer and work for a firm that specializes in that field. I currently reside in NY state, and per my discussion with the state, NY state is not a discipline specific state for Engineering Licensure (PE). I still plan on taking my PE in environmental engineering given I am familiar with the subject, and plan on self studying the subjects mentioned above to make a case that I am competent to work in the structural engineering industry. What advice do you have for me? Should I pursue a masters in Structural engineering and take those pre-reqs mentioned above ( I would do an online masters btw) or should I just study and get familiar with the Structural material on the side ( whilst pursuing my Env PE). Please advise. Finance is a big aspect for me as well to make this determination.

Also btw I make 90-100K at the moment working as a "coastal engineer" for the public sector.

 

[jhnblgr]

you should take the classes that are typical of civil engineering programs. The classes you listed are critical to the fundamental understanding. If you understand the fundamentals you can go from there.

Statics, strength of materials, soil mechanics, structural analysis, concrete and steel design.

what is your motivation to get into the structural field and do you plan on doing vertical or horizontal projects?

Field experience is key to structural engineering and being able to visualize load paths and connections.

 

[pointsman]

A masters degree isn't a bad idea if you plan on making this your career. Imagine that one day you be on the job market again -- will a potential future employer take you at your word that you self-studied effectively? A masters degree would go a long way towards resolving those doubts.