Master in Energy Systems Engineering 1

[RedEngineer123]

Hello everyone,
I was accepted to this program at UIUC for Masters in Energy Systems Engineering with a certificate in Energy Systems Engineering. I will be doing the energy in the built environment track. This program is one year.

http://mechanical.illinois.edu/grad...eering-certificate-energy-systems-engineering

I am considering applying to the Masters in Energy Engineering program for this Fall at University of Illinois-Chicago. This program is a two year masters program.

Here is the link to their program:

http://www.mie.uic.edu/programs/mee.htm

1. Some background about myself: I graduated with a BSCEE (Civil and Environmental Engineering) from a top school last year 2012, and I have been working for a small civil engineering contractor. After working for half a year, I decided I really want to work something more related to my interests in undergrad which were energy efficient buildings and renewable energy. Also, since I want to get a masters eventually, I wanted to do it this year were I still remember how to be a student.

2. I have read a previous thread on the subject: thread731-248145, and wondered if anyone has thoughts about the UIUC program

3. I am considering the second program mainly because financially I can get the degree without debt. However, I know the 1st program is from a top ten school, especially in ME. I won't be able to RA or TA for the 1st program because its accelerated, making me take out a loan of $20,000 after paying from my savings $17,000. Also, I have learned that some of the ME thermal classes in the UIUC program will be more theoretical and on the molecule level at times (not really what I want to work on in the future). So considering all of this, which program would anyone recommend doing (or not doing), and why for a career in energy?

Thanks in advance.

 

[BrunoPuntzJones]

Just a comment on the relative cost-

If the first program takes a year and the second program takes two, don't forget to account for the fact that the first program would get you back into the workforce a year earlier. A year of earnings may offset the higher upfront cost. That is unless you were planning on continuing to work through the 2nd program.

 

[RedEngineer123]

Thanks BrunoPuntzJones. If I go for the second program, I'll probably continue to work, making cost low compare to UIUC. However, not sure how much quality or prestige am I really sacrificing if I go to UIC.

 

[BrunoPuntzJones]

Are you in Chicago now, and is your intention to stay in the Chicago area?

It's true that there is a prestige difference between the UIUC and UIC engineering programs. But that doesn't mean that the quality is genuinely lower at UIC. Personally speaking, I think the route that would let me continue to work and complete the masters would give the best balance. Not having to move would be another benefit (or downside, if you are looking for a change).

 

[RedEngineer123]

I live in Chicago now and I figure that after graduate school, I might want to work near the chicago area, then some years later, move to the west. Looking in the master degree programs, I find that MEE in UIC have more courses related to industry than at UIUC, but they it doesn't have a final capstone project like UIUC. Since I'm still beginning to work in industry, I wonder how much does graduate degree from a particular school matter in terms of higher job opportunities?