Master of Science or Master of Engineering for Structural Engineer!

[Structuralengr88]

Any inputs and opinions would greatly be appreciated!!

I am debating whether to go for a Master of Science or Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering. What is the different between the two when applying for a job? Would one have more benefits than the other out in the industrial world?

I graduated with a BS in Civil Engineering and took one year off to work in the nuclear industry (structural part). And now i am going to back for my master but debating betweem MS or MEng. Thanks for your inputs!

 

[SLTA]

I had to go look at my diploma to see what I had - shows how much the difference means to me. I have a MS in Civil Engineering, structural focus. No employer ever asked if it was an MS or an MEng - I just have a masters degree. They were way more interested in the classes I took and what research I did that what the final title was on the certificate.

Wikipedia says an MEng is more coursework-based and an MS is more research-based. That seems true for what I did.

 

[SteelPE]

I don't really know what the difference is either. I will also say the I have a MS in Civil Engineering (I focused on structural but it doesn't say that on my diploma) as well. I guess what may determine which way to go is what your plans are. Do you ever think you will try to go for your PHD?

 

[KENAT]

What country/university system as that will impact the answer.

At my university in the UK, and I think most in the UK, an MEng was a taught masters in engineering. A research masters was an MPhil - basically half a Phd.

I've got a feeling that if you went back and did a Masters through correspondence school (Open University) it may have been an MSc though.

Posting guidelines faq731-376

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

(probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484​

 

[mtu1972]

At the Univ. of Idaho, the distinction is based whether or not you do a thesis - the MS requires on; while the MEng does not; but it does require an additional 3 credits of course work.

gjc

 

[jpankask]

From a practical standpoint, at most employers they won't care. Some probably won't even know the difference. It might make a difference if you plan to go for a PhD later. Your employement goals will depend whether the research or the extra class would be more beneficial.

 

[Structuralengr88]

Thank you all for your inputs.

I am from the United States. And I am planning to apply to the top ten civil/structural schools (ie: mit, uiuc, uc berkley, cornel, etc). I guess it is different for each school. I will look into them.

I am not leaning towards getting a ph.d at all. I am just making sure that it is worth quitting my job to go back to school for a master for a year or two.

 

[lacajun]

Master of Engineering
Delta Between MEng and MS
MEng vs MS

You will never regret investing in yourself through engineering education. It's a good investment for a lot of reasons!

Pamela K. Quillin, P.E.
Quillin Engineering, LLC

 

[jpankask]

Do you have to quit your job to get your masters? Many companies will pay for some or all the cost of an advanced degree, if it is applicable to your job. The premium you get for having a masters will likely not be that much bigger to cover the loss of a year or two of pay. Your return on investment will take a while to pay off, unless you get your school paid for and get a stipend as a laboratory assistant, etc.

It is a great investment on yourself and you will never regret having obtained the education, just giving you a few things to think about.

 

[strucguy]

I second jpankask's opinion. Pursue part-time if you can, even if it requires you to find a new job closer to the University you are interested in. A Master of Engineering is probably what you want to consider unless you are seriously interested in Research. Many ME programs are just tailored for working professionals to broaden their skills in Engineering and Project Management. Remember, advanced degree is helpful, but nothing can beat on-the-job training. Good luck!

 

[steellion]

I have an M.Eng.

If you are more interested in the "why", i.e. how stresses work at a microscopic level, that's an M.S.
If you are more interested in the "how", i.e. an advanced course on how to design a structure to withstand an earthquake, that's an M.Eng.

Those interested in an academic career should go M.S. Otherwise, I think the M.Eng. is a little more weighted towards practical knowledge. In terms of your career prospects for job procurement and advancement, M.S. and M.Eng should be equivalent. All anyone cares about is that you have a "Master's degree". Also, I'd just recommend using it as a tiebreaker... go to the best school you can get into regardless of whether it's an MS or an M.Eng track. Prestige of school WILL have an impact on your job prospects.

 

[srijey]

My thoughts would be: Instead of choosing the letters in the degree or University, look at the course programs/ subjects - if you like them and have interest, go for it. There may not be a direct benefit difference monetarily - so what- you'll enjoy having learnt something you liked. In my case my masters might've not helped me in getting a suitable employment, but once inside the corporation, I make use of it to my advantage and could move from one position to another. Good luck - enjoy the student life as long as you can afford.

 

[X-Wing]

MS = Research
ME = Field/Industry

In MS, you will be required to have a Thesis. On ME, you will be required to take additional units and conduct a study or solve a problem that is related into the field of work you are into (e.g. Redesign a Pavement). Most will take ME while working.

If you want or you think you will be taking up PhD in the future, go with MS. If not, it depends if you want to research on something, etc.
If you can, study part time while working.

I'm taking up MS part-time while working, so it is feasible.

The important thing is that you are going to take up Graduate Studies not for the "Title", but because you want to learn more and help the industry/profession you are in.

 

[Forensic74]

While it's probably true that he wouldn't make much more with a MS if he sticks around in the same design position. The big difference is, especially if he's going to a top ten school AND doing research for a well known professor, he can end up in a more specialty position and be making more than double what he did before.

I quit my job and did exactly what the OP is suggesting (got a MS from a top ten, under assistantship) and it opened up many more opportunities that paid better.

And for people who are saying that thesis is only for the academic career, I say you're pretty much wrong. I got more practical knowledge, industry connections, and techniques out of my research rather than sitting in classes. The non-thesis students seemed like mindless robots doing impractical homework while the thesis students actually had to think and solve problems.

 

[FSS]

I actually have a MS in one engineeringing discipline and a ME in another. There is no practical difference in the two degrees, it is just how the different schools operated. I have never been asked anything other than "Are you a glutton for punishment?" when it comes up that I have two engineering masters degrees. Did not even know there was a difference until finishing up the second masters. MS or ME is a non-issue unless there is some academic angle that does not apply to practicing PE's.

 

[Structuralengr88]

Thanks for everyone's input

I think M.Eng is the way for me. Regardless I heard both of them are challenging and required alot of work.

@MainMan10 : what you do mean by "he can end up in a more specialty position and be making more than double what he did before." How can grad students make so much? do you mean after graduation?

Top ten grad schools are mad expensive!!!!