Masters Degree or Not?

[kgasko]

I have a BS degree in Metallurgical Engineering - Material Science Option (from Michigan Technological University). I have been working in the "rolling" industry for 14 years. I am struggling with the question about obtaining a Masters Degree in Engineering Mechanics (from Cleveland State University, Cleveland OH). Any advice out there to help me make my decision? What kind of job market would be out there for me? What kind of $$ could I expect in return? Would it all be worth it? kgasko

 

[PSE]

Kgasko,

Only you can decide whether or not the Masters would be worth it. If it is something that you want to do then have at it. Obtaining the degree is not likely to limit any future career choices and you very well could command a higher salary if that is your goal. You could use any of the available online salary surveys to get a general idea as to average increases but in reality, Company size, geographic location, and a host of other factors come into play. In your current position and experience level, you currently could be making more than either a Master's or PHD in a small independent startup. All things being equal, the higher the degree, the higher the compensation.

 

[brad]

As you mentioned "Engineering Mechanics" specifically, I assume that you have an interest in that field. As somebody with this background (MS, Eng Mech), I can attest that an advanced degree in this field is VERY marketable (especially for those of us with Green Card/Citizenship).

Not only is it marketable, I found that I was much more capable in my job once I had the additional theoretical background which came with my MS (I had worked for a few years after BS before returning to school).

BTW, I wasn't aware that Cleveland State even had an Engineering Mechanics program. Is it considered a good program? If you are looking into jobs in this field, my impression has been that your school/advisor has a fair amount of importance to many people who are hiring (because in this field, many managers are actually MS Engineers, rather than MBA's).

Only my humble opinion.

 

[electricpete]

I think it may help you in your job long-term.

It has the slgiht potential for detracting from your job performance short-term.... depending on how much spare time you have. whether you steal a little work time for personal type stuff based on your more-busy schedule, whether you might otherwise have spent a little of your spare-time on more-directly job-related stuff.

Likely your present employer won't give you a raise simply because you get an MS. They're looking at performance on the job.

It may help you some when you try to switch jobs. I think the PE is much less investment in time with comparable or better impact on the resume, so by all means do that first (if not already done).

 

[Qshake]

I usually advise all towards a graduate degree and in this case I will do the same but not without some qualifications first.

1. Make sure you committed as you've spent 14 yrs away from a textbook, classroom, and perhaps the discipline that you once had.

2. Make sure that engineering mechanics is what you really want to do. From what you've provided, it seems like you've been on the manufacturering side for most if not all 14 yrs. Engineering Mechanics can be overwhelming to say the least. As Bradh points out, it is a very exciting, rewarding and lucrative field.

3. Choose wisely where you go to school. Having been out of school for some time, you'll need the help of your instructors and advisor.

Good Luck

 

[EngineerDave]

I can only say good things about getting the masters. First, it is a change and change is good, it stimulates the brain!

We are similar, I am a materials engineer that just went back to school for my masters as well. The company I work for has a liberal policy that lets you take a leave of absence to get your masters. It is good, except, you guessed it they didn't pay for it!

That being said, I think it is the best decision I've made yet. I have put in 6 years as an engineer and it was a great but demanding change of pace to go back to school. You can do it, put in alot of extra time studying upfront so you get used to that environment.

As far as salary, I have seen several places that value a masters as $10,000 per year more than a bachelors, but such surveys refer to the difference in first time job offers.

Both of us are probably in the same boat in that to get the great increase in pay we will have to take our degrees to a new company.

I like where I work at so right now that isn't my plan, but I'm not stupid the resumes have started to go out.

Best wishes, I highly recommend it.

EngineerDave

 

[kgasko]

Thank You everybody,
I start my class today! (8/26) Hopefully I will be done in 3 years. kgasko