Masters vs PE

[masterz]

I was curious what the opinion of the forum is on this subject. Do you think that obtaining your PE license is looked at more highly than obtaining your Masters degree in civil engineering?

If you candidates were interviewed and one had their PE and the other didn't but had their masters who would you hire?

Thanks!

 

[AELLC]

PE

The definition of a structural engineer: overdesign by a factor of 1.999, instead of the usual 2.

 

[cvg]

if I am hiring an entry level engineer, a masters would definitely be an advantage. I would expect both to obtain a PE once they had the required experience as an EIT.

 

[CELinOttawa]

P.Eng., or CPEng... Mind you it also depends on WHY they don't have their Master's. It is becoming a defacto standard in the industry...

If you were able to get good summer job experience which led to real employment, that's a great reason not to do a Master's and employers look on it very favourably.

 

[Twinkie]

PE ... because it generally means at least 4 years experience, whereas your MS applicant is going to basically know nothing but engineering theory and academia-type stuff.

 

[BigInch]

They are not exactly what I would call mutually exclusive.

I hate Windowz 8!!!!

 

[BigH]

I agree with BigInch - you get your bachelor's and Master's for education purposes - of course, the Master's these days are looked upon as the minimum (see ASCE position on the subject) - but after you work for 4 years or so (and having passed your EIT) you would then get (or try to) your P.E. license so that you can call yourself an Engineer! Now, if you are British, it is the M.ICE that is important.

 

[beej67]

A client base that will follow the hire is the most important thing, above all else.
Second most important is experience and productivity.
Third is PE
Fourth is Masters

None of these things are mutually exclusive.


Hydrology, Drainage Analysis, Flood Studies, and Complex Stormwater Litigation for Atlanta and the South East -

http://www.campbellcivil.com

 

[GeoPaveTraffic]

Also depends on the type of engineering your firm does.

For Geotechnical Engineers, a Masters pretty much required. The BS degree just does not have enough classwork.



Mike Lambert

 

[chicopee]

It depends on the need of the company doing the hiring. If a PE is what they are looking for and you got it without a Masters degree, you'll be strongly considered for employment.

 

[MichaelFrolov]

I would have to agree to the previous posts, which indicate that it depends on what the company is currently looking for. In some disciplines (like geotechnical or structural), many firms require a MS degree. If you have a BS degree and 4 years of experience, I would recommend taking the PE exam, as it can open more doors for you.

Good luck.

Civil PE Exam Success: Strategy, Sample Exam, Terminology by Michael Frolov, P.E.