The "Civil" side of Structural Engineering 1

[suerte41]

I have a BS in Mechanical Engineering and 3+ years in Aerospace industry performing stress analysis. I’m ready to get out of Aerospace because job security can be unpredictable. I’m planning on taking some Structural classes through a local University, like Concrete, Foundation and Steel Design. Once I have completed these courses, I wanted to know if there’s any chance a Civil/Structural Engineering firm would hire me, since I don’t have my BS in “Civil?” Or, should I just go ahead and get a Master’s in Civil/Structural?

 

[MiketheEngineer]

How about a second BS in Civil -- proably a lot quicker and easier than a MS??

 

[suerte41]

It wouldn't be quicker at this University. I would need for 40+ credit hrs for BS in CE, versus 30 credit hrs for MS in CE, plus the MS would be more specialized.

 

[HgTX]

If you have the structural design coursework, you'd probably be ok (all the statics, mechanics, strength of materials is the same regardless), but you might not be able to compete against a similar candidate with the civil or structural engineering degree. On the other hand, you might have an edge over a kid just coming out of a civil/structural degree program and no work experience at all.

Hg

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[gerhardl]

Depending on state of the job market where you plan to start, but what about searching for job change directly from where you are educationally at present? It might be that some 'civil' company could already utilize what you have, or advice and/or support on your education for additional skills.

 

[abusementpark]

Yea, as long as you had the fundamental classes, I would hire you. You're probably smarter than most civil graduates anyways.

 

[patswfc]

agree with abusementpark, you should have all the fundamentals from your mechanical degree. Thus a one or two year masters in structural should surfice in bringing you up to a standard were companies would employ you.
I think you should be perpared for a pay cut. Your 3+ years experience wont count for that much as it was in a different field, although any job offers should pay more than for a fresh grad.

 

[cvg]

I know a guy who got his BS in Aerospace, worked for a few years and then went back to school. He then got his masters and PhD in Hydrology. Worked as a professor for a few years teaching hydrology and hydraulics, opened his own business and now, many years later is quite well respected in his field. It can be done, but will require education, talent and luck to pull it off.

 

[suerte41]

I really appreciate all of the advice. I'm going to start taking the Concrete, Foundation and Steel Design classes this Fall but I won't have the Master's Degree for at least 2 years. Once I have taken those classes I'm hoping a Civil firm might give me a shot, but if not I'll wait 'til I have the Master's.
I definitely know I'll be taking a pay cut and hopefully it won't be too drastic.

Thanks again.

 

[PatBethea]

Suerte,

If you're going ahead with the MS degree, you might think about sticking with your current job (assuming you can) long enough to sit for the PE. Applying for a SE job will go alot easier if you already have a PE and you can show you're halfway through with a MSCE.

 

[civilperson]

To get the SE designation, most states require the PE designation in civil engineering prior to taking the structural exams I & II.