Wayne State Univ. vs. Oakland Univ. for Microelectronics

[JavaJim]

Earning a Ph.D. in engineering has been a lifelong goal for me. I already have the MSEE and about 18 years of engineering work experience with about 7 of those years in my chosen field of embedded controllers and microelectronics.

Returning to school full time is out of the question for me since I have financial and family obligations. However, I could go part time since I am fortunate to live in the Metro Detroit area where there are several good graduate schools that offer courses at night. I finished my MSEE in the evenings at Wayne State University while working full time several years ago. Wayne State has added a significant amount of lab space and some new courses since I was there 10 years ago.

I have decided to attend either Wayne State University or Oakland University to study MEMS and VLSI.

Neither of these schools is ranked top 10 but both are very good and considering the night time course offerings, I consider it a blessing to be able to attend at all. The Univ. of Michigan would be my first choice in a perfect world, free from obligations.

http://www.eng.wayne.edu/page.php?id=62

Wayne State Univ.

http://www.ece.secs.oakland.edu/

Oakland Univ.

Given the published information about these schools, their reputations and taking into account my circumstances, which program do you think would offer the best opportunity to develop expertise and to make significant contributions to the field? What are your impressions of these programs?

Thank you for your input and advice.

 

[Zogzog]

I recemtly (escaped) moved from detroit after 6 years and know many Engineers that have attended both schools (My wife is a OU alum) and it seems to me that the Wayne State program is very good, I have worked with several Engineers from that program, seems it is more based on power systems than the OU program.

I think Wayne State also has recently started a HV Power System Enfgineering program that is one of a kind in the country, caters to Power Plants and Industrial system maintenence.

Have you considered Kettering? Or is that too far?

 

[Zogzog]

Noticed after I posted you were looking for Microelectronics, sorry, thought you were asking about power systems, still Wayne State seems to have a highly respected program, but you cant go wrog with either one.

 

[zappedagain]

JJ,

Why do you want to pursue a PhD now? While I can see it opening up teaching opportunities at the major colleges, your 18 years of experience is much more valuable in getting you a job.

You might be able to attend the MEMS or VLSI classes without pursuing the degree for less $$$. With your experience the professors will love to have you in the class.

Z

 

[IRstuff]

Sounds like you are expecting some drastic change in your life to generate these "significant contributions to the field."

However, it's unlikely that this added degree will change anything, since you're apparently not involved in research currently, and unless you make a job change, the only difference will be the extra sheepskin.

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[Zogzog]

My advice, get out of Detroit, I did and am glad I did, last one out turn off the lights.

 

[JavaJim]

Thanks for the responses.

Zogzog, I don't want to leave Michigan because believe it or not, I like it here. My family and friends are here and I like the Michigan outdoors. It would be too expensive to sell my house and buy a similar one somewhere else. My wife and kids are grounded here and I wouldn't want to uproot them unnecessarily.

Zappedagain, as I mentioned before, earning a doctorate has been a lifelong goal since I was in grade school. I didn't go straight through because I felt that I needed experience and once I started working, I liked my job and the money I was earning. For me, the doctorate is a goal, not a necessity. My MSEE is really all the credential I need in the workplace. Once I retire from industry, I might want to pursue a professorship as a second career.

IRstuff, I started getting more interested in MEMS after working on some projects and I realized how much intellectual and personal growth is possible in that field. I think I might be outgrowing my present job and I am considering starting a business. I felt that I would be more likely to succeed in business as a contract developer of ASICs and MEMS if I spent some time studing the state of the art at the graduate level. If I'm going to do that, I might as well get the Ph.D. that goes along with it. I guess I'm still kind of nerdy and I have always admired people who pushed the frontier of their profession. I would like to do things that are not particularly encouraged at my company.

Thanks again and cheers to all.

 

[zappedagain]

I got out and went to Texas for three years. I came back, I think you either love it or hate it here. High tech is about the only bright thing in Michigan right now. There are a few companies in the Ann Arbor area doing MEMS work, but the pickings are slim.

Have fun back in school!

Z