Programs Masters in EE: Accelerated vs Regular MS: Pros & Cons

AI Thread Summary
An accelerated BS/MS program is generally viewed favorably by employers, as it allows candidates to complete both degrees in a shorter timeframe without compromising the quality of education. The key distinction lies in the ability to double count graduate courses during the senior year, but ultimately, employers focus more on the degree itself rather than the duration of study. The perception is that a master's degree, regardless of how it was obtained, signifies a higher level of education. Regarding the choice between a project/exam route and a thesis for the MS, many employers tend to favor the project/exam option. This preference stems from the belief that the thesis route often lacks substantial research output due to time constraints, and some institutions have even phased out the thesis option. Overall, the focus remains on the type of master's degree earned rather than the specific path taken to achieve it.
DefaultName
Messages
179
Reaction score
0
how favorable is an accelerated ms/bs program sound to an employer, as compared to a regular 2-2.5 year MS? (finish my BS and MS in 5 years... start taking grad class in senior year)

also, I am thinking about going the MS-project/exam route, than a thesis. What do employers think of this generally?

Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
MS is pretty short - you're overestimating the time it takes to get one. I can't think of a reason why BS/MS would be less regarded than MS nonthesis given the only difference is you double count courses for degree purposes.
 
They probably dont care. A masters is a masters is a masters is a masters. If it took you 2 or 10 years. You are an application with a masters.

(NOTE, they will care what *kind of masters you have)
 
Last edited:
Yes - that's what it is. You take graduate level courses in your senior year and it counts towards both your BS degree and your MS degree. The requirements are the same for the accelerated program and for the individual program.
 
There is no difference between BS/MS and a separate MS, besides the age you will be when you finish. However, most schools I'm familiar with do not allow you to count any classes towards both your BS and MS. They will recognize that you've completed the relevant coursework, but you can't apply them as credits towards both degrees (the result being that you end up taking more graduate courses than a regular MS would, which is a good thing).

Also, I'd say that the project/exam route is preferred over the MS thesis, for the reason that you simply can't do enough research and publication in the course of doing an MS to write a worthwhile thesis. Many schools do not even offer the MS thesis option any more (or even the MS at all), as it is perceived to be a waste of professors' time to oversee short research projects that don't go anywhere. Don't let that stop you from doing a thesis if you decide you want to, but I don't think it will get you anywhere that the exam wouldn't.
 
I've been considering the course option route... instead of the thesis/research route.
 

Thread 'Hepth programs in Europe'

After a year of thought, I decided to adjust my ratio for applying the US/EU(+UK) schools. I mostly focused on the US schools before, but things are getting complex and I found out that Europe is also a good place to study. I found some institutes that have professors with similar interests. But gaining the information is much harder than US schools (like you have to contact professors in advance etc). For your information, I have B.S. in engineering (low GPA: 3.2/4.0) in Asia - one SCI...
View full post »

Thread 'What are the best A-Level options for someone wanting to do Physics?'

Bit Britain-specific but I was wondering, what's the best path to take for A-Levels out of the following (I know Y10 seems a bit early to be thinking about A-levels, but my choice will impact what I do this year/ in y11) I (almost) definitely want to do physics at University - so keep that in mind... The subjects that I'm almost definitely going to take are Maths, Further Maths and Physics, and I'm taking a fast track programme which means that I'll be taking AS computer science at the end...
View full post »

Thread 'Should I pursue a masters degree after 4.5 years working in IT?'

I graduated with a BSc in Physics in 2020. Since there were limited opportunities in my country (mostly teaching), I decided to improve my programming skills and began working in IT, first as a software engineer and later as a quality assurance engineer, where I’ve now spent about 3 years. While this career path has provided financial stability, I’ve realized that my excitement and passion aren’t really there, unlike what I felt when studying or doing research in physics. Working in IT...
View full post »

Similar threads

Programs At a disadvantage for hiring with BA math, MS Mech. Eng?
Replies
4
Views
2K
Admissions Is it harder to get into a top US PhD Program with a German Master's degree?
Replies
17
Views
4K
Programs Choice of Master's degree program, Physics vs. Applied Math
Replies
2
Views
2K
BS or MS in EE after physics BS?
Replies
19
Views
6K
Programs At a crossroads between MS in CS or EE
Replies
6
Views
1K
Programs Should I do a 'dual' masters degree?
Replies
8
Views
2K
Programs Mathematical/Theoretical Physics MSc with High Teaching Quality
Replies
1
Views
91
Programs Applying To a PhD program before finishing your master's degree
Replies
2
Views
2K
Advice: Doing grad school abroad and getting a masters instead of PhD
Replies
15
Views
4K
Programs Masters in Eng/CS after a Math Bachelors
Replies
3
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top