Does Earning BS and MS from the Same University Impact Job Prospects?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the impact of earning both a Bachelor of Science (BS) and a Master of Science (MS) from the same university on job prospects, particularly in engineering fields. Participants explore various perspectives on whether this academic path is beneficial or detrimental when seeking employment in industry or academia.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that having both degrees from the same institution may be viewed negatively by employers, while others argue it does not matter and emphasize the importance of work experience and skills.
  • A participant with experience in electrical engineering (EE) states that industry focuses more on knowledge and abilities rather than the institutions attended.
  • Another participant mentions that academic inbreeding is a concern primarily for academic positions, implying it is less relevant in industry contexts.
  • Several participants share personal experiences, indicating that their educational paths did not negatively impact their professional opportunities.
  • One participant highlights the unique research opportunities available at their institution, suggesting that these factors can outweigh concerns about institutional continuity.
  • Another participant describes a specialized program that combined aerospace and nuclear engineering, noting the unique experiences and opportunities it provided, which influenced their decision to stay at the same university.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of obtaining both degrees from the same university. While some believe it could be detrimental, others maintain that it has no significant impact on job prospects, indicating a lack of consensus on the issue.

Contextual Notes

Participants' claims are based on personal experiences and perceptions, which may vary widely depending on individual circumstances and industry expectations. The discussion does not resolve the question of whether earning both degrees from the same institution is advantageous or disadvantageous.

600burger
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I've been told conflicting things by many people in higher places than my own.

Some say its detrimental to get a BS and MS from the same school when looking for a job.
Others say that it really doesn't matter.

So my question is why would it hurt me to stay/how could it help me to move?

FYI:
Graduating with BS in Mechanical and Aeronautical Science and Engineering from UCDavis
Planning for a MS in Mechanical.
 
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From my perspective in industry (EE in R&D), it makes no difference. We look at work experience and your knowledge and abilities.

BTW, I got my BSEE from UC Davis (MSEE from a different school, but that was part of a scholarship deal), and go back to Picnic Day just about every year. I'd say stay there for you MS work, as long as you are happy with the research opportunities.
 
Sounds like nonsense to me. I know lots of teachers who went to MIT for all of their degrees, BS,MS and PhD.
 
Cool, thanks guys.

It real didn't make sense to me either.

I'm extremely happy with the faculty and research going on here.

Picnic day is definitely a blast (less it rains like last year!). Come check out the AMAT table next year!
http://mae.ucdavis.edu/team/amat/news.html
 
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Academic inbreeding is more of a concern for academic positions than for industry positions.
 
600burger said:
Picnic day is definitely a blast (less it rains like last year!). Come check out the AMAT table next year!
http://mae.ucdavis.edu/team/amat/news.html

Hey, that AMAT is very cool :biggrin:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I have a BS and MS from the same school/dept and had started a PhD. It made not difference professionally. I stayed because that was the only program in the country to offer a very unique experience, and I couldn't pass it up.
 
Astronuc said:
I have a BS and MS from the same school/dept and had started a PhD. It made not difference professionally. I stayed because that was the only program in the country to offer a very unique experience, and I couldn't pass it up.

What was the unique experience, Astronuc, if you don't mind me asking?
 
The combination of aerospace and nuclear engineering in a NASA affiliated program. It was partly sponsored by USRA. The research involved nuclear propulsion and power concepts for spacecraft and power systems for missions to moon and planets, particularly Mars.

In addition, we had experts from overseas visiting the department, and we got to use some unique software - simulation codes - not avaiable at any other university. The first job out of graduate school involved the use of an earlier version of one of those codes.
 

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