Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the feasibility and implications of transitioning directly from an associate degree in engineering to a master's program in environmental engineering, particularly for someone with a background in business administration. Participants explore the necessary prerequisites, challenges, and alternative pathways in engineering education.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- One participant expresses concern about whether entering a master's program directly after an associate degree would be a disservice, questioning their preparedness for advanced coursework.
- Another participant notes that most master's programs typically require a four-year engineering degree and that the junior and senior years of undergraduate programs are rigorous, suggesting that without this background, a master's program could be very challenging.
- A different viewpoint suggests that universities may require students to take additional undergraduate courses if they lack the necessary foundational knowledge before allowing them to enroll in graduate courses.
- One participant proposes considering a master's in engineering management as an alternative, which is more business-oriented and less focused on advanced math and science.
- Another participant shares an anecdote about a professor who transitioned from economics to electrical engineering, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation and the differences between business and engineering disciplines.
- Some participants express skepticism about the credibility of someone entering a master's program without a solid engineering background.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally express concerns about the adequacy of an associate degree as preparation for a master's program in engineering, with multiple competing views on the necessity of a four-year degree and the potential for additional coursework. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best path forward for the original poster.
Contextual Notes
Limitations include the lack of consensus on the prerequisites for master's programs in engineering and the varying opinions on the adequacy of an associate degree as a foundation for advanced studies.