Exploring a Path to a MS in ME - Seeking Advice

[Saladsamurai]

I will try to keep this short since I know how annoying these can be

Very brief Background
After working as a professional cook for about 6 years (after dropping out of high school) I decided to go back to school. This was about 5 years ago. I first did a 2 year Liberal Arts degree as a sort of means of 'making up for' not having a diploma (yes, I got my GED).

I fell in love with mathematics and physics and all things of a 'problem solving nature.' I think that I find comfort in things that are 'solvable' since so much in life is not. But, that is neither here nor there
I went through the typical 'physics or engineering' dilemma. In the end, I chose engineering, mostly for job security.

My Question(s)

I am coming up on my last year of Mechanical Engineering. Due to the Co-op program that my school does I have about a year and a half to 2 years before I actually graduate. Because of this and the MS/BS program my school offers, I have the opportunity to do some strategic scheduling and choosing of electives that would result in my obtaining a MS in ME with only 1 additional year of schooling (with research). I can also skip right over the GRE. And would most likely not have to pay my own way (as I understand it).

There are 3 routes that one can go with a Masters in ME (at least at my school): Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanics and Design, Thermofluids Engineering.
I am leaning, heavily, towards Thermofluids Engineering because to me, I think that it is closer to the 'physics end of the spectrum' of ME.


However, I still would like to return to school someday for a graduate degree in physics. This would be more for my own satisfaction then for a career move.
I am not exactly sure what my question is. I guess I had originally planned on applying to some of the 'name brand' schools for my MS in engineering. But the whole '1 year' thing has a nice ring to it.

That way if I do decide to go back for Physics, I won't be too old by the time all is said and done.
So my only question at the moment is, does this sound like the course of action you might take? Has anyone gone this route?


If you took the time to read this, I apologize for the rambling I know that perhaps it looks as though I am looking more for affirmation then I am for advice and perhaps I am. But if you do have any thoughts on the matter, I would love to hear them.

~Casey

 

[tmyer2107]

I can offer some input. I am also currently attending a co-op school and am in the BS/MS program for Chemical Engineering. In my opinion, staying where you are and getting the masters is the best way to go since it will only take a year. Also, if it is possible to drop one of the co-ops and take classes instead towards your masters that might be a good option. Before I decided to do the BS/MS program I talked to a lot of people about it and the masters degree is the way to go, especially if you are definitely going to work as a ME after you graduate. Although, I was told this was the way to go for me since I wouldn't have to stay a year later. There is also the option of going straight to work and then getting an MBA. I guess it depends which direction you want to go once you graduate.