Found some interesting grad programs

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the exploration of graduate programs, specifically the Master of Engineering and Public Policy (MEPP) and the Master of Sustainable Energy Engineering (MSEE) at the University of Maryland. Participants share their perspectives on the utility of these degrees, the implications of choosing an online program versus an in-person experience, and seek additional program recommendations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a preference for the MEPP program over the MSEE, citing interest in consulting and the value of in-person education.
  • Another participant questions the initial post, asking if there is a specific question being posed.
  • Several participants argue against pursuing an online master's degree, emphasizing the importance of the university experience, opportunities for collaboration, and the potential for stronger recommendation letters from professors who have met students in person.
  • One participant expresses a desire to avoid an online degree, aligning with the concerns raised by others about the limitations of online education.
  • A participant seeks information about similar programs to the MEPP that combine math/science/physics with public policy.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of in-person graduate education over online programs, but there is no consensus on the best choice between the MEPP and MSEE or the overall utility of these degrees.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the potential limitations of online programs, including reduced opportunities for teamwork and collaboration, as well as the impact on networking and recommendation letters. However, specific details about the programs' curricula or outcomes are not discussed.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering graduate programs in engineering, public policy, or related fields, particularly those weighing the benefits of online versus in-person education.

Shackleford
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As some of you may know, I'll graduate next Spring with a B.S. Mathematics and Physics minor. From my perspective, I wanted to gain a broad and fundamental technical education in undergrad. I view grad school as career training. Applied math is an option at my university. It would be the easiest route logistically. I kind of want something not as technical/hard for graduate school. I know that's backwards. However, I found two interesting engineering programs at University of Maryland: Master of Engineering and Public Policy and Master of Sustainable Energy Engineering. The MSEE is completely online. The MEPP is not. But, the tuition rate is the same for both: ~$880/hour. That's a lot of money. The MSEE would be cheaper, but I like the MEPP. I think I would enjoy consulting, but I could do that with either of the degrees.

What do you guys think of the utility of these degrees, particularly the MEPP? Move to Maryland and do the MEPP or stay here and do the MSEE online? I like to look at all my options.

http://mepp.umd.edu/students/degree-req.html

http://www.enpm.umd.edu/grad/sustainable-energy/requirements.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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That's nice. Did you have a question?

Shackleford said:
As some of you may know, I'll graduate next Spring with a B.S. Mathematics and Physics minor. From my perspective, I wanted to gain a broad and fundamental technical education in undergrad. I view grad school as career training. Applied math is an option at my university. It would be the easiest route logistically. I kind of want something not as technical/hard for graduate school. I know that's backwards. However, I found two interesting engineering programs at University of Maryland: Master of Engineering and Public Policy and Master of Sustainable Energy Engineering. The MSEE is completely online. The MEPP is not. But, the tuition rate is the same for both: ~$880/hour. That's a lot of money. The MSEE would be cheaper, but I like the MEPP. I think I would enjoy consulting, but I could do that with either of the degrees.

http://mepp.umd.edu/students/degree-req.html

http://www.enpm.umd.edu/grad/sustainable-energy/requirements.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
fss said:
That's nice. Did you have a question?

Oops. Sorry. I'll update it.
 
I would not encourage going for an online master degree.
Graduate education is not only about the lectures but rather, the whole experience of being at the university. Being at the university might also allow you to work in one of the labs as a part-timer or so.
Some courses might require team work or collaboration, I am not sure how reliable this is when it comes to an online course.
Plus whenever you need a recommendation letter for phd/industry then if the prof had met/saw you in person a few times would be a 1000 times better than if he/she didn't during the lectures.
 
physiker_192 said:
I would not encourage going for an online master degree.
Graduate education is not only about the lectures but rather, the whole experience of being at the university. Being at the university might also allow you to work in one of the labs as a part-timer or so.
Some courses might require team work or collaboration, I am not sure how reliable this is when it comes to an online course.
Plus whenever you need a recommendation letter for phd/industry then if the prof had met/saw you in person a few times would be a 1000 times better than if he/she didn't during the lectures.

Yeah, I don't really want to do an online degree.
 
physiker_192 said:
I would not encourage going for an online master degree.
Graduate education is not only about the lectures but rather, the whole experience of being at the university. Being at the university might also allow you to work in one of the labs as a part-timer or so.
Some courses might require team work or collaboration, I am not sure how reliable this is when it comes to an online course.
Plus whenever you need a recommendation letter for phd/industry then if the prof had met/saw you in person a few times would be a 1000 times better than if he/she didn't during the lectures.

Of course, it will not result as same as regular study. The experiences that you earns from the university exactly contributes much values that online degree can't.
 
Anyone know of any similar programs to the MEPP? Maybe a math/science/physics and public policy master program?
 

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