Schools Graduate school for Materials Engineering? (Electrochemical?)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on choosing a future degree focused on innovating electrochemical technologies, such as fuel cells and batteries. The individual initially pursued a Chemical Engineering major but switched to a Chemistry major due to the lack of a relevant Materials Science & Engineering program at their institution. After four years, they express a preference for dry-lab work over wet-lab environments, citing safety concerns. As they prepare for graduate school applications, they seek advice on whether to pursue a Master of Science or a Master of Engineering, and whether a PhD is necessary for their career goals, which emphasize technical work over research. Recommendations suggest that a Master of Science may align better with their aspirations, with a mention of the University of Florida's strong Materials Science and Engineering department as a potential option.
Rynz
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Hello, I need some help trying to decide my future degree. Any comments would be appreciated!

My History:
I want to dedicate my career innovating Electrochemical technologies (Fuel Cells, Batteries, Solar Cells, etc...).
Before entering college, I originally applied as a "Chemical Engineering major (B.S.)" but later found out chemical engineers are more associated with learning about Process Control/Operation and "Materials Science & Engineering (B.S.)" is a more relevant major for working with electrochemical technologies. However, my institution does not offer this major, and I switched to "Chemistry major (B.S.)" thinking that chemistry is probably the next most relevant.

Current Problem:
Fast forward 4 years. I am going to take my GRE and apply for graduate schools soon in the Fall. As a chemistry major and from all the internships I have done, I realize i do not like to work in a wet-lab (goggles, lab coats, gloves) environment but enjoy dry-lab (just goggles) very much.
At the same time, I still want to work with electrochemical technologies because I want to develop or lead a team to develop electrochemical technologies that may one day solve all our energy needs <-- (at least that is the dream!). Also, is it possible to achieve such an endeavor without working in a wet-lab environment? (I do not want to work in a wet-lab environment due to the hazards and dangers that it poses. I have known colleagues who have been injured by the negligence of others.)

Right now, I do not know what type of graduate programs to apply to. I know I will be applying for an advanced "Materials Science/Engineering" degree since it is the most relevant to my dream career work.

Should I apply to a Masters of Science program or a Masters of Engineering program? or Do I need a PhD for my dream career goals?
(I want to focus more on engineering/technical work than research.)

Any suggestions? Thank you for reading my concerns by the way!
 
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Rynz said:
Should I apply to a Masters of Science program or a Masters of Engineering program? or Do I need a PhD for my dream career goals?
(I want to focus more on engineering/technical work than research.)

M. S. sounds like the choice you are looking for...
University of Florida has a very large MSE department and some profs work in your field of interest. All the best!
 
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