Is a master's degree in system's engineering worth it?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the value of obtaining a master's degree in systems engineering, particularly in relation to career goals and technical versus managerial content. Participants explore the implications of such a degree for those already in engineering roles or considering a transition to management.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that a master's in systems engineering may not be very technical and resembles a management or MBA degree.
  • Others argue that it could be valuable for those aiming to become systems engineers or project managers, especially if they already have an engineering background.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the appropriateness of pursuing a systems engineering master's immediately after graduating with a degree in engineering technology, questioning the potential for technical employment.
  • A later reply proposes that pursuing a master's degree part-time while seeking employment might be a better strategy, emphasizing the importance of persistence in job searching.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the value of the degree; multiple competing views remain regarding its technicality and relevance to career advancement.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the lack of clarity on specific career outcomes associated with the degree and the varying definitions of what constitutes a technical versus managerial focus in the curriculum.

Ben Zina
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It doesn't seem to be very technical. Seems more like a management/MBA degree. Is it worth it?
 
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It might be worth it if you want to be a systems engineer or project manager; for example, if you already work as an engineer and want to move up to management. I suppose it all depends on your goals. It may not be too technical, but is probably more technical than an MBA (for example, you can do an MBA after getting a Bachelors in English Literature, but you may not be accepted into a systems engineering Masters unless your Bachelors is in a technical field).
 
sweetpotato said:
It might be worth it if you want to be a systems engineer or project manager; for example, if you already work as an engineer and want to move up to management. I suppose it all depends on your goals. It may not be too technical, but is probably more technical than an MBA (for example, you can do an MBA after getting a Bachelors in English Literature, but you may not be accepted into a systems engineering Masters unless your Bachelors is in a technical field).

I'm about to graduate with a degree in engineering technology. I doubt I'll be able to find any kind of technical employment. Would getting a system's engineering masters right after undergrad be a bad idea?
 
The short answer is I don't know. I am just starting out my career as an engineer myself. I suppose it's fair to say that working on a system engineering masters is better than being unemployed. I guess what I would do in your situation is think about getting a systems engineering masters, or other advanced degree, part time while also being employed or seeking employment. Often masters degree programs offer classes in the evening or even online so you can work during the daytime. I understand how tough it is to get a job, as I looked for a job for 8 months and applied to over 70 jobs before getting my first offer, but it is possible with time and persistence.
 

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