Master's degree in engineering: is it worth it?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the value of obtaining a master's degree in engineering, particularly in relation to job market advantages, salary differences, and the necessity of advanced degrees across various engineering disciplines. Participants explore whether a master's degree significantly enhances career prospects and if this varies by field.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether a master's degree provides a significant advantage in the job market across different engineering fields.
  • One participant notes that in Civil Engineering, most professionals currently hold only a bachelor's degree, but anticipates that a master's will become more common in the future.
  • Another participant mentions that certain engineering jobs, particularly in specialized areas, often require a master's degree, while others can be obtained with just a bachelor's.
  • A participant highlights that design engineering roles in critical applications may necessitate a master's degree for serious consideration.
  • There is a discussion about the salary difference between bachelor's and master's degree holders, with estimates suggesting a typical 20% increase for those with a master's.
  • Some participants argue that the financial return on investment for a master's degree may not be substantial enough to justify the time and cost involved, suggesting personal interest should be the primary motivator.
  • One participant asserts that a master's in Civil Engineering may hold more value compared to other engineering disciplines, while another counters that it may not be as beneficial for fields like electronics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the financial justification for pursuing a master's degree in engineering, with some believing it is not worth the investment, while others see value in the opportunities it may provide. There is no consensus on whether a master's degree is necessary across all engineering fields.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying assumptions about the job market and salary implications, with some relying on anecdotal evidence from personal experiences and others discussing general trends without definitive data.

pakmingki2
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will a master's degree in any engineering field really give you a significant advantasge in the job market?

does it vary for different disciplines of engineering?
thanks
 
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Well in Civil Engineering most people just stay with their Bachelor's, althought in the near future having a Master is going to be the norm, so i say go ahead and get one, too.
 
Master's degrees are often prerequisites for some of the most interesting kinds of engineering jobs. On the other hand, you can find employment just fine with only a bachelor's.

- Warren
 
chroot said:
Master's degrees are often prerequisites for some of the most interesting kinds of engineering jobs. On the other hand, you can find employment just fine with only a bachelor's.

- Warren

what kind of jobs would be the more interesting jobs?
Like, for cheme or ee, what would be some of the jobs exclusive to those with a masters?
thanks
 
Well, as a design engineer, you might need a master's to get real consideration for jobs involving mission critical applications like life support (implantable medical devices), space exploration, etc.

- Warren
 
just curious if there is a big difference in salary of bs and masters
 
Yep. Usually it's about a 20% difference.

- Warren
 
Note, 20% in exchange for 2 years (200%) means 10 years to make up the difference. At which point you have 10 years experience as an engineer which will decrease the margin. Round that down a bit for whatever you're making in grad school...it's really just an estimate anyway.

So the best reason to do it is because of your interests, not money.
 
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20% is not a big enough difference to justify it monetarily. It's nothing like the difference between a BSEE and JD (100-200%).

Do it if it interests you, but I don't know of too many of my friends going on to get their masters for the income bump.
 
  • #10
From my understanding, a Master's in CivE goes further than a master's in another engineering discipline.
 
  • #11
Sure, if you want to do civil engineering. It's probably not so helpful if you want to play with electronics.
 
  • #12
huckmank said:
20% is not a big enough difference to justify it monetarily. It's nothing like the difference between a BSEE and JD (100-200%).

Do it if it interests you, but I don't know of too many of my friends going on to get their masters for the income bump.

What is a BSEE and JD?
 
  • #13
Engineering Bachelor's & Law Degree

The research the latter gets you into isn't exactly what I had in mind when I signed up for this ride.
 

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