Masters in EE: Accelerated vs Regular MS: Pros & Cons

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the comparison between accelerated BS/MS programs and traditional MS programs in Electrical Engineering. Participants agree that employers generally regard both paths equally, as the primary distinction lies in the time taken to complete the degrees rather than the content. The accelerated program allows students to take graduate-level courses during their senior year, which count towards both degrees. Additionally, the project/exam route is favored over the thesis option, as it is perceived to be more practical and less time-consuming for students.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of accelerated degree programs in higher education
  • Familiarity with the structure of BS/MS programs
  • Knowledge of thesis vs. non-thesis options in graduate studies
  • Awareness of employer perspectives on educational qualifications
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the specific requirements and benefits of accelerated BS/MS programs in Electrical Engineering
  • Explore the differences between project/exam routes and thesis routes in graduate studies
  • Investigate employer preferences regarding various types of master's degrees
  • Learn about the coursework and credit transfer policies in BS/MS programs
USEFUL FOR

Prospective graduate students in Electrical Engineering, academic advisors, and employers evaluating educational qualifications in the field.

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how favorable is an accelerated ms/bs program sound to an employer, as compared to a regular 2-2.5 year MS? (finish my BS and MS in 5 years... start taking grad class in senior year)

also, I am thinking about going the MS-project/exam route, than a thesis. What do employers think of this generally?

Thanks.
 
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MS is pretty short - you're overestimating the time it takes to get one. I can't think of a reason why BS/MS would be less regarded than MS nonthesis given the only difference is you double count courses for degree purposes.
 
They probably dont care. A masters is a masters is a masters is a masters. If it took you 2 or 10 years. You are an application with a masters.

(NOTE, they will care what *kind of masters you have)
 
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Yes - that's what it is. You take graduate level courses in your senior year and it counts towards both your BS degree and your MS degree. The requirements are the same for the accelerated program and for the individual program.
 
There is no difference between BS/MS and a separate MS, besides the age you will be when you finish. However, most schools I'm familiar with do not allow you to count any classes towards both your BS and MS. They will recognize that you've completed the relevant coursework, but you can't apply them as credits towards both degrees (the result being that you end up taking more graduate courses than a regular MS would, which is a good thing).

Also, I'd say that the project/exam route is preferred over the MS thesis, for the reason that you simply can't do enough research and publication in the course of doing an MS to write a worthwhile thesis. Many schools do not even offer the MS thesis option any more (or even the MS at all), as it is perceived to be a waste of professors' time to oversee short research projects that don't go anywhere. Don't let that stop you from doing a thesis if you decide you want to, but I don't think it will get you anywhere that the exam wouldn't.
 
I've been considering the course option route... instead of the thesis/research route.
 

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