Should I Switch Masters Programs Due to a Name Change?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a student's contemplation of switching master's programs due to a change in the program's name from Manufacturing and Mechanical Systems Integration to Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology. The student expresses concern about the implications of this name change and its perceived stigma, as well as their interest in statistics-related courses, leading to a consideration of switching to industrial engineering or applied statistics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • The student is uncertain about how to approach discussions with their current and potential new departments regarding the switch.
  • Some participants note that the name change may carry a stigma associated with engineering technology, suggesting it is perceived as less rigorous.
  • There is a question about whether course requirements will change alongside the name change, with some participants confirming that they will not.
  • The student expresses a desire to focus on statistics, indicating a potential switch to a program that aligns more closely with their interests.
  • One participant mentions that they advise students against pursuing engineering technology degrees due to the stigma attached to them.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the name change may influence perceptions of the program, particularly regarding academic rigor. However, there is no consensus on the best approach for the student to take in discussing their potential switch, nor on how common such switches are.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects concerns about the implications of program name changes and the associated perceptions of academic rigor, but does not resolve the student's uncertainties about switching programs or the potential reactions from different departments.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a switch in master's programs, particularly those concerned about program reputation and academic rigor, may find this discussion relevant.

respect_the_S
Messages
14
Reaction score
0
It's my first semester in the Manufacturing and Mechanical Systems Integration masters program at RIT. I've just learned that the program name is changing to Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology. I don't want a masters in engineering technology, and since I've found that I'm enjoying the statistics related courses the most, I'm considering switching to either industrial engineering or applied statistics.

I'm posting this question here because I want opinions on how to go about approaching people about this. I'll need to talk to the IE or statistics department and well as my home department for sure, but I wasn't sure if maybe there was a best way to go about bringing it up, or if they would care either way. I guess my concern is for my home department to think I wasn't serious about being there, or if my potential new department would be concerned with me switching again if they took me on. I know only they can answer for sure, just hoping to get some opinions.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
"A rose by any other ..." NBS turned into NIST thirty years ago ... lost name recognition, gained syllable count, other wise pretty much business as usual ... a stage in the maturation of bureaucracies.
 
Are the course requirements also changing, or is it only the name?
 
jtbell said:
Are the course requirements also changing, or is it only the name?

The course requirements aren't, but engineering technology carries a stigma with it regarding a lack of academic rigor. At my school it's ABET accredited but it sometimes doesn't change the perception.

Also, I find myself gravitating towards the statistics courses in my program, and I'm considering switching to industrial engineering or applied statistics. I'm just not sure how common it is to switch masters programs. It wouldn't be a completely unrelated switch though, just to something more focused on the part of my current program that I've found an interest in.
 
respect_the_S said:
The course requirements aren't, but engineering technology carries a stigma with it regarding a lack of academic rigor. At my school it's ABET accredited but it sometimes doesn't change the perception.

Also, I find myself gravitating towards the statistics courses in my program, and I'm considering switching to industrial engineering or applied statistics. I'm just not sure how common it is to switch masters programs. It wouldn't be a completely unrelated switch though, just to something more focused on the part of my current program that I've found an interest in.

I agree. Engineering Technology says "dumbed down" to a lot of people. Your concern is valid.

I steer most students I mentor away from engineering technology degrees.
 

Similar threads

Other How can I fill course requirements for Physics Master's program?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Programs Where did all the “fundamentals-deepening” master’s programs go?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
938
Programs Mathematical/Theoretical Physics MSc with High Teaching Quality
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
820
Need study advice before starting a Masters program in Nuclear Engineering
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Studying I need advice for a master's degree in applied physics
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Studying Should I pursue a masters degree after 4.5 years working in IT?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
Programs List of terminal master's programs?
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
4K
Admissions Switching from grad quantitative psych to physics: is it possible?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Admissions Non-thesis masters in Material Science to Material Science PhD
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
What should I do about my academic supervisor?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K