CHOCTICK

I am applying to a master's program at a non-research based school. I have a degree in math and no research experience to speak of. I will be getting a conditional admit--admittance to the graduate program will be based on my performance in the filler classes I will be taking the first 3 semesters. I also have no experience in the field of study I am applying for(structural engineering) I say all that to say this: there is not much for me to talk about. Any explicit suggestions are welcomed and strongly desired. Thanks in advance.

Besides the time I spent in the Army, my happiest years have been those I have spent as a college student. I may have occasionally frowned on the impending exam and accompanying hours of requisite study, but the camaraderie and sense of community on the college campus among students made up for it. Teaching high school mathematics for two years was fulfilling but the deviants and lengthy at home preparation took the enjoyment out of it. Being a mailman had its moments but being chased by dogs was irksome. Yes, my happiest years were those I spent as a student. A desire to be blissful coupled with the opportunities an advanced degree will afford is why I want to attend graduate school. A master’s degree in civil engineering with a concentration in structural engineering has everything I am looking for. With this degree, I can work for the Army Corp of Engineers helping retrofit and replace our nations deteriorating infrastructure, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission helping design the next generation of nuclear reactors, the C.I.A. as a science, technology, and weapons analyst, or I could get a position at a junior college teaching math or engineering. Why do I want to study structural engineering? The answer is simple: opportunities. I especially like the applicability of structural engineering. With this degree, I am not relegated to designing buildings; wherever forcers are exerted, there is a potential need for a structural engineer. The screen saver on my office computer is a picture of the Millau Viaduct. As I admire the beauty of the tallest bridge in the world, I cannot help but ponder the science that enables it to withstand the forces it must cope with. As NASA designs the Orion space vehicle that will replace the space shuttle fleet, I envy the engineers that get to solve the structural challenges NASA doubtlessly encounters. I am well prepared to begin structural engineering studies. My degree in mathematics affords me the ability to think analytically and logically. Before commencing graduate studies I will have completed a course in chemistry and physics; this will help get my scientific juices reflowing. Once admitted to the graduate program in structural engineering, I will avail myself of the opportunity and not disappoint. I look forward to entering the civil engineering department in the fall of 2010.

This opinion applies only to Masters programs; when it comes to Phds, name recognition is more important for academia sake. I am pondering this because I am looking for reasons to attend a California State University system school rather than a University of California system school.

I plan on studying structural engineering in grad. school. Name recognition is overrated and where you go does not matter--as long as you can do the job. Thoughts?

What do you all see the market for structural engineers(SEs) being like in say 4 years. To my surprise, I have been surprised to hear it is pretty competitive landing a SE job. I am hoping by obtaining a masters I will be more competitive. Is it difficult obtaining your PE licensure? I have heard it is very important for job growth but I have read only 10% of engineers has it. ??????

Sac State is not a research university; is it? I most likely will receive a conditional admit to a graduate program in civil engineering since I have a degree in math and no engineering background. Ideally, I would only be at Sac State long enough to take my upper division pre. req. courses; then I would transfer to a more renowned program. I am thinking maybe three semesters at sac state then off to UCD or UCSD or the Ohio State University. Ohio State lets all veterans pay in state tuition. What do you think. Thanks.

I live in Sacramento right now; I was not aware that the situation was so bad. When you say you would not attend a CA. state school right now, does this include those within the UC system also? I will not be entering until next fall; maybe their finances will improve before then. I would be willing to do research for free--whatever it takes to get a quality education.... Thanks

I am going to graduate school for structural engineering next year. With regard to quality, what are the opinions of the California State University system in general and the Sacramento campus in particular? I know San Louis Obispo and San Jose State are good. Thanks for all replies.

I applied to the OR graduate program at The Ohio State University--main campus-- last year; rejected. Going to pursue structural engineering.

While we're on the topic, what have you all heard/know about the Civil program at California State University, Sacramento(CSUS). I am under the impression that name recognition is pretty important in choosing a graduate school. This is the major reason I feel as though it would be unwise to stay and complete a masters at CSUS. Opinions???

I have a BA in mathematics from California State University, Sacramento(CSUS); my overall gpa is 3.2 and my major gpa is 2.8ish. I want to pursue a Masters only in structural engineering. GRE: V=530 Q=720 AW=3.5 I plan on applying to CSUS's graduate program in structural engineering and taking all the prereq. courses I need--since my math degree does not prepare me for structure study. After about 3 semesters there, I want to transfer to a more prestigious graduate program(top 35). The question I have is is it reasonable to think I will be able to transfer from CSUS to say UCSD or UCD after attending CSUS as a conditional graduate student for 1.5 years. I have an uneasy feeling about the whole transferring from graduate program to graduate program. Any input is appreciated. P.S.: The first person that says I should have done better on the Q part of the GRE because I have a degree in math will feel pain... :-)