MEng vs MS degree

[DanielLee912]

Hey everyone,

I hope everyone else's process of applying went well.

I am in a bit of a conundrum in what to choose for graduate school.

Basically, I have two options

1. UC Berkeley - Masters of Engineering Degree in Material Science

2. UC Irvine- Masters of Science Degree in Material Science

I am wondering which one to accept. Some things to keep in mind:

1. I do not want to pursue a pHd

2. I am more naturally inclined to industry and practicals over theory

My main issue I have is which degree is considered to be more prestigious in industry. Many companies from what I've heard do not recognize the Masters of Engineering Degree. However, UCB is more recognized than UCI.

I am leaning more towards UCB based on my interests and the name-brand associated with the school. However, I will be forking out more $$ (1 year @ $43k vs 2 years @ $32k total) and am a bit concerned if I can't find a job with a MEng.

What are your thoughts?

[MsLaura]

Hi Daniel,

Assuming that you are using this masters to get a non-academic, professional job, I vote Berkeley. On the latest US News grad school ranking in Material Science they come in at #6, and Irvine isn't even top 10. What specifically have you heard about companies not "recognizing" the Masters of Engineering degree? As in some employers haven't heard of it (not shocking because it is fairly new) or not acknowledging it as a legitimate masters that would be equivalent to a MS and considering you as having only a bachelors?

Don't just consider the total cost of the program, also consider the opportunity cost of being out of the workforce for an additional year to go to Irvine and losing those wages. When you take that into account, the Berkeley program is actually cheaper...

I was also admitted to the MEng program at Berkeley for next fall (not in Material Science, but in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research), and I'm weighing it against my acceptance into a MS in Management Science and Engineering from University of Columbia, which is a joint program between the Engineering and Business schools. I feel like both degrees will look pretty comparable on my resume, so I'm trying to make my decision based on how much I will learn, location, and career placement opportunities provided by each school. Does anyone else have any thoughts about deciding between those programs? The Berkeley MEng program is 9 months (12 technical engineering credits + 7 engineering leadership credits + 5 capstone project credits = 24 credits) and I could finish the Columbia program in 12 months (36 credits between technical engineering and business school classes).

-Laura

[JYin]

Berkeley, of course.