Choosing between Master of Science or Master of Engineering for Structural Engineering

[StructuralEngr88]

Any inputs and opinions would greatly be appreciated!!

I am debating whether to go for a Master of Science or Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering. What is the different between the two when applying for a job? Would one have more benefits than the other out in the industrial world? What is the outlook for graduates with master of Engineering?

I graduated with a BS in Civil Engineering and took one year off to work in the nuclear industry (structural part). And now i am going to back for my master but debating betweem MS or MEng. Thanks for your inputs!

[Chasely]

I think the differences depend on the school you're going to.

This is how I see it:

• MEng is considered a terminal, professional degree. Getting this degree means that you have no intention on going on towards a PhD.
  
• A MSE means that you may want to, at some point, want to go on for a PhD in the field.
  

In theory, an MSE is supposed to be a thesis(research)-based degree and MEng is a coursework based degree. In practice, I know that some schools allow you to do a coursework-based MSE.

My school, for example, the MEng degree requires a minor with a professional emphasis (>=6 hrs), a master's project (3 hrs), at least one class in management, law, stats, economics, etc. I think you could do all of these things inside the MSE as well, but they're not required for the MSE.

I would look at the requirements for each degree of your school, and then put the requirements side by side and see how they stack up.

I personally would go for a MSE, but I'm going for my PhD, so I'm biased. I highly doubt that there is any preference in industry, as long as you end up getting your PE.