Getting a MS in CE while getting a PhD in MSE? Yay or Nay?

[skyentist]

I am planning on getting a PhD in material science and engineering (MSE) and it has an option for an masters in MSE. However, I would really rather get some knowledge of computer engineering  as well to bring to the table when getting a job in industry. Do you think this is would boost my "worth" or be detrimental (in terms of getting jobs)? I am interested in device fabrication and VLSI.

 

Thank you!

[EngineerGrad]

What are you trying to learn in the Computer Engineering program? Do you already know how to code?

I wouldn't do both at the same time. And once you have a PhD you can reach the line of "over qualified for this position"

 

Depending on what you want to learn from Comp Eng, I would consider learning on my own/joining free online classes to warm up.

Both at the same time sounds like a lot, but if you think you can do it... Do it :-)

[skyentist]

What are you trying to learn in the Computer Engineering program? Do you already know how to code?

I wouldn't do both at the same time. And once you have a PhD you can reach the line of "over qualified for this position"

 

Depending on what you want to learn from Comp Eng, I would consider learning on my own/joining free online classes to warm up.

Both at the same time sounds like a lot, but if you think you can do it... Do it :-)

 

Thanks for the reply! I am interested in low power circuits and large scale integration and MEMs, specifically in fabricating and characterizing new smaller, faster, more efficient devices.

 

I know a good amount of high level programming languages like Python, FORTRAN, some java and perl and some only a little bit of C and assembly language. I have taken taken a couple undergraduate CE courses and really enjoyed them.

 

I guess my main concern was that it would either look bad to companies or make me surpass the "overqualified line". But probably it would be a bit much to do both at the same time. Thanks for the advice! Much appreciated.

[EngineerGrad]

Best of luck!