<p>I have a decision that I am not sure about. I would love if anyone would be willing to tell me what they would do in my place and what they think the best option would be in the long run. </p>
<p>Here is my two options:</p>
<p>B.S. Engineering Science at UVA
Cost remaining: $30,000
Time remaining: 3 years</p>
<p>B.S. Mathematics at Indiana University east.
Cost remaining: $7,000
Time remaining: 1.5 years</p>
<p>I got into both programs, and they are both online. I have to make a last minute decision about what is the best option is before classes start. </p>
<p>I want to get an engineering related job. My dilemma is this… It looks like I might be able to complete the B.S. in Mathematics and get a M.S. in Engineering in about the same amount of time and for around the same cost as going to UVA. For example if I did a M.S. in Systems engineering at George Mason University. </p>
<p>I don’t really like math and would like I said I want to end up in an engineering related job. However, would it be the logical choice to finish Math and get a masters in engineering if I can do it for around the same time and money? Or is UVA a good enough school that it would not be good to give up the chance?</p>
<p>What do you all think? What would you do in my case?</p>
<p>Then why are you even considering getting a math degree? That is a pretty surefire way to fail out if you hate your major area of study. This statement is only slightly less alarming for a prospective engineer. Engineering itself is rather math-heavy. Maybe you should be thinking about engineering technology instead of engineering.</p>
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<p>If you were going to get a master’s degree then afterward it wouldn’t matter to employers what school issued your bachelor’s degree in the majority of cases. That said, see above.</p>
<p>I guess I did not completely explain… It’s not like I “hate” math. I currently have a 4.00 GPA so it’s not like I am bad at math, but what I have found is in upper level math courses there is a tendency to focus on theoretical proofs of mathematical concepts instead of practical applications. </p>
<p>I have always been a creative, design oriented person. I enjoy creating things… even if it is just web development or designs in CAD software. </p>
<p>At the beginning of this year I decided to take some more engineering classes. I took statics, dynamics, and mechanics of materials. What I found is this… In every class, there was a basic trend that I really enjoyed. For example, when I approached a problem, I started with the graphical representation of the problem, analyzed what engineering concepts and equations applied, and then used math to solve for the answer.</p>
<p>In all three of these courses basically all the problems involved math, but it had a practical method to it based off the engineering equations and methods. For me the term “math” has come to imply more of a mathematical proof of a mathematical concept so I guess that is what I meant by saying that I did not really like “math” compared to engineering.</p>
<p>I guess I am just saying that the practical application of mathematics is what gets me excited.</p>
<p>If I go to UVA they will not accept the credit that I have through college board CLEP exams. This is what will cause it to be 3 years at UVA vs. 1.5 years at IUE. </p>
<p>What I am not sure about is this, since math at IUE will be so much less expensive and faster would it make more sense to finish math and then get an engineering masters instead of doing to UVA option? It’s not like I think I can’t do the B.S. in math and I am sure I would get a good gpa, but it is not like I would want to stop there. </p>
<p>If you were in the same case with the same interests, what of the two options would you do?</p>
<p>I think either way the best choice would be the quick BS and subsequent MS route, but are you 100% certain that straight math is your only option on that timeline? Perhaps applied math, statistics, or physics is an option…either way these are solid prospects. Good luck.</p>
<p>I have researched that online Indiana University-East math program (I do stuff like that in my spare time). Although the program looks thorough, it forces you to take more strictly math required courses than many other widely known programs. I kind of understand why some smaller schools do this…in order to compete, they make their students take EVERYTHING under the sun. Personally, I think 15 math courses (in semesters not quarters) is just too much. On top of that, IU-East doesn’t offer other applied areas online to go with those math courses.</p>
<p>Now your B.S. Math → M.S. Engineering route is OK (I did the same thing) but my math degree was actually computational mathematics, so I was “applied” from the get-go.</p>
<p>I am glad I found someone who did math with a masters in engineering! I have one question for you, have you found that this changed your career any as an engineer? I mean does it cause you to not work on the concept or design aspect of an engineering project? Is a masters in engineering focused on the theoretical aspects of engineering or does it still have the application and development aspect to it?</p>
<p>I see you are from the DC area. I am from northern Virginia and would like to work in the DC area. For where you are employed, does UVA hold the weight or will I be fine coming from IUE? </p>
<p>Also, if I do the math option, I was considering the online systems engineering from George Mason University as an option. What do you think of this combination? </p>
<p>For the DC area, would I be better off with a B.S in Math from IUE and a M.S. in Systems engineering from GMU or just a B.S. in Engineering science from UVA? </p>
<p>Like I said, it looks like if I do go with math I can get a B.S. and a masters for about the same time and money it would take me to go to UVA so I want to make the choice that will benefit me in the long run.</p>
<p>If you were a manager in the DC area which would you rather hire, a B.S. in Math from IUE with M.S. in systems engineering from GMU or a B.S. in engineering science from UVA? </p>
<p>I am already 21 so I am a little unsure if it is best to put myself back a 1.5 to go to UVA. What do you think?</p>