All you engineers, next step questions

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>Hi all,</p>

<p>So I'm in a dilemma and was wondering if some people could give input. Currently, I'm finishing a co-terminal degree program earning my Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering and a Professional Master's of Environmental Engineering. I was a year ahead, and could finish this program in four years so figured I should do it (and it's all paid for). Anyway, I've wanted to join the Peace Corps afterwards, but I also want to get a PhD. The peace corps has a master's international program where you go to college for a year and serve for the two years. Now, I'm trying to decide on what would complement the degrees I have. I ultimately want to work in third world development, specifically water treatment and environmental concerns. What I'm considering now is getting an Environmental Studies degree as part of this program so that I can get a better feel for policy which will be a big part of any environmental engineers job... and then I was looking at a PhD program in Environmental Engineering and Science from Stanford, I mean if I get in (there is a professor there that deals a lot with third world development concerns that I would love to work with).</p>

<p>Does this seem like a logical approach? Far-fetched? Not worth it? I want to at one point be a teacher/professor, and for that a PhD is almost necessary... so that's why I can't exactly avoid that step. And quite honestly, I'm not concerned with "not making money" for the number of years I'd be in the program... I mean, I will eventually so might as well make the most of this time.</p>

<p>Thanks all!</p>

2

<p>My suggestion is to do the Peace Corps for as long as you want to gain the experience you seek, however another Masters degree is not really going to help much if you eventually want a Ph.D. Taking the time off to gain the kind of experience that you would get in the Peace Corps is a great idea which can give you a leg up on getting into a Ph.D. program. This kind of real world experience is often a plus for engineering programs.</p>

<p>Just make sure that you take your GRE’s when you are in a good state of mind, maybe before going off to the Peace Corps. They are valid for 5 years.</p>

3

<p>The Master’s program is great with the Peace Corps, and can help you pay for that extra year for you. But, if you want the PhD, this might not be the right program. I think you would be better off with the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows program.</p>

<p>“The Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program (formerly known as Fellows/USA) offers returned Volunteers financial aid, such as scholarships and stipends, and professional internships at more than 70 partner schools. Master’s and doctoral degrees combined with substantive internships in underserved American communities prepare Fellows for their careers in a wide range of disciplines.”</p>

4

<p>Actually, I just saw it said “returned” volunteers financial aids. I apologize.</p>