<p>Hello everyone; I need help. First, the bio: I am a 30 year old math teacher that hates teaching high school. I've decided to go to graduate school to pursue my calling--what ever it is. I am certain it is Applied Mathematics or Engineering.</p>
<p>I have a degree in mathematics (not mathematics education but proof based math) and think applied math might fit my needs. My needs are to be marketable to one of the domestic intelligence agencies (CIA, NSA, GIA, etc.) and major engineering firms (Boeing). I like optimization and think data mining is interesting. My concern is that I will not be desirable to desired employers with a degree in applied math. Looking at the research areas of prospective graduate institutions, I find the material they are studying boring; this might be because they are using math jargon that goes over my head to describe their research topics. Maybe I have not found the right institution. </p>
<p>Civil engineering is tempting. I think I would be happy helping the nation make repairs on its dying bridges. The strikes against engineering are: 1) Since I have no undergraduate degree in engineering, I think I will have to spend 2 years taking foundation courses before I am allowed to start graduate work; this means I would spend at least 4 years getting masters in civil engineering. 2) I've read since I lack an under-grad. in engineering, I will not be able to get the professional engineering license--isn't this important to employers?</p>
<p>Are my concerns valid? Would I be desired by Boeing with a graduate degree in applied mathematics with a concentration in optimization and say cryptography; would I be setting myself up to grow old teaching at a junior college with this degree? Please say something.</p>