<p>im just wondering what exactly is the difference between bachelors, masters, and phd.</p>
<p>i know the higher one climbs up the ladder the more he/she gets paid...</p>
<p>but</p>
<p>in terms of knowledge is there really a big difference between a bachelors say in electrical engineering or mechanical or whatever and a masters?</p>
<p>do they know that much more?</p>
<p>or is it just a little bit overrated?</p>
<p>People with PhD's in engineering tend to stay in academia or go into research. You don't find that many of them in industry. Master's degrees, in general, are helpful in that you obtain more specialized knowledge in your field. There's a narrower focus here than in your undergrad education. Master's are more important in some fields than others; in structural engineering, for example, it has become almost a prerequisite to getting a position in that field.</p>
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People with PhD's in engineering tend to stay in academia or go into research. You don't find that many of them in industry.
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<p>That's not really true. Even highly "academic" programs like Caltech's ME send 50% to industry. I can only imagine that most programs send at least that amount.</p>
<p>Dirt is correct. I'd say the ratio of PhDs is more to industry nationwide.</p>
<p>For ECE, there are some topics that you aren't introduced to until the MS. Some high speed students take 500-600 level courses at the end of undergrad and that can help you decide if you're interested in those topics.</p>
<p>Some jobs in those areas require a MS. Many others say "MS preferred".</p>