<p>I have decided the area of civil engineering I want to work in is geotechnical engineering. I am a junior and did a few random jobs searches and found most preferred a masters and some required one. These were for entry level to intermediate positions. I am now thinking graduate school may be a good idea. I really do not know allot about grad school so I am looking for some some info. </p>
<p>Are there programs that are not as researched focused? Is this the difference between thesis and non-thesis? Do I need to try and get some undergraduate research experience? I will have a year of internship experience but research is not something I am really interested in. </p>
<p>Is it hard to get help paying for grad school by doing things like being a ta? </p>
<p>I am guessing I will have a 3.3 gpa from my state university so I am worried that will be a little low. I think I can get a good score on the GRE.</p>
<p>If anyone has any recommendations of schools to look at that would be great too.</p>
<p>If you are not interested in research then you will be in a non-thesis professional masters type of program. You will likely not get too much financial aid for these as universities use TA positions for the Ph.D. students primarily. </p>
<p>If you are not willing to invest money in a Masters, I suggest that you start by looking for a job and then pursue a Masters part-time once you are employed. The financial burden will be lower, your employer might pay for some of the cost and you will have a much better idea of what you need to study to maximize your opportunities after the degree.</p>
<p>You are interested in what’s called a Masters of Engineering. The Masters of Science has a portion devoted to research and a thesis. The Masters of Engineering is just course work and is made for people who want to go into industry, not continue on to get a Ph.D. It may be more difficult to get a TA job, but it won’t be impossible. If you apply, you can be a grader or find some work on campus. You can even help with research (setup etc) but not write a thesis. Undergraduate research might be smart to not only boost your resume, but to get some good recommendation letters. 3.3 is not low by any means, but you may find it more difficult to get into the top 10 schools or whatever.</p>
<p>most UCs offer two routes for a masters in civil engineering - thesis or comprehensive exam. i’m doing the comprehensive exam route myself, and TA positions bring me to the point where i’m basically covered for tuition. i’m still out of pocket for rent and other bills though</p>
<p>
Why do you think it’s a good idea? In my opinion and MY experience, unless you’re going for structural MS, other specialization for civils are low ROI. Take it from someone who has msce-environmental emphasis.</p>
<p>In my experience, an entry level geotech doesn’t really need a masters bc you’re out in the field and lab most of the time doing sampling. The reason why geotech firms now require masters is because the competition in the field is intense due to economy.
Geotech (or transportation, depending on where you live) pays the lowest.</p>
<p>You are a junior and in about 1-2 years when you graduate HOPEFULLY the economy will pick up and if it does, find yourself a job and don’t go grad school route.
Who knows if you decide to go straight to grad school, we’re gonna be in a recession by the time you finish grad school and now you’re REALLY gonna be pigeon holed.</p>
<p>In the worst cast scenario, if by the time you finish your undergrad you can’t find a job, and then straight to grad school and finish your msce you still can’t find a job, start learning mandarin or consider moving elsewhere.</p>
<p>It’s no joke, but my close friend who work for petronas in malaysia is making about 30% lower than me (about 80k/yr). counting how living cost over there is a fraction of here in L.A., he still came out ahead…</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies. </p>
<p>I would prefer to start working right away and get my masters later if I see a need. I just want to make myself as marketable as possible. I am also worried I would not find a job then decide to go to grad school but it be to late to apply so I sit around for a semester. </p>
<p>I heard structural and then geotechnical are the big ones that a masters is often needed. Based on the classes I have taken so far they use pretty similar concepts just using different materials. Is this not the case? I get what your saying about the entry level positions and field/lab work not needing one. This is actually one of the reasons I like geo tech (just wish there were not so many reports to write…). I would prefer to start in one of these positions then get a masters if needed.</p>
<p>Geotechnical engineering is a great field with huge opportunity and most people do obtain master’s degrees - either in geotechnical engineering or sometimes in engineering geology/geological engineering or even mining engineering. All these fields are quite closely related. The fact that someone pursues a masters degree does not make them researchers or research oriented. The masters degree is just the price of entry and probably represents a trade off between theory and practice that employers look for to train new engineers.</p>