<p>Hello All,
I am a former military member (combat engineer) and I have a BS in Biology, graduate certificate in GIS, and an MS in Environmental Science. I have a couple years experience working with environmental consulting and have been able to eliminate my student loans. However, I am a very unsatisfied 33 year old and feel like I haven't been able to push myself. I have been strongly considering going back to get my BS in Civil Engineering and focusing on water resources as this area is something I really enjoy and can easily bridge to my experience. However, my only concern is going back and taking on additional student loans. Wondering if I could get advice on whether or not to pursue the degree? If so, should I reach out to engineering firms for long-term co-ops to possibly get tuition assistance? Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>I would not recommend another B.S. as you already have a B.S. and an M.S. Aren’t you able, with your experience and education to get a position in the field of your choice?</p>
<p>If your goal is to obtain a P.E. license, then how about a second Masters in Environmental Engineering. I am pretty sure you would qualify for admission with your background. The 1-2 year Masters degree would limit your loans and it might even be possible to do it part-time while you work. You might even find a program like the one at my university, Illinois Tech, which are simultaneously offered live on campus and online using the “live capture” method. These programs, at least at IIT, are coursework only and the same for both the live students and those viewing online. The same degree awarded.</p>
<p>Should you really want to spend more time back at a university, you could think about a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering or related field but that would take significantly longer.</p>
<p>It would help to know what doors you feel are closed to you with your current educational credentials and experience or what your personal goals are for studying engineering at this time in your life.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply xraymancs. I feel that my education, while somewhat extensive, doesn’t open up many doors for me in the water resource/conservation field except for wetland delineation work. I have been working wetland delineation for a couple years for oil and gas permitting but the work is mundane, not very challenging, involves continuous travel and combatting outdoor conditions. My goal would be able to work with bigger issues, such as watershed hydraulic and environmental modeling or even flood mitigation and overland flow. Thus, my reason for looking into civil engineering. My end goal would then be to able to obtain a P.E. license. I have looked into getting another MS in engineering but don’t know if I would be eligible to obtain a P.E. license in the future due to lack of a BS in engineering.</p>
<p>A M.S. is sufficient as long as you have work experience. One of my former advisees has a B.S. and an M.S. in physics and a lot of experience working as a Civil Engineer for IDOT. he is able to sit for the P.E. exam.</p>
<p>I think it depends on the state as well. Some are very stringent in their requirements and will only take an ABET accredited bachelors in engineering for the P.E.</p>
<p>20 years ago, my then 30 year old husband did what you are proposing. He had a BS in Chemistry. Colorado State University admitted him to an MS program, on the condition he complete his deficiencies (Thermo, Fluids) with a grade of B or better. He completed his degree in 2 and a half years as a full time student. He’s been working as a consulting water resource engineer ever since, the last 6 years for himself. Absolutely no regrets.</p>
<p>In Colorado, without an undergrad engineering degree, he was required to work for 8 years rather than 5 before being eligible to sit for the PE exam.</p>
<p>@Harvest8888 & @Gavianna - Agreed, each state has its own requirements. </p>
<p>@frog81 - Look into possible Master programs and make some calls to find out what the likelihood is of getting in.</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>Thanks all for the great feedback. I will do some calling and see what I find out. Thanks again.</p>