<p>I am high school student who applied to colleges in computer engineering. I just got a Regent's at UC Davis but up until then my top choice was Cal (now I am undecided).</p>
<p>What are the benefits of grad school for engineering? Is it really worth it?</p>
<p>Would UC Davis significantly hurt my chances for grad school compared to Cal? Or is it the same if I kept Regents and made honors?</p>
<p>If the result is the same for Davis getting into grad school as Cal, and if grad school is really worth it, then I will probably go to Davis where I will save much more money. (I have not yet found out about Cal - though I think I will get in - but if I don't Davis will be my choice.) Does anyone have experience/knowledge to help me?
Thanks!!</p>
<p>
There are some specializations of engineering (for example, antenna design in eletrical engineering) that are extremely hard to get into without a masters degree. A masters degree also provides more in-depth knowledge and makes promotions easier in industry. A masters degree, in part because of eaiser promotions, generally corresponds to slightly higher career earnings. </p>
<p>A PhD allows you to go into academia or industrial research. While this has benefits on its own, it can actually make it harder to get a job and has no real financial advantage over a masters degree, and may actually reduce earnings in the long run.</p>
<p>I would not worry too much on which school is better for grad school at this point - while I am not intimately familiar with either school, I think either would give you a reasonable shot at grad school should you decide to go that route. For now, just focus on a great undergrad experience.</p>
<p>Thanks!! Most of what you said was new to me. It’s hard to find pros and cons of engineering graduate programs.</p>
<p>I don’t believe an engineering master’s degree to be as valuable as a master’s degree in other disciplines. In reality, a master’s is nothing more than extra training in one specific area of your bachelor’s degree. Depending on that area, you may or may not benefit at all from the extra degree. In fact, in some cases the grad degree can limit your job opportunities, as some employers may see you as a short timer if you apply for a position which is irrelevant to your grad degree specialization.</p>
<p>Unless you plan on moving in to research or teaching (think PhD), or your desired field requires a master’s, I wouldn’t waste your money, or more importantly, time. If you do decide to go for your master’s, choose your specialization carefully, and make sure there is enough demand for that specialization.</p>
<p>go have some fun in berkeley</p>