Graduate school for Materials Engineering??(Electrochemical Engineering?)

Graduate School
1

<p>Hello, I need some help trying to decide my future degree. Any comments would be appreciated!</p>

<p>My History:
I want to dedicate my career innovating Electrochemical technologies (Fuel Cells, Batteries, Solar Cells, etc...).
Before entering college, I originally applied as a "Chemical Engineering major (B.S.)" but later found out chemical engineers are more associated with learning about Process Control/Operation and "Materials Science & Engineering (B.S.)" is a more relevant major for working with electrochemical technologies. However, my institution does not offer this major, and I switched to "Chemistry major (B.S.)" thinking that chemistry is probably the next most relevant. </p>

<p>Current Problem:
Fast forward 4 years. I am going to take my GRE and apply for graduate schools soon in the Fall. As a chemistry major and from all the internships I have done, I realize i do not like to work in a wet-lab (goggles, lab coats, gloves) environment but enjoy dry-lab (just goggles) very much.
At the same time, I still want to work with electrochemical technologies because I want to develop or lead a team to develop electrochemical technologies that may one day solve all our energy needs <-- (at least that is the dream!). Also, is it possible to achieve such an endeavor without working in a wet-lab environment? (I do not want to work in a wet-lab environment due to the hazards and dangers that it poses. I have known colleagues who have been injured by the negligence of others.)</p>

<p>Right now, I do not know what type of graduate programs to apply to. I know I will be applying for an advanced "Materials Science/Engineering" degree since it is the most relevant to my dream career work. </p>

<p>Should I apply to a Masters of Science program or a Masters of Engineering program? or Do I need a PhD for my dream career goals?
(I want to focus more on engineering/technical work than research.)</p>

<p>Any suggestions? Thank you for reading my concerns by the way!</p>

2

<p>Sorry to disappoint you but if you want to work with batteries, and especially fuel cells, it may be that you need to work in a wet-lab. You cannot exclude it. Materials Science & Engineering is a fine field to work in for this goal though. However, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Physics are also good places to start. Personally, I have worked in batteries and fuel cells and my training is in physics.</p>

<p>As for the kind of degree, you probably will need to get a Ph.D. if you want to have the opportunity to innovate in your chosen field. it is not that Masters level engineers and scientists can’t work in those areas but in order to be on the cutting edge you need a research degree and a Ph.D. gives you the most training along those lines. As a side note, research covers engineering as well, they are not mutually exclusive.</p>