Is getting a Masters for Aerospace Engineering common these days?

I have a relative who graduated from Chico State with an Aerospace engineering degree and after graduation, he’s been saving up for a graduate school. I asked why not enter the industry now but he told me that he needs a masters for a better job. Is that necessarily true?

It will certainly help. There’s just so much to learn, it’s hard to cram into a BS degree. I’m in structures, but it’s the same idea. Two extra years of classes and research made a big difference.

@MaineLonghorn Thanks!

@MaineLonghorn Do you think engineering jobs will expand more in the next 5-10 years at big name companies as better technology spurs up?

That said, there are plenty of jobs out there requiring only a BS. Getting an advanced degree is not required, and many who do can get it on the company dime if they go to work first.

@boneh3ad I was waiting for you to respond (:

In fact many engineering Masters programs like to see work experience in their applicants. Engineering is a very practical discipline and having a few years of work under one’s belt is a plus.