<p>I was wondering if research experience is necessary for somebody pursuing graduate school for an M.Eng as opposed to an MS. I was told an M.Eng. is more geared toward professional practice while an MS in engineering focuses on research. Consequently, I was under the impression that research experience would not really be considered for an M.Eng. (although it certainly wouldn't hurt to have it). Am I correct or would publications and research be expected and significantly considered for an M.Eng.?</p>
<p>I believe that for a Ph.D. in MEng, research is needed. The great part is there a alot of ways to get these experiences while still in undergrad.</p>
<p>There are REU programs in applied physics (Johns Hopkins for example) and in the general stem majors. </p>
<p>The BIG 10 colleges (Michigan, Ohio State, Northwestern, etc) have programs call SROP which are pretty much open auditions with potential graduate advisors in every field. These are a must to check out. I know people who have rocked their SROP experiences and have been accepted into graduate programs (w/funding) because of their interactions with their SROP professors (who made sure that their apps were reviewed, and who were pulling for them in admission decisions). Also check out corporate opportunities.</p>
<p>Every engineering curriculum includes a capstone “research type” project for the conclusion each of its students undergrad career. You should connect with one of your professors in your department that you would like to work with. Next, present him/her with a cogent research proposal and see if you could transform this into a publication or a poster presentation. Even if it isn’t a capstone project, thinks of something you want to do, then present a research proposal (work with your advisor) to someone you would like to work with. Trust me, it will pay off. I did this, I got three poster presentations from doing this.</p>
<p>I’m assuming that “M.Eng” refers to a terminal “Master’s of Engineering” degree. This is usually a coursework-only degree, usually without a thesis option. In this case I don’t think research experience is necessary. You won’t be doing research as a grad student, so research experience shouldn’t be a prerequisite.</p>
<p>The previous poster might have a different interpretation for “M.Eng” (Mechanical Engineering maybe?) You do need research experience for PhD programs.</p>
<p>What do schools look for in M.Eng applicants if research isn’t important? Does it apply to the top M.Eng and terminal master’s programs (Berkeley, Stanford, etc.?) It’s not like they can just screen by academics/GRE scores can they?</p>
<p>I do know a handful of Master’s students in engineering who are being funded as research assistants. If that’s something you might be interested in, previous research (or relevant industry) experience might make you more attractive to PIs. If you are prepared to pay for the degree yourself, research experience is not expected for a terminal Master’s degree - but it would certainly be considered in the admission process, just like any other engineering related experience you bring to the table.</p>