M.S.E.E. in RF/Microwave and grad certificate in power?

Graduate School
1

<p>Hi guys and gals, I wonder if you know if it's a good idea to get a graduate certificate. I am doing my masters in EE at NYU-POLY. My main focus is on RF/Microwave, electromagnetic and antenna stuff. However, I'm thinking about getting a graduate certificate in power electronics/power systems as well. The certificate program requires 4 classes (12 credits) in the that field. 10 classes (30 credits) are required to get a masters. I've wasted 1 class (3 credits) on my core class and took 2 classes (6 credits) in RF/Microwave. So I am thinking 2 options here.</p>

<p>1) Take all the available RF/Microwave, EM, and antenna classes. Then fill in the rest with electives.</p>

<p>2) Take 3 more RF/Microwave, EM, and antenna classes (by skipping some). Then take 4 classes in power and obtain graduate certificate in power electronics/systems.</p>

<p>The question is how much difference will a certificate in power make? I'm worried that I might not be able to get a job as an RF Engineer because companies tend to hire those with experiences. So I am thinking graduate certificate as a plan B if worst should happen. Comments anyone?</p>

2

<p>You still want to be an RF engineer, correct? Because I think that taking a bunch of Power classes will (a) hurt your chances by making you seem less qualified and undecided while simultaneously (b) getting you nowhere with Power because you will only really have a couple of classes in that area along with an obvious preference for RF.</p>

<p>Companies do prefer those with experience, but an MS helps a lot, as does good grades and research experience. Employment in engineering is still good enough that unless there are some unmentioned issues (bad grades, repellant interpersonal skills, felony convictions, etc.) I would not be stressing yet.</p>

3

<p>Hi cosmicfish, thanks for replying. Yes I definitely prefer RF much more (since I came from a physics background) and I do agree with grades and experiences as well. I think doing a project with a professor will do me good since NYU-POLY doesn’t have much RF research opportunities.</p>