Hi all,
I recently got accepted in the TEAM program but am undecided as to whether I wish to continue. It’s a great university, or so I have read, however how valid is this degree? What can be done with it? I am alright with it being an MS and not a certificate, but is it worth the effort and money? Any advice or tips on this program are greatly appreciated.
Although the program is relatively new at U of R, it is certainly a valid degree. You basically take half engineering courses (graduate level) and half business courses (MBA-level). From what I understand, this program was started (at least in part) by Robert Clark, who previously had involvement with Duke’s well-known Engineering Management program.
The second part of your question was: what can be done with it and is it worth the effort/money?
This depends on what it is that you want to do. Having this degree, or any degree in Engineering Management isn’t going to make you an engineering manager in your first job - that’s just not how the engineering world works. It may put you in a better position to become a manager down the road in your career. It might also help you in a position that involves engineering program management or one where you are overseeing engineering activities (like supervising a manufacturing cell). If you are interested in working in an applied engineering field - R&D, research, product development, then I would recommend an MS in your engineering field rather than an Engineering Management degree.
Some first hand knowledge: I got my MS in ME from U of R a couple of years ago and had friends in the TEAM program. They either went into traditional engineering roles, manufacturing supervisory roles, or program management - all things you can do with a traditional engineering degree. If you are receiving some kind of significant scholarship or grant, I’d say it’s worth getting a MS before or early in your career - My observations have shown that an MS gives you a leg up early (pay grade, starting level, perception), but nobody really cares if you have one later in your career. But if you are going more than $10-20k in debt, it’s probably not worth it. Find a company that will pay for it or one with a leadership development program.
Edit: Effort-wise, the TEAM program is going to be less work than a traditional engineering MS. Think: Less crunching numbers/studying, more presentations.