<p>Howdy all,</p>
<p>I am recent graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University (Environmental Science; BS). I am lucky enough that I actually HAVE landed a job and am currently working for an environmental engineering consultancy. </p>
<p>Here's where the fun starts. I want to further my education... All of my coworkers are engineers OR have a masters degree in sciences. I do not want to quit my job to take on a full time masters degree with thesis and I feel it would very difficult to complete it part time. </p>
<p>So... here is what I have came to: earn a second bachelors in Civil Engineering at the University of Utah with a concentration in geo-engineering (part time) or wait for a bit, save some cash and do a geology masters and quit my job. What do you see best and why?</p>
<p>My interests are in solving problems, geology, mining/petroleum, hydrology, construction, etc. The "U" only requires 30 credits to be taken there so I could theoretically finish a BS there in 2 years, I think? </p>
<p>I would go straight into a masters of engineering but I lack the prereqs... </p>
<p>THANKS FOR ANY ADVICE!!!</p>
<p>Will your employer reimburse for education? If so, then you might want to consider that before quitting your job to go back to school.</p>
<p>If they will reimburse you may want to ask some questions about their policies - some employers will reimburse more for grad school than for undergrad, some will provide bonuses upon degree completion (generally more for a grad degree), some will require you to maintain your employment for a certain period after they offer tuition reimbursement (all things to consider before making a decision).</p>
<p>I don’t know how useful a 2nd undergrad would be. If you want to stay in environmental, then employers are going to look more at your work experience and professional accomplishments than they are going to look at your degree. The main reason to consider a 2nd undergrad in civil is if you want to work in a different area of civil.</p>
<p>If you are interested in a MS in engineering even if you don’t have the prereqs, if a school accepts you they will allow you to take those prereqs before you start the grad level courses (although you generally have to pay the grad school tuition prices for them).</p>
<p>You can generally do part-time MS programs as well. I assume you are located near the U of Utah. Have you looked into the MS engineering programs? You may be able to take classes a couple evenings per week to work towards a degree.</p>
<p>If your employer strongly supports your degree efforts, they may allow you to work flexible hours or attend classes during your work hours if necessary. It would be something worth discussing with them.</p>
<p>My employer will reimburse. I have heard that it isn’t a great deal; requires you to work for them for quite some time and only pays a percentage. I think I am willing to fund it myself (no debt currently). </p>
<p>I feel that a Civil Eng. degree would allow for a broader career approach. I am interested in designing and implementing remediation systems. Because of this I have considered even doing a one year “engineering certificate” to learn CAD and such. What are you views on that? Worthless? I could get into the Eng programs but making up lots of coursework would be required, which sucks… </p>
<p>I feel that working anymore than 20 hours per week and taking on an engineering masters would be pure hell. I feel confident I could get a fellowship to do a geology masters. Once again, I feel a civil eng. approach would keep more doors open in regards to employment. </p>
<p>Has anyone completed a (thesis) masters while working full time? What was it like?</p>