<p>I have a BS in Mechanical Engineering and my ultimate goal is to get a PhD. Unfortunately, the only schools I was accepted to for Fall 2013 is the Rutgers MS and Cornell MEng programs. The way I see it, I have the following options: </p>
<p>1) Go to Rutgers for the MS program.
2) Go to Cornell for the MEng program.
3) Wait and apply to PhD programs again for spring/fall 2014. </p>
<p>Generally speaking a MS degree will hold more wait when applying to a PhD program than a MEng degree since the MS degree has a thesis. But Cornell's MEng program offers a research based curriculum for Micro and Nanoscale Engineering, which is what I am most interested in right now and does not seem to be offered at Rutgers. Also, gaining connections with the faculty at Cornell and having a ivy league masters degree in my application seems like it would be good as well. However, I do not know if the possible gains from going to Cornell for a MEng degree are worth the cost (~$50k for a year) since my ultimate goal is PhD? What do you guys think would be the best move to make in this situation? Thank in advance.</p>
<p>No one has any input on this matter?</p>
<p>The Cornell degree is still geared towards working in the field. It just has a research component. It is not a prep MS degree that can be a stepping stone to a PhD degree. </p>
<p>From the M.Eng Mech E website:
“The Master of Engineering programs in the Sibley School will help you improve your technical skills and equip you for a career as an engineer or engineering manager”</p>
<p>If you want a PhD have you applied directly to PhD programs? That would be a better option and you shouldn’t have to pay for anything.</p>
<p>This seems relevant. If you can pull good grades, you might have a shot at PhD at Cornell. You would just have to pay 50k for that shot. </p>
<p>[Cornell</a> MEng: stepping stone?](<a href=“Cornell MEng: stepping stone? - Physics GRE Discussion Forums”>Cornell MEng: stepping stone? - Physics GRE Discussion Forums)</p>
<p>Thanks for the link. I originally applied to the PhD program and unfortunately was not accepted, but they said I could go into their MEng program if I wanted. Most MEng programs are as described in the quote you posted, but the micro and nanoscale program seems to be mainly research based, but without a thesis at the end. Here’s a link to the program…</p>
<p>[Micro</a> and Nanoscale Engineering - School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering - Cornell Engineering](<a href=“http://www.mae.cornell.edu/mae/academics/graduate/meng/designprogram/micro.cfm]Micro”>http://www.mae.cornell.edu/mae/academics/graduate/meng/designprogram/micro.cfm)</p>
<p>I do realize though that without the thesis it still might not mean a whole lot in a PhD application, but it is the field in which I would like to do research. This why I am unsure what to do. I think the material and research would be fascinating and the connections I gain could possibly help me get into the PhD program at Cornell or another good school, but it is a lot of money to pay for that chance.</p>
<p>yea thats a tough one. I don’t have any knowledge of the subject to tell you the truth. Surprised no one else has chimed in here for advice. </p>
<p>Try asking on the physics forum for some more advice:
[Physics</a> Help and Math Help - Physics Forums](<a href=“http://www.physicsforums.com/]Physics”>http://www.physicsforums.com/)</p>
<p>One question though, which schools have you applied to? Cornell is not the only school that has good nano research. Apply to a broader set of schools if you really want a PhD.</p>
<p>I applied to 7 schools that had high ranking science and engineering programs and seemed to be doing interesting work in nano research. Unfortunately I was only accepted to the Cornell MEng and Rutgers MS programs. I think the main problem is that although I have research experience, I never really got a chance to be an author on any publications so my resume is lacking in that area. Some of the schools also said I would have a better chance if I got in contact with research groups at the schools and formed some connections before applying.</p>
<p>Did you look at SUNY College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering? They have a fully funded tuition and research assistant program, if you are accepted and they have world class facilities. [Welcome</a> to College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering](<a href=“http://www.sunycnse.com%5DWelcome”>http://www.sunycnse.com)</p>
<p>As the mom of a senior in mechanical engineering, I am not surprised at this post. It was tough for my son to find internships, even with a decent GPA and research experience, so I’m not too hopeful for acceptance to grad school. I have actually been looking at some of the programs the OP has been referencing, and have them on the back burner as options should son not get into his choice of grad school.</p>
<p>As for Cornell, they are a very respected school, and if they are indeed doing research you are interested in, I would recommend to go into their MEng program. Sure, you will have to pay a pretty penny for it, but I think it would be a worthwhile investment as a stepping stone toward a job or future graduate work.</p>
<p>Also, once there, you could possibly get a TA job to help with tuition, or a job working as a research assistant.</p>
<p>With the poor economy and engineering jobs not as easy to come by as one is led to believe, I think one cannot pass up the chance to gain a post grad degree to compete against the undergrads that are also trying to enter the job market.</p>
<p>Even though my son is graduating in mech eng in May, he is applying to summer internships just like he has been for the last three years, so that if he doesn’t get into grad school, he can perhaps get a foot in the door through an internship.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>