<p>So, I'm pursuing mechanical engineering in the fall. Probably at northeastern university. What I was wondering was whether I should pursue a 5 year masters or just a bachelor with a couple of minors. I am very business oriented and am interested in biomechanical engineering (I'd like to work in medicine designing prosthetics or something along those lines). So what would be better for that type of career? A masters or a bachelors? Any input would help. Thanks!</p>
<p>Go for the bachelors degree now. Graduate and find a job somewhere in your field. Go on to work on your masters part time when you are working full time. You need the experience now.</p>
<p>In engineering, the MS will serve you better than a few minors. In fact, minors can sometimes hurt you. If you have a BS engineering with a minor in business, my first thought as a hiring manager is that you’re not interested in engineering for the long haul. Instead, you’re a high risk candidate to work for 2 years then leave for an MBA. Since it usually takes more than 2 years to pay back the training cost for a new engineer, I might pass on your for that reason. I would have the exact opposite opinion of a BS+MS applicant and would favor that person for that reason, plus I would pay that person more because of the MS.</p>
<p>The real risk of an MS is that you can overspecialize and eliminate yourself from certain positions (positions that require an ME degree but in a different specialization). However, if you know what you want to do (and it sounds like you do), then it’s a great opportunity.</p>
<p>My son is graduating in May in ME with a BS ,and go right into a PhD program with generous merit aid . He took a semester off to work for 6 months as an intern in jet engines .Are there many programs like this ?</p>
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<p>Every PhD program I know of admits students directly from BS programs. And PhD students in engineering should pay no tuition and receive a salary (a stipend).</p>
<p>@cap10america: part of northeasterns curriculum is 3 six-month co-ops so experience won’t be a problem.
And CFB53B: how much would it jeopardize my ability to switch my field if I graduated with a MS/MEng?</p>
<p>I am not familiar with this program but is it a coursework only Master’s for an extra year? If you want to get into biomedical I’d highly advise going for a Thesis master’s, that industry is pretty research focused and the extra time for a strong thesis should help you.</p>
<p>You will get more specialized in one field but that’s not a bad thing. By the time you are a senior you will know what types of Mechanical Engineering you like and don’t like. I spent a year and half on my Master’s, it’s more specialized but not nearly as much as a PHD over 5-6 years. I basically used my thesis and research to specialize in biomedical/fluids/heat, then took a variety of classes so I had graduate experience in different fields.</p>
<p>If you have the motivation and drive, go for the Master’s. You can analyze salary and numbers all day, but if you love learning, GO Learn!</p>
<p>Thank you sharpie! And yes it’s a 5 year masters program. I’m not looking into salary as much as opportunity to work on more groundbreaking projects and possibly moving up in the industry after a certain period of time.</p>
<p>If your program has Co-op and you are utilizing this, then you already made up your mind. Get your masters.</p>