<p>So, here's a little about myself. I graduated from a local CSULB and now work for a Fortune 500 aerospace company in San Diego. My company pays for school and their tuition assistance would cover a private school program on a part-time basis so tuition isn't a problem. I am interested in obtaining an MS in Mechanical Engineering mainly for career advancement. I don't care much about doing research so I'm considering the comprehensive exam option. I've considered two options for graduate school which are to go to SDSU in the evenings or earn a masters through online classes from UCLA. What do you guys think? Would it be better to go with a more prestigious program from UCLA or go with the less prestigious option but physically go to the SDSU campus? I would really appreciate a response but I am curious to know what engineers out in the aerospace industry think. </p>
<p>I’m in the same boat. I’m considering between SDSU and online. If I may ask, why aren’t you considering UCSD? After doing some research, I’m leaning slightly towards being on a physical campus because I’d like to be able to do research and work closely with professors. And after going to UCSD I felt like I wanted a different experience.</p>
<p>@enigma19 - If you want a professional degree with no research then an online program might be OK for you. you need to see if the degree that is awarded is the same as the one local students get. If so, then it should be fine.</p>
<p>Hello peternubbin, thanks for the response. The reason for not considering UCSD is because of the variable times at which the lectures are held. Sometimes, their lectures take place in the morning or afternoon and since I work full-time it’s nearly impossible to manage. I wouldn’t sacrifice quitting my job just to focus on school and UCSD isn’t close to work either but it’s definitely a fine campus. I considered SDSU because it would be my only option if I want to be physically on campus during lectures. UCLA would just be one of the many options of schools that offer a masters in engineering entirely online. I’m still undecided.</p>
<p>xraymancs, from what I know, the degree awarded is the same as the one local students get. The midterms are the same I believe and the lectures are live and the transcripts will show the same classes that other students see and nothing will read “online degree”. Thanks for the advice. I’m not interested in research but I am still undecided as I prefer being physically on campus. But, the commute to school after work would be inconvenient during rush hour.</p>
<p>By the way, what do you mean by “after going to UCSD I felt like I wanted a different experience”? Do you mean you now prefer going to UCSD over SDSU or are you gravitating more towards the online degree? I would prefer not to do research but I wouldn’t mind a project. At work, I have the tools and resources to work on a project and consult others if I have questions. I just don’t think I have time for research with my job and don’t think it would be beneficial because I just want to work in the industry. </p>