Which is better for career/grad school: M.Eng or Lots of Co-Ops

<p>I still can't decide between two colleges. I have found that what it boils down to is one of them (Northeastern) lets me complete three co-ops totaling 1.5 years of full-time work experience. The other (Tulane) will let me get a Masters of Engineering degree in the same time frame. I think I will have to make up my mind on this since it is the distinguishing factor between the two.</p>

<p>I plan to complete both of these within four years (lots of college credit). I know I could get my M.Eng and then get some work experience after graduation or complete my co-ops and then take longer to get my masters degree (not M.Eng but M.S.). But which would be better for a career in engineering?</p>

<p>I like the idea of the M.Eng within four years since it will open up lots of options for me later (additional grad school, law school, good starting job). But the co-ops might also be marketable for me if I want to do the same thing.</p>

<p>At this point, I am not sure what I want to do. But I'd rather be overprepared than underprepared. Which option would make it easier for me to get into a top graduate school?</p>

<p>The M.Eng. is generally the better career option, since many large companies have a set pay scale, e.g. $50,000 for a B.S. and $70,000 for an M.S./M.Eng. The M.Eng. also typically requires a project that will give you some work experience. If you also do a few summer internships along the way, you should be all set.</p>

<p>I'm not sure about your question. A Master's degree is graduate school yet you are asking if it will help you get into a top graduate school. If you are interested in getting a PhD or law degree then I'd recommend going the fastest path possible. Co-Ops would be nice but not that helpful in getting into these places. But if you just wanted to get a Master's and then start working I'd probably recommend some work experience along the way.</p>

<p>dr_reynolds, </p>

<p>I am sorry I wasn't too clear in my first post. I probably shouldn't say "for top graduate school" since I really don't know what I would want to do. I just want to have lots of decisions by the time I graduate. </p>

<p>Let me rephrase my question, which option would give me the most opportunities for pursuing either: Law School, Ph.D, or work?</p>

<p>im_blue,</p>

<p>So you are saying that an employer would value a M.Eng with little or no experience over someone with B.S. with 1.5 years of work experience? By value, I mean hire them with more pay. Do graduates with M.Eng have a lot of experience (besides the project) by the time they graduate?</p>

<p>"So you are saying that an employer would value a M.Eng with little or no experience over someone with B.S. with 1.5 years of work experience? By value, I mean hire them with more pay." Yes they would, since most companies have set pay scales for different degree levels.</p>

<p>"Do graduates with M.Eng have a lot of experience (besides the project) by the time they graduate?" The M.Eng. typically requires a year-long project, so you won't have as much experience as the 1.5 years of coop. That's why it's a good idea to have a few summer internships on your resume as well.</p>