Is a Civil Engineering Masters Degree Worth it? (Straight Forward Answer)

[@rashedsyed9402]

I think some states in the US requires a masters degree in civil / structural engineering if you want a job as a structural eng?

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

Nope. I made this video to help dispel this myth and save some people's stress/money... In fact, you can actually practice structural engineering without any degree! This does require you to work for longer (in NY for 12 years) to be qualified to take your PE. A lot of firms would like people who have a master's or list it as required but it is not required. If I am wrong please write back and let me know.

[@yusufigushav_]

​@@ThatCivilEngineertrue, I live in Indonesia with miscellaneous civil projects, and in many cases my Supervisors did practical better than me, even without any formal education.

[@_Harold_1D]

Hey! I've done my undergrad in civil engineering and have Approx 1 yr of experience as a design engineer. Currently I'm considering pursuing MS in structural engineering from US. I want to know your insights on whether I should go for structural Engg or any other course in Civil Engg Considering Job opportunities. And the reason I'm considering masters is that There is no scope for civil engineers in my country, the employers don't give sh*t about Fresh engineers and the salary is way too less, they go for people with 10 to 15+ yr of experience. .... bit confused right now. So if you could provide me with detail insights that would be really helpful...Hope you reply!

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

Are you trying to get a job in the US? I would try to take as many practical Engineering classes as possible. If you are in school and trying to get a job in the US, I would be applying for jobs while in school. I wasn't exactly sure what you are asking. If you clarify I can try to help better.

[@ralphbroeils1760]

The Structural Engineering Masters is almost a requirement to gain the Structural Engineering designation (over 10 stories)

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

Is it really? I never heard such a thing and I've worked on some 10+ story buildings.

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

You could argue that the larger firms tend to get larger projects and they like to hire Master Graduates. But definitely not a requirement.

[@ralphbroeils1760]

You would need to check with the engineering board in which you are performing the design.....however this is a requirement for the person sealing the plans. If you are doing the design under a person qualified to go over 10 stories, you are most likely good.

[@ralphbroeils1760]

Yes, not only licensed as a PE but also an SE (Structural Engineer) designation. Not every state requires an SE designation for over 10 stories. Not sure about the national registration. I retired 8 years ago.

[@evandeimling412]

Hi, I am a first year student at Michigan tech and I am wondering if an accelerated masters is the route I should go. I have taken (18 is the max) 16 credits my first semester, 17.5 this semester and 18 each for my second year. I feel like I’m going to be able to workaholic my way through the flowchart of courses we’re given, leading me to wonder if I could, or should, do an accelerated masters. I am fortunate enough to have my parents fund my education, so I have the time and I already got an internship for this upcoming summer. Let me know what you think! Thanks

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

Hmm...firstly and most importantly, don't risk burning out. That being said, I would wait until after the internship to make a final decision (assuming you can wait to make the decision). Make sure you like the field you're going into THEN think about the Masters. If you love what you do it may make sense _BUT_ I think you'd rather work while doing the masters. It sounds like you have a good work ethic so balancing the job and education would be a good idea. In addition, you can have your employer help pay for it which I'm sure your parents will appreciate (shoutout to your parents!). I'd think you'd rather start getting experience towards your PE as soon as possible so that means starting to work as soon as possible. If you still want to take some bonus Master level courses you can apply them towards your Master's shortening the time. (I have a friend who took 2 Master's courses as an undergraduate for this reason.) If you do take a Master's in your undergrad make sure they can be applied towards your Masters and not your Undergrad. The whole accelerated program idea is not really accelerated. A master's degree is 30 credits. If you were a full-time student, that would be 2 semesters or 1 year. Most school's accelerated programs require you to stay another year. So you're really just pursuing a master's as a full-time student. The other side of this equation is that if you are going to be done with school once you graduate and school is a one-time thing and you want the master's then go for it! It will probably help you get a job quicker (but you are interning so that should help already with finding a job). The takeaway is, to think about what you want and what your goal is. I usually advise people to work for a little bit to make sure this is something they want to pursue especially since this will simultaneously allow you to earn money and PE experience. I am biased towards this advice so take my advice as advice and not instructions. Good Luck! Let me know how it turns out!

[@evandeimling412]

@@ThatCivilEngineer thank you so much! I copied and pasted this entire reply into my notes and will refer back to it for guidance. Speaking of guidance, I have two appointments set with my advisor (she is phenomenal) and I will value her assistance greatly as well. Thank you again for all the insight, I will be sure to take it into consideration!

[@coolguyes1]

I have studied in environmental science. Recently, i got interested in civil engineering as i re-designed my own house. I want to study and apply to online for this master program in nyc or nj. Would you mind giving me an advice how to start? If i didnt so undergraduate in civil engineering?

[@coolguyes1]

Im age of 32 and worked as Product manager and no pmp

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

I would start by questioning why you want the Master in Engineering? If you think you a master's is right for you, I would look into what you want to gain from your master's program. Then I would look into schools that match what you are looking for in their master's degree program. For example, are you looking for something more technical or theoretical? After you have that in mind start looking into Master programs and their prices. Remember there are some good online master's degrees that may work for you. While doing your research, I would reach out to the program coordinators to find out if you need to take any prerequisites once you're in the program or to be accepted to a program. Once you have all this data, and decide on a school, then apply! I would ask your work if they're willing to pay for some of your education. (Most companies don't mind up to $5,000 annually because there is a tax write-off for them.) Hope this helps!

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

@@coolguyes1 There may be other ways to get a PMP with only work experience. I would look into this option as well.

[@saloni379]

Master's worth it considering the job perspective in India in govt sector?

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

Sorry. I don't much about the Government Section in India.

[@Rohan_pa6el]

Hi I'm an civil engineer currently engaged in my construction business in India. Thinking about doing a master's in construction management from Florida tech ( Melbourne, FL). Is it worth it?

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

I can't give a straight answer as everyone's case is different. Start with why. Why do you want a masters? What is the long term goal of getting the additional degree? Does your current degree transfer to the US? Is a PE part of your plan?

[@Rohan_pa6el]

@@ThatCivilEngineer well life has become a bit stagnant. Construction industry is booming, but so is the competition. To remain ahead of them, I think getting further education would be beneficial in long term.

[@Rohan_pa6el]

@@ThatCivilEngineer also like nowadays everyone's getting masters or an MBA of whatnot

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

@@Rohan_pa6el don't do it because everyone else is.

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

@@Rohan_pa6el So why not get your PE first over the summer like I suggested earlier?

[@saqibjahangir9219]

How about this if a civil engineer having a 7 years working experience and wanted to pursue his master in structural engineering or construction project management what's advice do you recommend him?

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

Why do you want to get the Master's? How much is it going to cost? Do you have your PE yet? I would need a bit more context to feel comfortable giving you an answer but these are some questions you should start with. Keep in mind a Master's is more theoretical and deeper knowledge of specific topics.

[@saqibjahangir9219]

@@ThatCivilEngineer I haven't got my PE yet and it's going to cost me nothing but getting a scholarship, I have two situations. 1. To start my career as a consultant as well as a contractor too. 2. Which field is more profitable and where do one have larger ground in entrepreneurship in construction field?? Please advise accordingly.

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

​@@saqibjahangir9219 If you are getting a scholarship, that's awesome! I would FIRST apply and try to get the PE because you already have the work experience to be eligible. Studying should take about 3-4 months of part-time (10-15 hrs per week). This will open up a lot of opportunities either way and it would be great to have in your back pocket. After that, I would ask around to see how much LICENSED engineers vs contractors make. Then you'll have better data to choose from. No matter what you choose the license will be a great bonus.

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

I would add that getting licensed takes about 4 months or 6 months max and the master's takes 1 year minimum. Also, we are in February, so if you get your license by the summer, or the end of the summer you still have time to enroll in a Master's program if you choose to do so.

[@saqibjahangir9219]

@@ThatCivilEngineer agreed👍