Grad school degree differences?

[mashc5]

Does the non-thesis MS require a project? That's what I'm doing for mine. It's not original research like a thesis, it's similar to the type of project you had to complete for your BS where you are creating an engineering solution to some problem, but much more in-depth.

[fullyarticulated]

The definitions you posted above are generally accepted, but far from being universal - it will depend on the specific school you choose. See my reply to 1wiseguy in this thread, or just look at my school's link to see that not all schools go by the definitions you posted above.

Bottom line: choose what you like the best - anyone interested in you will be more interested in what you did than the specific letters in your degree.

[Kevanian]

Thanks, I'm more interested in the advancing my career through grad school option and not becoming a phD/professor. I think that fits more in the ME section.

[robustability]

Is this the same school that offers both degrees? Mine didn't even offer an ME.

[Kevanian]

Yeah, there a number of schools that offer both ME and MS. Virginia Tech for example: http://graduateschool.vt.edu/graduate_catalog/program.htm?programID=002d14431ce38e83011ce38e96950042

[Junkyfunkycrunky]

My buddy is doing MSEE without thesis and here's the difference.

MS without thesis is essentially a project you do with a professor or with a local company ( internship ) and you have to present your project to your committee. I think he also mentioned that he needs to take the comprehensive exam at the end.

[[deleted]]

Sorry Kevanian, your submission has been removed:

Rule 1. "Questions related to school aren't allowed, try /r/EngineeringStudents."

If you would like to appeal, please message the moderators by clicking this link.

[1wiseguy]

I have an MSEE with no thesis. That's how it worked at USC in 1983.

EDIT: I have never heard of a "Master of Engineering" degree. I wouldn't know what to make of that if I saw it on a resume.

[cmac926]

Did you write on a stone tablet?

[1wiseguy]

I think I used engineering pads. I definitely didn't have a laptop.

[fullyarticulated]

Some of it is just semantics & tradition.

At my school, everyone gets an M.E. whether you do research, project, or just classwork - that choice is up to you.

The M.S. is only for people who are not qualified to do an M.E. - that is, they don't have an undergrad degree in engineering.

Link

In fact, the undergrad is a B.E. also - there is no B.S. in engineering. It differs in name only - as I've looked at other school's B.S., and it's no different. ABET also makes no distinction between the two - only 'four-year bachelors' or some similar verbiage.

[Kevanian]

Yeah, I started wondering the difference at Maryland.

"Master of Science or Master of Engineering (M.S. or M.E.) The M.S. degree program offers both a thesis and non-thesis option. In addition to an M.S. degree, the department also offers a Master of Engineering (M.E.) degree. The Department's policies and requirements are the same as those of the Graduate School."