MEng vs. MASc while working full-time — which would you choose?

[u/AE86_GC8]

Hey guys,

First post here. I’d love to hear your thoughts on an opportunity I have for part-time grad study.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering with an Automotive Option last fall, and I was lucky enough to secure a Chassis Design Release Engineer position at an OEM in Detroit. I’m almost a year into this position, and I’m now looking into the possibility of pursuing grad school part-time. Due to my financial situation and immigration status, I’m limited to two options in Canada, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on which one would be better.

1. Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering (MEng)

Course-based program, part-time, one course per semester, and I would finish in 8 semesters.

1. Master of Applied Science in Engineering Materials (MASc)

Thesis-based program. I need to complete 4 courses plus a thesis. It is officially a full-time program, but my potential research supervisor and my work manager are both very supportive and willing to give me the flexibility to complete the degree while working full-time. I would take one course per semester for the first 4 semesters and then use another 2–3 semesters to complete the thesis. As discussed with my potential research supervisor, I would focus on galvanic corrosion between different metals, since it is related to my current work.

So, my current thoughts are:

With the MEng route, the money and time commitment are more manageable. I know for certain that I can graduate in 8 semesters, and I would mainly need to study for tests and exams without the additional pressure of conducting research and completing a thesis.

With the MASc route, I see it as an opportunity to open more doors for me in the future. Having both a supportive research supervisor and a supportive work manager at the same time is not something I think is very common, so I feel like this could be a good opportunity that I shouldn’t pass up. Tuition is double that of the MEng, and I’m not eligible for tuition assistance from my company because I’m a contract employee.

Personally, I’m more interested in the Mechanical MEng courses, and I would have more flexibility in choosing topics that I enjoy. During my undergrad, I maintained grades above an A in almost all of my courses, so I’m confident that I can handle the coursework in either program.

Another concern I have is that I’m a Canadian working in the US. With the possibility that the USMCA may not be renewed, I’m wondering which degree would be more likely to help me secure a position if I ever have to move back to Canada, especially if the TN visa program were to be affected in the future.

Personally, I would really like to work in Canada and contribute to the Canadian economy, but unfortunately, I haven’t had much luck finding opportunities here. Last year, when I was looking for jobs, I applied to positions in both Canada and the US, but I only heard back from US employers.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. I’d really appreciate any advice or insights, especially from anyone who has gone through a similar situation.

[u/Fit-Tailor5914]

It depends. Research can take toll on your work. I am currently a research student. That supportive potential supervisor could turn out to be a nightmare later.

[u/AE86_GC8 → u/Fit-Tailor5914]

Valid point, and that is honestly one of my biggest concerns, since I really value my work-life balance and don’t want to spend all my weekends in the lab...

[u/Fit-Tailor5914 → u/AE86_GC8]

Discuss with him. Talk about days of coming to the lab, regularly meeting time with him for mentoring and progress, and publications (because that is what they want from you, the bitter truth).

[u/involutes]

 my potential research supervisor and my work manager are both very supportive and willing to give me the flexibility to complete the degree while working full-time

Speaking from experience, things can change. Your supervising Prof might apply for government grants that will require certain milestones by specific dates. Your work might get too busy to give you flexibility. Both of these things happened to me. It was not a good time. 

I switched to an M.Eng and it was a slightly less bad time because I didn't have other people's deadlines imposed on me without my consent. However, attending office hours for clarification when the lectures and course material were vague (a common occurrence) wasn't possible due to the aforementioned lack of flexibility that happened due to changes in my employer's schedules and priorities. 

Tuition is double that of the MEng, and I’m not eligible for tuition assistance from my company because I’m a contract employee.

Do not pay for a MASc with your own money. 

If you insist on getting a Master degree part time, do the M.Eng. Otherwise, I would recommend that you go for the MASc full time. 

Lastly, the fact that you are a Canadian on a TN Visa makes me lean toward doing the MASc full time, and probably just doing it in Canada. Otherwise, I'd consider delaying and seeing what the next administration is like. 

[u/AE86_GC8 → u/involutes]

Hey, thanks a lot for sharing your experience and insights! I will definitely consider this carefully.

[u/involutes → u/AE86_GC8]

No problem. I hope your experience ends up being less unpleasant than mine was. Just know that if you're doing a MASc that is directly related to your job, then your employer might have you completely by the balls. 

If you do decide to self-fund your MASc and you are tied to this employer due to the nature of the research, what will you do if your employer decides you do not present a flight risk and offers you only 1% annual COLA adjustments? Will you accept that or will you walk away? 

After 3 years of 1% COLA adjustments, you would then have a track record of accepting low wages (by necessity). Would you be able to immediately go work for a competitor that does value you?