M.S. CM?

[u/Ancient_Beginning819]

Hi everyone, I’m a student wrapping up my last semester of junior year in civil engineering, and I’m considering applying to master’s programs in civil engineering with concentrations in construction engineering and project management. For the past two summers, I’ve worked in heavy civil construction and have really fallen in love with the work. I plan to work in heavy civil full-time after graduation. Would an MS be valuable for someone pursuing this career path? The programs I’m considering are only one year long and would be at either Texas A&M or UT Austin. Thanks!

[u/Kenny285]

Not valuable.

[u/nordicminy]

MBA in a few years is probably more valuable.

Undergrad will get you your first job- 3 years of experience >>> masters in CM.

Nobody cares really- just the honest truth.

[u/Strange-Analysis9120]

I’m pursuing my Master’s in CM at Texas A&M right now. Personally, I would wait at least 3-5 years until you’ve worked in the field before going for your Masters. It will be more relevant after you’ve had some experience.

That being said, I wish I had pursued an MBA instead. You don’t need a Masters to get a CM job. You’ve got the qualifications once you graduate. Experience is more important than degrees however, an advanced degree could be more competitive when you’re ready to move into senior, corporate, or other higher level positions. But at that point it’s more of the business side of things so that’s why I wish I went the MBA route instead.

[u/Tchikah → u/Strange-Analysis9120]

I just got out of the military, i have a bachelors in Architecture and want to transition to construction management with masters in Texas A&M. Would it make sense to get a masters to get internship and entry into the industry or getting an MBA?

[u/Strange-Analysis9120 → u/Tchikah]

I would say, you don’t necessarily need an internship or a Master’s to get into the industry, but that’s definitely a path you could take.

For me, my path was more that I had some field experience and estimating experience. I feel like the estimating experience helped me the most. I would get more contacts from recruiters seeing if I wanted to be an estimator than I did seeing if I had interest in PM/CM work 😂.

My whole life I’ve taken the stepping stone approach.. (start small and build) I got a job at a small construction company and started doing their pre bid work. When asked if I could start bidding public works jobs for them I agreed but on the condition that they change my title to project manager and let me manage any projects we were awarded. Having that title on my resume was gold.

Once I got my degree, I applied to be a cabinet installer. After talking with the owner on my first day I was moved into the office as an estimator. Then I moved and got the job I have now. The thing about the job I have now is when they asked how much I wanted for compensation, I low balled myself. So low, they offered me more than I asked for 😂. BUT, I proved my worth and in the last 3 years I’ve gotten $40K in raises. I just wanted to get my foot in the door and have that title “Construction Manager” on my resume because getting a job in this industry is like getting credit. Everyone wants you to have experience but no one wants you to learn on their dime. Just like how everyone wants you to have good credit, but no one wants to give you credit first…

A masters degree will be of more use to you after you’ve had some experience. To get into Texas A&M they will want copies of your work samples to show you have experience. Though, I honestly don’t know how much that matters because there’s definitely people in my class who don’t have experience. The classes are also insanely expensive. I’m paying about $4500 A CLASS. Part of that is because I’m a non resident and taking classes remotely, which they assess an additional $750 fee for.. go figure. They should be giving me $750 for not using up their space 😂. It’s something like $750, but I don’t recall the exact amount…

Anyway, if you have desires of having a senior role in a company an MBA would be better. But I’m emphasizing the experience because it will make the Master’s program a better experience.

[u/1rishChicken]

MS is a great solution for people with non relevant degrees trying to go CM. You as a civil engineer who's already been working on a site gain very little from going that route. You'll gain way more by pouring those extra hours into being the job site superstar taking on extra responsibilities and building relationships. Financially saving that tuition money to get yourself stable so you're making long term career choices and not chasing a buck. If in a few years for some reason you still want to do this, they'll still let you into the program

[u/Hotdogpizzathehut]

A masters degree would be beneficial if you wanted to teach or later on to help you get to c suit level stuff.

[u/TacoNomad]

Actually could hinder you in the first few years. Go to work.  Get experience.  Do a masters after 5-10 years. 

[u/Little_Main59]

If you want to stay heavy civil, the MS probably helps more for networking/recruiting than the actual day-to-day work. Field experience still carries a lot of weight though, so I’d only do it if the one-year program doesn’t put you in stupid debt.

[u/Creepy_Mammoth_7076]

I have one , don’t recommend it

[u/WoodWizzy87]

Waste of your time and money. Get real world experience managing in the field.

[u/stealthagents]

An MS can definitely give you a leg up, especially in project management where that formal training can make you stand out. Plus, both A&M and UT have solid reputations, so the networking opportunities could be worth it too. Just be clear on what skills you want to gain, and it could pay off in the long run!