Colorado Technical University

M.S. or Ph.D for engineering?

I'm presently an undergrad in Computer Engineering (with a focus on digital hardware) and I'm looking at grad school applications now and trying to determine whether it makes sense to apply for the doctoral programs or simply go for the Master's degree. The advise I have found online seems to fall into two primary - contradictory - camps. 1. For engineering, only go for the masters degree, particularly if you're not interested in going into Academics. Otherwise you may price yourself out of the market. 2. Go for the PhD, you'll find it easier to get into schools and get funded. I'm interested in adding a level of art to what I know, but I also want to deepen my knowledge of the core of EE, namely linear/non-linear circuit theory, feedback systems and analog design (which seems to be an art unto itself). MIT's Media Lab is one such place where this seems like it may be possible, but finding other programs - particularly ones that may provide funding - has been challenging. Would it be wiser to stick to the more traditional EE route (which I do thoroughly enjoy.) or continue on trying to find other programs that are more focused on what I want to eventually do? So, boiled down - Does it make sense to go for the MS or PhD? and should I focus more closely on programs that fit what I want, or go the more traditional EE route?

Public Comments

1. The two camps of advice are actually in agreement with no contradiction. They both bear some truth. An MS leads to a practical job in industry while a PhD leads to research and intellectual challenges. It all depends on your interest. Your discussion reflects a passion for exploration. I think you'll do well pursuing a PhD in the area that interests you and affords you freedom of thought.
2. The question that you should be asking is this: is it teaching and research with students the career that I seek or is it the practice of engineering? The former requires a doctorate and the latter can be done with a master's qualification or even with a batchelor's.