science & commerce, which one?

[monokekie]

hi everyone,

I am thinking about doing masters of engineering, but i am still not sure about which pathway should i pick.

Which one will benefit me more, in terms of recognition in the engineering field?

[redmosez]

Why not straight Eng?

About Commerce or Science, keep in mind that if you go through Comm you cannot major in Accounting or Actuary.

Also, it depends on which Eng. From previous posts I'm assuming (if memory serves me right) it's Chemical Eng.

If that's the case I'd reckon science with Maths or Chem major. Maybe Commerce with a Management major.

[mark_alec]

It depends what kind of recognition you want in the engineering field.

If you want a leadership/management role, then commerce will probably provide a better background than science would. But if you want to be good technically, science will be more synergistic with engineering.

[monokekie]

yup yup chemical engineering it is

my Dad suggested that i do science, since i could major in chemical systems which better prepares me for the masters degree. and i will probably come back and find a job in Shanghai after uni, so a master will sound better than a bachelor (it just somehow works this way now -_-)

but can i still be at a leadership/management role without a commerce degree?

its soo hard to decide now..

[nbalakers24]

you can, although harder as a commerce degree will provide you expertise in that specific field.

[monokekie]

[mark_alec]

You can choose to do subjects such as Organisational Behaviour as breadth.

[Kopite]

Why not straight Eng?

About Commerce or Science, keep in mind that if you go through Comm you cannot major in Accounting or Actuary.

Also, it depends on which Eng. From previous posts I'm assuming (if memory serves me right) it's Chemical Eng.

You can't major in Accounting or Acturial Studies with ANY engineering, whether it is civil, mechanical chemical etc.

[Kopite]

yup yup chemical engineering it is

my Dad suggested that i do science, since i could major in chemical systems which better prepares me for the masters degree. and i will probably come back and find a job in Shanghai after uni, so a master will sound better than a bachelor (it just somehow works this way now -_-)

but can i still be at a leadership/management role without a commerce degree?

its soo hard to decide now..

Personally, I think there is only a slight advantage in doing a Chemical Systems major in Science, rather than through Commerce. Reason being, is that Commerce students will do half a year prep subjects before you enter the 2 years Masters, bringing you up to speed. In the end, you spend a semester more at uni if you do it through Commerce, but in a sense you have greater employment opportunities (in my opinion).

[rustic_metal]

I'd definitely go with Science. The more you can learn about your field, the better, so a Science degree would be more useful. Also, the Masters of Engineering will take 3 years instead of 2 if you don't do undergraduate engineering. Most larger organisations will generally be happy to have their staff do a part time MBA if they're moving into a managerial role, anyway.

[Kopite]

Also, the Masters of Engineering will take 3 years instead of 2 if you don't do undergraduate engineering.

This is not correct. With a related major in science, it will take you 2 years. In commerce, with an accredited pathway, most courses are 2 years (e.g. civil), but some are 2.5 (e.g. chemical eng). 

With an undergraduate engineering degree, it will take you 1.5 years to complete the Masters of Eng.

[squance]

Also, the Masters of Engineering will take 3 years instead of 2 if you don't do undergraduate engineering.

This is not correct. With a related major in science, it will take you 2 years. In commerce, with an accredited pathway, most courses are 2 years (e.g. civil), but some are 2.5 (e.g. chemical eng). 

With an undergraduate engineering degree, it will take you 1.5 years to complete the Masters of Eng.

I don't get it.
Isn't the undergraduate engineering degree the same as the Masters of Eng? (in terms of engineering subjects?) What else could be different?

[redmosez]

I don't get it.
Isn't the undergraduate engineering degree the same as the Masters of Eng? (in terms of engineering subjects?) What else could be different?

Pretty much, I believe the only real difference is you end up doing  an extra year of non-Eng subjects. It's an entry level Masters, meaning if somebody already has a BEng, it's useless to pursue this postgrad.

I'm still adamant that if you're looking to work in engineering, you're better off doing the 4 years degree and getting into employment ASAP. I don't really see  Commerce adding much value, as when you graduate you're not going to be in any real managerial positions. Most companies will get you to undertake an MBA if they require you to have any formal Commerce education.

[Kopite]

Also, the Masters of Engineering will take 3 years instead of 2 if you don't do undergraduate engineering.

This is not correct. With a related major in science, it will take you 2 years. In commerce, with an accredited pathway, most courses are 2 years (e.g. civil), but some are 2.5 (e.g. chemical eng). 

With an undergraduate engineering degree, it will take you 1.5 years to complete the Masters of Eng.

I don't get it.
Isn't the undergraduate engineering degree the same as the Masters of Eng? (in terms of engineering subjects?) What else could be different?

Masters of Eng for a B.Eng graduate will be different, than a B.Sci/B.Comm graduate. Shallcross said it was more 'specialised'. By that, I'm assuming he means a group project, plus a years worth of extra subjects to deepen your knowledge. I think B.Comm and B.Sci graduates roughly complete the same amount subjects (give or take a few).

[redmosez]

Masters of Eng for a B.Eng graduate will be different, than a B.Sci/B.Comm graduate. Shallcross said it was more 'specialised'. By that, I'm assuming he means a group project, plus a years worth of extra subjects to deepen your knowledge.

Regardless, unless you're interested in pursuing academics/research a Masters in Engineering is pretty useless.

It doesn't really make it easier for you to secure a job in Engineering. In fact it probably hinders you more, seeing as you're better off working for those 2-3 years and gaining experience in the industry.