Top producers of PhDs in engineering

ken285
Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:48:24 +0000

Engineering PhDs earn more, I believe, and work on what I perceive to be more interesting projects. There is also the status factor. A PhD in engineering has appeal.

Not for everybody. I actually turned down an offer from my MS advisor to stay a few more years for a PhD. For myself, the PhD work isn’t nearly as interesting as working in industry. The status factor is less pronounced in engineering than in other fields. You’re recognized more for the projects you worked on than what degree you hold.

Also keep in mind that a PhD in engineering won’t necessarily get you better jobs, but different jobs. If anything, it may even hurt you because you may be perceived as being overqualified for a “normal” non-research position.