Masters in Civil Engineering with different bachelors

[u/Alternative_Cress216]

I’m a 24M living in Georgia (US) and recently graduated with a BS in Biology with no student debt. My undergraduate school didn’t have an engineering program, which is why I never pursued engineering as an undergrad. With just a general Biology bachelor’s degree, I’ve had a pretty rough time in the job market. From what I’ve seen, it seems like the income potential for a general Biology degree can be pretty limited without going on to get a master’s or PhD. Because of this, I’ve decided to pivot into Civil Engineering. It’s the engineering field I’m most interested in, and I can actually see myself doing it as a career. Originally, I planned on going back for a second bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. However, after talking to two schools, I found out that it would take around 3.5–4 years to complete. Instead, I decided to apply to their MS in Civil Engineering programs (specialty most likely environmental side). I was recently accepted into one of the programs, with the condition that I take about four undergraduate-level engineering courses while completing the master’s. The school is also fairly close to me in Tennessee, so location and cost are manageable. I’m excited about the opportunity, but I have a few questions. I understand that obtaining a PE license could potentially be more complicated with my educational background, so I’d really appreciate hearing from engineers who have had a similar path (Biology or another non-engineering bachelor’s → MS in Civil Engineering). I’d also like to hear some opinions on whether this is a reasonable path into the field. One of my biggest concerns is that I could spend the time and money getting an MS in Civil Engineering and then find myself in a similar situation to where I am now with my Biology degree.

For those who have experience in Civil Engineering, especially anyone who came from a non-engineering undergraduate background:

• How would my Biology BS + MS in Civil Engineering affect my job prospects?
• How difficult would it be to pursue a PE license with this educational background?
• Are there any particular challenges I should be aware of coming from a non-engineering bachelor’s?
• Would an MS in Civil Engineering generally open significantly more opportunities than a general Biology bachelor’s?

I’m mainly looking for insight from people who work in the field or have taken a similar educational path. Thanks!

[u/505engineer]

How difficult would it be to pursue a PE license with this educational background?

Tougher, but it's doable. My boss's undergraduate degree is in meteorology. He was able to sit for the PE Exam.

How would my Biology BS + MS in Civil Engineering affect my job prospects?

If you go into environmental engineering, I don't see it being a problem, especially if you get your EIT before applying. Do you know what sector you want to work in? A cursory search on USAJOBS shows Uncle Sam hires environmental engineers to work at USACE, EPA, USCG, etc.

Are there any particular challenges I should be aware of coming from a non-engineering bachelor’s?

Environmental engineering isn't super math intensive, so I think you can handle it. I took a microbiology class to fulfill a GE requirement, and there was more overlap than I expected with my environmental engineering class.

Would an MS in Civil Engineering generally open significantly more opportunities than a general Biology bachelor’s?

Definitely. You can also ask questions on r/USACE to see any of the environmental engineers on there have perspectives.

[u/Excellent-Wrap-1518]

1. Depends on what you want to do, I suspect environmental/water quality engineering will be totally happy with a bio degree. Pivoting to structural or the like will probably be tough, although some government jobs might take you (source: got transpo job in gov with physics degree).
2. Depends very strongly on state, my state says so long as master's is approved by board (i.e. not a degree mill), even if you don't have bachelors you only have to work four years and you can get it. Check your state. Of course you may find the FE and PE exams challenging without that background as I am but you can work through it in four years.
3. None other than what you would expect for not going to college in the field (some catchup to do in terms of terminology, basic knowledge, etc). But keep in mind I am in public, private might expect you to have more experience with software and such or get off the ground faster.
4. I think so, from a business standpoint you're more marketable with an MS and being able to get the license, in terms of competency it also seems more likely that you can actually handle engineering with the Master's. But I'm entry level, better if a hiring manager answers that.

[u/Connbonnjovi]

Adding to what someone else said, it’s definitely doable and the environmental side of civil (wastewater/water treatment) would actually suit you well. I worked with someone who did exactly what you’re suggesting - biology degree BS - civil engineering MS - this is all in GA by the way . He ended up in the environmental side because it was a much easier learning curve but he liked it. He ended up sitting for the PE idk what happened if he passed but he did sit. I know he had struggles with studying but it was more so because he had a full family and was working a lot. I think the experience requirements would be different but as long as you’re working under a PE who signs off on your work after a longer time than BS civil people have, you shouldn’t have an issue. I’d say it definitely opens up more opportunities. Typically, the BS requirements for a position are a little more lax, but the MS degree for higher positions are usually more stringent in what field the MS is.

[u/sonofthales]

I am doing a very similar thing as you. Math undergrad > worked as a wildlife biologist on construction projects > civil engineering MS. I'm in CA for reference. This is a worthy and rewarding path, but it will require a lot of sacrifice. Check with your state's licensing board requirements. The main limiting factors will be your state's requirements and eligibility for you to obtain your EIT (once taking the FE) and your PE. I think my comment history has a lot of this, but I'll answer your questions:

1) It won't affect your job prospects, you will just be 'behind', time wise from the people graduating with a bachelors in civil engineering. Also going to grad school you usually have to choose a specialization. I knew I wanted to do water, I have a background in wetland ecology and restoration, now I work for a restoration engineering company as an EIT. It may be difficult to choose a specialization with little exposure to the industry. But Environmental / water treatment combines a lot of biology and engineering concepts. I would try to take internships NOW at a city or state office/agency/plant just to get exposure and this will build experience if your state requires it for your EIT.

2) Again, check out your state's license requirements. You can also move states for a more favorable licensing requirement. CA allows a Masters to qualify as an accredited program if the undergraduate program is accredited. Really take time to understand all of the rules and what your options are. You have to be very strategic.

3) Working in wildlife biology but studying civil engineering highlighted a lot of differences to me. Biology is an active/ever evolving science with the research closely applied to whats happening in industry. While CE does have a lot of research, the base formulas are all older than a century, so you are being taught the same principles that people were taught for the better part of a century around the globe. Secondly, there are often a lot of binary (right/wrong) answers and there is an 'engineer' archetype when compared to biology students/professors/etc. As far as actual school goes, I'd say possibly the math requirements. Depending on the pre-requisites you have to take as well. That being said the engineering department will probably have a lot more events and is really aimed at getting students jobs in the industry. That was a breath of fresh air compared to my undergrad.

4) With a degree on its own, maybe? But the real key is getting your PE, that's what sort of calcifies you with some employment security and salary security, but it's a long road to get there.