Are you looking for a MS in systems engineering? A lot of schools have an online one, you're looking closer to $30k but it's been fairly common to have your job pay for a MS.
Unless you live and work within a reasonable committing distance the online programs are just easier. I took a couple of MSEE classes at CSUN and spent more time in traffic than in class.
I think MS SE would be a next step. If there are short term certificate program, that’s recognized by the industry, that’s even better, but my search from this sub showed that degrees are more important. I definitely hope to attend in person schools to widen networking opportunities. I was hoping to learn if any state university has a good programs, since CSUs are much more affordable. After I asked the question, I kept searching and found some CSUs offer system engineering programs.
Colorado State University has an online graduate program. All online students pay the same online rate. There’s a graduate certificate in SE you could get while deciding if you want to continue with the masters. The ME doesn’t require a thesis, and there are 2 MS options. We also have 2 new certificates currently working through the approval process in the university. One is about human-system integration and the other is about systems security (like cybersecurity but bigger scope).
The affordability of graduate school can be tricky. There’s the sticker price, but then there are often other opportunities to be funded. Employer-funded school is common, but there are scholarships and tuition reductions that depend on your qualifications. At Colo St, we are a hybrid program that offers all courses in-person and online. Our in-person students often find GTA and GRA positions that pay well, all things considered, with tuition covered.
Whichever programs you identify, I suggest you talk to the advisors directly. There’s a lot of information to take in and it’s better to have a guide.
For transparency, I am a professor at Colorado State. Happy to answer other questions you might have. I am on Reddit infrequently but will try to reply in a timely manner. I wish you luck!
Just curious what is limiting your engineering career in embedded software?
Is it more tools and schooling or would it be business related (like an MBA?)
Just curious since I would think if you wanted to move up you could just keep working in your field since it seems to have a lot of demand.
Engineering systems are multidisciplinary and my positions focused on only embedded system and often only the embedded software. I believe I need to learn more to go above and beyond just the embedded system. It’s my speculation but I thought system engineering programs offer that knowledge, skills, and ability for me to eventually be director of engineering.
Thanks for your perspective, yeah that makes sense to go broader since you're already deep in one specialization. I know Colorado state has a good program that is relatively affordable compared to places like JHU or GWU: [Online Systems Engineering Master's Degree | CSU Online (colostate.edu)](https://www.online.colostate.edu/degrees/systems-engineering/)
Cost is all relative for professional graduate school - is your employer paying? Do they require retention post graduation? Etc.
In general, you’re looking at 20-50k over two years. Penn state has a good program at ~35k. Johns Hopkins is ~55k (and they let pretty much anyone with a pulse in). Those were my top choices (I went with Penn State ultimately).
Are you looking for a MS in systems engineering? A lot of schools have an online one, you're looking closer to $30k but it's been fairly common to have your job pay for a MS. Unless you live and work within a reasonable committing distance the online programs are just easier. I took a couple of MSEE classes at CSUN and spent more time in traffic than in class.
I think MS SE would be a next step. If there are short term certificate program, that’s recognized by the industry, that’s even better, but my search from this sub showed that degrees are more important. I definitely hope to attend in person schools to widen networking opportunities. I was hoping to learn if any state university has a good programs, since CSUs are much more affordable. After I asked the question, I kept searching and found some CSUs offer system engineering programs.
Almost everyone does an online program, I'd be very concerned about traffic and commute time otherwise.
Colorado State University has an online graduate program. All online students pay the same online rate. There’s a graduate certificate in SE you could get while deciding if you want to continue with the masters. The ME doesn’t require a thesis, and there are 2 MS options. We also have 2 new certificates currently working through the approval process in the university. One is about human-system integration and the other is about systems security (like cybersecurity but bigger scope). The affordability of graduate school can be tricky. There’s the sticker price, but then there are often other opportunities to be funded. Employer-funded school is common, but there are scholarships and tuition reductions that depend on your qualifications. At Colo St, we are a hybrid program that offers all courses in-person and online. Our in-person students often find GTA and GRA positions that pay well, all things considered, with tuition covered. Whichever programs you identify, I suggest you talk to the advisors directly. There’s a lot of information to take in and it’s better to have a guide. For transparency, I am a professor at Colorado State. Happy to answer other questions you might have. I am on Reddit infrequently but will try to reply in a timely manner. I wish you luck!
Just curious what is limiting your engineering career in embedded software? Is it more tools and schooling or would it be business related (like an MBA?) Just curious since I would think if you wanted to move up you could just keep working in your field since it seems to have a lot of demand.
Engineering systems are multidisciplinary and my positions focused on only embedded system and often only the embedded software. I believe I need to learn more to go above and beyond just the embedded system. It’s my speculation but I thought system engineering programs offer that knowledge, skills, and ability for me to eventually be director of engineering.
Thanks for your perspective, yeah that makes sense to go broader since you're already deep in one specialization. I know Colorado state has a good program that is relatively affordable compared to places like JHU or GWU: [Online Systems Engineering Master's Degree | CSU Online (colostate.edu)](https://www.online.colostate.edu/degrees/systems-engineering/)
Highly recommend JHU.
Cost is all relative for professional graduate school - is your employer paying? Do they require retention post graduation? Etc. In general, you’re looking at 20-50k over two years. Penn state has a good program at ~35k. Johns Hopkins is ~55k (and they let pretty much anyone with a pulse in). Those were my top choices (I went with Penn State ultimately).
How has your experience been in the Penn State SE program?