I received some interesting feedback to my last column, which related my experiences with on online master’s degree. One writer was a former student who also had a positive experience with a similar degree, with the added challenge of accomplishing some of the work while out of the country. Another was a business owner who seemed to share some of the common sentiment that advanced education can be a benefit in certain situations, but may be less valuable than real-world experience in others. Finally, there was one that took a more critical view of not only online degrees, but also advanced education in general. The writer implied that some who seek advanced degrees may do so because of a perception that a mere bachelor’s degree is inadequate for the individual’s job responsibilities or professional licensure requirements.

This prompted some more thinking on my part. Most engineers are able to sit for an exam after obtaining a degree, accumulating a certain level of documented experience, and acquiring professional recommendations. As many of us have discussed, and as the upcoming Body of Knowledge will suggest, some perceive a compelling need for advanced degrees or additional experience to prepare engineers properly for the changing technological and business environment. But yet, we do see numerous masters and Ph.D. graduates out in the workforce, not just performing academic research. Why would anyone make the extra effort if it weren’t required?

The answer, of course, is trivial. Government and trade organizations in virtually every industry must consistently establish and maintain some minimum standard for competency of those who wish to practice within that industry. But those standards (and the consumers of the affected goods and services) will always recognize that a great many individuals will go beyond to provide a higher level of value and expertise. Look through any state’s occupational certifications and you can see that cosmetologists, auto mechanics, contractors, electricians, and so on are all subject to some basic demonstration of competency. However, these regulations can only do so much to protect the consumer. There is a reason that we all are advised to check references and ensure that we are getting what we expect (even—or perhaps especially—when seeking the services of lawyers and doctors).

I have no doubt that a bona fide advanced degree, when properly applied to a related business, will provide additional value to a client, which really is the desired end result. It matters little whether the bachelor’s degree was inadequate or that those undertaking the advanced degree are simply more personally motivated to expand their knowledge. If bachelor’s degrees are somehow lacking, they should be changed. If advanced degrees really are the key to ensuring that "no engineer is left behind," then they should be more a part of professional certification. However, I do not agree with either of those positions (recognizing that the basic bachelor’s coursework may change with technological advances). A bachelor’s degree has a particular purpose, which is to prepare someone with basic skills to enter the professional workforce at a particular point in time and begin an on-the-job education. An advanced degree is not necessarily for everyone, and does not guarantee any particular professional competency. It is the engineer’s performance of his duties and the professional seals on his recommendations that form the backbone of future professional endeavors. That is the promise that our mentors make to the public that we serve, and it is the promise that we keep and convey to those just now beginning their careers.

Jason Burke, P.E., works for Allied Engineering in Bozeman, Mont.