What can a bachelor's degree get me?

admin

I'm an aspiring welder who will have an associate's degree within a year.  Should I go the extra mile and get a bachelor's degree along with this?Talking to my instructors, I found that welders with bachelor's degrees have two extra jobs open to them: full-time community college welding instructors and welding engineers.  I talked to one of my instructors yesterday and he told me that an associate's degree will open up many doors and a bachelor's degree is unnecessary for welders.I was told that it didn't matter what type of bachelor's degree you have, so I was deciding to aim for an English degree not only because I enjoy writing and studying literature, but the thought of studying English always nagged me since my first semester of college.  I would rather focus on my welding career, however, than spend extra time and money to get a useless bachelor's degree.  I feel like becoming a CWI would more than make up for any bachelor's degree.So to those who are working in the welding industry: what can a bachelor's degree do for a welder?Last edited by smatsushima1; 12-02-2010 at 06:44 PM.
Reply:A bachelors degree would not hurt but in many blue collar jobs it is experience that will open doors. If you are trying to be managment then the degree will help but if you want to burn rods you need to spend the next two years in the field. I have an associates degree in Heavy vehicle technolgy and the on the job experience is what they look at.Vantage 300 kubota ,miller 304 xmt ,lincoln ln 25 pro , ranger 305 G, plenty of other tools of the trade to make the sparks fly.
Reply:I'd say it will get you deeper in debt.My opinion may be somewhat biased though.
Reply:.  "What can a bachelor's degree get me?"Proof that you're still eligible?It's what you learn along the way that really makes the most difference. Even history teaches one about the ways of the world and how people have always interacted, although science, math and physics might have greater direct direct application to what you understand and do, in a field like welding.
Reply:More education is always a good thing.Anyone that disagrees is fooling themselves.Get as much education as you can, while you can.It will be extremely hard to get it later on.It opens doors, and often much more quickly.  As aforementioned, you'll find avenues beyond simply being a welder.Often you only need 3 years of demonstrated work to start as a welding instructor.You can look into management, quality control, quality assurance, procurement, inspection NDT.Technical writer, etc...You also gain options outside of the construction industry.Couple your education w/ the experience you'll gain in field and you'll be that much further ahead.I went to school first and got a Bachelor's in History. Got out and struggled finding a meaningful job, and decided to aim at the trades. Picked up asw d1.1 smaw, and asme section ix smaw, gtaw. Have also been completing quality courses. And working on my masters in project management.Looking to get some NDT certs this coming semester as well.The second I was done with welding school I've had a job as long as I wanted it.The extra time needed will allow you to mature as a person, and improve your mind. You very well may find a different route to success during that time and will have the wonderful technical skills you've already learned to carry for life.If I was hiring two welders of similar attributes and skills regarding welding and fab......And this happens often....Your degree and the critical thinking skills you learned in school will likely put you ahead.Last edited by jsm11; 12-02-2010 at 07:25 PM.1981 Lincoln SA 200Miller Trailblazer 302gMiller 211 Mig Welder w/ AutosetI'm learning to stick metal together
Reply:smatsdifferent perspective here, started of after welding school as certified welder , in shop 9 months piece of steel off overhead crane dropped while I was welding on roller frame off D8. 2 pins and screws still hold ankle together. Was 19 with only 3% disability rating. As soon as WC released me boss put me carrying caps for compactor and restacking on other side of shop, then got to work outside the shop putting new exhaust tubes on Cat777 bed. Decided to go to college at night, took 7 years to get 4 year degree in business administration. 1 year later land job as insurance adjuster on heavy equipment. Still weld on side and could get back in it if I needed to, wont ever regret education as you get older, do it while young and its easy to learn. Had friend that was coal miner, got degree to prove to his family he could, still wanted to mine, 5 years later he was mine superintendant.
Reply:I cannot agree more with what jsm11 said.BrettA good guess is better than a bad measurement
Reply:Originally Posted by BrettI cannot agree more with what jsm11 said.Brett
Reply:It greatly depends on what the bachelor's degree is in.  If it's psychology, sociology, art, music, etc, etc it doesn't get much.  If it's engineering it'll get you somewhere in the neighborhood of $50k a year with no experience (probably more in other parts of the country).Apologies if you majored in psychology, etc.  Probably very fun and interesting, just not a lot of jobs or money.Dynasty200DX w/coolmate1MM210MM VintageESAB miniarc161ltsLincoln AC225Victor O/A, Smith AW1ACutmaster 81IR 2475N7.5FPRage3Jancy USA1019" SBAEAD-200LE
Reply:A bachelor's degree should certainly give you more career options.  If you really want to be a welder for the balance of your working career, you probably don't need it.   But most people change careers during their life.   That is where the degree will help you.I would suggest engineering, business, computers, science, or math related major, again opening up more jobs.   English degrees are traditionally the brunt of jokes, as a degree that is not very helpful on the job front.  On the other hand, a welder who can write could become a technical writer, if that appeals to you.One concern that I have is the cost of the degree.   There is a lot of question if a high-cost degree is really cost effective compared to a community college degree.   If you can avoid going deeply in debt to get your degree you will be ahead of the game.   Remember that maybe half the people who start college finish, so many of them end up in debt without a degree, the worst outcome.  One of my nephews has the debt, but not the degree.    However, if you finish up your associate degree, your odds of completing a bachelor's degree should go up, if only because it demonstrates that you can do the work, and have the discipline to stick with something.I am probably coming at this from a different angle than most here, as I have more than one college degree.  The engineering degree is what I made my career on.   An engineering degree is not for everybody, however.  My guess is that less than half of college students could get an engineering degree, the rest would flunk out along the way, or change majors.  My nephew was aiming for a petroleum engineering degree; not sure to what extent debt, personal problems, bad decisions, or just difficulty doing the classwork resulted in dropping out of school.   I do know that his income so far is probably already a quarter million dollars less than if he had gotten the engineering degree; I am sure that his career income would be a million dollars more if he had gotten the degree.My two cents.RichardSculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:if it were me i would look into renewable energy in some way shape or form,its coming no way around it...  solar, wind generators, whatever..or environmental science maybe?tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:As a general rule, those with the most education earn the most.  The caveat is that the education (degree) must be in an area that is marketable.  For example, Doctors, Lawyers, Engineers earn more than English, History graduates.  Money is not everything but it certainly beats not having any!
Reply:Fewer people are lucky enough to stay in the same career field their whole working life than ever before. Nobody can say for sure what the job market is going to be 15 or 20 years from now.  The better educated you are the easier you'll roll with these changes. The younger you are the easier it will be to get this education.Tough as nails and damn near as smart
Reply:I found a report called "Field of Study and Economic status".On the average, a vocational degree (like welding) had an average salary of 2500 dollars per month, Associate degree 2850, Bachelors 3800 dollars/month.  1996 data, but suspect that the relative situation is similar today.If you have a bachelor's degree, the engineers earn the top money, $4700/month, liberal arts (probably including English) $3400/month.  Computer and Business do pretty well, $4400 and $4000.  Education degrees pay least, about $2800.Of course, all of these statistics are averages.  Although the average bachelor grad has an income of $4300, 25% of them make less than $2000 a year.  The median income (50% below, 50% above, is $3500, while the top 25% make $5000 or more.    No guaranties, of course, but hard work and choosing the right degree field make a big difference.In my experience, I figure that success in anything is partly hard work, partly good (realistic) planning, partly luck and partly talent.   Samuel Goldwyn, of movie fame, said that "The harder I work the luckier I get."  I tend to think that it is a mix, that if you work really hard, you need less luck, and vice versa.  Planning is a topic in itself; I think that many people have very unrealistic plans, plans that fail the common sense test, or at least plans that look bad to people with experience in the field.  Talent can substitute for hard work, up to a point.  But the truth is that you need a little of everything.  You could be talented, lucky, and plan well, but if you don't at least have a decent work ethic, you will probably not be successful.  You could do everything right and have terrible luck, and not do well.By the way, you are showing some smarts for just asking the question.  I suspect that you would do pretty well on the planning front.    You should ask the same question of other folks as well.Your postings show good English, which puts you above many people on that front.  Note that writing skills are useful in a very wide range of fields, but you don't need an English degree to write well.   Consider taking English as a minor or even as a double major.RichardSculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:Thank you all, and in advance, for the replies.I'm not interested in the pay, just as long as I have something I enjoy doing everyday.  Whenever I talk to people about my desire to become a welder, they either ask me how much money welders get paid or they will tell me that welders make great pay.  Likewise, people try to remind me that English majors don't make that much money.Why the obsession with money?  Besides myself, there's only one other guy in my class that considers a welding career not as a means to get paid lots of money, but as something to enjoy - and he's twice my age.  I thought I was the only person who has fun welding and sometimes, I still think I am.I have four passions: my lover, food, reading and writing, and work.  I don't smoke.  I don't do drugs.  I'm allergic to alcohol.  I abhor "hanging out" and all types of social events.  I hate vacations.  My life requires a fraction of the money most people need to stay happy.  Money is not a concern.I live in Southern California and if I decide to get my Bachelor's degree, I would go to California State University, Long Beach.  Their tuition is low: $2,405 per semester, not including books.  I am only considering a B.A. in English because it will open more doors for welding, not writing.  If I happen to land a job as a technical writer because of a work-related accident, then great.  But I am still considering a B.A. not as something to fall back-on, but as something to improve my job opportunities as a welder.I am stronger in math and science than most people: calculus is easy and physics is understandable.  Engineering was my first chosen major but I grew to hate it - the thought of forcing myself to study math and physics sickens me.  I know that engineering is the major I should consider if I aim to get a bachelor's degree, but I will not force myself to do something I do not feel comfortable with - I've wasted my childhood doing that.Not only will this nation always need something welded but my instructors always talk about the shortage and demand for welders, so I'm positive welding jobs won't be hard to find now and in the future - except in Southern California.  I will move out of this state as soon as I have the licenses and certificates but until then, should I work towards a Bachelor's degree to keep myself busy?And I appreciate the responses, but I need to remind everyone that I am not concerned with the pay - only the welding.  Thank you all again.Last edited by smatsushima1; 12-03-2010 at 01:11 AM.
Reply:Additional education is never bad.Depends on what you want to do in life though.  If you want to be a welder, then a BA in English is probably not the way you want to go.  A BS in mechanical engineering on the other hand, combined with a background in welding, could set you up for life.As has been mentioned, you'll most likely change career paths more than once in your adult life.  If you decide to pursue a bachelor's degree, make sure it's a field that you're interested in and can provide employment.I did my undergraduate work in Civil Engineering.  Six years later the military sent me back to graduate school.  By that time I had a different perspective of engineering and decided to do my MS in Industrial Engineering (concentration in Systems Analysis).  Few years later I picked up a second Masters in International Studies.  Never had a day of unemployment in 40 years.  Retired a couple of times but never had a day that I didn't "have a job".Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Smats, I think it's already been mentioned that if you were competing with someone else for a job, and you both had similar skills, your Bachelor's might make the difference in your getting hired.  I've got a degree in Ag Econ which is basically a Small Business degree.  I never planned to enter a "professional" field - I grew up on a farm and can't stand the idea of earning a living sitting behind a desk.  So I'm one of the few that graduated with a Bachelor's but never went to the college job fairs.  My first job, in January '00, was being a beginning auto mechanic at a Dodge dealership @ $7.00/hr.   The last time I was employed by someone other than myself was when I managed a fabrication shop for 2 years when the economy tanked.  My Bachelor's, in combination with being a subcontractor for that company already, is what got me the job.  I had zero management experience, and probably wasn't the best pick for the job, but that money allowed my wife and I to live comfortably throughout the recession.  I didn't even apply for the job - the company owner called me up out of the blue and offered me the job.  He did this because he knew my history, including my degree.Welding, while it seems exciting in the beginning, can get old.  The question of future damage from the fumes lingers in the back of your mind.  Long after you can put the next rod in the stinger laying on your back in the mud with your eyes closed, and be welding again before your machine idles down, you might begin to wonder, "Is this all there is?"   I mean, it can be BORING.  I've worked in several different construction sectors, and for me, production welding in particular has to be about the most boring job out there.  I could NOT do that for a living.  More power to those that can.So you start thinking about opening up your own welding business.  Now you're talking!  Your mind has something to do again.  Instead of burning rods mindlessly, you can be thinking about your next business contact, how you need to position yourself in the market, etc.  Having a business degree doesn't guarantee success, but it sure gives you a leg up.  If you need money from the bank, having that degree makes you a safer risk in their eyes.  Or you want to start moving up in the company.  An associate's might get you into lower management, depending on the size of the company and their hiring principles.  Which might possibly be the worst job in the world, much less desirable than being a garbage collector.  When something goes wrong on the floor, it's YOUR fault.  Not the employee who wasn't paying attention and who you don't have time to babysit, and not the upper management who's pinching pennies and compromising procedures.  So you persevere through this time, and if you have a bachelor's, maybe they'll give you a better job, something a step above what you've got.  Just some random thoughts.
Reply:Originally Posted by smatsushima1And I appreciate the responses, but I need to remind everyone that I am not concerned with the pay - only the welding.
Reply:I think the original poster is reasonably educated and appears to have some skills as well, but appears to be rather eccentric and not all that realistic, which will likely be his downfall in life.  The lack of realism will eventually take care of itself, through experience, but eccentricity is sometimes harder to fix and can cause him to be misguided at times.  In any case, education is seldom a bad thing, though its' tangible value is only as great as its' real-life usefulness.  The area of education and subsequent application of said education is just as important as its' presence or absence.Translation:  Simply having an education something isn't enough, you must pick something useful (which includes marketability) and apply it, if you expect it to work for you.  So ask yourself, how will you apply this education in your life to accomplish whatever goal it is you are striving for?MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Originally Posted by timrbI don't doubt the sincerity of that statement, but I can assure you that you will soon change your mind, whether you like it or not.  When you begin to acquire things like family, house, cars, toys, it doesn't take much of a hiccup in your life to make you realize you don't have all the money you need. Don't plan on living like a student for the rest of your life, because it really gets old.Tim
Reply:Bachelor's Degree in Welding Engineering.  Made over $100k/yr after 2 years field experience before OT as a WE in power construction.  Still doing it, still get to weld for R&D, running PQR's, etc.  I vote Bachelor's.
Reply:Most of you may not believe me, but I'm less eccentric than I was before.  I'm starting to fear that everyone gives the same advice for a reason: they used to be like me.  I don't want to believe that I will end up like everyone else, but my gut is telling me that I will tell my kids about the importance of money, despite initially feeling as though money isn't important.I'm slowly learning to give away my pride, but I still have some.  I first thought that I didn't even need an Associate's degree, and now I'm asking for advice on a Bachelor's degree.To DesertRider33:My fear is that I will look back on my English degree - if I decided to get one - and see no work with it.  Everyone says English degrees only get teaching jobs, and I don't want that.  I wouldn't mind teaching welding, however, and any Bachelor's degree will allow me to teach full-time welding.  I appreciate all the advice.
Reply:Originally Posted by AndyAIt greatly depends on what the bachelor's degree is in.  If it's psychology, sociology, art, music, etc, etc it doesn't get much.  If it's engineering it'll get you somewhere in the neighborhood of $50k a year with no experience (probably more in other parts of the country).Apologies if you majored in psychology, etc.  Probably very fun and interesting, just not a lot of jobs or money.
Reply:Originally Posted by jsm11More education is always a good thing.Anyone that disagrees is fooling themselves.Get as much education as you can, while you can.It will be extremely hard to get it later on..
Reply:Well, I suppose that with a degree, one could probably earn damn near half as much as a good ‘ol fashioned, back slappin', one-liner-rememberin',  five-percent earnin' salesman. And...  the money from a good "hit" keeps coming in until he or the contact goes cold. Maybe a BS degree is the one to pursue? Last edited by denrep; 12-04-2010 at 01:00 AM.Get a technical degree. Preferably a real engineering degree at an ABET accredited school. Engineering is a fun, lucrative job. I have friends who have gone from engineering to become MDs, lawyers and corporate executives. I still like to design stuff. If you are competent to handle engineering there is no excuse not to pursue it. State schools are inexpensive and very good. If you like english, great! Engineers have plenty of writing opportunities.Lincoln SA200, HH135, Lencospot, HF80 Inverter, Rockwell 11x35 lathe, HF drill mill, Kama 554 tractor w/ FEL & BH, Belarus 250AS, lot's of Chinese tools
Reply:Originally Posted by smatsushima1Most of you may not believe me, but I'm less eccentric than I was before.  I'm starting to fear that everyone gives the same advice for a reason: they used to be like me.  I don't want to believe that I will end up like everyone else, but my gut is telling me that I will tell my kids about the importance of money, despite initially feeling as though money isn't important.I'm slowly learning to give away my pride, but I still have some.  I first thought that I didn't even need an Associate's degree, and now I'm asking for advice on a Bachelor's degree.To DesertRider33:My fear is that I will look back on my English degree - if I decided to get one - and see no work with it.  Everyone says English degrees only get teaching jobs, and I don't want that.  I wouldn't mind teaching welding, however, and any Bachelor's degree will allow me to teach full-time welding.  I appreciate all the advice.
Reply:One good thing I have found is that once you have some welding tickets/trades qualifications it makes it easier to go to school.  Every summer you are not scrambling to find a job that will get you enough for tuition and accommodation.  Extra qualifications like a degree help especially when you are older.  Having to do welding when you are in your sixties is not so easy on a cold winter's morning.
Reply:I have a B.S. and a M.S. and neither one is making me a nickle.
Reply:Originally Posted by Jack772I have a B.S. and a M.S. and neither one is making me a nickle.
Reply:The responses from this thread made me curious, so I checked to see what CSULB had to offer and I couldn't have found a better major for my situation: Engineering B.S. with Materials Engineering Option. I looked at the courses, however, and my face cringed:http://www.csulb.edu/colleges/coe/ma...d/bs_eme.shtmlMinimum 135 units including University General Education requirements.Lower Division: CHE 200; CHEM 111A, 111B; CE 205; EE 211, 211L; MATH 122, 123, 224; ENGR 101; MAE 172, 205, 272; PHYS 151, 152.Upper Division: CHE 415; CE 406; ECON 300; EE 320; MATH 370A; MAE 322, 330, 361, 371, 373, 374, 375, 409, 459, 490, plus approved engineering elective courses
Reply:You may want to teach welding ten years from now and this is where your education will come in handy and will get you the job easier as alot of welding teachers have temperary teaching certifications to allow them to teach trades, if your going to stay in a univesity by all means put yourself in a sciences major.
Reply:A degree in English will help you starve while you try to find a better job.  A degree in engineering will help you get a good job with top pay at normal working hours, and not dependent on the weather.  But if you don't like math and physics, forget engineering and start typing now to sell short stories.  English majors have little to offer in their specific area other than writing, editorial work, teaching, procedure writing etc.
Reply:Bottom line:  Life is hard and expenses NEVER go down.  For those who want their future to be easier, the immediate now HAS to get harder.People who make early life choices based on the easiest path are often regretful later in life.You need to do what makes you happy.  Getting paid well while you do what you like is always better than scraping to make ends meet.It's your life.  Your decisions effect you (and your family).  Do not choose a path simply because it is easy.  Always consider the potential return on your investment before you invest your time, energy and hard earned money.
Reply:Originally Posted by joedirt1966Bottom line:  Life is hard and expenses NEVER go down.  For those who want their future to be easier, the immediate now HAS to get harder.People who make early life choices based on the easiest path are often regretful later in life.You need to do what makes you happy.  Getting paid well while you do what you like is always better than scraping to make ends meet.It's your life.  Your decisions effect you (and your family).  Do not choose a path simply because it is easy.  Always consider the potential return on your investment before you invest your time, energy and hard earned money.
Reply:Lots of evidence on WW that in welding you get the job, and the $ via experience mostly.  Rightly so.  U can do it right for the bucks, or like me it is a hobby.The Nat'l news very recently described the unemployment picture with  College grads at 5% or so and  folks with HS or less at about 15% +.   These trends have held thru my life anyways.  So, I'd say get the degree, but don't let it go to your head, it is not a ticket to circumvent  work experience.Sidenote:  I took a lot of Chemistry and it is amazing how often I have used that stuff. For ex:  I can dazzle my wife with intricate details on chemicals and she finds me amazing  That is worth sumthin.Last edited by PapaLion; 12-05-2010 at 08:50 AM.Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:Originally Posted by PapaLion  I can dazzle my wife with intricate details on chemicals and she finds me amazing  That is worth sumthin.
Reply:There's an old saying, "If it was easy, everyone would be doing it".My dad and his brother ran an auto body shop when I was just a kid.  My uncle taught me welding (hardhat diver/welder WWII) at an early age.  Bending/joining metal was a real rush for a kid.  Older I got, watching my dad come home and blow dust snot all evening, made me question if this is what I wanted to do when I was 40.Started working construction (summers/breaks) for my cousin (General Contractor) when I was 11.  By the time I was 16, I was running a crew and working on the drawing board in the evenings.  Finished HS at 16 and headed off to college to major in Civil Engr.  First Christmas break I was home back working on site.  We were hanging rafters on a two story office building, 29 deg F, ice on the plates, wind blowing about 25, hawk trying to chew your ears off.  Served as a real "motivator" to get that degree.Sometimes it just takes a "dose of reality" to make our goals obtainable.Stayed with the welding I'd learned at an early age, but never had to rely on it for a primary source of income.  Amazing though how frequently it "came in handy" in many of the positions I've found myself in.A skilled trade, like formal education, is something no one can ever take away from you.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Get a BS you won't regret it. I have been perusing mine for 5 years. Took a few semesters off here and there. Got caught up in partying/drug use. I'm currently enrolled for the spring semester back in my program. Some of my graduate friends are making 6 figures right out of school as welding engineers for GM --Gol'
Reply:I'm getting the impression that most of you think I only want to do English because it is the easier route.  I'm not thinking that at all, and the engineering major is something I know I will understand easier than the English classes.  Math and Science come to me naturally but I just don't have any desire to study them.At first, I felt like you guys only wanted me to go the route that makes the most money, like I'm a prostitute for money.  But it's not about me is it?Will I still be able to weld as much with a B.S.?  I just want to weld and the thought of studying materials for a living hurts me.  But you're saying I should get the B.S. and live a possible wretched life just for my family?  Won't I still have enough employment with the welding alone?You guys mean well, and I'm sorry I first doubted your opinions.Random note:I found this funny joke searching for information on English degrees: What’s the difference between an English major and a large pizza?  A large pizza can feed a family of four.Last edited by smatsushima1; 12-05-2010 at 04:22 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by smatsushima1At first, I felt like you guys only wanted me to go the route that makes the most money, like I'm a prostitute for money.  But it's not about me is it?Will I still be able to weld as much with a B.S.?  I just want to weld and the thought of studying materials for a living hurts me.  But you're saying I should get the B.S. and live a possible wretched life just for my family?  You guys mean well, and I'm sorry I first doubted your opinions.Random note:I found this funny joke searching for information on English degrees: What’s the difference between an English major and a large pizza?  A large pizza can feed a family of four.
Reply:Originally Posted by AndyAIt greatly depends on what the bachelor's degree is in.  If it's psychology, sociology, art, music, etc, etc it doesn't get much.  If it's engineering it'll get you somewhere in the neighborhood of $50k a year with no experience (probably more in other parts of the country).Apologies if you majored in psychology, etc.  Probably very fun and interesting, just not a lot of jobs or money.
Reply:Originally Posted by smatsushima1Will I still be able to weld as much with a B.S.?  I just want to weld and the thought of studying materials for a living hurts me.
Reply:Your Degree in English really won't help you in the field of welding.  If you wish to further your education with a BS Degree I would recommend it be in Civil, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering.An AWS CWI will open doors as well as ASNT-TC-1A Level II in PT, MT & UT.Robert P.AWS CWIASNT-TC-1A Level II in PT & MTBachelor of Science, SHSU, TX
Reply:smatsushima1 -- So I read through the entire 2 pages of responses, both yours and the others.  I very much agree with the advice to get a degree .  I also understand that the subject of English  is your other "love".  You say that math and physics and I suppose other sciences are easy for you, but don't "float your boat" as to interest.  So why not pursue a double degree.  Many of the general ed courses will be the same.  You can look forward to studying your "passion" each class day as well as buckling down to complete the science and math courses. A schedule like that is a lot like life -- work and play -- a good balance of both will make day to day life easier and pay dividends in the future.Good luck.Last edited by caldwellcpl; 12-06-2010 at 10:23 AM.
Reply:Prior to starting this thread, I assumed most of you would agree with my attempt to get an English degree.  I was surprised to read so many oppositions and although I felt disappointed, I'm starting to think that I should pursue this path I feel I shouldn't take.  After awhile, the similar conclusions that an engineering degree will set me up for life hit me.I have already signed up for next semester and am taking 20 units: 14 welding, and 6 GE, so I wouldn't have any room to take other classes.  I will have a year to decide whether or not I want to pursue this degree and I'm going to ask my professors today and tomorrow whether I should consider it.I appreciate all the responses.  Thanks again for the criticism.
Reply:Smat,This comment in one of your replies caught my eye...."I just want to weld and the thought of studying materials for a living hurts me".  Just my opinion but I'm pretty sure that if you want to weld, you're absolutely going to be studying materials first hand...up close...and personal!And I don't mean just watching the puddle.  You'll be learning metallurgy, strength of materials, stress analysis, chemistry, etc as a natural consequence of the trade.  You'll also be learning math, trig, economics (a natural part of life it seems).  The BS degree just formalizes all that AND you get a piece of paper that's marketable!Another quote..."Will I still be able to weld as much with a B.S.?"  I personally don't see why not.  If you can weld then you can be a welder but with an engineering degree and welding skills you'll have more options.You quoted a course syllabus that, I agree, looks intimidating.  It did to me when I went thru college 33 years ago (BSME - U of H - '77).  One thing that helped me was to remember that I didn't have to do it all at once but rather over a long period of time.  Ya just keep putting one foot in front of the other....and it'll get done.  I'll also bet that if you like to weld (and it seems you do) there are many engineering courses that you'd find fascinating.  There'll be some (maybe totally unrelated to engr) that'll stick in your mind for the rest of your life that you'd never dreamed would.  For me it was (ironically) English lit...actually it was the 27 year old female instructor Lucille Z....unbelievable legs...sorry fellas, got sidetracked there for a minute.Then, in your spare time, you can get a degree in English and live happy ever after....well, close anyway.  Good luck amigo.Miller 211 w/ spool gunMiller Dynasty 200DXLongevity 60i IGBT plasmaO/A w/ crappy chinese torch/gaugesSouth Bend 10K latheGrizzly 4029 10x54 millGrizzly 7x12 hor bandsawangle grnders, bench grnder, bench belt sndr7.5 hp 80gal cmprsor
Reply:I have a bachelor degree and will have a masters in May if everything goes well.  If you are wanting to weld for a living and want to further you education I would look into a B.S. Industrial Education or B.S. Industrial Technology which is not quite an engineer but for someone who like to get their hands dirty.I would always tell someone to get a technical degree and a bachelors, you never know what the economy is going to do!
Reply:I just talked to my teacher today and he said that employers don't care what bachelor's degree you have - they just want you to have one.  He said as far as he's concerned, employers are like this nation-wide.My teacher has been TIG welding since he was 18 and has been working for Honeywell for the past 30+ years.  I will ask my other teacher tomorrow who has been mostly stick welding, but knows how to TIG weld, and working in the Navy shipyards.I am considering the engineering path.  I forgot that I have already completed one Calculus and one Physics class and only need to worry about two calculus classes, one physics class, and three chemistry classes - all the rest are classes that don't seem that hard.
Reply:Originally Posted by smatsushima1I just talked to my teacher today and he said that employers don't care what bachelor's degree you have - they just want you to have one.  He said as far as he's concerned, employers are like this nation-wide.My teacher has been TIG welding since he was 18 and has been working for Honeywell for the past 30+ years.  I will ask my other teacher tomorrow who has been mostly stick welding, but knows how to TIG weld, and working in the Navy shipyards.I am considering the engineering path.  I forgot that I have already completed one Calculus and one Physics class and only need to worry about two calculus classes, one physics class, and three chemistry classes - all the rest are classes that don't seem that hard.