Army helicopter pilot retiring — is a master’s in Systems Engineering worth it?
I’m considering starting a master’s in Systems Engineering in the fall but I’m trying to figure out whether it’s a realistic path or a waste of time.
For context, I’m currently an Army helicopter pilot and will be retiring in about 2 years. I’m only mentioning the background because I’m curious whether it moves the needle at all for systems engineering roles, especially in defense/aerospace.
My main concern is that I spend 2 years on the degree and then find out I’m not competitive because I don’t have a traditional engineering bachelor’s. My bachelor’s degree is missing some of the math prerequisites for certain programs, so my options are a little limited.
I’m looking at Johns Hopkins Engineering for Professionals, Penn State, and possibly UMGC as a fallback.
For people already working in systems engineering:
Am I wasting my time pursuing this without an engineering undergraduate degree?
Would this background help at all, or not really?
Which programs would you recommend or avoid?
What entry-level or transition roles should I realistically target?
What salary range should I expect starting out?
Is defense/aerospace the best lane for this kind of transition?
Any honest advice is appreciated. I’m just trying to make a smart decision before committing the time and money. Can’t hurt my feelings.