Therefore, it might take you longer than you expect to finish. A project based masters will have a well defined project and a more definite time line, but will not provide you with research experience. Most firms do not prefer a research based masters versus a project based masters, but some doctorate programs may prefer a research based masters degree. These names mean different things at different universities. Consider reading a book on preparing for graduate school.
Many people find the graduate school experience quite different than undergraduate.
If you think you may be interested in participating in research, try to get involved with an Environmental Resources Engineering faculty research project or a summer undergraduate research program, such as the one through the National Science Foundation. If you intend to get a Ph.D. in Engineering, take more mathematics and chemistry as an undergraduate. These courses will only help you. Timeline Do a literature search, pick an area of study, and then ask faculty to help you find programs and people in that area. Identify people with whom you would like to work.