What degree should I get?

[millerUSC]

Hi, I'm graduating from South Carolina & getting commissioned in May, & then soon going to NPS.  I'll have a BA degree in Religious Studies, which I know won't get me far in the civilian world, so I'm thinking about slowly getting a BS in something else. 

I'd like to know which engineering degree would be the best to pursue to enhance my knowledge/credibility for the civilian world if I decide to get out?  Thanks.

[Roll Tide]

BS would look better than BA to some. Consider whether you want to get the Bachelor's in engineering or work on a MS in an engineering field. "Industrial Engineering" Master's programs typically don't require an engineering degree.

Just a starting point for your research...

And thank you for your service.

[Already Gone]

If you get to pick from any one, I'd say Systems Engineering would be a good choice.

[Evilpixie]

Most system engineering progams are offered at the masters level with the idea that one needs to have a foundation in one of the traditional engineering disciplines before moving on to systems.  There are undergrad programs, though they are much rarer than the masters programs.

When I decided to go back to school, I looked at a study done by the Bureau of Labor that discussed employment feasibility for the next 15-20 years.  Ten years ago computer engineering was the big thing, I'm not sure what it would be now.  This study I found at a college library, I'm sure if you go to your local college, they will have a copy.  Or look for one online.  I'll poke around and see if I can find a more specific title for you.

I'm in engineering at Diablo... the predominant engineering types we have are electrical, mechanical and civil.  I'm computer, in a small group that works on plant related computer systems.

[Evilpixie]

Hopefully this will help... everything you wanted to know about engineering:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm