Is it over?
Hey everyone,
I have a Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electrical & Electronics) from a private university in the Middle East. The degree is Sydney Accord accredited (Engineering Technologist), meaning it's applied and project-based by design, so the math is intentionally lighter than a traditional engineering program.
Here's some of what I have and what I'm missing:
What I have:
- Pre-calc, Calc 1 & 2, Differential & Integral Calculus
What I'm missing:
- Linear Algebra
- Multivariable Calculus (Calc 3)
- Electromagnetic Field Theory / Maxwell's Equations
- Etc
To make things worse, the program has a lot of redundant content. A good example is our Control Systems course at the bachelor level, which is nearly identical to the diploma version except for a few additions like Routh stability criteria and PID controllers. This pattern repeats across multiple courses, so the degree doesn't actually build much depth from year to year. I worked hard, have a good GPA, but I'm realizing the ceiling of what the degree actually taught me is pretty low.
I'm currently studying linear algebra using Anton's Elementary Linear Algebra and MIT OCW 18.06sc. My areas of interest are control systems and EE more broadly.
The reason I'm specifically aiming for a top-100 university globally is not for prestige. My dream job explicitly requires a degree from a top-100 ranked university, so this isn't optional for me, it's a hard requirement I need to meet.
My questions:
What should I do to close this gap so that I can competitively apply to top-100 universities globally for a master’s in EE or control systems?
Are there graduate programs (anywhere in the world) that are more flexible about applicants who have gaps like mine?
For those who’ve been in a similar situation, what actually moved the needle on your application?
Appreciate any honest advice, including if you think this is unrealistic.
Edit: I realized the questions got cut off. I would really appreciate anyone’s input on this as i’m extremely dumbfounded. I thought about transferring credit and completing a BSc or BEng somewhere else, but I’m not sure if that’s the best course of action.