Retired pilot finds inspiration for second career in Purdue’s online Master of Science in Civil Engineering program

Retired pilot Allen Baker’s introduction to civil engineering came several decades before he graduated from Purdue University’s online Master of Science in Civil Engineering program. He was introduced to the field in the United States Air Force Academy, where he majored in civil engineering as an undergraduate student. Though he planned on becoming a pilot after graduation, he wanted to major in something that interested him, and civil engineering was both fascinating and challenging. His classes opened his eyes and, in his words, turned on a switch that he could never turn off. 

“In my pilot career, I was able to travel all around the world,” Baker said. “And, because of my civil engineering training, I was always paying attention to the infrastructure all around me. I couldn’t take it for granted.” 

In his travels as a fighter pilot and then as a Boeing 777 captain, Baker saw every kind of infrastructure imaginable. He visited countries that were still building basic infrastructure systems and countries that had access to advanced infrastructure technology. He thought often about the way civil engineers are, quite literally, holding the world together. These experiences kept him interested in the field, even as he pursued other ventures. 

In 2020, Baker was approaching retirement from piloting and, for once, had some free time on his hands. He wasn’t ready to stop working, and his mind settled, again, on civil engineering. He understood the critical need for infrastructure rehabilitation and replacement on a massive scale. He dreamed of using new materials to build Next-Generation Infrastructure that not only performed better but was also more resilient and sustainable.  

“There’s never been a better time to pursue a civil engineering career,” Baker said. “Our old structures are crumbling, and there are so many new materials that we can use to build better infrastructure.”  

In the wake of his retirement, Baker decided he wanted to go back to school for a master’s in civil engineering and jumpstart another career. His wife suggested Purdue’s #2 ranked (U.S. News and World Report, 2025) online Master of Science in Civil Engineering, but Baker wasn’t sure he’d be able to get into the program — it had been a long time since he graduated from college, and he knew admission was competitive. Regardless, he decided to take a leap of faith and go for it.  

“You miss all of the shots you don’t take, so I decided to take this one,” Baker said. “And I made it.” 

To his surprise, Baker was accepted into Purdue’s program. He hit the ground running. Since he had been out of school for several decades, his first few courses were reintroductions to the field. They were straightforward, but intensive and challenging. The adjustment was difficult, but Baker was motivated by his interest in a new, high-quality construction material: Ultra High-Performance Concrete (UHPC).  Baker believed that UHPC could revolutionize modern infrastructure, and he knew Purdue’s program would give him the knowledge and credentials he needed to be a force for change.  

“A Purdue degree gives you credibility,” Baker said. “People listen more closely when you say you’re a Purdue grad. The degree speaks for itself.” 

Since UHPC is a new material, Baker wasn’t sure if any of his courses would cover it. But several of his courses helped open the door to a deeper understanding of UHPC — like Advanced Concrete and Aggregates, which he took with Jan Olek, James H. and Carol H. Cure professor in civil engineering, who had a great reputation in the concrete field. He also got to take classes with Professor Luna Lu, who is well-known in the civil engineering field for her work on nanomaterials. Getting to learn from experts at the top of their fields confirmed to Baker why Purdue was a great choice.  

“I got to work with a lot of big names in engineering who are really pushing the boundaries of the field,” Baker said. “I get approached by people all the time who know about my professors and their work.” 

Baker’s classes gave him more than credibility — they also gave him the confidence and skills to back it up. The MSCE program made him even more passionate about UHPC, which he describes as a disruptive technology with potential to transform our infrastructure. With the experience and knowledge he gleaned from his courses, he’s been able to advocate for UHPC more effectively. Currently, he’s working with UHPC producers and trying to get the material out on the market so it can be utilized widely.  

“Credibility is a two-way street,” Baker said. “Having a Purdue degree means performing up to Purdue standards. Purdue raised the standard I hold myself to.” 

After three years of long hours and hard work, Baker graduated with his master’s degree and a great deal of renewed confidence. By the end of the program, he felt assured of his capabilities as an engineer and ready to create change in the industry. He encourages other professionals, especially those considering another career after retirement, to take the leap and go back to school. According to Baker, committing to an online program is a great way of showing yourself what you are capable of accomplishing. 

“Learning is truly a continuum. We are never not learning. So, if you’re interested in something, you might as well do it with discipline,” Baker said. “You can have as many careers as you want. I re-discovered something that I was passionate about, and now I’m actually doing it — it’s a great feeling.” 

To learn more about Purdue University’s online Master of Science in Civil Engineering, visit the program’s webpage.