Master's Degree in Engineering Programs

 

Master's Degree Programs in Engineering

Master's degree in engineering programs equip students with in-depth knowledge and skills in a particular engineering specialty, expanding on the proficiency they gained as undergraduates. And students can design their master in engineering studies as either a platform for real-world application or a future in academics.
Depending on the college or university, master's-level engineering programs will grant graduates with either a Master of Science in Engineering (MS or MSE) or a Master of Engineering (MEng).
With the detailed training that a traditional or online master's degree in engineering provides, graduates can advance their careers to higher-level technical or management positions, depending on their organization and industry. Some master's students might choose to combine their engineering training with graduate-level business course work in an effort to demonstrate the breadth of their knowledge and capabilities.

 

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Master of Science in Engineering (MSE)

A Master of Science in Engineering is the traditional graduate-level engineering degree that prepares students for advanced work in the engineering profession or academics. In general, students in engineering master's programs can expect their courses to focus exclusively on their chosen specialty, including hands-on practice attained through lab work, real-world experience or a combination of both.
Typically, MS or MSE programs take an interdisciplinary approach and involve completing both course work and a written thesis based on independent research. Most Master of Science in Engineering programs take one to two years to complete.

Master of Engineering (MEng)

Students interested in enhancing their practical engineering skills may prefer a Master of Engineering degree. Like an MS or MSE, MEng programs help students build on the technical skills and knowledge acquired through undergraduate engineering studies. But they are aimed more toward advancing an individual's professional credentials for employment rather than building a foundation for a career in research or academics. Usually, course work for a Master of Engineering degree takes about 12 months to complete.

Online Master's Degree in Engineering Programs

Online master's degrees in engineering offer their own unique advantages, particularly for working adults who want to earn a degree but still keep their day job. An online program lets you keep bringing home a paycheck while you attend school, take advantage of your employer's tuition reimbursement program, or simply remain a vital member of your organization's team, all in the midst of pursuing your master's in engineering.

Other benefits of online learning? Variety. Choose an MS or MEng program across the country, and study in the comfort of your own home. Plus, online master's in engineering programs are highly prevalent and cater to a wide variety of specialties, including computer science and software, civil, project management and sustainable energy engineering.

 

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

 

Bachelor's in Engineering

A bachelor's degree in engineering provides students with the fundamental engineering training they need to start exciting careers in the engineering field.
With an extensive variety of engineering specialties available, including aerospace, biomedical, environmental and technology, engineering students have the opportunity to find the perfect niche for their career interests.
When it comes to career options, engineers seem to have endless opportunities. They work in manufacturing, health care, financial institutions, consulting services, energy, agricultural and environmental research, education and government—to name just a few areas. Not to mention, a bachelor degree in engineering provides a foundation for graduate-level engineering study, as well as degrees in law, medicine and business.

 

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Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BR or BSE)

A Bachelor of Science in Engineering is the traditional engineering degree that prepares students for work as professional engineers and computer scientists. Along with concentrated study in their chosen specialization, undergraduate engineering students can expect to take course work in mathematics, physical and life sciences, and general engineering. They can also anticipate fulfilling general education requirements in the social sciences or humanities.

Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BET)

Bachelor of Engineering Technology programs are based on sound foundations in applied sciences and mathematics. The typical curriculum emphasizes basic principles, applications and extensive laboratory experience. With a BET, graduates can go on to careers in practical design and production work, rather than jobs that involve more theoretical aspects of the profession.

Online Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Online learning offers several advantages, from flexibility and convenience to college choice. In particular, working adults looking to earn their degree or build on current skills have the benefit of taking courses to suit their schedule. And students who find the perfect program across the country can take those courses from the comfort of their own homes, without having to relocate.

Students interested in online education will find a number of bachelor in engineering programs to suit their needs. Some specialties, such as computer science and systems engineering, are more prevalent than others.

Different schools might offer training exclusively online, while others may require a combination of online and on-campus commitments. Of course, gaining practical experience in the course of online training, through internships or other work experience, lends well to career opportunities after graduation.

 

Technology Management Degrees and Careers

 

What You'll Do

Technology management is a truly multidisciplinary field that integrates personnel and project management skills with solid knowledge of technological systems and operations. Its purpose is critical: to ensure competitive advantage for organizations through the effective incorporation and development of technology. Engineering or technology-based businesses such as software or hardware companies rely on well-trained technology managers, but so does any organization that uses complex machinery or computer systems.

Technology managers may face a complex spectrum of job duties, including supervision of a wide array of technical personnel, design and deployment of computer and other technological systems, project management, production and operations management, evaluation of technology value, and safety and quality control oversight. Technology management may even encompass innovation and entrepreneurship as it applies to technologically-based businesses.

Job Opportunities

Entry-level jobs in technology management include customer support or help desk positions, database or website development positions, or programming jobs. However, those with experience in the field or who have earned graduate degrees are eligible for more supervisory roles, including project management. Executive-level positions in technology management, such as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Director of Management Information Systems (MIS) or Director of Information Technology (IT), have added responsibilities, such as working with upper management, overseeing personnel and developing an organization's overall technology strategy.  Job opportunities are available in a wide range of industries, from IT and telecommunications to nanotechnology to insurance and financial companies.

The Future of Technology Management

As industries continue to become more technology focused, workers with the leadership skills to be effective technology managers will be in high demand. Companies need knowledgeable technology managers to ensure that their computing and technical systems are up-to-date, efficient and secure. Besides the obvious job opportunities in various technology and engineering sectors, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment growth in consulting services and healthcare organizations.

Schools & Degrees

• Associate's Degree in Technology Management: To work in the technology management field, a 2-year degree in a related field such as technology engineering or management information systems is a good start. However, a bachelor's degree is usually the minimum education needed for a management career.
   
• Bachelor's Degree in Technology Management: A technology management bachelor's degree—usually a Bachelor of Science—is a 4-year program preparing you to enter the technology business world. It usually combines coursework in a particular area of technology or engineering with classes in business management fundamentals.
   
• Master's and Doctoral Degrees in Technology Management: Graduate degrees in technology management include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science (MS), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Graduate programs provide more specialized courses in the management of technological systems and personnel.
   
• Online Technology Management Degrees:  Online degrees at the 2-year and 4-year level are available in information technology, technology engineering and project management. There are also a number of online MBA programs in technology management.

Salaries

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2012-13 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median national annual salary for computer and information systems management is $115,780. Actual salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience and a variety of other factors.

 

Petroleum Engineering Schools, Degrees and Careers

 

 

What You'll Do

By Sarah Stevenson
Petroleum engineering professionals are responsible for the discovery, extraction, and refinement of natural oil and gas resources. Reserves of crude oil and natural gas found throughout the world are critical not only to the energy industry—providing fuel for transportation and energy for lighting and heat—but also in the manufacture of a plethora of industrial and consumer products, from plastics to cosmetics.

Petroleum engineers work with geologists and other scientists to locate oil and gas resources and determine the safest, most effective methods and equipment for extracting those resources. They also develop new technologies such as computer-controlled drilling to increase the amount of resources recovered.

Job Opportunities

Because the oil and gas energy industries are truly global in scale, petroleum engineers have a lot of international job opportunities. Essentially, however, they work wherever the oil and gas industries are located, either overseas in oil-producing nations or in states in the U.S. with large natural energy reserves. Petroleum engineers may work in the field as drilling or reservoir engineers, or they can be managers, teachers or consultants. Though of course major oil and gas companies employ a lot of petroleum engineers, opportunities are available in other industries, such as mining and petroleum product manufacturing.

The Future of Petroleum Engineering

As long as the demand for energy remains high, petroleum engineers will be needed to locate new sources of oil and gas and to develop more effective methods of extracting and processing existing resources. In addition, a large number of current petroleum engineers are expected to retire over the next 10 years, which means that many new scientists and engineers will be needed.

Schools & Degrees

• Associate's Degree in Petroleum Engineering: Community colleges as well as more specialized engineering or mining schools may offer 2-year associate's degrees in petroleum engineering technology or pre-engineering. The former qualifies you for technician work in the field, while the latter prepares you to transfer to a 4-year program.
   
• Bachelor's Degree in Petroleum Engineering: Typically, a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in petroleum engineering begins with general education, preparatory math and science, and introductory petroleum engineering courses. The final two years of the program involve more specialized courses, such as geology or well drilling.
   
• Master's and Doctoral Degrees in Petroleum Engineering: Master of Science, Master of Engineering (MEng) or PhD degrees in petroleum engineering usually focus on more specialized subjects, such as economic evaluation or production system design. Graduate degree holders enter the field with more advanced knowledge and leadership skills.

Salaries

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2012-13 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median national annual salary for petroleum engineers is $122,280. Actual salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience and a variety of other factors.

Nuclear Engineering Schools, Degrees and Careers

 

What You'll Do

By Sarah Stevenson
Nuclear engineers use their expertise in math, physics and engineering as well as their knowledge of social and environmental issues to tackle the safe, effective design of a number of processes and systems, including nuclear plants for energy generation, nuclear power sources for military or space vehicles, systems for disposal of radioactive waste, and equipment used in nuclear medicine.
Nuclear engineers may also be involved in research and development of new products, monitoring of nuclear power systems, power plant operation, radioactive waste disposal, radiation measurement, and reactor engineering. The application of nuclear medicine techniques, such as x-ray technology and radiation sterilization of equipment, is another exciting area of nuclear engineering.

 

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Job Opportunities

Employment opportunities for nuclear engineers run the gamut from jobs for those with advanced degrees and lots of experience, such as management or teaching, to entry-level work  as technologists or support staff. Nuclear engineering professionals are invaluable in a number of industries, including the followiing:

• Consulting
• Consumer and industrial power
• Health and medical research
• Transportation
• Food and water safety

The federal government is a major employer in the field, particularly the Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Also, universities always need knowledgeable individuals to teach nuclear engineering.

The Future of Nuclear Engineering

With growing interest in nuclear power as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, the potential for job growth in the energy sector is promising. In the United States, no commercial nuclear power plants have been built for some time, but if nuclear energy catches on, nuclear engineers will be needed to research and design new types of power plants with safety, efficiency and proper waste management in mind. Other areas of nuclear engineering expected to grow in coming years are nuclear medicine, health physics and agricultural techniques such as the development of new crop varieties.

Schools & Degrees

• Associate's Degree in Nuclear Engineering: A nuclear engineering technologist or technician usually holds a 2-year degree. An Associate of Science (AS) degree program includes core courses in nuclear engineering subjects as well as training in math, physics and computer applications.

• Bachelor's Degree in Nuclear Engineering: A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in nuclear engineering includes the same core courses as the associate's degree, plus more in-depth study of specialties such as health physics, fission systems or radiation imaging. A bachelor's degree prepares you for entry-level employment as a scientist or engineer. 

• Master's and Doctoral Degrees in Nuclear Engineering: Laboratory research or university faculty jobs usually require a graduate degree in nuclear engineering: a Master of Science or PhD degree. You can enter a graduate program after earning a 4-year degree in nuclear engineering or a related area such as mechanical or electrical engineering.

Salaries

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2012-13 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median national annual salary for nuclear engineers is $101,930. Actual salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience and a variety of other factors.

 

Telecommunications Engineering Degrees and Careers

What You'll Do

By Jennifer Wegerer
A specialty within electrical engineering and closely linked to broadcast engineering, telecommunications engineering involves the design of specialized computer and electronics equipment for use in a telecommunications network or infrastructure. These include cellular telephone networks, broadband systems and other cutting-edge technologies. 

Along with designing intricate telephone and high speed data systems, telecommunications engineers often oversee the installation of telecommunications equipment and are responsible for coming up with creative, cost-effective solutions to telecommunications problems. Their in-depth training in modern-day telecommunications technology and engineering equips them with the expertise and problem-solving skills to successfully achieve this goal.

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Job Opportunities

Playing a key role in building a communications infrastructure for a global economy, telecommunications engineers enjoy job opportunities in a number of industries. They work in wired and wireless communications companies, engineering consulting or design firms, electronics components manufacturers, and government agencies.

The Future of Telecommunications Engineering

The telecommunications industry seems to invent a new technology every day. From cell phones to smart phones to ever-improving broadband communications, telecommunications engineers have been integral to driving the world into the twenty-first century.

In that regard, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) reports that the FCC has released a comprehensive plan to increase broadband accessibility and speed to consumers in rural areas of the U.S., which, in turn, will encourage economic opportunities and job growth. Manufacturers, construction and telecommunication services will benefit from the expansion of the country's broadband infrastructure as will rural entrepreneurs and businesses interested in expanding their market base.

Schools & Degrees

Telecommunications engineers utilize a diverse skill set in developing telephone and high speed data services. Their education typically involves a broad array of engineering training, including electronics, civil, structural and electrical, along with fundamental business courses and project management.

Typically, telecommunications engineers hold bachelor's degrees in electrical engineering and enter their field in an apprentice-type role, gaining practical experience working closely with a senior-level telecommunications engineer. Students interested in obtaining a master's degree can pursue advanced training in electrical or telecommunications engineering.

Salaries

Telecommunications engineers are part of the larger field of electrical engineering. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2012-13 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median national annual salary for electrical engineers is $85,920. Actual salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience and a variety of other factors.

Mechanical Engineering Schools, Degrees and Careers

What You'll Do

By Sarah Stevenson
Mechanical engineering is a very broad discipline, covering the design and manufacturing of mechanical devices from hand-operated tools to complex machinery. Mechanical engineers work in a wide range of industries, but what all jobs in the field have in common is a focus on the mechanics of motion, whether it's fluid dynamics in a hydroelectric power system, the transport and conversion of energy, or the moving parts of complex automated factory equipment.
Mechanical engineering professionals often concentrate on drafting and design engineering, such as product, equipment or systems design. They also work on research and development, manufacturing, and testing in the lab or in the field.

Job Opportunities

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 15.1 percent of America's engineers are mechanical engineers. Many work in general machinery engineering, such as refrigeration systems; heating, ventilation and air conditioning; or industrial manufacturing equipment. Others work in energy-related fields, helping to develop new sources of energy production or designing methods of energy conversion like power plants and combustion engines. Some design transportation machinery, while others test machines such as vehicles and elevators for safety. There are even mechanical engineers who explore the limits of technology through the design of robotics and automated systems.

The Future of Mechanical Engineering

In many ways, mechanical engineers shape the future of industry. Because mechanical engineering is at the forefront of developing and improving products, machines and systems, there will always be a high demand for qualified workers in any sector that relies on the use of mechanical technology. Emerging fields such as biotechnology, nanotechnology and alternative energy technology will also produce an increasing number of job opportunities.

Schools & Degrees

• Associate's Degree in Mechanical Engineering: Entry-level mechanical engineering jobs usually require a bachelor's degree. However, a 2-year associate's degree in mechanical engineering technology makes it possible to start work as a technician, assist licensed mechanical engineers in the field, or transfer to a 4-year program.
   
• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering: Besides technical training in design, computer and simulation applications, and applied sciences, a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in mechanical engineering teaches you the problem-solving and analytical skills that are critical for practicing engineers. Many mechanical engineering students also select a specialty such as aerospace engineering or propulsion systems.

• Master's and Doctoral Degrees in Mechanical Engineering: A master's or doctoral degree enables you to further specialize in a particular area of mechanical engineering, whether you choose to work in the field as an engineer or pursue research. Graduate degree options for mechanical engineers include the Master of Science (MS), Professional Science Master (PSM), or PhD.
   
• Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees:  More and more institutions are offering online bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering, as well as associate's degrees in mechanical engineering technology. There are even a few online PhD programs in mechanical engineering.

Salaries

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2012-13 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median national annual salary for mechanical engineers is $79,230. Actual salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience and a variety of other factors.