Masters Degree in Engineering

Engineering is a field that is constantly evolving due to new innovations and methodologies. Whilst most entry level engineering jobs accept bachelor’s degrees, an individual who desires to advance would benefit greatly by taking a masters degree in engineering. Higher engineering degrees are required for senior management and executive positions and a lot of institutions provide several programs. Considering the fact that a lot of masters programs vary in their course contents and emphasis, individuals should evaluate the curricula and verify accreditations before selecting an institution.

Masters in Engineering – Facts

There are numerous specialties in which engineering master’s degrees can be obtained. Some of the more popular ones include: mechanical engineering, civil engineering and electrical and electronics engineering. Apart from these categories, other specialties include aerospace engineering, agricultural engineering, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, computer hardware engineering, environmental engineering, health and safety engineering, industrial engineering and petroleum engineering. Eligibility requirements include: a bachelor’s degree in engineering, previous academic transcripts, references and recommendation letters and a personal interview.

Top Schools for an Engineering Masters Degree

There are several schools in the country that offer master´s degree in engineering. Top universities offering engineering programs surveyed by U.S. News include: MIT (ranked number one with a total score of 100), Stanford University (ranked number two with a total score of 98), University of California—Berkeley (ranked number three with a total score of 90), Georgia Institute of Technology (ranked number four with a total score of 86) and University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign (ranked number five with a total score of 81). Others include Carnegie Mellon University, Cornell University and Princeton University.

Work Possible with a Masters Degree in Engineering

For most entry level positions, a bachelor’s degree in engineering will suffice but management and executive positions typically require at least an engineering master’s degree. Available positions include academic positions in lecturing, research and development, technical specialists, executive and management engineers in government and private industry. Apart from these, a lot of engineers who have higher degrees often go on to get an MBA in order to qualify for more advanced and lucrative positions.

Salary and Outlook in Engineering

The salaries of individuals with master´s degree in engineering are typically better than those who only possess bachelor degrees. With this in mind, it is difficult to cite a figure since there are several determining factors such as place of employment, geographical location, field and experience. However, the average salary of engineering degree holders usually ranges between $72,000 and $108,000. Lastly, the overall job outlook for engineering degree holders is favorable due to the increasing demand for professional engineers to handle different projects and to also replace retiring workers.

In conclusion, a master´s degree in engineering is necessary for individuals who desire to advance rapidly in their careers. Furthermore, considering the keen competition in this field, getting a master´s degree also provides an edge over others.