A master has finished a specified course of study at the post-graduate level. These degrees are awarded by various colleges and can take anywhere from two to four years to complete.
Master of Engineering Education is frequently used as a bridge between undergraduate and Ph.D. studies. The academic aspect of engineering is generally the focus of these programs, with a typical course selection encompassing civil engineering, plastics, software engineering, or environmental engineering.
Classes might vary significantly based on the engineering concentration of the curriculum, which could be polite, computer, mechanical, or nuclear.
Conversely, courses tend to demand a high degree of mathematical and scientific performance from students and may include hands-on projects and theoretical dissertations. Throughout one of these master's degrees, one may expect an in-depth understanding of an engineering specialism.
As an engineer, this could help with a variety of professional activities. Graduates may also enhance their organizing and research skills, which are beneficial in both personal and professional contexts.
Before enrolling, it is critical to receive an exact and up-to-date tuition estimate. For the most reliable data, contact the admissions department or go through the school's advertising materials. Engineers may be found in almost every economic area, including retail, energy, and transportation.
They are also active in high-level practical and theoretical research initiatives. An experienced and educated engineer may lead a research institution or teach at the university level.
Graduates of a master's program in engineering studies may opt to continue studying in a Ph.D. school or work as independent consultants for various engineering businesses.
Engineering programs are sometimes highly specialized, so thoroughly research each program of interest before applying. Search for your program below and fill out the lead form to contact the admission office of the institution of your choosing.
Should I Pursue a Master's Degree in Engineering?
It may take some soul-searching to go to graduate school, but gaining a master's degree in engineering makes perfect sense for someone who appreciates STEM and wants to earn a solid wage.
These positions also appeal to people looking for job stability since the demand for engineers is expected to expand in the future. An MEng typically takes 12 months of full-time study, whereas an MS takes 18-24 months.
The engineering someone conducts and whether their company requires a Professional Engineer (PE) license determine the licensing requirements. Several states require PEs to complete a certain amount of continuing education credits to renew their license.
The time it takes to get a master's degree in engineering is determined by various factors, including whether the student enrolls full-time or part-time. Their graduation date is determined by whether they pursue a master of engineering (MEng) or a master of science (MS) in engineering.
What Can I Expect to Learn in an Engineering Master's Program?
Whether a student enrolls in a master's degree in the engineering program to supplement an undergraduate STEM degree or completely change career paths, these programs provide the advanced knowledge required to take on senior-level engineering roles with more responsibilities — and potentially higher pay.
Courses vary in each school, but the entire curriculum is typically relatively similar. Financial challenges for engineers, leadership and organizational behavior, supply chain management, and product management are among the courses students take.
Because engineering encompasses so many distinct subfields, requirements will vary greatly depending on your emphasis.
Learners often pick between an MS and an MEng degree. MS programs usually span 18-24 months, whereas MEng programs are shorter and frequently last 12 months. Students should research potential businesses' recruiting needs to determine which degree path suits them.
Concentrations
Engineering in Biomedicine
This emphasis is concerned with the application of engineering principles to biology and medicine. Students that choose this path usually desire to create new gear and technology for use in medical treatments.
Mechanical Engineering
Students who wish to develop items and goods choose this specialization. Physics and arithmetic are taught alongside mechanics and engineering. Students graduate with the knowledge and abilities required to design things such as automobiles and appliances.
Engineering in Electrical
This emphasis combines mechanical engineering and electronics concepts and is designed for students who wish to develop electrically powered goods. They study the principles behind items such as microchips, computers, and generators.
Construction Engineering
This program is for students who desire to contribute to creating and improving our built environment. The coursework emphasizes engineering techniques and design theories related to airports, highways, bridges, and other structures or transportation systems.
Engineering in Chemistry
This focus combines the ideas of engineering and chemistry. Students learn how to build chemical molecules in various situations, including medicines, alternative engineering, and food production.
How Do I Select an Engineering Master's Program?
Because there are so many master's degrees in engineering to select from, students must take their time to find one that meets their academic, financial, and professional objectives. It is critical to ensure that a program is ABET-accredited. Students should also ensure that the institution is appropriately accredited.
Students should also decide whether they want to attend full-time or part-time, as not all institutions provide both possibilities. Choosing whether to attend in person or online usually narrows down the alternatives.
They should also look into the finest institutions in their state and see whether they offer master's degree programs in engineering.
Students on a tight budget should research their financial assistance alternatives and see what the institution offers. Finally, it is critical to consider the student services provided. Mentorship programs and networking opportunities are examples of this.
How Do I Apply for a Master's Degree in Engineering?
Graduate admissions for a master's degree in engineering vary by program and institution, so applicants should reduce their selections depending on the colleges they believe they will be admitted to. Some programs, for example, demand GRE scores, while others do not.
Letters of reference are crucial in the admissions process. They give school administrators an idea of how someone who knows the kid well thinks of the applicant's chances of success in higher education.
Grad school essays are particularly heavily scrutinized since they allow candidates to articulate why they want to further their engineering education, how they intend to use the degree, and why they want to attend.
What Can an Engineering Master's Degree Get Me?
Engineering impacts practically every area and business, giving various employment prospects for engineering master's degree holders. A learner's emphasis will determine the jobs they can pursue.
For example, a student who chooses to major in software engineering may end up working for a Fortune 500 corporation to build an internal personnel app. Still, another may work for a government agency to develop software that increases user access.
Popular Career Options:
- Construction Engineering
- Project Management
- Software Development
- Science and Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
How Much Can I Earn With a Master's Degree in Engineering?
Engineers with a master's degree make much more than the national average for all jobs, which was $41,950 in 2020. Many engineers earn six figures every year. Agricultural engineers at the low end of the pay scale earned a median annual salary of $84,410 in 2020. Petroleum engineers earned an average of $137,330 throughout the same period.
Several factors influence how much an engineer makes, which should be considered while evaluating pay offers. The degree a candidate has, where they got it, how much experience they have, the sector they work in, and the position's location all influence the final pay offer from a potential employer.
Conclusion
Academically, the Master of Engineering is equivalent to the Master of Science and Master of Arts. However, the Master of Engineering degree is commonly awarded for technical programs in universities of applied sciences or universities of technology.
Other universities' regular engineering programs grant Master of Science (M.Sc.) degrees.
M.Eng. degrees involve theoretical courses and projects, but they are primarily concerned with acquiring the highly specialized skills and knowledge necessary for students to become professional engineers in their chosen sector.
Many M.Eng. programs also require students to do industrial placements, where they gain hands-on experience and learn about working in the Engineering sector.
