Engineering Careers and Programs
A Look Inside the Bat Cave
With no super powers of his own, The Dark Knight relies on technology and invention. Batman, along with Inspector Gadget and James Bond’s Q, rely on engineering to track down, beat up, and lock away their enemies.
This use of science and math is not just for fictional characters. Each day, engineers apply these principles to practical ends – designing, manufacturing, and operating structures, machines, and systems. They take what scientists discover and apply it to our lives. Biomedical advances, transportation, and environmental issues are just a sampling of the fields where engineers put their expertise into operation.
How does it work?
Ask them the time, and they’ll tell you how to build a watch. Engineers must be detail oriented, analytical, inquisitive, and creative. Teamwork and communication skills are also key. The best of these professionals will tell you how to build a watch - that does something new – in a way that you understand.
However, a natural knack for math and invention are not enough. Education is also required. A bachelor’s degree in engineering is a basic for any job in the field. Most degree programs offer the opportunity to specialize in a specific area of engineering. See the Career Outlook section for a list of these specialties. You may be surprised at the variety.
Why be an Engineer?
They say necessity is the mother of invention. With our ever-changing world, we are in constant need of new ideas, new processes, and new engineers. As a result, this field is expected to see an 11% employment growth from 2008 to 2018. Some specialties within the field will see as much as 72% growth.
But will the bank account grow as well? The average salary for engineers is currently $66,000. Starting salaries for these employees is actually one of the highest for bachelor degree holders. For a breakdown of how the money rolls in for various specialties, see the Salary Outlook tab.
Listed below are online Engineering colleges and online Engineering universities complete with the programs offered.
Use the following if you are interested in help with locating a college or university with an online degree in Engineering.
Outlook for Engineering Careers
What kind of engineer are you?
Area of expertise is the big variable here. Some areas are expected to see much larger growth than others. See chart for an overview.
Challenges to opportunities in this field will include outsourcing of jobs, as employees in other countries may be available at cheaper rates and can now complete tasks off-site due to current technology. (Too many technological advances and these professionals work themselves out of a job!) This also creates an urgency for engineers to keep current in their field, with knowledge of the latest advances.
Despite these possible challenges, overall growth for the industry looks good.
As for promotional opportunities, engineers may seek to move from development to management or sales. Other engineers can receive more difficult projects with greater independence, become technical specialists, or oversee a team of engineers. Again, those who continue their education and remain current in their field will have the greatest advantage when seeking job upgrades or new opportunities.
Salaries in Engineering
Inventive Income
Earnings will vary greatly depending on engineering specialty. Average starting salaries for most areas fall in the $50-60K range. The top-paying specialties of petroleum, nuclear, and computer hardware engineering see overall averages hovering around $100K. This makes sense – make the most expensive toys, make the most money.
Pay increases over the length of a career are most likely for those who continue their training and education. For some, advancement may require changing specialties, or the focus within a field, such as moving from development to sales. Unless a moment of genius strikes, resulting in a career-changing pocket-lining patent, an engineer must continually keep skills up to date and be flexible to grasp new opportunities.
The graph below shows the top paying engineering specialties
Education Requirements for Careers in Engineering
Don’t Stop Learning
A four-year engineering degree is definitely a must. Two and four-year programs are also available in engineering technology. Training at a technical institute, or an associate’s degree from a community college may also suffice for some engineering-related jobs. However, this will not prepare the professional for many of the engineering jobs out there. This training will be adequate for design and production work, but not theoretical and scientific areas of employment. Without the engineering degree, registering as a professional engineer will also have differing terms.
For engineers working with the public, licensure is usually required in some fashion. Safety first – we don’t want engineers getting a bad rep. This involves obtaining an accredited degree and passing a state exam.
Beyond the degree, as mentioned, continuing education is necessary in some form. This may be graduate studies, on-the-job training as systems develop and change, or courses to learn new technologies as they are developed. Fall behind and you’ll be left behind.
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Online Schools with related Engineering programs
Walden University
-
Ph.D. in Management - Engineering Management
Begin the next chapter of your life with a management Ph.D. from Walden University. Using an interdisciplinary approach to the study of management, this program allows you to conduct self-directed, practical research on the issues that matter most to you. So whether you are preparing to share your expertise as an educator, a consultant, or an author, Walden's management Ph.D. will give you the credentials you need to reach your lifelong goals.
Conduct specialized research in an area of interest to you while you study ways to facilitate positive social change. Help enhance your capabilities as a researcher, scholar, manager, or consultant. Study the theories, concepts, and techniques that provide the foundation for sound management decision-making. Study topics such as leadership and information systems. The program offers you three ways to learn:
Course-Based format
This option is a structured program of study comprising online courses and residencies. As a student, you will work with a faculty mentor and follow a specific plan for completion of your degree. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with peers and faculty through online discussions and face-to-face residencies.
Self-Directed format
This option allows you to study independently while working with a faculty mentor to complete scholarly papers and study topics that apply to your interests. You will pursue faculty-guided independent research through Walden's signature Knowledge Area Modules (KAMs) and face-to-face residencies, in order to demonstrate academic mastery of each subject.
Mixed-Model format (formerly Hybrid format)
This option combines online courses, face-to-face residencies, and KAMs to provide a flexible program of study. You will have the opportunity to work closely with a faculty mentor; study and conduct research on topics that interest you; and learn from faculty members through individual courses.
Northcentral University
-
CAGS-Bus/Management of Engineering & Technology
Earning an advanced graduate certificate in Management of Engineering and Technology focuses on integrating practical technical experience with management theory and practice. Technology increases productivity, lowers cost, and drives competitiveness. Engineers and scientists moving toward technical management responsibilities need to establish the skill set and managerial style that will enable them to generate and transfer knowledge while implementing decisions that affect operations. Prospective students should hold a master's degree prior to enrolling in this 18-credit hour program that can also transfer directly into a doctoral program at NCU.
-
DBA/Management of Engineering & Technology
This Doctor of Business Administration in Management of Engineering Technology degree focuses on integrating practical technical experience with management theory and practice. Engineers and scientists moving toward technical management responsibilities need to establish the skill set and managerial style that will enable them to generate and transfer knowledge while implementing decisions that affect operations. Prospective students must meet certain prerequisite requirements such as a bachelor's or master's degree or relevant work experience prior to enrolling. These requirements can be discussed with the career counselor when they call.
-
MBA/Management of Engineering and Technology
This Master of Business Administration in Management of Engineering Technology degree focuses on integrating practical technical experience with management theory and practice. Technology drives productivity, lowers cost, and drives competitiveness. Engineers and scientists moving toward technical management responsibilities need to establish the skill set and managerial style that will enable them to generate and transfer knowledge while implementing decisions that affect operations. Prospective students should currently hold a bachelor's degree and can complete the master's program in approximately 2 years.
-
Ph.D.BA/Management of Engineering and Technology
Our Ph.D. in Business Administration/Management of Engineering Technology degree program focuses on integrating practical technical experience with management theory and practice. Engineers and scientists moving toward technical management responsibilities need to establish the skill set and managerial style that will enable them to generate and transfer knowledge while implementing decisions that affect operations. Prospective students must meet certain prerequisite requirements such as a bachelor's or master's degree or relevant work experience prior to enrolling. These requirements can be discussed with the career counselor when they call.
Westwood College
-
Computer Aided Design/Architectural Drafting (A)
Students studying for this associate degree will use computer software to create the plans and drawings used to construct buildings. Faculty members with related professional experience can provide:
•in-depth training in industry-standard software such as Autodesk®, AutoCAD®, AutoCAD® Architecture, and 3D Viz®
•exposure to REVIT® Architecture, a premier software program that showcases buildings in a virtual world
•assistance to students in creating a portfolio demonstrating skills and expertise to prospective employers
Program names, course topics and outcomes may vary by location. Please speak with a Westwood College admissions representative for full program details.
Campus-based Schools with related Engineering programs
