What Can I Do with a Master’s Degree?

Stay Competitive

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts more than 190,000 jobs will be created in the engineering field in the next decade. The number of individuals earning a bachelor of science in engineering is increasing. For example, between 2014–2015, the number of BS in engineering degrees increased by 7 percent. For this reason, a master’s degree may help distinguish an engineer or help them stand-out as a subject matter expert, improve qualifications, and create new opportunities.

Define Your Future

The specialized knowledge gained in an online engineering master’s program positions graduates for advanced roles in engineering. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics identifies technical knowledge and conceptual understanding of industry best practices as strengths of engineering managers and leaders. Engineers with a master’s degree are responsible for leading projects, managing staff, and working interdepartmentally in their organization. Below are a list of job titles an engineer with a master’s degree may hold and the average salary expectations:

• Engineering Manager: $134,730 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• Civil Engineering Division/Department Manager: $112,091 (Payscale.com)
• Electrical Engineering Manager: $117,306 (Payscale.com)
• Quality Assurance Director: $113,459
• Research and Development Director: $131,576

A master’s degree may also increase earning potential. The salary range of a bachelor of science in engineering graduate is $60,000–$80,000 annually (Payscale). In comparison, a master of science in engineering graduate’s salary range is $75,000–$120,000 annually (Payscale.com).

Why Earn a Master’s in Electrical Engineering?

Electrical engineering is a growing field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than 300,000 electrical engineering professionals in the U.S. In the next decade, more than 20,000 jobs will be created.The latest reporting from Data USA shows that more than half of electrical engineering professionals have a bachelor of science in electrical engineering. In comparison, less than 35 percent of electrical engineers have an engineering master’s degree. As a result, professional engineers who earn an electrical engineering postgraduate degree distinguish themselves.

An Master of Science in Electrical Engineering can increase earning potential. An electrical engineer with a BSEE earns on average $70,690 per year (Payscale.com). An electrical engineer with an online MSEE can qualify for leadership positions such as design engineering manager and principal systems engineer; both positions have average annual salaries over $100,000.

Why Earn a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering?

Civil engineering is a dynamic field with more than 300,000 professionals in the U.S. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In the next decade, more than 30,000 civil engineering positions will be created. According to the American Society for Engineering Education, more than 11,000 civil engineering bachelor’s degrees were conferred in 2016. Meanwhile, only about 5,000 individuals earned their master’s degree in civil engineering. An Master of Science in Civil Engineering degree gives graduates a professional edge when pursuing a leadership position.

An online MSCE degree can also increase earning potential. A civil engineer with a bachelor’s degree earns about $63,783 per year (Payscale.com). A civil engineer with a master’s degree may earn $20,000 more in specialized leadership roles, such as a senior civil engineer, principal structural engineer, or senior engineering project manager.