Engineering is a broad multidisciplinary field dedicated to the design, development, construction, and evaluation of different structures and machines. To do their jobs effectively, engineers must have a background in math and science, and they should also have strong problem-solving and spatial skills.Engineering students almost always major in a disciplinary subfield. Common majors include aerospace, civil, chemical, computer, electrical, industrial, mechanical, and petroleum engineering.Engineering students graduate with a marketable degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineering positions are projected to grow throughout the next decade, and the median salary in the field is nearly twice as high as the average job. While growth rates and salary projections vary between engineering disciplines, a degree in the field prepares all graduates for a rewarding and engaging career.As online education opportunities have expanded in recent years, more and more students are pursuing their engineering degree online. Our guide below strives to help prospective distance learners evaluate their online engineering degree options. Read on to learn more about the various online engineering opportunities available.
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Global Manager of Quality and Production, John Deere
LinkedInOnline Engineering Degree Overview
| Degree Level | Average Cost | Loan Default Rate | Time Commitment | Early Career Pay | Mid-Career Pay | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | $11,671 | 16.64% | 2 years | $41,700 | $64,900 | 6.15% |
| Bachelor's | $16,089 | 9.64% | 4 years | $63,900 | $105,500 | 3.7% |
| Master's | $17,152.40 | 6.62% | 2+ years | $72,900 | $118,800 | 2.57% |
Most engineering positions require students to earn a bachelor's degree in the field. Students who graduate from a bachelor's program may eventually earn their master's degree or PhD. Graduate programs typically follow a specialized learning track, allowing students to concentrate their courses in a specific area of engineering, such as aerospace, biomedical, mechanical, computer hardware, or electrical engineering.As the above data indicates, educational attainment correlates strongly with annual salary and unemployment rate. Students should carefully research their target field to determine which degree provides the best return-on-investment for them. Pursuing an engineering degree online can help students mitigate costs related to campus-based learning.
Online Engineering Degrees
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Online Engineering Choose Your Career
| Career | Median Salary | Projected Growth | 2014 Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineer | $105,380 | -2% | 72500 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $83,060 | 5% | 277500 |
| Biomedical Engineer | $86,950 | 23% | 22100 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineer | $93,260 | 0% | 315900 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | $108,430 | 3% | 77700 |
Online Engineering Degree in Action
Meet Our Expert: Tanya Higgins
Global Manager of Quality and Production, John DeereTanya Higgins is a graduate of UW-Madison's online master of Engineering: Engineering Management program. She currently works for John Deere.
LinkedInOnline Engineering Professional Requirements
Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
The Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE) is typically required to earn licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE). The exam is intended for students who have recently graduated from an undergraduate engineering program or are set to complete one. The FE includes 110 multiple-choice questions.
The Principles of Practice of Engineering Exam
Unlike the FE (which tests general industry knowledge), the Principles of Practice of Engineering exam (PE) focuses on specific areas of engineering. The exam is designed for those who have earned a bachelor's degree in engineering and have completed at least four years of post-collegiate employment in the field. Exam-takers can choose from 25 different engineering specializations for their exam.
Product & Personnel Certifications
Some professional organizations offer certifications for engineers in certain specialized areas. Most of these are not required to obtain entry-level employment in engineering, although certifications can bolster a candidate's hireability and provide job security in advanced positions. For example, ASME provides certification in a variety of fields, including nuclear material organization, nuclear quality assurance, and bioprocessing equipment. Duration for certification varies. For example, ASME certifications generally require a six-month commitment, beginning with application submission and ending with certificate issuance.
Maintaining Certification
Several states require professional engineers to renew their license with continuing education courses. PEs must renew their license annually in some states, while others mandate license renewal every two years. Additionally, many states allow engineers to transfer their licenses from other states. Engineers should contact their state's licensing board to learn about specific requirements.