Mechanical engineering is one of the many engineering degrees you can choose to study. It is the study of objects and systems in motion, touching every aspect of modern life. It is one of the oldest engineering disciplines, combining engineering, physics, and mathematics. While studying mechanical engineering, you would learn and use tools such as CAD (computer-aided design), CAM (computer-aided manufacturing), industrial equipment and machinery, heating and cooling systems, transport systems, watercraft, robots, and more. Mechanical engineering first emerged in Europe during the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century. It has centered on creating technologies to meet human needs. As a mechanical engineer, you would work in offices, visit worksites, or even work in research and development.
Getting an associate’s degree in mechanical engineering would be a good way to prepare for a bachelor’s or to assist engineers in that type of role. The degree will take you about two years and you should be able to find both online and in-person programs.
While getting your associate’s degree you would most likely take classes in physics, chemistry, math, and calculus to help prepare you for bachelor’s level work in the future.
Most employers hiring for mechanical engineering-related jobs want candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree from an ABET (Accredited Board for Engineering and Technology) institution.
Consider classes in intermediate and advanced mathematics, life and physical sciences, engineering and design, CAD, fluid mechanics, terminal design, magnetism and aerodynamics, and circuits. A bachelor’s degree should take four years, two years if you have already received your associate’s degree.
There are in-person and online bachelor’s degree programs to study mechanical engineering. For online programs, The University of Alabama, Old Dominion University, and Indiana State University all have highly rated programs. For in-person programs, Stanford University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Brown University all have highly rated programs.
The University of North Dakota describes an MBA as "a postgraduate academic qualification. Programs offering such degrees explore advanced principles of business and management. They are designed to cultivate leadership qualities and managerial expertise through various subjects." A Masters of Business Administration degree prepares graduates to enter the business world, "enabling them to make informed decisions and navigate diverse professional landscapes. The versatility of an MBA makes it a valuable asset for those seeking to enhance their existing careers and explore new opportunities and challenges in the ever-evolving business environment." Many ask if the cost of an MBA is worth the expense, but what IS that expense? According to Nerdwallet, in 2022 alone, the typical price tag for an MBA was just over $225 thousand. Tuition costs seem to increase for many throughout a two or four-year degree program. What do you need to know about MBAs before you make a time and financial commitment?
Are you a veteran interested in a Masters in Business Administration (MBA)? Are you preparing to retire from active duty, Guard or Reserve duty and looking at your business college options? A Master’s degree in Business Administration is an advanced degree for career-minded business students and professionals looking to move to the next level in their education and careers. According to one college, the job applicant with an MBA potentially earns an additional $20k more in starting salary than those without one.
Veterans should consider pursuing their education beyond an associate's Degree because more education means more opportunities. There are plenty of benefits to going beyond a 2-year associate's program, including: More Money: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median weekly earnings for workers according to degree level (at press time) are as follows:
The University of New Hampshite says earning a biology degree helps students to find "careers that contribute to scientific advancements and societal wellbeing...Whether it's contributing to environmental policy, managing laboratory teams, or educating the next generation of scientists, your background in biology is both a solid and flexible foundation for a myriad of career paths." Some campuses may offer accelerated biology programs that can help get students into their advanced degrees faster, be sure to ask about this option at each school you evaluate. Biology is an exciting field. It is the branch of science that deals with living organisms. Biology covers a variety of fields, such as botany, evolution, marine biology, and zoology. Biologists study the growth, origin, function, structure, and much more about living organisms. Biology can be traced back to Aristotle, 384-322 BC.
Professionals in aeronautics and aviation are always in high demand. Embery-Riddle University describes working toward a degree in aeronautics as study meant to help students, "Gain understanding in the areas of airplanes, helicopters, air traffic control or other areas of aviation" and "Develop practical skills focused on safety, training operations, dispatch, flight training and transportation."
According to George Mason University, economics is the study of economies large and small. "When you graduate with an economics degree, you will have a good understanding of the national economy and will be able to think critically about problems in the business world. You will also have good communication skills and skills in manipulating data and using computer technology. Thus you will be prepared for many careers." Thos who study economics prepare for a career in the business world. According to the George Mason University official site, "Many large corporations value the broad analytical training received by economics majors. Economics majors have also generally studied demand theory and estimation, production and cost theory, analysis of market structure, antitrust policy, government regulation of business, capital budgeting" and related topics. Ever wondered about what causes a recession? How inflation starts? What makes currency values fluctuate? If so, the field of economics could be the right direction as a field of study to go into. Economics can help us answer those types of questions and more. The field is the study of how societies and markets distribute resources, including raw materials, land, human labor, and capital, to create goods and services. Macroeconomics is the study of the economy as a whole, and microeconomics is the study of individual decisions.
Accounting.com describes accounting degree options for veterans and military members as a journey that may begin with an associates degree or a certificate, with learning in a variety of areas including finance, marketing, managerial accounting, and business math. "Most technical colleges, community colleges, and some four-year institutions offer associate degrees. An associate of arts (AA) or an associate of science (AS) in accounting is usually fully transferable to a bachelor's program, but an associate of applied science (AAS) is generally a terminal degree. Graduates may pursue entry-level careers in accounting." Accounting.com notes that the academic journey into this career field is diverse. "(M)any schools offer multiple accounting concentrations, like sports accounting, taxation, or management accounting, allowing students to specialize in an area of interest."
The College of Lake County describes its Massage Therapy program as blending book learning with hands-on experience. "After you complete this program, you are prepared to sit for the national Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx). This exam is a requirement for licensure in most states, including Illinois and Wisconsin." Learning massage therapy in an academic setting typically combines theory and practice. A degree or certification in Massage Therapy is also an option for higher education in related fields such as Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy.
Mechanical engineering is all about objects and systems in motion and touches every aspect of modern life. It’s one of the oldest engineering disciplines and combines engineering, physics, and mathematics. Those with master’s degrees in mechanical engineering work in a variety of fields such as aerospace, architecture, clean energy, electronics, mobility, oil and gas, and more. While studying mechanical engineering you would learn and use tools such as CAD (computer-aided design), CAM (computer-aided manufacturing), industrial equipment and machinery, heating and cooling systems, and more. You can earn your associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or a doctorate in mechanical engineering. While you can find a decent job with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, going for your master’s degree can get you to the next level. A good mechanical engineer is an innovator at heart and enjoys complex problem-solving. They also tend to have excellent communication skills, are strong analytical thinkers, and want to work to make the world a better place. According to BLS, job growth is projected to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029, about average for all occupations. The median annual income is $88,430 in 2019.
The official site for Drexel University says of biomedical engineering, "Biomedical engineers created many of today's standard health care instruments. From research in the lab, to engineering at the work bench, to patient-use the hospital bedside, biomedical engineers are responsible for technologies like medical X-ray imaging, MRI & PET scans, artificial hearts, advanced prosthetic limbs, artificial hip implants, prenatal ultrasound, and arthroscopic surgery to name a few." Biomedical Engineering is the application of engineering principles and design concepts to medicine and biology for healthcare purposes. It closes the gap between engineering and medicine. According to BLS, employment in the life, physical, and social sciences is projected to grow 5% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Biomedical engineering is a smart choice for students who love the technical aspect of medicine. You might wonder what the difference is between biomedical engineering and bioengineering. Basically, bioengineering is the study of applied engineering practices within general biology, while biomedical engineering is a more specialized field within bioengineering, working to improve human health.
According to the University of Arizona, "Management Information Systems (MIS) combines computer technology with management decision-making methods" to help students learn to "analyze, design, implement, and manage computerized information systems in an organizational environment. A bachelor's degree is generally adequate for entry-level jobs—graduate training is necessary for research and teaching positions." Interested in computers and people? Technology and the relationship people have with it? If so, getting a master’s degree in management information systems (MIS) might be a smart subject to pursue. MIS is the study of people, technology, organizations, and their relationships. Businesses need graduates who have studied management information systems to increase their value and profits. Management information systems can be dated back to when companies used ledgers to keep track of accounting. The modern era of MIS can be divided into five eras: mainframes and minicomputers, personal computers, client/server networks, enterprise computing, and cloud computing.
According to Stanford University, "Chemical engineering is a discipline influencing numerous areas of technology. In broad terms, chemical engineers conceive and design processes to produce, transform, and transport materials — beginning with experimentation in the laboratory followed by the implementation of the technology in full-scale production." Chemical engineering is a branch of engineering that applies the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve different problems involving fuel, drugs, food, and other products. Chemical engineering started with the fermentation and evaporation processes that were operated by early civilizations. Modern chemical engineering emerged with the development of chemical manufacturing operations in the 2nd half of the 19th century. While you can find a decent job with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, going on to get your master’s degree in chemical engineering can open more doors and expand your career choices. Having a master’s degree in chemical engineering will also allow you to pursue more advanced or managerial vocations. Those with a master’s degree in chemical engineering are employed in many different industries, not just chemical manufacturing. Some are employed in biotechnology, business services, health care, food manufacturing, electronics, and energy manufacturing. Chemical engineers conduct tests and research, troubleshoot problems, and work in the production of energy, food, clothing, paper, life sciences, biotechnology, business, and more. According to BLS, employment of chemical engineers is projected to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. According to the New York Fed, on a “Labor Market Outcomes of College Graduates by Major” chart, the chemical engineering major has an unemployment rate of 3.8%. They also have the early-career median wage listed as $68,000, and a mid-career wage as $110,000. 48.4% of those with that major have a graduate degree.
The official site for Louisiana State University Online (LSU Online) says, "Industrial engineers are problem solvers who focus on resolving technical challenges to make systems run smoothly. These professionals can apply their skills in various industries, such as manufacturing and distribution, transportation, logistics, healthcare, technology, and more Industrial engineering uses the principles of engineering, mass production, and technology to help companies find efficient ways to offer services or create products. Most industrial engineering positions require a four-year degree; however, a master’s degree will allow you to pursue advanced research, management, or consulting positions in the field and also allow you to pursue a higher-paying job. Those who go into industrial engineering most likely work in offices or in the settings they want to improve. According to BLS, employment in industrial engineering is projected to grow 10% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage in 2019 was $88,020.
Michigan State University says those with advanced degrees in Civil Engineering have much to look forward to in their new careers. "Professionals in civil engineering careers work on the vanguard of advances in technology and materials, leading vital infrastructure projects for the public and private sectors." MSU adds, "Civil engineers meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world by applying their technical knowledge and problem-solving skills." Civil engineers design and oversee the production of buildings, roads, dams, bridges, and water supply systems. They supervise the production of airports, tunnels, and sewage systems. Civil Engineers work in a variety of locations and conditions. They might spend time in an office or work outdoors at construction sites. A master’s in civil engineering should take between 1-2 years, depending on the program. It could take longer if a student goes part-time vs full-time.
According to the American Economics Association, a master's degree in Economics, "can be viewed as a terminal degree or as additional preparation (beyond the baccalaureate degree) for more advanced study. In some cases, a Master's degree is routinely awarded after completion of a designated phase of a PhD program." Earning a Master's degree in economics with the GI Bill, "typically involves two years of post-baccalaureate study, generally including courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, quantitative analysis, and econometrics. Terminal Master's degree requirements generally include completion of a Master's thesis." The field of economics involves collecting and analyzing data, researching trends, and determining how to best allocate resources, goods, and services. Economics is a social science that studies how human beings interact with producing, distributing, and consuming goods and services. Within economics, there is macroeconomics, which focuses on countries and governments, and microeconomics, which focuses on individuals and businesses. Economics has a significant impact on businesses and industries as a whole. By entering the field of economics, students can feel more connected to the societies and cultures of the world.
Harvard Extension School says of its master's degree program in International Relations, "In today’s globalized world, a master’s in international relations can be instrumental in opening doors to an array of career opportunities — including diplomacy, journalism, international business, negotiation, and conflict resolution." "In the International Relations Master's Degree Program, you may focus on social, political, cultural, economic, environmental, security, and other issues that extend beyond borders, including the exploration and governance of shared territories, across the globe and into space." International relations is a good career path for those who desire to learn about other parts of the world, travel to those locations, and learn about the political and economic systems that are being used. When looking at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a job such as an interpreter or translator is projected to grow 24% from 2020 to 2030. This is much faster than some other occupations. With much easier access to all parts of the world, these types of jobs will continue to be needed for years to come.
The Harvard University School of Design says its Master's degree program in Architecture "provides a solid intellectual base of knowledge in history, theory, technology, the social environment, and professional practice. Particular emphasis is given to developing mastery of design through an intensive series of design studio courses. Committed to developing independent thinking and resolving design issues, students are required to prepare a design thesis that serves as a transition from graduate school to professional practice." Getting an advanced degree in Architecture can look forward to working as a qualified professional architect. There are also opportunities to teach, work as a consultant, and other alternatives depending on the job market and location.
The University of Minnesota official site says, "The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) graduate program offers coursework across a broad spectrum of theoretical and applied computer science, combined with research opportunities in nearly all areas of the field." With a Master’s degree in computer science, you can go into many industries such as business, healthcare, finance, and technology. You can find employment in a large corporation, a nonprofit, a startup, and even the government. Most industries use technology in some form, so your job prospects are high. Although you can get a decent job with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, pursuing your master’s in computer science opens even more doors. This is helpful in a competitive market and will give you more room for advancement. Getting your master’s degree will allow you to move into upper management. Some people enter a master’s program after getting their bachelor’s degree, while others return to school after years in the workforce. They may want to make a career change or have hit a wall in their current job.
Biotechnology is a science that involves the use of living systems and organisms to develop or make products that help improve our lives and the health of our planet. Indiana University Bloomington says biotechnology degrees provide learning in scientific principles, noting this degree pathway is rigorous, but offers excellent preparation for medical school, dental school, and graduate school, as well as for jobs in the life sciences."
Mathematics is the study of numbers, shapes, and patterns. The word “mathematics” comes from the Greek word μάθημα (máthēma), which means “that which is learnt.” The study of mathematics as a discipline began in the 6th century BC with the Pythagoreans. NYU Courant says a Master's program in mathematics "encompasses the basic graduate curriculum in mathematics and also offers the opportunity of some more specialized training in an area of interest. A typical Master's course of study will involve basic courses in real analysis, complex analysis, and linear algebra, followed by other fundamental courses such as probability, scientific computing, and differential equations." According to the official site, students will then be able to take more advanced graduate courses in pure and applied mathematics, depending on their mathematical interests. Mathematics today can be a great field to get into. According to BLS, employment in Mathematician and Statistician occupations is projected to grow 33% from until 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Harvard Extension School says a Master's degree in finance makes a potential employee far more well-rounded in the eyes of a potential employer. "If you are seeking career advancement or a career change to finance, there are no shortage of options. Financial job candidates, especially when bolstered by a master’s degree, have the flexibility to explore different avenues." Furthermore, some finance jobs "specifically require a master’s because of their high level of experience and rigorous demands" adding, "Finance can be quite a broad term but includes matters regarding the study of money and investments. There are different types of finance, from personal to corporate to public." Finance as a study arose back in the 1940s and 1950s, however, finance, when it comes to banking, investing, and money in general has been around a very long time. Finance is a growing field. According to BLS, employment in business and financial occupations is projected to grow 5% from 2019-2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
Information Technology is a growing field that offers relatively secure positions for those who have solid technical skills and also have a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology. The field covers the design, administration, and support of computer and telecommunications systems.
People going into the information technology field work with businesses and organizations to set up and support viable computer networks that keep systems efficient and reliable. The field encompasses all hardware and software used in the storing, creation, and accessing of information.
According to BLS, employment in computer and information technology occupations is expected to grow 11% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $88,240 in 2019.
When you are in a master’s of information technology program, you should learn skills that are necessary when working with software, computers, and networks. You would master specialized skills that would help in your future career path. The course work blends technology and business together. A master’s program will be about 30 credits, which at full-time status, will take about two years.
Different concentrations will have different types of coursework. Here are some of the most common that you might find in a master’s of information technology program:
The classes you take in an information technology program will depend on the concentration. Here are a few examples of classes you might take while getting your master’s.
Admission requirements differ based on the school and program, however, most will require students to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school, to complete an application essay, and submit letters of recommendation.
Some schools might also require professional experience, but even if the school doesn’t, it can help to have that work experience to put on the application. Schools usually also want students to have a 3.0 GPA or higher.
There are many different factors when choosing the right information technology master’s program. Students should look at the length of each program, the course format, available concentrations, and final project requirements. Most programs are two years long, but students might also be able to find an accelerated program and be done in a year. It also might depend on if the student goes full or part-time. Students should also consider the curriculum and the cost.
Accreditation status for each program can also make a difference and can affect future career opportunities. Departments often receive accreditation from field-specific accrediting bodies. Accreditation will indicate that the program meets set standards of quality for the profession.
There are many different master’s in information technology programs, some are in-person, and some are online.
Here are 10 of the top master’s in information technology programs:
When it comes to getting your master’s degree in information technology, you can go to an in-person program or an online one. The benefits of an online program may appeal to working professionals or those looking for a career transition. In-person programs may appeal more to those coming from undergraduate programs or those who simply want that in-person experience.
Electrical engineering is one of the many branches of engineering and can be a smart career path for those interested in math and science. Electrical engineers are responsible for implementing electrical components into any number of devices that use electricity. They help design and manufacture electrical products of all shapes and sizes. They work with computers, in a variety of settings, and environments. You can get your associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or a doctorate in electrical engineering. While you can find a decent job with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, going for your master’s degree can bring you to the next level. Many firms might require a master’s degree for career advancement, and you should be able to make a higher income with a master’s degree, even within the same job title. Overall, having your master’s degree in electrical engineering will open more doors and allow you to go further in your career. Having an exceptional understanding of science and math, knowing computers inside and out, and being good problem-solvers are important skills to have when going into this degree. Public speaking and writing skills are also very important. Job growth in electrical engineering is expected to grow by 2% from 2018-2028, which is a bit slower than the average of all occupations. The median annual wage for 2019 was listed as $102,250 per year by BLS.
