Online Engineering Degrees and Certificates

Online Engineering Degree and Engineering Certificates

Engineering degrees and engineering certificates are increasingly important because qualified engineers are in demand almost everywhere. An online engineering degree offers working adults an excellent opportunity because you can work a regular job – perhaps in a related field like construction – while studying engineering in the evening. Many careers in engineering require a master’s degree, but this can actually be a benefit over the long-term; the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics estimates that holding a master's allows you to earn thousands more each year compared to someone who has only a bachelor's degree.

Whether you earn your engineering degree online or through a traditional on-campus program, it can help you find a lucrative job that you enjoy. You can choose from a variety of engineering degrees, but some of the most popular – and the jobs they can qualify you for – include:

• Associate of Science (AS) in Engineering – You can earn an AS in Engineering with two years of full-time coursework. This degree commonly qualifies you to work as an assistant or technician under the supervision of an engineer, but most people who earn an AS in Engineering go on to study for their bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution.
• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Engineering – Typically requiring four years of full-time study, a BS in Engineering qualifies you for entry-level engineering jobs in your area of concentration (aerospace, civil, mechanical, etc.). Many engineers go on to acquire a more advanced degree at some point in their careers because the most lucrative and prestigious engineering jobs usually require one.
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Engineering – A PhD in Engineering takes from five to seven years of postgraduate study and also requires you to complete a dissertation. If you want to work as a professor of engineering at an educational or research institution, you will need this degree.