Engineering Degrees Online Programs

Engineering degrees online programs are geared toward those individuals who are interested in the technical aspects of building, innovation and structure. Popular online engineering degree programs include bachelors degree in engineering, masters degrees in engineering programs and master of civil engineering among others.

Who Are Engineers?

Engineers are people who are typically creative, inventive, inquisitive, analytical, and detail-oriented. It is important for engineers to have a strong background in math and science, as they will use much of this knowledge every day.

In addition, engineers must also be able to use their technical backgrounds to think creatively in order to fix problems or create a solid structure. Most engineers work as part of a team and need to be able to communicate well with others and in writing.

Engineering Degrees Online Colleges and Universities

DeVry University - offers the following engineering degrees online:

• Associate in Electronics & Computer Technology
• Bachelor's in Computer Engineering Technology
• Bachelor's in Electronics Engineering Technology
• Master's in Electronic Engineering

Norwich University - offers the following online engineering degree program:

• Master of Civil Engineering

Penn Foster Career School - offers the following online associates degrees in engineering:

• Associates in Civil Engineering Technology
• Associates in Electrical Engineering Technology
• Associates in Electronics Technology
• Associates in Industrial Engineering Technology
• Mechnical Engineering Technology
• PC Maintenance Technology

Walden University - offers the following engineering online program:

• Ph.D. in Applied Management and Decision Sciences - Engineering Management

Different Areas of Engineering

There are several branches of engineering in which students can specialize. Currently, the most common specializations are civil engineering and materials engineering. Other areas of specializations for engineers include:

• Aerospace engineers, who work with aircraft and spacecraft
• Biomedical engineers, work to find new medicines to help people live healthier lives
• Computer engineers who design software and hardware
• Electrical engineers who design electrical systems for homes and other buildings
• Civil engineers who design and construct and maintain public works such as roads and bridges
• Mechanical engineers who work with machines

Engineering Degrees and Online Education

Traditional online bachelor's degrees in engineering take approximately four to five years to complete, with the first two years spent studying mathematics, basic sciences, introductory engineering, humanities, and social sciences. In the last two years, most courses focus on engineering, with a concentration on one particular specialty. Some programs offer a general engineering curriculum, with students specializing on the job or in graduate school.

Online engineering degrees can help you make the transition from your current job into the field of engineering, or assist you in improving your knowledge of a specific field. Many people pursue online engineering degrees because of the ease of studying from home, as well as the flexibility of online study.

Pursuing a master's degree or Ph.D. in engineering will improve your chances of getting hired. Advanced degrees are available online with specializations in the following fields:

• Biomedical
• Computer
• Electrical
• Mechanical
• Chemical
• Civil engineering

Basic Admissions Requirements

In order to begin an online engineering degree, you must first demonstrate a solid understanding of mathematics and science. Online admissions typically require students to present previous coursework in geometry, trigonometry, and calculus, in addition to science courses in biology, chemistry, and physics.

Career Prospects

According to the 2008 Occupational Outlook Handbook, in 2006, engineers held about 1.5 million jobs. The employment of engineers is expected to grow by 11% in the next ten years, with growth varying by specialty. Environmental engineers should experience the fastest growth, while civil engineers should see the largest employment increase. In 2007 the federal government's mean annual salaries for engineers ranged from $75,144 in agricultural engineering to $107,546 in ceramic engineering.

As a group, engineers earn some of the highest average starting salaries among those holding bachelor's degrees. An online engineering degree can be the perfect way to either begin your career pursuits or transition from your current job into a new profession. Either way, the education you will receive through an accredited online program will give you the solid foundation necessary to pursue your dreams and the additional knowledge needed to improve upon your present skills.

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