Engineering Graduate Degree Programs in Virginia

Are you searching for engineering graduate programs? Are you fascinated with applying scientific theory to help resolve and analyze problems with technological solutions? With the variety of engineering colleges that offer different types of Engineering degrees at the masters and doctorate levels, prospective students often need to apply directly to the department of their choice.

Why Consider Engineering Graduate Programs?

Whether you are more interested in aeronautics, bioengineering, nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering or electrical engineering, a graduate degree might set you up for better median wages than someone with less education in your field.^[i] Additionally, if you have any aspirations of teaching at a university or working in research and development, a graduate degree is considered necessary for these positions^[ii]. With these potential opportunities at hand, reviewing engineering graduate programs warrant thought.

Engineering Graduate Programs: Basics

Engineers can build upon the skill sets and knowledge base they learned as undergraduates. For instance, someone with a Bachelor of Software Engineering might pursue the same interest at the graduate level. Although at some engineering schools students can enroll in a 5-year program that awards both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree upon completion, other colleges may offer Masters in Engineering (M.Eng.) or Doctor of Engineering (Dr. Eng.) degrees. Both Masters and Doctorate Engineering programs tend to consist of classroom learning in advanced mathematics and engineering principles along with laboratory work and research study.

DID YOU KNOW?

35% of Biomedical Engineers hold a Master’s degree, 20% a doctoral degree. This group includes Clinical Engineers and Research Engineers.^[iii]

Engineering Graduate Programs

Engineering is quite a vast discipline, so if you already know what type of Graduate Engineering Degree you are looking for, it may help you find an engineering college for that specific program. Many of the specialties within the field have their own educational requirements and teaches specific proficiencies to be able to master the technology and innovation required for on-the-job tasks. Below are just a few of the popular and top paying engineering careers according to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data^[iv].

• Aerospace Engineering is behind things such as computer-based modeling and simulation tools and well as development, testing and producing new air and space crafts
• Biomedical Engineering combines engineering principles with medical and biological sciences to design and create the equipment and computer systems used in healthcare
• Computer Hardware Engineering is responsible for researching, designing, developing and testing computer systems.
• Environmental Engineering utilizes engineering principals, soil science, chemistry and biology to address environmental issues
• Nuclear Engineering is concerned with researching and developing the tools and methods used to derive benefits form nuclear energy
• Petroleum Engineering is responsible for the extraction of oil and gas from below the Earth’s surface
• Mechanical Engineering is a broad category covering mechanical thermal sensors, devices, tools, engines and machines

Types Engineering Masters Degrees

Master’s degrees in Engineering are offered in many areas, so that students can continue the path they began with their undergraduate degree and potentially improve their employment opportunities or increase their earning potential. Many engineering managers earn graduate degrees such as the Master’s degree in Engineering Management (MEM or MsEM), or Masters in Technology Management (MSTM) or Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in order to learn business management skills^[v].

Master of Engineering

The Master of Engineering (M.Eng. or MEng) is considered a terminal and professional degree offered as an alternative to the research-based Master of Science in Engineering. It usually requires 2 years after a 4-year Bachelor’s degree. Some MEng programs require a scholarly research project, and encourage students to gain field experience such as co-ops or internships.

Doctor of Engineering

The Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng. or Dr. Eng.) is a doctoral degree awarded on the basis of advanced research and study in engineering or applied sciences and is both a research-based and a terminal degree. Usually doctoral candidates are required to have obtained their master’s degree in engineering and may have to pass a comprehensive entrance exam.

Graduate Certificates in Engineering

Interested in a shorter term education in engineering? Engineering graduate certificates may take around a year to complete and usually focus on a few courses centered around a specific theme. This can add onto your knowledge base, provide specific skills about one area to enhance your overall proficiency and round out your resume.

Earn a Graduate Engineering Degree Online

Many engineering graduate programs offer students the opportunity either to earn their degree the traditional way and take classes on campus, or take the same courses through distance learning. Online Engineering degrees may also be blended with some on campus requirements, and these hybrid engineering programs are both flexible and low residency.

Accreditation for Engineering Schools

Whether you are more inclined to attend graduate school for engineering or earn an online engineering degree, search for an accredited school. ABET is the accreditation agency for programs in applied science, computing, engineering and engineering technology^[vi].

GradSchools.com Offers 5 Engineering Graduate Programs in Virginia