WhyGradSchool-Why2

MASTER'S OF SCIENCE [top]

Engineering M.S. degrees are a good choice if you are ready to move to the next educational level (studies show that engineers with M.S. degrees generally have substantially higher salaries than their B.S. counterparts). Also, many engineers use M.S. degrees to move into a different field of engineering or to acquire management and leadership skills by earning M.S. degrees in areas like Engineering Management and Systems Architecting.

You should consider choosing an M.S. program that has a distance learning option if you intend to balance your career, education, and family obligations. Distance programs are also beneficial if you anticipate relocating to take advantage of job opportunities, or travel frequently.

Advantages

4 Highly valued by employers

4 Engineers with M.S. degrees generally earn higher salaries than those

with only a B.S.

4 Often partially or completely funded by employer

4 Can work and go to school at the same time (many programs are
available via distance learning)

GRADUATE CERTIFICATES [top]

Graduate certificates can be a good choice if you are looking for core knowledge in a specific area and don't have the time and/or need for a full M.S. degree. Courses taken can later be applied toward the university's equivalent M.S. degree.

Advantages

4 Less time commitment to complete the program

4 Core knowledge provided in a specific area

4 Less expensive (requires fewer courses)

DOCTORAL DEGREES [top]

If research is your passion or you want to teach at the university level, the right choice for you may be a Ph.D. You may apply for Doctoral programs after completing an M.S. degree or directly after receiving a B.S. degree.

Advantages

4 Strong research orientation

4 Very strong recognition value