Online Engineering Masters

Online masters degrees engineering programs teach students how to approach problems logically and methodically. They receive real-world instruction and practical work experience through group projects and activities and also develop their communication and collaboration skills. Typically, this program offers studies in engineering subjects while allowing students to concentrate on one area of engineering. Ma online engineering masters programs may be provided in the hybrid model or entirely online but would still require some on-campus coursework. And although some master’s degree programs in engineering do not require a thesis, all of them conclude with an exam and may involve some capstone or project work.

Students pursuing an online engineering master’s must decide on their degree’s track – thesis or non-thesis and also choose a branch or specialization. The latter will determine the coursework one will take. For example, a mechanical engineering concentration would include courses such as robotics, dynamics, and biomechanics. In contrast, an electrical engineering concentration would have signal, image & data processing, optics & optical surveillance, systems, control, power, and so on.

Although coursework will vary depending on the chosen engineering concentration, almost all programs have common courses. These courses provide common technical knowledge in an engineering degree program. Some examples include:

Electrical Circuits

This course teaches the fundamental tools of linear circuit analysis, which apply to all engineers. The “alphabet” of circuits is taught to students, which includes wires, inductors, capacitors, resistors, operational amplifiers, and voltage and current sources. The course prepares students for more advanced courses in circuit analysis.

Thermodynamics

This course introduces students to one of the most powerful engineering principles they will ever learn: thermodynamics. Thermodynamics is the science of transferring energy from one place or form to another. The principles of mass and energy conservation are covered, as well as the first law analysis of control mass and control volume systems, the properties and behavior of pure substances, and more.

Statistics

In most university-level engineering programs, statics is the first engineering mechanics course taught. It is the study of objects that are either stationary or moving at a constant speed. The course covers topics such as Cartesian vectors, couple moments, moments of inertia, vector and scalar operations, etc.

Solid Mechanics

Solid Mechanics is concerned with the investigation of stress and strain caused by various loads – axial force, torque, moment, and shear force. The course expands on the knowledge gained in Statics.

Because of the numerous branches available, it is difficult to compile a list of courses that can be expected in an engineering degree. But to give a general idea, most programs will include an Engineering Core with core and fundamental courses, a Breadth Requirement with courses that instruct engineering scientists in effective collaboration on interdisciplinary issues, a Depth Requirement with courses specific to a particular branch of engineering, and a Technical Elective Requirement with courses in engineering and applied sciences that give students more opportunities to focus on specific areas of study and customize their education.

In most instances, a masters in engineering requires a bachelor’s in engineering or an engineering-related field. But a few colleges will allow students with other backgrounds entry into an engineering master’s, provided they fulfill certain criteria. For example, students with a bachelor’s degree in business, the liberal arts, fine arts, education, etc., can enroll in an online engineering master’s degree program through Boston University’s Late Entry Accelerated Program (LEAP). This program allows non-engineering students between 25 and 35 years of age to earn a master’s in engineering. LEAP students have bachelor’s degrees in business, English, education, music, natural sciences, fine arts, and psychology. Each LEAP student works with a faculty advisor to design a unique academic program, which can be earned in two years.

A person’s competency—their education, demonstrated knowledge, and experience—is formally acknowledged through certification in a given profession. It is a formal process carried out and completed by a group of knowledgeable, experienced, and professional organization representatives. Numerous organizations offer certifications in engineering that strengthen one’s résumé and improve career prospects. Each certification or organization that provides certification is, however, unique to the engineering discipline it pertains to, such as civil, mechanical, electrical, etc. Online masters in engineering students can consider these certifications after graduating:

ASQ Certified Quality Engineer

Professionals with 3 to 8 years of experience can earn the ASQ Certified Quality Engineer credential from the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The credential represents the professional’s understanding of the principles of product and service quality evaluation and control.

International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) Certifications

The International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) offers a multi-level Certification Program to provide formal assessment and recognition of systems engineers’ knowledge, experience, and professional contributions at all career stages. The ASEP, CSEP, and ESP credentials cover the breadth of systems engineering at increasing levels of leadership accomplishments and experience.

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Board Certifications

The Board Certifications of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) are accredited by the Council of Engineering & Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB) and overseen by the Civil Engineering Certification, Inc. (CEC). Civil engineers who have proven advanced knowledge and skills in their particular specialty area are recognized by ASCE board certifications.

A few other examples of certification include but are not limited to:

Licensure:

Although most entry-level positions do not require licensure, advanced roles necessitate one. Licensure provides engineers, consulting engineers, and private practitioners with authority to prepare, sign, seal and submit engineering plans and drawings to clients of all sorts. The most common license is the PE or Professional Engineering license.

Professional Engineering (PE) License

The Professional Engineering or PE license is issued by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPA). The PE license indicates to the public that the candidate has a firm grasp of the essentials of their line of work. It demonstrates their dedication to the highest engineering practice standards while proving their ability to offer quality engineering services.

Apart from the PE, licensure is a requirement in most states for most responsible or advanced roles across industries. Students should check the relevant organization operating in their state of work, specific to their specialization. For example, those residing in New York would have to get a license from the New York Board for Engineering, Land Surveying, and Geology. Links to state-specific licensing are kept up to date by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).