The Potential Career Impact of Earning a Master of Engineering Degree

As society becomes more complex and technology continues to advance rapidly, employers need highly skilled engineers who can learn and evolve as quickly as their technology does.¹ If you’re interested in entering the field at an advanced level or qualifying for higher-paying leadership or specialized positions, a Master of Engineering may be precisely what you need.

This article will cover the benefits of earning a Master of Engineering degree, including a higher salary and opportunities for career advancement.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Industries are becoming increasingly specialized, and a graduate degree can give you the opportunity to rise to the top in leadership, research and other innovative roles. Engineers are developing new technologies in every industry, including robotics, biometrics and artificial intelligence (AI).² A master’s degree will help you stand out if you want to work on and lead these types of cutting-edge projects.

Furthermore, a master's program can provide you with many opportunities to connect with peers who are similarly motivated and also earning an advanced degree. These relationships can open doors for jobs and collaborative projects throughout your career.

As you earn your master’s degree, you’ll set yourself apart as a desirable hiring choice, with more specialized skills and knowledge than candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree alone. You can qualify to work in leadership roles, which come with greater responsibilities in decision-making and strategic planning and can be professionally rewarding.³

Another advantage is the opportunity to secure funding for research and specialize and shape your future career. Some trending areas of specialization in engineering include the following:^4,5

Biomedical Engineering

This rapidly growing field combines engineering principles with biology and healthcare to design innovative medical equipment, such as prosthetics, diagnostic machines and wearable devices. An aging population and a trend toward more personalized medicine are driving growth in biomedical engineering.

Mechanical Engineering

Advanced materials and processes are leading to innovations in mechanical engineering, including in the aerospace, automotive and manufacturing industries. These include robotics and control systems, 3D printing and sustainable engineering.

Civil Engineering

Smart cities are the future of sustainable development and civil engineers are leading the way. They’re developing infrastructure solutions that allow for more efficient allocation of resources and improve the quality of life for residents.

Software Engineering

The rising demand for AI and cloud-based applications and the need for cybersecurity are facilitating growing opportunities for software engineers. These experts write code and solve complex problems to ensure that any given application meets users’ needs while protecting their privacy and data.

Skills and Knowledge That Set Master of Engineering Graduates Apart

During the course of your master’s in engineering program, you’ll develop hands-on skills and technical proficiency in engineering as it relates to business. These advanced skills in systems design, data analysis and simulation will equip you to become a leader in many different industries.

You’ll also strengthen your strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities, as a master’s program immerses you in complex technologies requiring expertise that will set you apart. You’ll learn communication and leadership skills that are critical for today’s multidisciplinary teams as you apply your newly acquired knowledge through labs, projects and internships. With hands-on experience, you’ll develop the confidence to tackle complex engineering challenges effectively.

Benefits of Earning a Master of Engineering Degree

There are short- and long-term benefits to earning a Master of Engineering degree, including financial reward, job security and career flexibility.

Long-Term Financial Gain

One of the primary benefits of an engineering master’s degree is the increased earning potential. Although the initial investment for a master’s degree can seem high, you’ll earn more money throughout the course of your career. Four of the top-paying master’s degrees are in engineering fields.⁶ The average annual salary for people with a Master of Engineering⁷ is $9,000 per year higher than the average of those with solely a bachelor’s in engineering.⁸ This alone would add $225,000 to your lifetime earnings over a 25-year career. While the exact financial advantage will vary depending on the cost of the program and your position after you graduate, you can expect to keep moving up and to earn back the cost fairly quickly.⁸ A master’s degree can make it easier for you to earn promotions and leadership roles, which include higher pay, bonuses and many other perks.

Greater Job Security

Technological changes and economic uncertainty are transforming the labor market in unpredictable ways. Having the skills to work on cutting-edge technologies can give you an advantage in the job market. Being open to lifelong learning also helps you build the resilience to adapt and thrive in technology-related roles, which are anticipated to continue growing. Employers have identified skills gaps as the most significant barrier to transformation, and 70% of global employers plan to focus on hiring people with new skills in the next five years.⁹

Enhanced Career Flexibility Across Industries and Geographies

Engineering encompasses a set of global skills that will be in high demand in the next five years. Though you’ll specialize in an area of concentration in your master’s program, you won’t be boxed in when it comes to finding a job. Engineering expertise is needed in every industry, giving you the flexibility to find a career you love in the location you want.⁹

Advance Your Career by Gaining Cutting-Edge Expertise

Earning an online Master of Engineering degree from Case Western Reserve University will help you develop the knowledge you need to become a leader in your field. Our rigorous curriculum is taught by industry experts with deep experience across engineering concentrations.

In this flexible online program, you can learn at your convenience and balance your commitments to work and family with your education. The career advancement opportunities with a Master of Engineering degree will help you move into a managerial position or begin working on innovative research. You’ll learn the skills that will qualify you to become a leader in the industry.

Reach out to one of our admissions outreach advisors today to learn more.