12/20/09 5:04 AMEngineering Management Major | What Can You Do With a College Degree in Engineering Management?Page 3 of 11http://www.worldwidelearn.com/online-education-guide/engineering/engineering-management-major.htm
Online CampusZip Code:The breadth of opportunity is one of the most attractive facets of this specialty. Fields that require thisexperience include:Manufacturing managementLogisticsTechnical consultingChemical process consultingAs a prospective managing engineer, your career path can vary greatly. You can get a full-timebachelor'sdegree in technical managementbefore you ever set foot in an office or lab, or you can earn amaster'sdegree onlinewhile you work. Depending on the discipline, internships and apprenticeships may beavailable. These positions offer real-world exposure to the field of engineering and an idea of the skillsnecessary to be successful.
Online Degrees in Engineering Management
Engineering management is probably the most suitable, among all engineering specialties, foronline study.Students can view hypothetical situations in real time and craft management decisions that solve theproblems presented. New technologies allow instant communication among classmates and faculty throughchat rooms, instant messaging, and email. Technology management degrees generally require less of a focuson lab work and more on communication and problem-solving, reducing the need for hands-on study.
Trends in Engineering Careers
The future for engineers overall continues to be bright, according toCNN Money Magazine. MarilynMackes, director of theNational Association of Colleges and Employers, recently said of the engineeringfield, "A number of disciplines are posting salary increases and many are regaining ground that was lost inthe past few years in their salaries." According to a NACE salary survey, engineering disciplines ranked inthe top ten of all employment opportunities reviewed.The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that graduates of bachelor's degree programs in engineeringearnsome of the highest starting salaries in the country. Many engineers report very high job satisfaction.Managing engineers enjoy the opportunity to reap the benefits of their technical backgrounds whileparticipating in lucrative business ventures as leaders and as entrepreneurs.Diversity in the engineering field continues to improve; theNational Science Foundationreported 186,000female engineers in the U.S. in 2004 (out of approximately 1.5 million total). Meanwhile, the NationalAction Council for Minorities in Engineering has been actively recruiting minorities nationwide to becomeengineers. As barriers to education drop, the perspective of these underrepresented engineers may continueto spur new ideas in the field.