The Advantages To Earning An Online Science and Engineering Degree
The field of science and engineering is a quickly expanding industry which has advanced significantly in recent years. New technology and the evolving engineering science fields have blended and dramatically changed nearly every aspect of life. Students interested in pursuing an online degree in science and engineering may complete studies within the following disciplines: aerospace engineering, astronomy, biology, biomedical engineering, biotechnology, chemical engineering, chemistry, civil engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, environmental science, mathematics, mechanical engineering, physics, computer/software engineering and many other related fields.
Science and engineering disciplines are complex programs and require students to posses a natural passion for discovery as well as a solid educational background. Many colleges and universities offer dynamic and innovative online programs to extend instruction beyond traditional on-campus borders. Online programs feature virtually the same educational experiences as their brick and mortar, on-campus counterparts as well as many added benefits. Online courses generally consist of smaller classes, with groups of 25 students or less, who gain 24 hour access to course materials, instruction, and information. Online classes also offer the added benefit of increased flexibility in course scheduling, which is advantageous to students managing work or family obligations in addition to educational responsibilities. Online programs also feature increased interactions with other classmates and instructors through one on one Internet chats. Online programs are often one of the most convenient, efficient, and affordable means of expanding education necessary to create a solid foundation for personal and career success.
Most Popular Majors Within The Science And Engineering Field
The field of science and engineering offers a diverse number of disciplines to individuals pursuing a degree. Most science and engineering disciplines feature intensive studies based in area of concentration as well as general education courses and courses in math, physics, chemistry, biology, and related fields. The most popular majors within the field of science and engineering include: health science and computer engineering though many students choose to complete degrees within related majors like: aeronautical engineering, agricultural engineering, architectural engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, structural engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, industrial engineering, biology, biotechnology, chemistry, environmental science, mathematics, statistics, physics, or veterinary science.
What Students Learn Within An Online Science And Engineering Degree Program
An online degree program within science and engineering disciplines offer students the educational basis necessary to expand education, strengthen skills, and augment abilities. Science and engineering degree programs provide students with specific instruction, based upon area of interest, as well as an in depth understanding of math. Science and engineering degree programs also provide students with the ability to increase technical, analytical, and research skills while increasing industry related knowledge based upon chosen specialization.
Students enrolled in associate degree programs gain a basic understanding of the student’s selected field. Students who pursue an associate degree in biology participate in courses like: general botany, general zoology, chemistry, introduction to cell biology, introduction to physics, English composition, college Algebra, introduction to psychology, U.S. history from 1900 to present, elementary statistics, introduction to philosophy, Western civilization Ancient to Medieval, Western civilization Renaissance through Modern, mathematical and quantitative reasoning, human growth and development, biological diversity, microbes and you, animals and society, plants and society, field ecology, human biology, introduction to human heredity, ecological conservation, microbiology, and an internship.
Students who participate an associate degree in engineering complete the following courses: calculus and analytical geometry, English composition, introduction to psychology, introduction to biology, chemistry, U.S. history and government, general physics, public speaking, differential equations, introduction to sociology, introduction to philosophy, elementary statistics, Western civilization Ancient to Medieval, Western civilization Renaissance through Modern, mathematical and quantitative reasoning, and an internship. Most associate degree graduates advance to entry level employment or continue studies within higher degree programs.
Bachelor level courses in the field of science and engineering provide students with an expanded understanding and means of increasing skills and abilities. Students who pursue an bachelor degree in biology participate in courses like: English composition; intensive writing; mathematics; introduction to philosophy; U.S. history and government; introduction to biology: evolution and diversity; introduction to biology: biological mechanisms; molecular biology, genetics, introduction to psychology, evolution; ethics, inorganic chemistry; intermediate inorganic chemistry; survey of organic chemistry; and an internship. Graduates from bachelor degree programs in biology may advance to employment or continue studies within a master’s degree program.
Students who participate in a bachelor degree program in physics engineering complete courses including: English composition, College algebra, calculus, introduction to psychology, introduction to philosophy, scientific methods, physics for society, ethics, general physics, introduction to astronomy, physics, sound and music, mechanics, electricity and magnetism, electronics, optics, modern physics, mechanics, thermal physics, quantum mechanics, special problems, senior thesis, and an internship. Graduates who complete bachelor degree programs often advance to employment or continue studies within a master’s degree program.
A master’s degree in science and engineering disciplines allows students to specialized knowledge and skills necessary to advance to a number of administrative positions upon completion. Students who pursue a master’s in biology complete the following courses: evolutionary mechanisms, molecular biology, special topics in developmental biology, research methods in biology, biology literature research, statistical methods, biostatistics, biology seminar for graduate students, analytical methods and information systems for business, accounting and legal considerations, financial and economic analysis, organizational and market dynamics, corporate social responsibility, international perspective, biostatistics, fundamentals of neuroscience, recombinant DNA technology lab, molecular biology, cellular immunology, and an internship. Graduates from master’s degree programs may advance to employment or continue studies within doctoral degree programs.
Students who pursue a master’s degree in systems engineering participate in courses like: engineering analysis, advanced engineering mathematics, creativity and problem solving, technical project management, probability models and simulation, creativity and problem solving, systems optimization, deterministic models and simulation, requirements engineering, software architecture, decision and risk analysis in engineering, master’s research, master’s thesis, and an internship. Graduates who complete master’s degree studies may advance to employment or continue studies within doctoral degree programs.
A doctoral degree within a science and engineering discipline offers students the ability to perform as experts in the field. Doctoral level courses in the discipline of biology include specializations in ecology, evolutionary biology, and behavior; molecular, cellular, and developmental biology; neuroscience; or plant sciences. Courses within the specialization of ecology, evolutionary biology, and behavior include: animal behavior, behavior and evolution, population ecology, ecology, community ecology, population genetics, evolution, molecular evolution, principles of systematics, biostatistics, mathematical biology, seminar in evolution, dissertation research, dissertation, and a clinical experience. Doctoral degree graduates often advance to employment as researchers or educators and are considered experts in the field.
Doctoral level courses within engineering disciplines include specializations in the following fields: computational design and optimization; controls and robotics; electronics, microwave, VLSI, and nanotechnology; industrial and human systems; or sensor signal and image processing. Courses within the concentration of industrial and human systems include: human information processing, seminar in industrial and human systems, human factors system design, human physical capabilities, human factors research design, human audition and auditory display design, macroergonomics, human factors in visual display systems, advanced topics in human factors, training systems, usability engineering, visual displays, applied multivariate statistics, human computer systems, cognitive psychology, models and theories of human computer interaction, qualitative methods in educational research, advanced psychometric theory, survey research methods, operations research, optimization, exercise and neuromuscular performance, dissertation research, dissertation, and a clinical experience. Doctoral degree graduates may advance to researcher or educator positions as experts within the field.
Prospective Jobs For Graduates With Science And Engineering Degrees
Graduates who complete studies within science and engineering degree programs gain a versatile and strong educational basis necessary for a variety of career options. Employment for graduates with educational background in science and engineering fields advance to employment based on factors like: level of education, area of speciality, work experience, and often geographic location. Most graduates are required to complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to gain employment within science and engineering facilities, organizations, and firms.
Graduates who complete degree programs in biology qualify for a number of careers. Most associate degree graduates advance to entry level employment as research assistants, factory technicians, horticulture or nursery workers, wildlife or game technicians, administrative assistants or with additional training, medical assistants or respiratory therapist assistants.
Bachelor degree graduates often work as laboratory technicians, environmental technicians, quality control specialists, middle or high school teachers, environmental consultants, or research assistants. Graduates with master’s degrees may work as product developers, vocational school instructors, entry level biological scientists, environmental project managers, research associates, food or health inspectors, or administrators within research or science organizations. Doctoral degree graduates often work as independent researchers, educators within colleges or universities, biotechnology researchers, advanced biological scientists, scientific researchers, or as upper level administrators within various science and research firms.
Graduates who complete degrees in engineering are typically required to complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to qualify for most entry level engineering jobs. Most graduates with associate degrees advance to entry level employment as engineering technicians within many industries. Graduates who complete bachelor degree programs may advance to employment as systems engineers, quality assurance managers, manufacturing engineers, value engineers, or project managers. Master’s degree graduates gain employment as upper level research and development managers, engineering managers, or vocational school instructors. Graduates who complete doctoral degree programs qualify for employment as experts within research and educational facilities and organizations as instructors, lead researchers, or consultants. Some graduates may also work as independent researchers or consultants in the field.
Salaries For Graduates With Science And Engineering Degrees
Graduates who complete studies within science and engineering degree programs gain the knowledge base, skills, and abilities to establish long term lucrative careers within fast paced, evolving industries. Earnings for science and engineering degree program graduates is based upon factors like: education level, area of specialty, organization of employment, industry of employment and related work experience. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) reports average annual earnings for biological scientists ranges from $59,260 to $108,950. The BLS reports average salaries for engineers ranges from $52,048 to $83,121 annually. Graduates with associate degrees in biology employed as research technicians have earnings ranging from $32,011 to $67,891 annually. Graduates employed as engineering technicians upon completion of an associate degree generally earn salaries of $41,100 to $55,040 annually. Graduates with bachelor degrees in biology who work as middle or high school educators earn $47,100 to $51,180 annually. Bachelor degree graduates employed as systems engineers generally earn $67,790 to $104,870 annually. Graduates who complete master’s degree programs in biology and advance to employment as vocational school instructors earn $43,810 to $66,780 annually. Master’s degree graduates who complete studies in engineering and advance to positions as engineering managers earn $95,450 to $147,180 annually. Doctoral degree graduates within the field of biology often advance to employment as college or university professors with earnings ranging from $41,600 to $83,960 annually. Engineering graduates who complete doctoral degree programs and advance to employment as lead engineering managers, consultants, or researchers earn $91,870 to $141,720 annually.
Career Outlook And Advancement Opportunities For Graduates With Science And Engineering Degrees
Graduates who complete studies within science and engineering degree programs are expected to find ample employment opportunities within quickly expanding fields. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that employment for professionals within the industry of biological science is expected to increase by 21 percent at a much faster than average rate in comparison to other occupations through 2018. The demand for qualified workers with various educational levels and experience will increase as new technology emerges and researchers make new discoveries while seeking means to address and understand issues and problems.
Most graduates with associate or bachelor degrees in science disciplines begin employment within entry level positions and advance to positions with greater responsibilities and higher earnings upon continuing education and gaining work experience. Graduates with master’s degrees often begin employment within lead research or entry level administrative positions and advance to positions as educators, independent consultants, or administrative/executive research positions within larger facilities. Doctoral degree graduates often begin employment within small colleges and universities and advance to more prestigious educational institutions upon gaining required work experience. Some may also begin self owned consulting businesses upon gaining adequate funding and experience.
Graduates who complete studies within engineering fields are also anticipated to find ample job opportunities. The BLS reports job growth for engineering professionals will increase by 11 percent through 2018 at a fast as average rate in comparison to other occupations. Employment will be best for graduates in research, development, and consulting services industries as companies respond to increased competition and advancing technology.
Most graduates with associate or bachelor degrees in engineering begin employment within engineering technician or entry level engineering positions and advance to jobs with greater responsibilities and higher earnings upon gaining relevant education and work experiences. Graduates with master’s degrees often begin employment within administrative positions and advance to employment as educators or independent consultants upon gaining required education, licensure, and experience. Doctoral degree graduates often begin employment as college or university professors within smaller schools and advance to positions within larger, more prestigious institutions with greater responsibilities and higher salaries. Some graduates may leave the field and begin independent consulting businesses upon gaining necessary training, funding, and experience.
