Individuals who pursue a degree in mechanical engineering often wonder if they need an advanced degree. They've spent years studying this field and may wish to take a break from school. However, an advanced degree remains beneficial to all who work in the field. A person who enrolls in a graduate program focused on this career path discovers the benefits range from personal to financial. What should a person know when making the decision regarding whether to return to school to further their education?
Duties
Mechanical engineers fresh out of college find they can begin working on mechanical devices and sensors immediately. They may research or design these devices, take part in building them, or test existing mechanical systems, such as engines and machines. This field covers many areas, which is why many individuals choose to go back to school to obtain a graduate degree and focus on a particular area of interest.
Engineers working in this field find they are asked to analyze problems and find solutions making use of mechanical and thermal devices. They may design or rework an existing mechanical and thermal device or subsystem with the help of a CAD program or determine why equipment failed or malfunctioned to discover the appropriate remedy.
Many engineers develop prototypes and test them to identify any flaws before the product makes its way to the market. This often involves analyzing test results to determine problem areas and make the appropriate changes to the device or system. An engineer may also oversee the manufacturing process when a device has been deemed ready for the market.
Each person finds they can choose the job that best meets their needs when they get their Ph.D. People have different interests and an individual might find their interests change over time. The skills learned in the advanced degree programs benefit them when they come to this realization. They can move to a different area in this field with little difficulty.
Job Opportunities
Individuals find securing an advanced degree provides them with more job opportunities. These engineers work in a range of industries, with 20 percent of mechanical engineers currently being employed by architectural, engineering, and related firms. Some individuals choose to work in machinery manufacturing, while others prefer transportation equipment manufacturing. Computer and electronic product manufacturing jobs serve as another option for individuals who secure a degree in this field. Nevertheless, some people choose a different path and move into scientific research and development.
Qualities Beneficial in Mechanical Engineers
Engineers need to be creative and think outside of the box to come up with new solutions to existing problems. They must listen to others they interact with to understand the issue being experienced and use scientific principles to design and build a product that fulfills the need expressed by others. Math and mechanical skills remain a necessity in this field. Furthermore, engineers need to be curious. This curiosity benefits them as they see a problem and want to come up with a solution. They explore different options to find the one that provides the best outcome.
Advanced Education
States don't require a license for entry-level mechanical engineers. However, men and women typically find they need to pursue further education to move up in the field. For example, individuals who wish to teach engineering in higher education must possess a Ph.D., and the same holds for many people who want to work in research and development. This depends in part on the position being considered. However, every person benefits from pursuing an advanced degree, as doing so allows them to increase their knowledge, discover new technology, and improve their project management skills.
Salary
As with any position, a person tends to earn more as they gain more education. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineers earn a median wage of $90,160 in May 2020. However, men and women who work in scientific research and development command a higher salary. earning a median annual wage of $104,260. In contrast, engineers working in machinery manufacturing earn a median annual wage of $82,190. Individuals need to take this into consideration when determining whether to pursue an advanced degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes mechanical engineers with a master's degree earn nine to 13 percent more than mechanical engineers with a bachelor's degree. Individuals with a Ph.D. will command higher salaries as well. Factor this into the decision-making process when determining whether an advanced degree is right for you.
Job Outlook
Experts predict the job market will remain excellent for mechanical engineers. However, education plays a role in this. Men and women who have the latest training and understand how to use software tools to design and simulate products witness more opportunities. For example, a person may wish to take continuing education courses to ensure they remain knowledgeable about the latest tools and information available. This gives them an edge in the job market, as certain employers may be looking for specific skills few people possess.
Certain industries continue to need engineers. For instance, automotive manufacturing remains a discipline in high need of engineers. As the country continues to move toward electric cars, this need will likely increase. Alternative energy is another area where mechanical engineers are needed now and will be in the future, and men and women who possess knowledge of three-dimensional printing technology will find they have more job opportunities.
Potential Careers
Individuals want to know what they can do with their graduate degrees in this field. They recognize they have increased job opportunities but remain unsure of where to start this job search. Many individuals choose to work for a government agency while other men and women opt to work for a private company. However, they must first learn where these opportunities are, and the following examples serve as a good starting point for their job search.
Many mechanical engineers work in the robotics field. They design and create robots and robotics for different purposes, such as a robot used during surgical procedures. Some individuals choose to work on a research team, one that focuses on expanding the field of robotics, and others create robots for entertainment purposes.
Certain mechanical engineers choose to work in the automotive sector. These men and women need experience with engines, aerodynamics, and electronics, as all play a role in creating a vehicle that is reliable and high-performing. As part of their job duties, these individuals design and develop vehicles before testing them to see if changes need to be made before the vehicle heads to the production line. The automotive engineer may work with a particular make and model of car or assist with the maintenance and development of a particular system found in most vehicles.
Piping engineers work on systems used to transport fluids between locations. Fluids they may work with include gas, oil, and possibly sewage. Many people view this discipline as a subset of the field, as these individuals apply engineering processes throughout their work duties. However, additional training may be needed in the form of piping and fluid courses.
Project coordinators oversee a team of engineers handling different aspects of a project. The coordinator works to ensure the team complies with all guidelines while meeting established deadlines. Individuals taking on this position typically need a graduate degree in engineering.
Certain individuals choose to put their degree to work selling products to clients. Once an engineering firm develops a product, the company must market this product which is where the engineering sales team comes into play. Team members meet with potential clients to showcase the product and more. An engineering graduate degree ensures the individual fully understands what they are marketing and how to present the product in its best light.
These serve as only a sample of the many opportunities a person will find they have when they obtain an advanced degree in engineering. Countless other positions open up to them, and it's simply a matter of finding the right fit for the individual. With so many options, doing so has never been easier.
Every person benefits from securing a master's degree. This degree shows they remain committed to a goal and will work hard to achieve it. Employers appreciate seeing this, as they want to invest their time and energy in someone who will add value to their organization. If you have been on the fence about pursuing your master's degree, now is the time to research the engineering degree programs offered. Those who do so find they have much to gain and nothing to lose by advancing their education.
About University of California Merced Mechanical Engineering:
The Mechanical Engineering graduate emphasis engages in individualized, research-based programs of study. ME faculty members strive to provide students with a comprehensive research experience based on the latest developments of the analytical, numerical, and experimental tools available in the field.
