By Elizabeth Armentor
elizabeth.armentor@online-masters-degrees-programs.org
Online Masters Degrees Programs Columnist

Changing technology and a need for new and better roads, bridges, buildings and waterways has increased the need for talented civil engineers. To take advantage of this opportunity, you’ll need a graduate-level degree. Fortunately, online programs offer a convenient way to complete your master’s degree in Civil Engineering and meet your career goals.

The outlook is good for civil engineering careers. Job prospects for civil engineers are expected to grow as fast as average through 2014, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). But securing employment in the industry continues to be competitive and a master’s degree is becoming a must.

Whether you’ve been working as an engineer for a few years or have just finished your bachelor’s degree, it’s a good idea to pursue graduate education in civil engineering. However, don’t feel like you have to leave your job and family and go to school fulltime. Online master’s degrees in civil engineering make it possible to work and continue your education at the same time.

What Your Distance Learning Will Entail

When you enroll in a distance learning program, your classroom may be virtual, but your degree will be real. Some of the courses offered in a typical online civil engineering master’s degree program are:

• Advanced Structural Analysis
• Water Resources
• Utility Systems
• Geographic Information Systems

In addition to advanced engineering courses, you will also take courses in project management and business management—necessary training if you want to make the move into management or open your own firm.

Benefits of A Distance Learning Master’s Degree

Because you will only take six hours a semester, you will be able to continue working for your current firm and most likely will be able to apply your new knowledge at your current job. You also will most likely increase your earning power. A 2005 BLS salary survey found for engineers with a master’s degree earned starting salaries of $48,050 while those with a bachelor’s started at around $43, 679. This amount could be higher if you have a considerable amount of experience in the field.

A distance learning master’s degree can be your foundation for a dynamic career in civil engineering.

Source

Bureau of Labor Statistics

About the Author

Elizabeth Armentor is a former university instructor who writes about education issues.

Posted on March 1, 2007 at 12:28 PM