Salary, Career Outlook, and Networking for Molecular Engineering

The Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution is one of many associations dedicated to the advancement of professionals and the field as a whole. Related organizations like the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) and the Technology Student Association (TSA) endeavor to accomplish these same goals by organizing meetings throughout the globe that expand the discourse on technological innovations and best practices in the industry. They feature vast digital libraries of industry and academic publications and related resources. 

Mentoring and networking outlets exist as well that bolster a members or aspiring professional’s ability to grow within the field of molecular engineering. Practitioners should also consult social media outlets and an array of associations in the field founded by universities throughout the country. University-based alumni associations and career placement centers possess further resources and outlets for students to learn of what companies seek as well as on-campus recruiting initiatives. Companies such as Google, Boeing, Genentech, and Bayer Pharmaceuticals have employed these avenues to recruit new talent to their efforts. Based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), molecular and chemical engineers expect a job growth rates of 6 percent to the year 2020. Illinois, California, New York, and Texas offer the most opportunities for candidates. Data provided by O*Net indicates that engineers in this field earn a yearly salary of $92,680.

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Geological Engineering Education Requirements

Requiring a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, the licensing requirements for geological and mining engineering vary by state. Specific degree programs for aspiring geological and mine engineers include Geology, Geophysics, Geological Engineering, Mining Engineering, Mineral Preparation Engineering and Social Geology, among many others, and range from undergraduate Bachelors programs to advanced graduate and post-graduate programs. In addition to materials mining and extraction, additional studies and industry focuses include ecological impact research, which measures broader environmental and ecological effects of mining operations, social geological impact research which focuses on both the sociological hazards and benefits to geological or mining efforts and discovery oriented exploration, studying geological formations below the Earth’s surface so as to refine the broader understanding of the planet’s composition. Regulated by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA,) the field of geological and mine engineering is one with an intense focus on hazard awareness and occupational safety.

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Working with a Mechatronics Engineering Degree

Organizations such as these also provide mentoring and networking opportunities that have the potential to enhance the prowess of an individual seeking transformative career opportunities and guidance as well as for institutions seeking to attract and nurture talent to their efforts. In addition, esteemed institutions such as MIT offer free online course programs for students and professionals through its Open Course Ware initiative.

Though the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not maintain employment or salary data on mechatronics engineers, it does have statistics for the related industries of mechanical and electrical engineer. According to research at the BLS, demand for these types of professionals should likely experience five percent growth until at least 2022. Moreover, the bureau foresees electrical and electronics engineers to experience four percent growth in their career prospects. In contrast, electrical and electronic engineering technicians will likely see little or no growth over the time period. Based on O*Net salary data, mechatronic engineers earned a median salary of $92,680. In a state comparison for earning potential, the BLS found that mechanical engineering professionals in California earned the highest salary at $112,100. Professionals in Texas received $98,030 in yearly salary compensation. Engineers in New York and Illinois earned approximately $95,020 in pay annually.

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Mechanical Engineering Types of Degrees

It usually takes four to five years to obtain a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering. Students should seriously think about co-operative education where they take one semester or quarter of university courses and work in an industry-related environment the next semester or quarter.

Co-oping is a paid internship, and oftentimes the job experience can lead to employment at graduation. The ambitious student can take another two years of coursework to obtain a Master's Degree in mechanical engineering. The student who desires to go into research and/or teach engineering can spend another year or two obtaining a PhD.

There are some universities that offer online mechanical engineering study programs. However, mechanical engineering is not well suited to online study because this discipline requires hands-on experience with moving parts and instruments.

Additionally, all accredited engineering schools require the design, construction and presentation of a senior design project that is supervised by an engineering professor. This is an educational benefit that an online study program cannot truly offer.

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Materials Science Engineering Salary Information

In general, as a broadly applicable field of study with many avenues open to graduates and post-graduates throughout numerous professional sectors, Material Science and Engineering maintains a respectable average salary in terms of national averages. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2012, the mean salary for a Materials Engineer was $85,150 annually. In comparison, Onet.com reported a rise in this for 2013 with a reported mean salary of $87,330 per year, with these totals naturally varying between industries and according to educational and experiential backgrounds. Job growth in this particular sector is reported to be effectively flat between 2012 and 2022, according to the BLS, experiencing neither substantial losses nor gains in term of total net employment.

However within the state of California alone, numerous opportunities can be found consistently in the areas of aerospace and defense, medical device design and manufacturing, applied physics research and development (both commercial and academic,) as well as in general consumer products and electronics manufacturing. Additional opportunities in the energy, automotive and information technology sectors can also be found throughout the country and are themselves possessing of growth potential as each of these industries continues to evolve rapidly in light of technological advances.

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What is the focus of a Marine Engineering degree?

During the course of obtaining a marine engineering degree, you will learn how to apply the principles of engineering to systems that help seafaring vessels, docks and other aquatic entities function. This may include designing and evaluating propulsion and power supply systems to assist communication and navigational devices, engines, foul-weather gear and many other types of marine tools. Becoming a marine engineer takes time, patience, dedication, and commitment to your studies.

You can study for a bachelors, masters or PhD in marine engineering, which will prepare you to design and evaluate sea-faring vessels and other equipment while on land. Alternatively, you can enroll in the United States Merchant Marines Academy and learn how to operate and care for a ship’s equipment with one of three degrees: Marine Engineering, Marine Engineering Systems, and Marine Engineering.

While every engineering school has slightly different requirements, in general, undergraduate applicants should have completed high school with excellent advanced science and math course grades. High ACT or SAT test scores are also helpful when applying for a program in marine engineering.

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Working Life of an Industrial Engineer

Depending upon the specific tasks they are performing, industrial engineers work both in offices and in the settings they are working to improve. If they are observing problems, for instance, they may watch workers assemble parts in a factory, or staff performing their functions in hospitals. When solving problems, industrial engineers may work in an office at a computer, where they examine data that they themselves, or others, have gathered. Industrial engineers may need to travel for work in order to observe processes and make assessments in various work settings. In 2012, the industries that employed the greatest number of industrial engineers were: aerospace product and parts manufacturing, machinery manufacturing, architectural, engineering, and related services, motor vehicle parts manufacturing, and management of companies and enterprises. Industrial engineers need good interpersonal skills to be able to work alongside other professionals and serve as a bridge between the technical and business sides of an organization.

Recently, the University of Chicago conducted a study to obtain information about job satisfaction in the United States. Although job and career are not the only determinants of overall happiness and life satisfaction, they do contribute substantially to an individual’s sense of well-being. According to the study, the occupation “industrial engineer” was among the top ten careers associated with general happiness. In fact, it ranked ninth. When compensation for these top-ten careers was examined, “industrial engineers” ranked third.
When looking at the reported reasons for happiness, i.e. creativity, use of expertise, helping others, it is easy to understand why industrial engineers ranked in the top ten careers for happiness. IEs are trained to use quantitative and non-quantitative expertise in creative was to improve processes and products while making jobs easier and more efficient.

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Main Focus of an Environmental Engineer

Engineers are the world's lifeline to everything that defines our civilization, not unlike the Romans with their aqueducts, toilets, and sewer systems. Environmental engineering is a critical career field that helps keep our planet inhabitable and sustainable.

If you are considering embarking on a career dedicated to environmental engineering, there are many facets of your education that will come into play, and the more you know now, the better engineer you will be.

Your role as an environmental engineer will involve providing safe and plentiful water supplies, developing systems for reducing pollutants in air, water and hazardous wastes; anticipating the effects of contaminants' transport, and correcting improper disposal situations where hazardous materials are concerned.

As an environmental engineer, you will seek solutions to public health threats, improvements in and adherence to the law surrounding sanitation and construction, waste disposal, recycling, industrial hygiene, and environmental sustainability.

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What are Some Jobs for Electrical Engineers?

Electrical engineers find work in the laboratories of fabrication plants, in corporate consulting offices, or onsite at mines. They may supervise scientists, electricians, computer programmers, or other engineers.

They are involved in:

• Power generation
• Radio
• Television
• Transmission and distribution (high-voltage transformers)
• Electronic circuits
• Controls (electrical circuits, digital signal processors, microcontrollers)
• Nanoelectronics (microelectronic components)
• Computers
• Satellite dishes
• Cell phones
• HVAC systems
• Flight control panels
• GPS technology
• Electric power generation
• Space travel technologies

In effect, there is no mechanized field today in which these engineers do not play an integral part. Electrical Engineering jobs are projected to grow 6% between 2010-2020.

Electrical engineering has been at the forefront of every technological gain of the past century. This growth is perhaps most evident in the development of today's increasingly smaller transistors, as the number of components placed with an integrated circuit doubles continuously.

Enabling all other technologies and far outpacing them in development speed, electrical engineering has increasing demand and positive career possibilities for qualified professionals.

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Main Focus of a Civil Engineer

"Civil engineering is the oldest and most diverse branch of engineering. In its broadest sense, the civil engineer adapts the physical features of the earth to the needs of society. According to the University of Florida, approximately one out of four engineers is engaged in civil engineering."

Civil engineers design, construct, maintain, and operate infrastructures, while simultaneously safeguarding public and environmental health and upgrading neglected structures and systems. Civil engineering reaches from the natural environment to the constructed environment, focusing on interactions between the two, with an emphasis on sustainability.

Combining atmospheric and energy sciences, civil-engineers study climate, air pollution, and weather, addressing problems which might be solved through renewable energy systems. They examine the availability of renewable resources (wind, hydropower and solar), and best practices for their combinations. These kinds of research brought about the first data based wind map and examine the effects of alternative fuels on air pollution.

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Chemical Engineering Degree Online Study

There are too many lab and field study requirements to make online study suitable for a conventional B.S. in chemical engineering, but it is possible to earn a master of science degree in chemical engineering (MSCHE) online, through some sources. These opportunities are designed for outstanding students who already have engineering degrees. Qualifications and prerequisites are stringent.

Through chemical processes, chemical engineers find new and creative ways of making those things that improve our lives. Their work ranges from developing better skin-care products to finding materials that are more fire-resistant. Chemical engineers can be part of an innovative team at a manufacturing facility or working in cutting-edge research.
As a chemical engineer, you might be a quality control specialist for a corporation that manufactures cleaning products or jet airplanes. You might be discovering less destructive and more sustainable ways to extract and use natural resources. You might be designing or discovering the latest sensation in the eye care industry, better aerosol propellants, more durable paints, and ways to preserve foods and medicines longer. The sky is not the limit; it is just another avenue for what you might discover.

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Types of Degrees Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering

Some biomedically-engineered phenomena include regenerative tissue growth, pharmaceuticals, high-tech prostheses, diagnostic imaging equipment, and micro-implants. Biomedical engineering includes an increasing subset of specialties. Some of those specialties include:

Neural Engineering

Centers on the repair of neural systems—those pathways that tell our muscles when to move. All paralysis victims have an interest in this science on some level.

Pharmaceutical Engineering

Falls into both biomedical and chemical engineering categories. While some pharmaceuticals have an upfront need of biological agents, even the development of chemical drugs requires BME knowledge.

Medical Devices

Cover all health care products not developed primarily through chemical means. They aid in disease diagnoses, cures, treatment, and prevention. Examples include prostheses, pacemakers, life-sustaining machines, artificial organs, and non-organic implants.

Medical Imaging

Equipment essential to diagnoses typically accounts for hospitals' most complex tools. Radiological techniques through ultrasound, magnetism, and UV, are among medical/biomedical imaging equipment achievements.

Bionics

Bionic limbs give functionality to amputees, and their development has also led to the improved electronic transmission that affects much of the world.

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Automotive Engineering Master’s Degree

 

Master’s Degree

A master's degree in automotive engineering is not necessary to work in the field, but such a degree will give students specialized automotive engineering knowledge and skills. Moreover, master's degree programs offer research opportunities for students. It takes about two years to complete a master's degree program in automotive engineering.

Studies include:

• Design and manufacturing
• Energy and environment
• Materials
• Noise and vibration
• Powertrain
• Dynamics and control
• Electronics and computer software
• Ergonomics

To earn a master's degree, the student must satisfy the university's thesis requirements and/or complete a final project.

Online Degree

The few universities that offer online automotive engineering degrees do so only at the master’s degree level. The student gains only theoretical knowledge from an online master's degree. The student does not receive any hands-on experience, which can be important to landing a job in automotive engineering. The online programs assume that the student received hands-on experience while obtaining the bachelor's degree. Therefore, online master's degree programs in automotive engineering are meant for the working automotive engineer.

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Bachelor of Science in Audio Engineering

Both the Associate and Bachelor degrees require a minimum of a high school diploma, a GED certificate, or the equivalent. Different schools, particularly those offering Bachelor programs, may also have specific requirements for placement tests or minimum scores for standard college entrance tests, like the SAT or ACT. In addition to the school standards, strong math skills, a good grasp of music, and an understanding of technology are all beneficial skills in pursuing this course of study.

Master's programs are available to those that desire to extend their education in very specific areas of the industry. These programs provide an intense study of a particular area of interest, like game design, music, acoustics, or recording.

Audio engineering degrees require a blend of music, business, and technical classes. Music fundamentals, acoustics, and theory are some of the music classes that are included in the degree. The technical and business courses encompass recording production, audio signal processing, mixing, editing, digital sound design, live sound production, and studio operations.

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Applied Engineering Academic Preparation

A Bachelor’s Degree is required by employers to receive a job offer from a firm to work as an applied engineer. This course of study explores the application of principles regarding the design, and creation of products and systems within a manufacturing context. Programs delve into issues as quality control, project management, systems integration and manufacturing processes as well as strive to refine critical-thinking and problem-solving capacities. Students take classes in the basics of production planning, materials science and personnel safety. To assume management positions with some firms, advanced degrees such as a Master’s or Ph.D. may be required. Holders of advanced degrees also have the credentials to teach at the university level. From a business perspective, those seeking executive roles should work to develop their acumen in budget management and negotiation, as they will be asked to broker deals with suppliers and other assets. Superb oral and written communication skills as well as leadership abilities are highly coveted.

The Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering has developed congresses and resources to enhance the visibility of the field and equip practitioners with the latest knowledge and best practices in the industry. Like this organization, the Technology Student Association (TSA) and the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) offer resources and materials to candidates in the field, including a library of publications, news and technological innovations. These associations work to provide rich mentoring and networking opportunities for members and aspiring candidates to enter and/or advance in the field. At the university level, students capitalize on alumni networks and on-campus recruiting efforts made by leading firms to fulfill their talent needs. Companies such as IBM, Ingersoll Rand, General Mills and CoreComm are a sampling of the firms who have acquired new personnel through these avenues. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a gradual decline in the employment prospects for these types of professionals, as manufacturing activities fall within the United States. O*Net reports that these professionals earn a yearly salary of $60,560

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Masters of Agricultural Engineering

 The master of agriculture gives students management-oriented graduate training. Emphasis is on problem solving through science and technology—not research. Problem-solving capabilities must be demonstrated, usually through an internship that provides practical experience. These candidates prepare a professional paper on a problem-solving accomplishment.

Graduate degrees in food engineering/technology through distance learning are available as are online graduate programs and courses. Online studies for B.S. degrees are not possible due to the required laboratory studies and fieldwork.

Standard B.S. degrees in agricultural engineering take about four years to complete, but students who want to add to their major or minor studies can take extend the journey. A master's degree generally adds another 12-18 months—time well invested.

Food will always be a growing commodity (no pun intended). Jobs for these engineers are found on farms, in manufacturing plants, equipment design, food production, animal production facilities, laboratories, construction, government systems that protect soil and water, and in biofuels engineering—worldwide (for the traveler in you) and just for starters.

These engineers are part of the leadership that help conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment. These employees will provide engineering assistance to his or her team, field office personnel, and landowners with planning, developing, and constructing on-farm conservation practices and irrigation projects statewide.

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Aerospace Engineering Education and Training

Prospective engineering students should take as many classes as possible in algebra, geometry, trigonometry and pre-calculus, physics and chemistry because these subjects are critical to understanding the core concepts of aerospace engineering. Because engineers also need effective and written communications skills, students should not overlook language arts classes, such as writing and speech.

Young aerospace engineering graduates have said that they took many Advanced Placement or college classes as in high school to prepare for university engineering coursework.

Associate Degree in Aerospace Engineering

There are small number of schools that offer associate degrees in aerospace engineering, but they usually reserve those degrees for engineers who have degrees in related fields, such as mechanical, electrical or computer engineering. Generally, the aerospace industry prefers job seekers with four-year Bachelor of Science degrees.

Bachelor of Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering

There are only a handful of universities accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology in the United States that offer aerospace engineering degrees. Aerospace engineers take two years of calculus, differential equations, physics and chemistry and two years of engineering coursework. Aerospace engineering students can expect to see the following engineering courses

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Salary and Resources for Acoustical Engineers

The Technology Student Association (TSA), and the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), provide members and interested parties with comparable tools and information to enhance their value in the contemporary marketplace. All of these institutions publish recent research and logistics regarding industry events and resources to the further refine the prowess of practitioners.

Students and job seekers particularly benefit from involvement with these groups, as the institutions provide invaluable networking and mentoring opportunities for individuals to develop relationships with potential employers and their contemporaries in the field. Esteemed firms such as Boeing, Procter & Gamble, and Universal Studios have sought candidates through these avenues. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth projections for acoustical engineers remains strong through 2020, where hiring is projected to grow by 10 percent. The states of California, Texas and Michigan possess the greatest opportunities for professionals. While exact statistics on the median salary of these professionals is unavailable, O*Net reports that electrical engineers of the same background command a yearly salary of $89,180.

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