• Propulsion: the energy required to move a vehicle through the air, or outer space.
• Aircraft Structures: the physical design of aircraft necessary to withstand forces it encounters during flight.
• Materials Science: what specific physical properties are used in aircraft construction.
• Mathematics: like calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations.
• Fluid Mechanics: the study of forces that flow around an object, specifically air over wings, or through objects like wind tunnels.
• Electrotechnology: electronics and how they’re used in engineering.

These are just a few of the subjects you’ll study in a graduate aeronautical and manufacturing engineering degree. This is an incredibly complex field intended for students who have excelled in math and science courses, and who likely have some experience in the aerospace, aeronautical, manufacturing, and engineering industries.

On this list we’ve ranked 20 of the Top Online Masters Degrees in Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering. We rated the schools on this list based on their cost (which is approximate), their US News & World Report ranking, their flexibility for working, distance learners, and the special features they offer. Let’s check out the list:

1) Purdue University

Purdue is a public, research university in West Lafayette, Indiana. It was founded in 1869. It’s the flagship university of the Purdue University system, one of the largest university systems in the country. Its main campus serves over 44,400 students, and has a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. It has excellent programs in accounting, business administration, computer science, engineering, agriculture, and more. Its engineering school has been nicknamed the “Cradle of Astronauts.” US News & World Report ranked Purdue University tied 57th overall in National Universities for 2020.

What You’ll Study:

• Aerodynamics
• Dynamics and Control
• Aerospace Systems
• Structures & Materials
• Astrodynamics & Space Applications
• Propulsion

Purdue offers an Online Master of Aeronautics & Astronautics Engineering. Its school of Aeronautics and Astronautics is considered among the best in the nation and is currently ranked 5th by USNR. This 30-credit hour non-thesis degree program lets students opt for either a Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics (MSAA) or an Interdisciplinary Master of Science in Engineering (MSE/MS) with a focus in Aeronautics and Astronautics. It’s extremely flexible, and students will be able to create a personalized plan of study and completion timeline. Most students opt to take one class at a time to continue meeting their ongoing responsibilities.

• Homepage
• Affordability: 6th

2) Iowa State University

Iowa State University is based in Ames, Iowa. It was founded in 1858. ISU is a public research university and a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). The AAU is an association of 62 premier North American research universities. Iowa State has been labeled an “Innovation and Economic Prosperity University.” It serves nearly 35,000 students, offering a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio. In 2020, ISU ranked 121st among National Universities by USNR. ISU built the first electronic digital computer, invented in the late ’30s and early ’40s. It was also instrumental in developing nuclear weapons while working on the Manhattan Project.

What You’ll Study:

This program doesn’t have a required curriculum. Instead, students can opt to specialize in areas like:

• Aerospace Systems Design
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Control Systems
• Wind Engineering
• Fluid Mechanics
• Atmospheric and Space Flight Dynamics
• Structural Analysis
• Non-destructive Evaluation
• Among other options.

ISU offers an Aerospace Engineering Master’s Degree Online. It’s based on research and education offered through individual faculty. Students will need to take 30 semester hours of graduate work, but the work they do will be largely up to them and the faculty they work with. This program comes in two forms: a Master of Science degree program that’s research-focused and builds towards a thesis, and a Master of Engineering program that has less research and more course work. The flexibility and ability to create a curriculum that suits your goals separates this program from many like it.

• Homepage
• Affordability: 4th

3) University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is a public university in Grand Forks, North Dakota. It was founded in 1883, six years before North Dakota earned statehood. Almost 14,000 students attend UND. The school offers more than 225 distinct programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It’s primarily known for its programs in areas like engineering, aerospace, automatic aerial systems, medicine, nursing, education, social work, business, and the arts. USNR has ranked the school 263rd among National Universities, and 128th in Top Public Schools.

What You’ll Study:

• Aviation Economics
• Aviation Research Methods
• Aviation Management Theory
• Human Factors and Ergonomics
• Aviation Safety Management Systems
• Ethics in Aerospace
• Human Error
• Airline Labor Relations and Law
• And much more

UND offers an Online Aviation Master’s Program that can lead to a Master of Science Degree. It readies graduates to work in corporate aviation, airport management, do significant research, and solve pressing problems in the aviation industry. Students can specialize in areas like Safety, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Management, and Human Factors by completing 9 credits of coursework in one of these specialization areas. The program is offered in synchronous online classes, allowing students to attend virtual classrooms and learn alongside peers with face-to-face interaction with fellow students and professors alike. This will enable students to earn their degree from anywhere, and there are three start dates a year for this program.

• Homepage
• Affordability: 1st

4) University of Florida

UF is a senior member of the State University System of Florida. It was founded in 1853 and is based in Gainesville, Florida. Over 52,200 students attend the school, which has an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio. UF is a public, sea-grant, space-grant, and land-grant research school that has an excellent academic reputation. It is known for its degrees in engineering, environmental management in agriculture and natural resources, health education, biology, entomology, among many others. The University of Florida is also frequently ranked as one of the best value schools in the country by outlets like the Princeton Review and Smart Money Magazine. In 2020 it was ranked the eighth-best National University by USNR.

What You’ll Study:

• Dynamics, Systems, and Control (DSC)
• Solid Mechanics, Design, and Manufacturing (SMDM)
• Thermal Science and Fluid Dynamics (TSFD)

UF offers an Online Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering. It requires 30 total credit hours. Students can take this degree in either a thesis option requiring 24 credits of coursework and six credits of thesis research. They can also opt for a non-thesis degree. In both, 18 credits must come from courses directly related to the major. Up to 12 may be chosen from technical classes in other fields to satisfy requirements.

• Homepage
• Affordability: 6th

5) University of California- Los Angeles

UCLA is a public university founded in 1919. Over 44,500 students attend the school, which has an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio. It’s known for its prestigious schools like its Anderson School of Management, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, School of Law, and David Geffen School of Medicine. Students can access 240 undergraduate and graduate majors. Over half of their graduates leave UCLA with research experiences in humanities, social sciences, and STEM.

What You’ll Study:

• Aerodynamics
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Propulsion
• Systems and Control
• Structures and Dynamics
• Linear Dynamic Systems
• Linear Optimal Control
• Among many others

UCLA offers an Online Master of Science in Engineering – Aerospace. It’s customizable to let students have more choice over their degree path. Its goal is to give students the knowledge and experience they need in major technical areas to fulfill the ongoing and expected needs of the aerospace industry. Students must complete 36 units or nine courses. Five of these courses must be at the 200 level or above, complete a Capstone Project, and meet the Comprehensive Exam Requirement to graduate.

• Homepage
• Affordability: 20th

6) University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

The University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign is a public research university founded in 1867. Its flagship campus is divided between the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. The system is comprised of 15 schools and colleges. USNR ranked it 48th among National Universities in 2020. Over 49,700 students attend Illinois, which has a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Urbana-Champaign’s illustrious alumni include 22 Pulitzer Prize winners.

What You’ll Study:

• Fluid Mechanics
• Dynamics and Controls
• Solid Mechanics and Materials
• Mathematics

Illinois offers an Online MS in Aerospace Engineering. It’s a non-thesis, non-research program that can be satisfied completely online. Students can supplement the required courses by opting for a specialization in one or more of the following areas: Aerodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Combustion/propulsion, Structural Mechanics, Solid Mechanics and Materials, Dynamical Systems, Aerospace Control, Orbital Mechanics, and Spacecraft. This degree requires 32 credit hours of coursework. It must be completed within five years.

• Homepage
• Affordability: 15th

7) Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University is a private research university in Baltimore, Maryland. It was founded in 1876, with an endowment from John Hopkins. Hopkins was a renowned entrepreneur, abolitionist, and philanthropist. Johns Hopkins is a spectacularly prestigious university and is ranked 10th among National Universities by USNR for 2020. Over 26,100 students attend Johns Hopkins, enjoying a cozy 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio. It’s primarily known for its excellent Bloomberg School of Public Health, School of Education, Whiting School of Engineering, and School of Medicine.

What You’ll Study:

• Systems Engineering for Space
• Fundamentals of Engineering Space Systems
• Applications of Space Systems Engineering
• Small Satellite Development and Experimentation

Johns Hopkins offers an Online Space Systems, Space Science, and Aerospace Master’s Degree. This program can be completed in virtual classrooms but requires two lab courses taken on the weekends at John Hopkins’ Homewood campus. The curriculum was created to give students an in-depth comprehension of space systems quality assurance, its implementation, and developing spacecraft and space-borne sensors efficiently. Students can take an Aerospace Engineering specialization and minor in Space Science and Engineering. Overall this program is space-focused and offers both part and full-time study options.

• Homepage
• Affordability: 23rd

8) University of Washington

The University of Washington is based in Seattle, Washington. It was founded in 1861. It’s one of the first colleges on the West Coast and is a member of the Association of American Universities. 47,400 students attend UW, which offers a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio. It’s known for its research and School of Medicine, College of Engineering, and Michael G. Foster School of Business. US News & World Report ranked UW 62nd among National Universities in its 2020 rankings. Both its programs and the UW are persistently ranked in the top 100 in rankings from USNR, Washington Monthly, Times Higher Education World University Rankings, World Reputation Rankings, and QS World University Rankings.

What You’ll Study:

• Analytical Methods
• Concentrations in: Controls, Fluids, Structures, and Composites

UW offers an Online Master of Aerospace Engineering. It’s offered part-time or full-time and is generally completed in three years. It focuses on applied skills and experiences necessary for professionals in the field. There’s also a Master of Science in Aeronautics & Astronautics offered through the school that focuses on research. Students choose concentrations in one of the areas above. They also take electives in other technical areas to increase the breadth of their education. Each quarter students are offered access to an Aerospace Engineering Colloquium feature guest lecturers about a range of aerospace engineering topics.

• Homepage
• Affordability: 18th

9) University of Alabama

The University of Alabama was founded in 1831. It’s a public university known for its stellar academics, wildly successful football program, and devote attendees, faculty, and alumni. Over 21,900 students attend the school, which boasts a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio. US News & World Report has ranked it 153rd among National Universities in 2020. Popular majors include Business, Management, Marketing, Engineering, Communication, Journalism, Family, and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, and Health Professions.

What You’ll Study:

• Orbital Mechanics
• Space Systems
• Airfoil and Wing Theory
• Advanced Dynamics of Flight
• And much more

Alabama offers an Online MS in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics. The program comes in thesis and non-thesis tracks. Students must complete 30 credit hours to graduate. The program was designed for maximum flexibility to create leaders in aerospace and mechanics. Students will take a significant amount of electives and fulfill mathematics requirements. The degree will then build towards either researching, writing, and defending a thesis, or completing a comprehensive exam or culminating experience to earn their degree.

• Homepage
• Affordability: 11th

10) University of Southern California

USC is a private research university based in Los Angeles. Founded in 1880, it’s the oldest research university in California. Over 47,300 students attend USC, which offers a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio. USNR ranked it tied at 22nd among National Universities for 2020. It’s known for its incredible popularity among college applicants, and especially for programs in its prestigious Andrew and Erna Viterbi School of Engineering, Marshall School of Business, Rossier School of Education, School of Social Work, among others. USC graduates have founded hugely successful companies like LucasFilm, Salesforce, Myspace, Tinder, among many others.

What You’ll Study:

This program comes in multiple concentrations including:

• Aerodynamics/Fluid Dynamics
• Aerospace Control
• Aerospace Design
• Aerospace Structures
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Fluid Mechanics
• Propulsion

USC offers an Online Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering. It encourages students to pursue their interests and career goals while allowing them maximum flexibility. The program was designed to give students all the skills they’ll need to enter many different industries, while they focus on the areas they most want to work in. Some of the areas graduates enter include Aerospace & Defense, Aircraft Design, Automotives, Consulting Firms, Biomedical Design, Robotics, and more.

• Homepage
• Affordability: 24th

11) University of Central Florida

UCF is a public, research university founded in 1963. It’s headquartered in Orlando, Florida. Over 68,400 students attend the school, which has a 30:1 student to faculty ratio. It’s known for graduate schools like its College of Business Administration, College of Engineering and Computer Science and College of Education. In 2020, USNR ranked UCF as tied at 166th among National Universities. It’s frequently cited for its economic diversity and has been highly designated by the Carnegie Foundation for community engagement and research activity.

What You’ll Study:

• Aerodynamics
• Propulsion
• Thermal Analysis
• Thermal Design

UCF offers an Online Aerospace Engineering MSAE. It requires 30 credit hours. Graduates will be prepared to impact and improve the design and creation of satellites, spacecraft, aircraft, and more. They also offer a Thermofluid Aerodynamic Systems Design and Engineering track as part of this program. Graduates can fill roles like Materials Engineer, Compliance Officer, Spacecraft Designer, Manufacturing Systems Engineer, Aerospace Engineer, among others.

• Homepage
• Affordability: 2nd

12) Everglades University

Everglades is a private university founded in 2002. It’s headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida. Over 2,200 students attend Everglades, which has an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Everglades offers undergraduate and graduate degrees online and on-campus. USNR ranked it in the 96th-122nd bracket of Regional Universities South in 2020. Its mission is to provide an excellent education to adult learners of all backgrounds. Everglades prizes flexibility, individualized study, and professional development.

What You’ll Study:

• Airway Transportation Systems
• Airport Operations
• Aerospace Communication Systems
• Aerospace Logistics
• Aircraft Simulation
• Aerospace Systems Safety
• And much more

Everglades offers an Online Master’s Degree in Aviation Science. It’s intended for those in the aviation industry to advance their careers in the field. Graduates will be well-versed in advanced research, formal writing, and more. This program requires 36 credit hours and can be completed in approximately 12 months, or 48 weeks, depending on applicable credits students might have and transfer in. The program builds towards a Capstone Project that completes it.

• Homepage
• Affordability: 5th

13) Georgia Institute of Technology

This public research university is based in Atlanta and was founded in 1885. It’s commonly referred to as Georgia Tech. Over 32,700 students Georgia Tech, enjoying an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio. It was ranked 29th among National Universities by USNR in 2020. It’s known for its programs in business, engineering, computer science, design, and much more. It has received international acclaim for its engineering and business programs and graduate programs. It’s been called the “smartest” public school in the nation due to the high standardized test scores of its students.

What You’ll Study:

• Manufacturing Systems
• Computational Statistics
• Propulsion Systems
• Computer-Aided Design

Georgia Tech offers an Online Aerospace Engineering MS Degree. It is either a designated or undesignated degree. The designated version requires students to complete all coursework that would be required in a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. The undesignated does not. Students will gain experience in specialties related to aerospace system design, development, manufacturing, maintenance, operation, and more. This will help graduates get advanced positions in aerospace industries, or work for related government agencies.

• Homepage
• Affordability: 15th

14) North Carolina State University

NCSU is a public research university in Raleigh, North Carolina. It was founded in 1887. It’s part of the Research Triangle that encompasses Duke University and The University of North Carolina. Over 35,700 students attend NCSU, which has a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Its 12 colleges are divided into 68 departments that offer over 300 distinct undergraduate and graduate degrees. NCSU is known for its degrees in engineering, education, agriculture, statistics, life sciences, textiles, and design. US News & World Report ranked NC State 84th among all National Universities in 2020.

What You’ll Study:

• Fluid Dynamics of Combustion
• Advanced Engineering Thermodynamics
• Principles of Structural Vibration
• Project Work and Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering

NCSU offers an Online Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering. It can be completed in 12 months and is intended for people who are working full time. The program requires 30 credit hours. It doesn’t require a thesis, a final oral exam, or any on-campus attendance. Students will take six required courses, choose three electives, and a culminating project. Graduates will be prepared to reach new heights in their careers in aerospace engineering and many related positions.

• Homepage
• Affordability: 9th

15) Mississippi State University

MSU is a public university founded in 1878. It’s headquartered in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi. The Carnegie Foundation has designated MSU as an “R2: Doctoral Universities – Higher Research Activity. “MSU offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees from schools of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Business, Accountancy, Education, Engineering, Chemical Engineering, among others. The school serves over 21,900 students and offers a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio. USNR ranks it 211th among National Universities in 2020.

What You’ll Study:

• Fluid Dynamics
• Structural Mechanics
• Flight Test Engineering
• Design Optimization
• Flight Mechanics and Controls

MSU offers an Online Aerospace Engineering M.S.. There’s also an Aerospace Engineering Ph.D. program. Students will work with the distinguished Raspet Flight Research Laboratory, which focuses on graduate aeronautical research and instruction. In addition to the topics above, students will also study fatigue and fracture, guidance and control, and nondestructive evaluation, among other topics. Graduates have gone on to become leaders in the aeronautical industry, education, and government.

• Homepage
• Affordability: 3rd

16) Virginia Tech University

Virginia Tech is a public university established in 1872. It’s based in Blacksburg, Virginia. Virginia Tech are known for its research facilities, and has been consistently placed among the top research universities in the nation. USNR ranked it 74th among National Universities in 2020. Nearly 34,700 students attend the school, which has a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio. It’s known for its highly-rated College of Engineering. Overall, students can opt for nearly 200 unique programs offered through its eight colleges.

What You’ll Study:

• Propulsion
• Flight Mechanics
• Structures
• Aerodynamics

Virginia Tech offers an Online Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering. It comes in a thesis and non-thesis track. The program has four required courses: Applied Numerical Methods, Vehicle Dynamics and Control, Vehicle Structures, and Advanced Aero and Hydrodynamics. Students are then able to choose from 12 different elective courses. In the non-thesis track, you’ll take more electives than in the thesis track. The program is flexible and convenient for working adults.

• Homepage
• Affordability: 14th

17) Auburn University

Auburn is a public university that was established in 1856. It’s based in Auburn, Alabama. Over 30,400 students attend the school, which has a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio. It’s known for its undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts and sciences, as well as engineering, agriculture, natural resources, education, architecture, business, nursing, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. It’s ranked in 104th among National Universities by USNR in 2020.

What You’ll Study:

• Applied Orbital Mechanics
• Space Propulsion
• Dynamic Simulation
• Rocket Propulsion

Auburn offers an Online Masters of Science in Aerospace Engineering. Accepted students can opt for a thesis or non-thesis track. Students will hone their skills and experience in the design, manufacturing, maintenance, operation, and development of aerospace systems. They wi.l graduate with a significant advantage over their competition for top industrial and government positions in the field. Online students are asked to take the non-thesis option, although they can take the thesis version of the program with permission from the department. If you’re in the non-thesis track, you’ll finish with an Aerospace Engineering Project.

• Homepage
• Affordability: 13th

18) University of Virginia

UVA is a public research school and the flagship institution of the Virginia state system. It was founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson and is based out of Charlottesville, Virginia. Overly 24,600 students attend UVA, enjoying a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Its graduate schools are often commended, including the Darden Graduate School of Business, Curry School of Education, School of Engineering and Applied Science, School of Law, and School of Medicine. USNR ranked it 28th among National Universities in 2020.

What You’ll Study:

• Mechanical Systems
• Linear State Space Systems
• Engineering Mathematics
• Fluid Mechanics

UVA offers an Online Master of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. There is no thesis required. The degree must be earned in seven years and requires 30 credit hours. Fifteen semester hours need to come from the University of Virginia, and at least 18 must be MAE courses, or remarkably similar. Students may be able to take some classes from other schools in the Virginia State System and transfer them in. To complete the program, attendees must get a C or better in each class, and maintain an overall 3.0 GPA.

• Homepage
• Affordability: 22nd

19) Missouri University of Science and Technology

Missouri S&T is a public university focusing on STEM degrees. It was founded in 1870 and headquartered in Rolla, Missouri. Over 8,600 students attend the school, which has an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio. It’s ranked 179th among National Universities by USNR in 2020. The school is primarily known for its engineering graduate degrees. The school notes its 95% career placement for all majors, and value for its cost.

What You’ll Study:

• Fracture Mechanics
• Aerospace Engineering Research
• Applied Computational Methods
• Advanced Finite Element Analysis

Missouri S&T offers an Online Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering. It prizes the interdisciplinary aspects of aerospace engineering training. It requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework in the thesis version (at least 21 credit hours of coursework and 6 of research). The non-thesis track requires 30 credit hours of coursework, and up to 6 hours can be taken from courses outside of the department.

• Homepage
• Affordability: 9th

20) University of Texas Arlington

University of Texas—Arlington is a public university founded in 1895 in Arlington, Texas. Nearly 47,900 students attend the school, which has a 24:1 student-to-faculty ratio. USNR ranks it in the 293-381 bracket of National Universities. The school offers 182 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees across many disciplines. Over 100 patents have been issued in the past five years, and more than 20 start-ups are developing from UTA-created technologies.

What You’ll Study:

• Optimal Control of Dynamic Systems
• Structural Aspects of Design
• Structural Dynamics
• Rocket Propulsion

UTA offers an Online Master’s in Aerospace Engineering. It prizes real-world learning, including work on job sites and in labs. Students will focus on the practical applications of engineering. Its graduates can be found at many Fortune 500 companies, and have found positions at SpaceX, NASA, Tesla, among many others. Over 130 courses are offered online during most semesters.

• Homepage
• Affordability: 6th

What Can I Do With an Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering Degree?

Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of being a rocket scientist. While that can mean different things to different people, if you complete one of these degrees, you’ll be well on your way to designing, testing, developing, and implementing jets, airplanes, helicopters, or spacecraft. You might work on the structures of these vehicles themselves, or in some capacity that supports those who do. Some Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineers work on a specific system within these vehicles, while others take on their overall construction.

There are many jobs in this field, and of course, if you complete one of these degrees, you’ll be highly desirable throughout the engineering world. Some of the positions you could qualify for after earning one of these degrees include:

• Maintenance engineer
• Manufacturing systems engineer
• Materials engineer
• Aerospace engineer
• CAD technician
• Design engineer
• Mechanical engineer

You could also find yourself in one of these more general or adjacent areas:

• Energy engineer
• Patent attorney
• Production manager
• Automotive engineer
• Control and instrumentation engineer
• Quality manager
• Technical sales engineer

Wherever you find yourself, know that you’ll have built skills and gone through experiences that separate and elevate you from the labor pool in innumerable ways. You’ll be highly desirable and well-compensated. Speaking of which:

How Much Can I Earn With an Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering Degree?

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics categorizes earnings in this field under the Aerospace Engineers heading. They define this work as people who design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles primarily. Workers often plan or build missiles, aircraft, spacecraft, and systems for national defense. They are mostly employed in research and development, analysis and design, and manufacturing. They also often work for the federal government.

Aerospace Engineers were paid $115,220 annually in 2018 median pay. The lowest 10 percent or aerospace engineers earned less than $71,640, and the highest 10 percent earned over $164,210. They typically need at least a Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or another field of engineering or science that handles aerospace systems. Earning a graduate degree boosts their job opportunities and pay, as well as being extremely common in this field.

There were 67,200 aerospace engineering roles in 2018. This was expected to jump by 2% between 2018-28, creating 1,100 new jobs.

Areas associated with higher pay included the federal government, navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing, as well as research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences.

The rest is up to you. To the stars!

The post The 20 Best Online Master’s in Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering Degrees appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

1. Doctor

If you have a knack for science and an interest in helping people as well as a preference for a nonstandard work schedule, consider becoming a doctor. Physicians and surgeons are some of the highest-payed professionals in the workforce, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In addition to the earning potential of hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, the best doctors enjoy the fulfilling nature of helping patients get or stay well. Of course, they also make sacrifices. Physicians spend many years preparing for the career, earning a bachelor’s degree, attending medical school and completing residencies and internships to gain hands-on training. This preparation requires candidates to invest a lot of time, work and money into their future career.

Exactly how nonstandard a doctor’s work schedule is depends on his or her place of employment. Hospitals require staffing 24 hours a day, so physicians who work in these settings may be more likely to work early or late shifts (and often, long shifts). Even in private practices, though, many offices are increasingly offering evening and weekend appointments for the convenience of their patients who do work a regular schedule and can’t come in during the day.

Salary: $241,273 to $411,852 or more

Education: Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (DO)

2. Dentist

Like doctors, dentists are increasingly working nonstandard hours to meet the needs of their patients. For many dentists, this means offering occasional or regular evening and weekend hours. While dentists may not have to worry about covering overnight shifts like an emergency room physician does, they may have to deal with dental emergencies that require urgent attention.

Of course, work schedule alone isn’t reason enough to pursue a career in dentistry. However, if you’re already interested in the field and you consider a nonstandard work schedule – one that you set yourself, if you own your own dental practice – to be a plus, that’s a good combination. Keep in mind that you will need to do a lot of preparation for your career. In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree (typically in a science-related subject of study) and getting a competitive score on the Dental Admission Test, you will need to graduate from a dental school program accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation, the BLS reported. Still, for the right candidate, the high earning potential, schedule and work itself are well worth the preparation.

Salary: $154,640

Education: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) or Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD)

3. Petroleum Engineer

While a lot of the best jobs with nonstandard schedules do happen to be in the healthcare field, not all of them are. Petroleum engineers are a great example. These engineering professionals – who have a six-figure median salary – develop new ways to extract oil and natural gas from existing wells and underground deposits, the BLS reported.

What kind of work schedule can you expect as a petroleum engineer? When traveling to a dig site, it’s not unusual for petroleum engineers to spend 84 hours on duty and then be off duty for another 84 hours, the BLS reported. While working for a full three and a half days might sound like a crazy schedule, the job has its perks, especially for adventure-seekers. Visiting drilling sites means that petroleum engineers have plenty of opportunity to travel the world during their careers.

Salary: $130,050

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering

4. Air Traffic Controller

At every hour of the day and night, someone somewhere is traveling by airplane. Keeping those in flight – and taking off or landing – safe means having a trained professional on the clock 24/7. Air traffic controllers fill this role, communicating instructions, weather pattern information and emergency information to pilots in the air and on the ground. They play a crucial role in getting planes full of passengers and airline workers safely and efficiently to their destinations. Being responsible for managing the safety of multiple planes at a single time can be stressful, but for those candidates who can cope well with the demands of the job, an early retirement is a major benefit of this career, the BLS reported. So is the six-figure salary.

RELATED: How to Become an Air Traffic Controller: What Degree Do I Need?

If you’re considering embarking on a career as an air traffic controller, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree unless you have years of relevant experience working in the aviation industry, according to the BLS. Look for a school that offers an Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program intended to meet guidelines set by the FAA. These degree programs typically cover subjects like airspace, aviation weather, reading maps, clearances and federal aviation regulations. Candidates must also pass the eight-hour Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (AT-SAT) and a personality test before then can undergo air traffic controller training through the FAA academy. If you’re specifically looking for a job with a nonstandard schedule, then you will want to find employment at a large, busy airport that has flights going on all day and night, including on weekends and holidays.

Salary: $122,340

Education: Bachelor’s Degree, FAA Academy Training Course and a Passing Score on the AT-SAT

5. Pharmacist

The last six-figure salary career on our list of the top 20 jobs without a 9-to-5 schedule is, again, in the healthcare industry. Pharmacists are the highly educated professionals who fill and dispense the medications physicians and surgeons prescribe. They not only order and administer the medications, but they also make sure there will be no negative – and potentially dangerous – drug interactions among patients who have to take multiple medications. Pharmacists instruct patients on how to take their medications, answer questions about side effects and allergic reactions and handle the paperwork necessary to bill patients’ insurance companies, according to the BLS. In some states, they even administer vaccinations.

Today, many pharmacies – especially those that are part of major retail stores – offer extended hours to better serve customers and patients who work a 9-to-5 schedule. This means pharmacists increasingly need to work evening and weekend hours. The 19 percent of pharmacists who find employment in hospitals may also need to work nonstandard hours to keep pharmacy departments staffed at all times.

Salary: $120,950

Education: Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)

6. Physical Therapist

Physical therapist is yet another healthcare job where a nonstandard work schedule is common. After earning a doctoral degree – which is no easy feat, requiring advanced studies in subjects like anatomy, physiology and biomechanics as well as months of clinical experience – physical therapists work directly with patients to help rehabilitate them after an injury or illness. Through methods such as exercises, hands-on therapy, stretching maneuvers and the use of equipment, physical therapists help patients achieve goals like pain reduction and increased mobility.

Many physical therapists do work during regular business hours, the BLS reported, but there are also plenty of opportunities to work outside the 9-to-5 schedule at facilities that offer evening or weekend appointments for the convenience of their patients. Besides the possibility of a flexible work schedule, there are plenty of other benefits to a career in physical therapy. A median salary well over twice that of all occupations, an expected job growth rate nearly five times that of all occupations, and of course, the rewarding nature of the work are just a few of the advantages.

Salary: $82,390

Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

7. Architect

If you’re more interested in developing building designs than treatment plans, architect is another great job with the potential for a flexible work schedule. Architects are the professionals who plan, design and sketch scaled drawings of indoor and outdoor building structures that range from single family homes to apartment complexes and massive office buildings. They need creative, technical, analytical and visualization skills to thoroughly plan and design a building or space that doesn’t yet exist. If you’re thinking about becoming an architect, expect to be in the career for the long haul. Not only does an undergraduate degree require five years of full-time study, but candidates must also spend years gaining job training through a paid internship and pass the Architect Registration Examination before they can finally attain a license.

Architects begin their days bright and early. In fact, more than a third of employees in the architecture industry are already at work before 7 a.m., according to the BLS. This makes the job a good choice for candidates who are natural early risers as well as good communicators, visualizers and creators. Keep in mind, though, that architects must also work longer hours if necessary to meet deadlines. Work schedules are most flexible among the 20 percent of architects who work for themselves, according to the BLS.

Salary: $74,520

Education: 5-year Bachelor of Architecture Degree or Master of Architecture Degree

8. Dental Hygienist

If a career in dental health interests you but the prospect of spending years upon years earning a doctoral degree doesn’t, consider a career as a dental hygienist. These professionals use hand, power and ultrasonic tools to clean patients’ teeth, the BLS reported. They take X-rays, administer treatments like sealants and fluoride and evaluate patients’ oral health before they see the dentist. They earn a median salary twice as high as that of all occupations – and they do it all with an associate’s degree.

Check out these 15 affordable degrees in dental hygiene (associate’s and beyond).

Dental hygienists work nonstandard schedules for the same reasons dentists do – to offer convenient appointment times to patients who need extended office hours. If you’re specifically looking for the opportunity to work a flexible schedule, seek employment at a dental office that doesn’t just operate 9-to-5.

Salary: $71,520

Education: Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene

9. Producer or Director

If you’ve got a passion for drama or filmmaking, a nonstandard work schedule is typical. Producers and directors are the professionals who create performing arts productions that range from onstage plays to movies and television shows, the BLS reported. While directors and producers start with a written script (which they often select themselves), they choose the cast and crew, manage design decisions, make sure the production stays within budget and supervise the entire preproduction, production and  postproduction process. Directors have a bigger role in the creative aspects of a production, while producers are more involved in the show’s finances, but both are critical to the success of a performing arts venture.

Most producers and directors find work in either the motion picture industry or the television and radio broadcast industry, but some work in performing arts creating live productions. In either case, expect to put in odd hours during your career as a director or producer. If you create live theater performances, you’re likely to find that many show times take place on evenings, weekends and even holidays. Even if you’re not working on a production that is broadcasted live, you may have to work long hours to meet deadlines. Many producers and directors also travel, either to film on location or take a performance on tour.

Salary: $69,100

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Film

10. Nurse

The last healthcare career to make our list of the best jobs with a nonstandard work schedule also happens to be the largest career in the entire healthcare industry, according to the BLS. Registered nurses, or RNs, care for patients under the supervision of doctors in a wide range of settings, from hospitals and doctors’ offices to nursing homes, home health services and even schools. With three different education paths into the career, aspiring nurses have plenty of options to get started.

Nonstandard work schedules are common for many nurses. Of course, hospitals and nursing homes require nurses on staff 24/7 to care for patients who are admitted to the facility overnight, or those who come into the hospital in need of treatment during the evening or early morning. At these facilities, it’s not unusual to work fewer days than a standard workweek, but significantly longer hours than a standard workday throughout. With many private practice medical offices extending their hours to better serve patients, even nurses who intend to work in physicians’ offices may need to work some night or weekend shifts.

Salary: $66,640

Education: Nursing Program Diploma, Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN)

11. Police Officer or Detective

If you have a drive to protect and serve your community as well as a preference for a schedule outside the typical 9-to-5, you’re in luck. The most fulfilling job you could have also happens to be one where odd hours are common. Crime never sleeps, so law enforcement departments need police officers and detectives on duty round-the-clock.

As a member of law enforcement, you’ll have many serious responsibilities. You will handle patrol and traffic stops, respond to emergencies, investigate crimes, gather evidence and make arrests, the BLS reported. Being a police officer or a detective isn’t easy. The job can be dangerous, and physically and emotionally difficult. For the right candidate, though, knowing that you are saving lives, catching criminals and making your community safer is more than rewarding enough to make up for the challenges of a life in law enforcement.

Salary: $58,630

Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice

12. Avionics Technician

If you’ve got an interest in aerospace and great mechanical skills, why not pursue a career as an avionics technician? These trained and FAA-certified technicians maintain and repair planes and other aircraft. Avionics technicians specifically are responsible for the safe functioning of a plane’s electronic instruments, like radar, communication and navigation systems, the BLS reported. To uncover any malfunctions, they review flight test data and use tools and equipment designed for testing electronic flight instruments. They work on and install instrument panels and software.

An associate’s degree in avionics – which includes the studies of computerized flight instruments and aircraft controls – is popular among candidates pursuing the career. Avionics technicians must also earn certification from the FAA.

Avionics technicians need to work nonstandard shifts for the same reasons air traffic controllers do. Travel by aircraft happens at all hours of the day, and it’s necessary to have a professional with the capability to find and repair problems available at all times.

Salary: $56,910

Education: Associate’s Degree in Avionics

13. Telecom Technicians

If you’ve got great mechanical and troubleshooting skills, a career as a telecom technician can offer you a nonstandard work schedule, the chance to put your skills to good use and a median salary well above that of all occupations. You don’t even need to spend several years earning a degree to get there.

Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers – telecom technicians, for short – are the professionals who set up, maintain and fix the telecommunications lines used to transmit phone, Internet and cable signals. They work with components like wiring and phone jacks as well as computer hardware and diagnostic equipment, according to the BLS. To develop the mechanical skills and troubleshooting knowledge necessary for success, telecom technicians need an education – but they don’t necessarily need a traditional degree. Some candidates earn a certificate from a technical school, though the BLS reports that telecom technicians with associate’s degrees will have the best employment prospects in this competitive job market.

Not every telecom technician works nonstandard hours. Your work schedule will depend on your employer. If you’re looking for hours outside the 9-to-5 shift, you’ll want to find work with a carrier or contractor that offers 24-hour emergency repair service. You might also find yourself on call in case of equipment malfunctions and emergencies.

Salary: $55,190

Education: Associate’s Degree in Telecommunications

14. Civil Engineering Technician

Early risers with skills in mathematics, problem-solving and critical thinking can find a great fit in the form of a civil engineering technician career. The job is an especially good choice for candidates who have an interest in civil engineering work but aren’t willing or able to put in the time and money required to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher, complete years of training and attain a license. An associate’s degree is sufficient for aspiring civil engineering technicians to get started in their careers.

Civil engineering technicians work with licensed engineers, and they even handle some of the same tasks, like preparing plans and drawings, estimating costs, monitoring project sites, testing construction materials, analyzing data and using computer aided design (CAD) software, the BLS reported. The only things they specifically can’t do, according to the BLS, are supervising overall engineering projects and approving designs.

Civil engineering technicians tend to start their workdays before 7 a.m., which makes the job ideal for early birds who like to get up with – or even before – the sun.

Salary: $48,340

Education: Associate’s Degree in Civil Engineering Technology

15. Real Estate Agent or Broker

If you work well with others and are good at solving problems, you could make a career out of helping people buy, sell and rent homes, business spaces and other real estate properties. Real estate agents and brokers work closely with clients to help them navigate the complex process of making real estate transactions. They show off real estate properties to potential buyers and renters and assist with setting and negotiating prices and preparing contracts, deeds and other essential real estate documents, the BLS reported.

When you’re selling as large a purchase as real estate, it’s essential that you’re available when your clients are. For many real estate brokers, this means working hours in the early evenings and on weekends. On the bright side, you’re not likely to need to work overnight shifts and will probably be done your workday by 10 p.m., if not hours earlier – which means you still have a chance to enjoy the night life or some quality time with loved ones.

Salary: $43,430

Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Real Estate

16. Chef or Head Cook

A preference for work hours outside the 9-to-5 schedule is ideal for aspiring chefs. After all, chefs and head cooks have to be available to work at the same times when customers are dining out – like early mornings for breakfast, into the evening and even late at night for dinners and snacks and, of course, on weekends.

Of course, chefs and head cooks prepare food. They create recipes, plan menus and design the presentation of a dish. Chefs also order and check ingredients for freshness and make sure equipment and workspaces are clean for food preparation. They are also often responsible for overseeing kitchen staff, from hiring them and training them to coordinating the various tasks necessary to keep a restaurant kitchen operational.

Some chefs attain their position – not to mention their cooking skills – purely through experience and on-the-job training. However, many aspiring chefs seek out formal training through culinary arts education programs at community colleges, technical schools and four-year colleges and universities, the BLS reported.

Salary: $41,610

Education: Culinary Arts Degree

17. Broadcast Technician

Modern television channels and radio stations offer round-the-clock programming. These constant entertainment options wouldn’t exist without trained professionals known as broadcast and sound engineering technicians.

Broadcast technicians handle the audio, video and broadcasting equipment necessary for communication over TV and radio as well as maximizing the sound quality in recorded and live music, the BLS reported. They handle everything from setting up sound and broadcasting equipment to running that equipment during a broadcast and even maintaining and repairing that equipment.

Depending on the medium they focus on and the station, channel, studio or company employing them, broadcast technicians can have very different job duties. Some record music in recording studios or at live performances. Others spend much of their time installing audio and visual equipment in settings like schools, offices and hotels. Those who work in television may be responsible for making sure the dialogue and sound effects used in a program match up correctly with the visual images on the screen.

To keep broadcasting 24/7, radio stations and television networks need to have broadcast and sound engineering technicians on the clock even during nonstandard hours, which is why these professionals tend to work early morning, late night, weekend and even holiday shifts.

Salary: $41,350

Education: Associate’s Degree in Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology

18. Musician

Not every job is easily quantifiable by salary or other factors. Some professional musicians become world-famous stars or celebrities, while many more pursue music as a part-time gig, often while holding other jobs. Overall, the BLS reports that musicians earn a median wage of $24.16 per hour, but there’s plenty of variation in income from one musician to the next.

Likewise, there is also a great degree of difference in education level among musicians. Some musicians have no formal education beyond a high school diploma, while others spend years studying music at the college level to earn a bachelor’s or even a master’s degree. What musicians have in common is that they have to spend a lot of time training and practicing to develop their musical talents. They also spend time creating and recording new material and rehearsing for performances.

Live shows are precisely the reason so many musicians work odd hours. Concerts are commonly held on weekends, in the evenings or even late at night. Successful musicians must not only put up with occasional evening work, but deliver energetic and entertaining performances consistently during these nonstandard hours. For most musicians, though, it’s having a passion for their art that makes a career in music fulfilling.

Salary: $24.16 per Hour

Education: Long-Term Music Training, Often a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher in Music

19. Athlete

Given the massive contracts awarded to top athletes in the big leagues, would it surprise you to learn that the median annual salary for athletes according to the BLS is $43,350? Like musicians, professional athletes run the gamut from the rich and world-famous sports stars to more down-to-earth athletes who live normal lives and bring home more modest salaries. While a college degree isn’t a requirement for the career, many professional athletes sharpened their skills playing their sport at the college level.

Still, professional athletes have a couple of things in common. For one, they must work hard at excelling in their sport, which means spending many hours training and practicing. They also work odd and sometimes difficult schedules, often playing on weekends, evenings and holidays. Traveling to compete is typical for professional athletes, which means they may also spend long amounts of time on buses, planes and other forms of transportation, the BLS reported. Like musicians, though, professional athletes tend to dream of their careers for a long time. The best professional athletes play as much for the love of the game as they do for the salary and reputation.

Salary: $43,350

Education: College-Level Playing Experience

20. Actor

Show business is certainly no 9-to-5 job. Like directors, actors and actresses often work unusual hours, whether their performance is live onstage or whether they’re just working overtime to meet a filming deadline. Actors also travel frequently for work, either to take a show on tour or to film on location.

To develop their acting skills, many aspiring actors will take acting classes. Some take these courses as part of their college-level studies to earn a bachelor’s degree, while others take acting classes separately at community colleges or private acting conservatories or film schools, the BLS reported. Relatively few professional actors become world-renowned movie or television stars, but about two-thirds do find full-time acting work, according to the BLS. Others work part-time, often along with other jobs. As with musicians and athletes, actors often pursue the career for the love of the craft rather than an expectation of steady long-term work or consistent earning potential.

Salary: $19.82 per Hour

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre

Editor’s Note:

The salary, education, work environment and career preparation information presented in this article comes from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This article is just a partial list of the many existing careers without a 9-to-5 work schedule. For more information on jobs with nonstandard hours, consult the blog post Careers for night owls and early birds published by the BLS.

For Further Reading: 

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

What Are My Degree Choices to Be a Film/TV Producer?

Best Major for Dentist: What Major Do You Need to Be a Dentist?

Do You Need College to Be a Real Estate Agent?

Top 10 Highest Paying Engineering Careers

Top 10 Paying Jobs That Involve Math

Top 10 Paying Jobs With an Associate’s Degree

50 Highest Paying Associate Degree Jobs

Exciting Jobs: The Top 15 Jobs for Adrenaline Seekers

The post The 20 Best Jobs Without a 9-to-5 Work Schedule appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.