1. Ph.D. in Astronomy

Astronomy is the scientific study of the stars, planets and other bodies that make up the universe. The scientists who work in this field, called astronomers, use data to develop theories about how the universe operates and when and how the celestial bodies came into existence. There are a number of specialized job roles within the field of astronomy, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported. Some, like cosmologists and extragalactic astronomers, seek to understand the history and development of the universe as a whole. Others specialize in the study of galaxies (galactic astronomers), planets (planetary astronomers), stars (stellar astronomers) or the sun (solar astronomers). There are also high-energy astrophysicists who work with energy rays. Some types of astronomers are categorized by the tools they use to study space rather than what phenomena they study. Optical and observational astronomers view their objects of study through optical telescopes, while radio astronomers utilize radio telescopes instead. Coursework in a doctoral astronomy program typically includes high-level math classes such as statistics, calculus and linear algebra as well as advanced studies in general astronomy and in subfields such as cosmology or planetary astronomy.

Some 60 percent of careers at NASA fall into the category of Professional, Engineering and Scientific roles. Since astronomy is literally the study of stars and space objects, what degree path could better prepare you for a career in the field of space exploration? To work for NASA, aspiring astronomers need a Ph.D. in astronomy. Astronomers who work as NASA scientists gather and analyze data and use their findings to better understand space and the celestial bodies that compose it, the BLS reported. They use a variety of equipment, including telescopes based on earth and probes in outer space, to study the universe. Like other scientists, astronomers conduct research to test theories, but astronomers face the additional challenge of being very far – lightyears, even – from the bodies they’re studying. About 26 percent of astronomers across the U.S. work for the federal government, according to the BLS.

Occupational Grouping: Science

Median Salary: $104,100

Similar Degree Programs: Master’s Degree in Astronomy, Master’s or Ph.D. in Physics

2. Ph.D. in Physics

If you’ve ever wondered how the universe works, studying physics can help you learn the answers. Physics is the scientific study of matter, energy, time and space. Physicists study everything from tiny atoms and molecules to the workings of matter and energy across the universe. Subfields of physics include condensed matter, particle physics, nuclear physics and medical physics. Some of the studies of physics are theoretical, ccomonceptualizing how matter works. Other endeavors constitute applied physics, in which physicists put what they know about matter and energy to practical use improving medical technology, communications infrastructure, navigation systems and household electronics. In their work, physicists develop theories based on existing data and complex mathematical calculations and conduct experiments with the help of equipment such as lasers, particle accelerators and electron microscopes. In a Ph.D. program in physics, students choose a concentration such as condensed matter physics or astrophysics to study in-depth as well as taking math and science courses.

The specialty of physics is closely related to the specialty of astronomy, according to the BLS. Like astronomers, physicists who wish to work for NASA need to earn a doctoral degree. In particular, NASA offers employment opportunities for plasma physicists. These are scientists who study plasma, a type of matter that is found naturally in stars but that is also used on earth as components in television screens and neon signs. While many plasma physicists who work outside the field of space exploration focus more on ways to harness plasma as an energy source for the future, NASA plasma physicists may work more on understanding how the sun affects weather in space. Their findings can be used to safeguard satellites launched into space as well as the communication systems and power transmissions used in spacecraft. About 18 percent of astronomers across the U.S. work for the federal government, according to the BLS.

Occupational Grouping: Science

Median Salary: $111,580

Similar Degree Programs: Master’s Degree in Physics, Master’s or Ph.D. in Astronomy

3. Bachelor’s in Atmospheric Science Degree

When you think of meteorologists, it’s most likely the weather forecasters who predict weather conditions here on earth for broadcast or digital media that come to mind. Actually, though, there are numerous types of atmospheric scientists, and not all of them focus solely on earthly phenomena. In addition to familiar jobs like broadcast meteorologist and weather forecaster, atmospheric and space scientists include atmospheric chemists, climatologists, atmospheric physicists, climate scientists, forensic meteorologists and research meteorologists. Given the wide range of career roles available in atmospheric science, the subjects of study in the field can vary significantly. While many atmospheric scientists focus on predicting weather and climate events, some instead focus on historical weather or on new methods of collecting weather data. In their studies and research, atmospheric and space scientists gather data with the help of equipment such as satellite images, weather balloons and radar systems. Undergraduate students of atmospheric science study meteorology, atmospheric science, math, physics and computer programming, according to the BLS.

Atmospheric scientists who are interested in a career in space exploration could seek out a role as a NASA scientist. At NASA, meteorologists and other types of atmospheric scientists use their knowledge of weather and climate factors to study the weather conditions in space. They analyze data to develop both short-term and long-term space-weather forecasts, according to the BLS. Some NASA atmospheric scientists study other phenomenon, like trade winds and the Northern Lights. Atmospheric scientist is the one type of scientist prominently employed by NASA that requires only a bachelor’s degree. However, if you don’t want to spend four years in school, you might also be able to attain a NASA job with just two years of study. An associate’s degree from a technical school or community college can help you attain a job as a meteorological technician or meteorological aide. About 26 percent of atmospheric scientists work for the federal government, according to the BLS.

Occupational Grouping: Science

Median Salary: $89,820

Similar Degree Programs: Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Geology or Physics or Associate’s Degree in Earth Sciences or Meteorology  

 4. Bachelor’s Degree in Biology

Biology is the study of living organisms. When you study the natural or biological sciences, you learn about the growth, structure, evolution and function of various organisms. There are a number of different focuses of study available in the biological sciences. If you’re interested in the study of animals, you might become a wildlife biologist or zoologist. Scientists who study tiny organisms such as viruses and bacteria become microbiologists. Many scientists who work in biology hold interdisciplinary roles such as biochemist or biophysicist. A degree in biology or biological sciences can open a lot of career paths to you, including roles with the federal government. About 21 percent of wildlife biologists and 12 percent of microbiologists work for the federal government, according to the BLS. The executive branch of the federal government is also the industry that employs the highest number of biological scientists working in other unspecified roles, the BLS reported.

At NASA, a bachelor’s degree in biological science is one of the educational paths you can take to become an astronaut. Some Other options for preparing for a career as an astronaut include physical science, engineering, computer science and mathematics. However, aspiring astronauts should know that it takes more than an undergraduate degree to achieve the dream of visiting outer space. Just 45 of NASA’s more than 17,000 workers happen to be astronauts, the BLS reported. In fact, there have only been 338 U.S. astronauts sent into space since 1959. In addition to your bachelor’s degree, you will need years of experience flying aircraft just to qualify for the astronaut candidate program. Then you will spend another two years in the program, preparing for your mission into space. Astronaut candidates need to go through rigorous military water survival training as well as training in robotics skills and space physiology and medicine, the BLS reported.

Occupational Grouping: Science

Median Salary: $77,190

Similar Degree Programs: Bachelor’s Degree Physical Science or Mathematics

5. Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering

In addition to scientists, NASA employs a large number of engineers, professionals who apply scientific and mathematical principles to solve real-world problems. Aerospace engineering is the branch of engineering that focuses on designing and building aircraft and spacecraft. Aerospace engineers typically choose one of two specializations. Aeronautical engineers design, create and test aircraft that stays within the earth’s atmosphere, such as jet planes. Astronautical engineers focus on developing the technology used in spacecraft that travels through the earth’s atmosphere and into space. In an ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree program in aerospace engineering, students take coursework in specific subjects such as propulsion, mechanics, structures and stability and control as well as general engineering principles and how to apply them. Undergraduate aerospace engineering students must develop their knowledge of aerodynamics. Aerodynamics is the study of the interaction between air and moving objects such as rockets, airplane wings and even kites, the BLS reported.

NASA aerospace engineers work primarily on designing and constructing missiles, rockets and other forms of spacecraft. At NASA, aerospace engineers solve problems that aeronautical never have to deal with due to differences between the atmosphere in earth and the conditions found in space. For example, the lack of airflow in space means that the jet engines that work within the earth’s atmosphere would fail to work in a spaceship, according to the BLS. To meet this challenge, aerospace engineers devised rockets that run on liquid oxygen and propellant. Once a NASA aerospace engineer comes up with a design idea, he or she must create a prototype to test the design’s performance and safety. Because a failure could put astronauts’ lives in danger, it’s very important that spacecraft designs work in practice and not just in principle. About 13 percent of aerospace engineers work for the federal government, according to the BLS.

Occupational Grouping: Engineering

Median Salary: $107,830

Similar Degree Programs: Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering or Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Systems Science

6. Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering

Another branch of engineering is computer hardware engineering. Computer hardware engineers apply the principles of engineering to computers. Unlike software developers, who focus on programs and applications, computer hardware engineers work on the physical components of computer systems. They develop the circuit boards, processes and memory devices used in individual devices as well as the networks and routers used to connect these computers. Undergraduate computer engineering students complete coursework that combines electrical engineering principles and practices with extensive studies in computer science. The very technical coursework required for this degree means that students must have a strong foundation in science and mathematics to build on during their undergraduate studies. Because computer technology is constantly and quickly evolving, aspiring computer hardware engineers should plan on lifelong learning to keep pace with new technological developments. Most computer hardware engineers work in industries like computer systems design, computer equipment manufacturing and electronics component manufacturing, but the federal government employs about six percent of computer hardware engineers, the BLS reported.

The spacecraft, instruments and equipment used in space exploration often rely heavily on computer technology. After all, these instruments are used to measure activity and matter in space – sometimes from the earth’s surface. Given the high-tech nature of space exploration equipment, it’s no surprise that NASA needs skilled computer hardware engineers who understand how the physical components of these computers and computer systems work. Specifically, computer hardware engineers who work for NASA are responsible for the research and development of computer equipment used to collect data both in space and from earth. In addition to developing the design of data-collecting equipment, NASA computer hardware engineers also create a working prototype that they can test to make sure the instrument works as intended. Computer hardware engineers at NASA don’t just design computer equipment for themselves to use. They must make their designs accessible for other NASA personnel by noting down in detail how the product works.

Occupational Grouping: Engineering

Median Salary: $111,730

Similar Degree Programs: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering

7. Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics Engineering

Computer hardware is far from the only kind of technology engineers develop. Electronics engineering is the branch of engineering that involves the design and construction of electronic equipment. Electronics engineers must determine how to design and construct complex electronic systems, components and devices that meet the functional needs of the user without being too expensive to produce, too difficult to maintain or too unwieldy to use. The work of electronics engineers plays a role in a wide variety of industries, from medical treatment to military purposes. There is often a lot of overlap between the disciplines of electronics engineering and a related branch of engineering called electrical engineering. In an ABET-accredited electronics engineering degree program, students cake coursework in differential equations, electrical circuit theory and digital systems design. Electronics engineers can begin working in entry-level roles without attaining state licensure, but many choose to earn their Professional Engineering (PE) license during the course of their careers, the BLS reported.

The electronics engineers who work for NASA specialize in designing and developing electronics used in space exploration. Satellites and the instrument panels and broadcast and communications systems are just a few of the projects electronics engineers may work on when employed by NASA. The environmental conditions in space differ from earth and can be much harsher, exposing the equipment to radiation as well as extreme temperatures. The instruments a NASA electronics engineer designs must be capable of withstanding these conditions. While developing new equipment systems and components is an important part of a NASA electronics engineer’s responsibilities, it’s still only one part of the job description. Electronics engineers also need to plan ahead for maintaining the equipment and develop in-depth procedures for safe and effective maintenance practices. In addition to coming up with a design for the equipment, electronics engineers inspect, test and maintain existing electronics for safety and performance. The federal government employs 13 percent of electronics engineers, the BLS reported.

Occupational Grouping: Engineering

Median Salary: $95,230

Similar Degree Programs: Master’s Degree in Electronics Engineering or Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

8. Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Engineers are problem-solvers – and mechanical engineers are perhaps the most versatile problem-solvers of all. Mechanical engineering is among the broadest engineering disciplines, encompassing the creation of various kinds of mechanical devices, the BLS reported. Among the wide range of devices mechanical engineers develop are batteries, electric generators, escalators and elevators, engines, conveyor belt systems, medical devices, appliances, tools and turbines. Mechanical engineers aren’t just the brains behind these products. Mechanical engineers use computer technology that analyzes data and simulates machine testing as they build, test and tweak prototypes of their designs to perfection. The end result is a product that functions precisely as needed to solve the problem at hand. To earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, students need to take a variety of math and science classes in addition to their engineering and design courses. For mechanical engineers, a state-issued Professional Engineering license is beneficial and, in some cases, mandatory, according to the BLS.

When it comes to space exploration, mechanical engineers play an important role. Successful space missions depend on engines, tools, sensors, machines and other equipment that function optimally. With skilled mechanical engineers on the NASA team, the space exploration program can be sure that the equipment they use has been designed with all of the potential space-related challenges in mind. Mechanical engineers don’t always work alone. Often, they collaborate with engineers who specialize in other disciplines. At NASA, it’s not unusual for mechanical engineers to work alongside aerospace engineers, combining their expertise to make sure every tool and machine onboard a spacecraft meets its users’ needs. The steering mechanism used on rocket nozzles is just one example of the work mechanical engineers – along with their collaborators in other branches of engineering – do for NASA, according to the BLS. About six percent of mechanical engineers work in aerospace parts manufacturing roles, according to the BLS.

Occupational Grouping: Engineering

Median Salary: $83,590

Similar Degree Programs: Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology

9. Associate’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering Technology

Aerospace engineers who are working on major projects can’t do everything themselves. Technicians – engineering professionals who have formal technical training but not an extensive academic education – often work in roles that support the efforts of full-fledged engineers. Aerospace engineering and operations technicians get their training from a technical school or junior college. ABET, the same entity that accredits science and engineering programs at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels, also has a separate Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission that awards accreditation to engineering technology degree programs. To earn ABET accreditation, an aerospace engineering technology degree program must include classes in science, college-level algebra and trigonometry, according to the BLS. Community colleges are more likely to offer more studies in the theory of aerospace engineering technology and in the liberal arts and sciences and to award associate’s degrees. Technical schools, on the other hand, more commonly focus on practical applications of aerospace engineering technologies and may award a certificate or diploma instead of an associate’s degree, the BLS reported.

While most of the careers involved in space exploration require at least an undergraduate degree, aerospace engineering and operations technician is one NASA job you can get with only an associate’s degree. In a role at NASA, aerospace engineering and operations technicians assist engineers and scientists with their projects to design, develop and especially test spacecraft. Aerospace engineering technicians contribute toward building spacecraft by installing the instruments and components engineers design. Technicians also create the conditions necessary to rigorously test spacecraft and the systems they employ. An aerospace engineering technician’s role in testing aerospace equipment can take many forms, from building test facilities and installing components to calibrating test equipment and actually running computer simulation tests and recording the results of various tests. Due to their close involvement in testing spacecraft, aerospace engineering technicians play an important role in the safety and quality assurance. One-third of aerospace engineering technicians work in the industry of aerospace products and parts manufacturing, the BLS reported.

Occupational Grouping: Technology

Median Salary: $66,180

Similar Degree Programs: Technical School Diploma or Certificate in Aerospace Engineering Technology

10. Associate’s Degree in Avionics Technology

When the complex electronic equipment onboard aircraft and spacecraft needs to be fixed, who works on it? A type of installation, maintenance and repair professional called an avionics technician fulfills this vital job duty. Avionics technicians perform both regular scheduled maintenance procedures and urgent repairs that result from a malfunction or other problem. Unlike the related roles of aircraft mechanic and repairmen, avionics technicians specialize in maintaining and fixing the electronic systems onboard a plane or spaceship. They work with aircraft and spacecraft equipment such as voltmeters, circuit testers, oscilloscopes, navigation aids, radio communication devices and radar systems, according to the BLS. As part of their testing, avionics technicians need to review flight test data for signs of malfunction. If they encounter any performance problems, they need to know how to fix or replace the malfunctioning part to avoid any risks to the safety of the aircraft or spacecraft’s occupants.

Like aerospace engineering technicians, avionics technicians can land a job at NASA with just an associate’s degree. While a role as an avionics technician might not require a comprehensive academic background, it does require strong mechanical skills and a great deal of troubleshooting skills and physical dexterity. A NASA avionics technician needs to be comfortable working with a variety of tools, ranging from hand tools to power tools and even soldering irons, according to the BLS. Part of an avionics technician’s job is to assemble parts like electrical controls and junction boxes and install new and replacement instrument panels as needed. Avionics technicians must also be familiar with digital technology so they can effectively maintain the computer systems that are utilized by the spacecraft’s electronic instruments. About 30 percent of avionics technicians work in the aerospace parts manufacturing industry, and another 11 percent work for the federal government, the BLS reported.

Occupational Grouping: Technology

Median Salary: $58,540

Similar Degree Programs: Military Training or Certificate from an FAA-Approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School

11. Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting

Not all jobs with NASA are based in engineering or the sciences. For example, accountant is one of a number of professional roles needed at NASA. Accountants are the business and financial professionals who are responsible for an organization’s financial records. They create many types of financial statements and documents, including income statements, balance sheets, statements of cash flow and statements of changes in equity. An accounting professional must also review financial statements for accuracy, identifying any indicators of intentional fraud or unintentional accounting or mathematical errors. In a bachelor’s degree in accounting program, students take courses such as the principles of accounting and auditing, internal auditing, business communications and business law, according to U.S. News & World Report. Accountants may also study various types of accounting and may pursue a concentration in a subject like taxation, financial accounting, cost accounting or management accounting. Many accountants choose to spend a fifth year in college to earn a master’s degree and prepare to earn the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential.

Accountants play an important role in many types of industries, and a government entity like NASA is no exception. As a large and busy organization, NASA has a lot of financial transactions going on at any given time. There are checks to process, receipts to write up and budget and cost data that someone must keep track of to prevent any inaccuracies in financial recordkeeping. Accountants are the personnel with the skills and education to organize all of this information into a financial report that captures this information. NASA has an accounting system which is used to keep track of cost and budget data. The organization’s accountants may be responsible for entering, analyzing and processing using this system. Accountants who work for NASA may also serve on organizations and committees within the space exploration program in financial roles such as treasurer, NASA reported. About eight percent of accountants work for the government, the BLS reported.

Occupational Grouping: Professional

Median Salary: $67,190

Similar Degree Programs: Bachelor’s Degree in Auditing or Business Administration 

12. Bachelor’s Degree in Communications

NASA also needs skilled media and communications professionals to publicize the space exploration program’s findings and achievements. Technical writers play an integral part in NASA communications. These media and communications professionals need to be experts at communicating complex technical information in a way that readers who don’t have a background in science can understand. They use various formats to distribute this technical information, ranging from journal articles to instruction manuals and how-to guides. While the term ‘writer’ implies that these communications professionals express information only in written text, that’s not the case. Technical writers are sometimes called technical communicators and are responsible for creating imagery and other non-written materials used to communicate technical ideas. A bachelor’s degree in communications or a related subject often is sufficient to meet minimum education requirements. However, technical writers also need knowledge in the technical field they plan to write about, such as medicine or engineering, the BLS reported.

The technical writers who work for NASA interact with a variety of scientists and engineers in the course of their job duties. Technical writers research the science they need to write about and speak with the scientist and engineers who designed and developed the product so that they clearly understand what it does and how it works. Then they translate that knowledge into written format. Some of the work NASA technical writers might create includes operating and assembly instructions for space exploration equipment. Technical writers must break complicated findings about space exploration down into organized chunks of information, and they must develop a style of writing that is clear and specific. Often, the use of imagery can help make the technical space exploration findings discovered by NASA scientists easier to understand. NASA’s technical writers are also responsible for creating these visual materials, such as charts, animations, drawings and diagrams, as well as attaining pictures taken by NASA photographers. Technical writers must often undergo some short-term on-the-job training when they begin working at NASA, according to the BLS.

Occupational Grouping: Media and Communications

Median Salary: $70,240

Similar Degree Programs: Bachelor’s Degree in English or Journalism

13. Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations

When a government entity is as well-known as NASA, there’s bound to be a lot of public interest in its projects. Public relations specialists are media and communications professionals who cultivate a positive reputation for a company, organization or individual. They accomplish this goal through carefully managing the company’s written communications, speeches and other messages that promote a favorable image of the company. In a bachelor’s degree program in public relations, students take courses such as the foundations of public relations principles and practices, design for public relations messages, public relations writing, strategic communications, media relations, marketing and advertising and journalism. In addition to learning public relations theory, students in public relations degree programs will develop a portfolio of the work they have completed over the course of their college education, the BLS reported. It’s often beneficial for public relations majors to gain some real-world work experience, and make contacts within the industry, by completing an internship experience.

Public relations specialists who work for NASA make sure that discoveries made in the field of space exploration can find their way into public consciousness. Through the work of a public relations specialist, news media outlets across the country are made aware of NASA’s activities and findings so they can report on the story. Public relations specialists at NASA are responsible for devising and implementing a communication strategy that paints the space exploration program in a positive light. Press releases and news releases, articles, media advisories and blog posts are just a few of the types of content public relations specialists at NASA might create. They also assist with speeches, coordinating opportunities for speeches, fielding requests from schools for educational speakers and writing the speeches company representatives give, according to the BLS. Some NASA employees who work in public relations go by slightly different job titles, such as public affairs specialist or press secretary.

Occupational Grouping: Media and Communications

Median Salary: $56,770

Similar Degree Programs: Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, English, Communications or Business

14. Bachelor’s Degree in Film

You probably associate producers and directors more with blockbuster films or Broadway plays than with space exploration, but these entertainment professionals also play a role in NASA’s educational efforts. Directors and producers are the creative minds behind a performing arts production, whether it’s a much publicized high-budget movie or an educational film for students. While directors and producers don’t themselves appear on camera as actors do, their vision for the projects is what determines the look and feel of the film. Producers focus more on the financial aspects of securing funding and keeping expenses within budget, while directors typically are more involved in the artistic aspects of the film. A bachelor’s degree in film or cinema is the most common educational path for producers and directors, the BLS reported. In these degree programs, students study topics such as screenwriting, film history, the filmmaking process, editing and cinematography, according to the BLS.

Producers and directors who work for NASA focus their efforts on creating educational videos about space exploration. NASA’s educational videos cover subjects such as science concepts, inventions and innovations made possible by NASA for youth and adult audiences. These videos make complex concepts and technical processes, like assembling a telescope, easier for an audience to understand, according to the BLS. The directors involved in a NASA video project are responsible for choosing the creative elements of the film, like what subjects to film and how actors should portray their characters. Producers, on the other hand, take the role of overseeing the budget and production schedule. They hire a crew and ensure that the entire filmmaking process goes smoothly so that the final product is ready when it’s supposed to be ready and without going over the budget. Both the director and producer may have a hand in choosing the cast members who appear in the educational film.

Occupational Grouping: Media and Communications

Median Salary: $68,440

Similar Degree Programs: Bachelor’s Degree in Acting, Writing, Communication, Business or Art Management

15. Bachelor’s Degree in Photography

If you’re good with a camera, your photography skills could be your ticket to a career in the field of space exploration. Professional photographers make a living taking pictures. Some photographers specialize in portraits of individuals or groups, while others create photographs as a form of fine art or for commercial, news or scientific purposes. For aspiring photographers, having strong natural artistic abilities and a “good eye” for what makes a photo aesthetically pleasing is more important than pursuing a formal college education, the BLS reported. However, earning a degree in photography can help students develop their skills and learn the technical aspects of the art, including what makes a photograph good and how photography equipment works. Photography majors often take classes in photography techniques, processes, equipment and design and composition, according to the BLS. Perhaps more importantly, they begin developing a portfolio filled with their best photos that they can show to prospective employers or clients. 

At NASA, experienced photographers are necessary for capturing the space exploration program’s milestone events and discoveries. NASA photographers aren’t the ones who take photographs of space phenomena, because these media and communication professionals are based here on earth. However, their work in photographing the activities of NASA scientists and engineers plays an important role in preserving the history of the space exploration program and showing the progress NASA has made. Technically, even NASA photographers don’t necessarily need a college education. A highly skilled photographer with only a high school diploma may have a good aesthetic eye, strong artistic abilities and an impressive enough portfolio to attain a role taking pictures for NASA. However, photojournalists and scientific photographers are among the types of photographers that most often need a bachelor’s degree, according to the BLS. Whether or not they have a bachelor’s degree, NASA photographers typically need some long-term on-the-job training to succeed in their career.

Occupational Grouping: Media and Communications

Median Salary: $31,700

Similar Degree Programs: Bachelor’s Degree in Art

Editor’s Note: Choosing the right degree path is only one part of preparing for a career in the field of space exploration. While none of these majors can guarantee you a future working for NASA, they can help you take the first steps. For more information about space careers, check out this article by the BLS, the federal bureau which served as the source for the salary, occupational grouping and degree information data found in this article. Please note that the data contained above reflects salary data and job duties for these occupations in general and is not specific to NASA employment.

For Further Reading: 

Highest Paying Jobs With a Biology Degree – Degrees in Biology – Majors & Careers

Top 10 Highest Paying Engineering Careers

What Degree Do You Need to Be an Astrophysicist?

Best Paying Jobs With a Geography Degree

Which Degree Is Best for a Software Engineer?

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

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

How Much Can I Make With a Degree in Digital Marketing?

What Degree Do I Need to Become a Lighting Designer?

How Long Does It Take to Become an Accountant?

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1. George Washington University

George Washington University is a four-year private institution that offers comprehensive programming. GWU is located in the district of Columbia. According to the US News and World Report GWU ranks as the 66th best school in the nation and one of the top schools for veterans value computer science business and more. In recent years, GWU started offering online programming. In fact GWU offers online options in nearly all of their academic fields.

Among their many online off offerings is there online master of science in project management. This masters degree is one of the oldest of its kind in the world. In fact it was founded in 1996. Through the years George Washington University has developed an updated program now available online. Students participating in this degree will focus on the following areas: organization management and leadership, project management, optimization models for decision making, risk management, project portfolio management, planning and scheduling, and much more. Students complete their program with the capstone experience.

• Program Details
• Degree Type: Online master of science in project management

2. New York University

New York University is a private four-year institution located in New York, New York. The university currently enrolls over 50,000 students and maintains a student to faculty ratio of 9 to 1. According to the US news and world report NYU rank is the 30th best school in the nation and highly for veterans value business innovation engineering and much more. In recent years, New York university has offered online programming. NYU online is a growing online school for individual seeking degree programs or professional certifications.

NYU office a master of science in project management. The program is divided into three main parts: core courses, specialization courses, and the capstone. The core curriculum includes the following: principles of project management, leading global organizations, transforming organizations, organizational ethics, intercultural business communications, and management of information systems. The program itself is flexible and is designed to meet the needs of working professionals.

• Program Details
• Degree Type: Online master of science in project management

3. Georgetown University

Georgetown University is a private four-year institution located in Washington DC. The university currently enrolls nearly 20,000 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 11 to 1. Georgetown offers a bachelors degrees, masters degrees, and doctors degrees. Additionally the University offers professional certifications for baccalaureate and post masters certifications. According to the US News and World Feport Georgetown University ranks as the 23rd best school in the nation, the seventh best college for veterans, the 12th best undergraduate engineering school, the seventh best for service learning, and the 35th most innovative school.

Georgetown University offers an online masters degree in project management. Students may pursue this program on campus and online. This is a 30 credit hour program that typically takes 2 to 5 years to complete depending on whether or not you complete the course part time or full time. Because of this flexibility, this program is ideal for working professionals. The curriculums includes courses material in the following: project management fundamentals, agile fundamentals, project initiation and planning, project execution and delivery, and communications and collaboration for managers. Additionally, students have the opportunity to choose from a number of electives. For more information about this program check out their website.

• Program Details
• Degree Type: Online master’s in project management

4. American University

American University is a private institution located in Washington DC. The student population is just over 14,000 and the student to faculty ratio is 11 to 1. The university offers associates, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees. According to the US News and World Report American University ranks as a 76th best school in the nation and the 25th best undergraduate teaching school. Additionally, American university ranks highly for innovation and value. The institution offers a wide range of academic offerings now including online programming.

American university offers an online master of science in measurement and evaluation. If you are looking to become ready for the workplace and project and program evaluation and this course is for you. The curriculum model includes core courses, electives, a field/professional experience, and a capstone experience. The courses include: evaluation quantitative methods, principles and theories of evaluation, innovation through new technologies, professional ethics and project leader ship, human resource information systems, strategic management of sports organizations, decision making and change management, innovation through new technologies, and data driven decision making. For more information about this degree program check out their website.

• Program Details
• Degree Type: Online master of science in agile project management

5. Brandeis University

Brandeis University is a four-year institution located in Waltham, Massachusetts. There are 5825 students in rolled under student to faculty ratio is 10 to 1. Brandeis offers bachelors masters and doctoral degrees. According to the US News and World Feport Brandeis University ranks as the 42nd best school in the nation and highly for value, teaching, innovation, business, and computer science.

Brandeis University offers a master of science project and program management. This is a 30 credit hour part time online masters degrees that is broken into two main component parts: courses and electives. The required courses include the following: communication for affective leadership, foundations of project management, project scheduling and cost management, risk management and projects and programs, negotiating and conflict resolution, program management: theory and practice, and the human side of project leadership. Students then choose three elective courses to round out their program. For more information about this online degree head to their website.

• Program Details
• Degree Type: Online master of science in project management

6. Saint Louis University

St. Louis University is a private institution located in St. Louis Missouri. The university offers comprehensive degree programs as well as certifications. There are over 12,000 students in rolled at the student to faculty ratio is 9 to 1. According to the US News and World Report St. Louis University ranks as the 103rd best school in the nation as well as the 48th best school for value. Their academic offerings include programming in biology and medical sciences, business, engineering, health, homeland security, psychology, and much more.

St. Louis University offers a bachelor of science and project management. This is a 120 credit our PMI approved program. The program is divided into the following areas call a core curriculums, major requirements, general education courses. As part of the major you will learn about the fundamentals of project management and contract management. You will study courses like: project selection and scope, Project data analysis, requirements analysis, government contracting, time cost and risk management, project management laboratory and others.

• Program Details
• Degree Type: Online bachelor’s degree in project management

7. Colorado State University Global Campus

Colorado State University is a public institution located in Fort Collins. This is a four-year institution that offers a bachelors, masters, and doctoral degree. The student population is currently 33,000 and the student-to-faculty ratio is 14 to 1. According to the US News and World Report, Colorado State University ranks is 153rd best school in the nation and highly for veterans, value, social mobility, and undergraduate engineering. When it comes to academic offerings Colorado State University offers a number of programs both on campus and online.

The Colorado State Global Campus offers an online bachelors degree in project management. This is a PMI certified course as well as a GAC accredited program. This degree is 33 credit hours long and includes the following core courses: applying leadership principles, principles of management, operations management, effective project scheduling in control, project leader ship, project quality management, assessing in managing risk, project procurement and contract management, as well as a capstone experience. Students have the option of adding on a 15-credit hour degree specialization in one of the following areas: marketing, emergency management, healthcare management, foundations of accounting, organizational leadership, human resources and organizational development.

• Program Details
• Degree Type: Online bachelor’s in project management

8. Regis University

Regis University is a private four year institution located in Denver, Colorado. There are over 6000 students in enrolled at Regis and the student-to-faculty ratio is 12 to 1. The institution offers bachelors degrees, masters degrees, and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. Regis currently ranks as the 217th best school in the nation according to the US News and World Report. The university offers a wide array of academic programming including in business, computer and information sciences, education, healthcare, psychology, and the performing arts.

Regis University offers a Master of Science in Project Leadership and Management. If you enjoy organizing work and community projects but want to enhance your skill set than this is the course for you. This is a 30 credit hour cours where each course is eight weeks long. This course has been recognized for excellence by the PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management. Some of the courses that you’ll take include: delivering organization excellence, leading projects and contemporary organizations, and management of project performance. For more information about this program had to their website.

• Program Details
• Degree Type: Online master of science in project leadership and management

9. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a four-year private institution located in Dayton Beach, Florida. There are 7000 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17 to 1. The university offers associates, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University ranks as the ninth best school in the region according to the US News and World Report. Additionally, the University ranks highly for veterans, undergraduate teaching, innovation, and value.

Embry-Riddle offers a Master of Science in Project Management. This program is divided into two main component parts for a total of 30 credit hours. The main components are core courses and project management capstone. As part of this online degree you will take the following: planning and execution of strategy, decision making for leaders, foundations of project management, management science for project managers, fundamentals of project scope schedule cost and research management, fundamentals of project quality communications stakeholder resource and procurement management, assessing and managing project risk, directing and controlling projects, contemporary project management.

• Program Details
• Degree Type: Online master of science in project management

10. Boston University

Boston University is a private four-year institution located in Boston Massachusetts. There are over 33,000 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 10 to 1. According to the US News and World Report, Boston University ranks is the 42nd best school in the nation and also highly for a number of other things including value, innovation, undergraduate engineering, computer science, study abroad, and much more. The university offers bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications.

Boston university offers an online master of science in project management. This is a 40 credit hour program that is divided into three main component areas: core courses, specialization courses, and elective courses. Some of the courses you will study include financial concepts, global supply chains, quantitative and qualitative decision-making, and the innovation process: developing new products and services. Students generally complete this program in a period of 18 to 24 months. This online degree has been accredited by the project management Institute and is an accredited member of the HACSB international. For more information and to apply check out their website.

• Program Details
• Degree Type: Online master of science in project management

11. Northeastern University

Northeastern University is a private institution that was founded in 1898. The student population is currently over 22,000 and the student to faculty ratio is 14 to 1. Northeastern University offers bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees. According to the US News and World Report, Northeastern University ranks as the 49th best school in the nation the 11th most innovative school and highly for value, business, computer science, cybersecurity, and much more.

Northeastern University offers an online masters in project management. Students may select to complete this program either full-time or part-time. The duration of the course is 1.5 to 2.5 years. The curriculum is divided into two main component parts, core courses and electives. The core courses include the following: project management foundations, project management practice, project scope management, project risk management, project scheduling and cost planning, project quality management. Students may also elect to focus on a concentration in one of the following areas: agile project management, analytics, construction management, leadership, leading and managing technical projects, organizational communication, project business analysis. This is a highly flexible and customizable program. For more information and to apply check out their website.

• Program Details
• Degree Type: Online master of science in project management

12. Penn State World Campus

Penn State University is a public institution located in University Park, Pennsylvania. There are currently over 90,000 students enrolled at Penn State with a student-to-faculty ratio of 15 to 1. Penn State offers comprehensive programming as well as professional certifications. According to the US News and World Report, Penn State ranks as the 63rd best school in the nation and the 35th best college for veterans, 23rd top public school and a top school for engineering and computer science business and much more. In recent years, Penn State has developed their Global Campus. This online campus offers a wide number of online degrees and professional certifications.

Penn State world campus offers an online master of project management. This is a 30 credit hour program that has been credited by the AAA CSB as well as a project management Institute. If you’re looking to pursue a career in project management, project management analyst sales manager or a similar career this is the course for you. The program is divided into three main component parts including required courses, elective courses, and a capstone. Do you like to have courses include course material in enterprise modeling, engineering across cultures and nations, engineering product innovation, project team leader ship, project management and marketing linkages, and much more. For more information and to apply check out their website.

• Program Details
• Degree Type: Online master of project management

13. Florida Institute of Technology

The Florida Institute of Technology FIT is a private institution that was founded in 1958. FIT enrolls over 6000 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 14 to 1. The institution offers degrees for associates, bachelors degrees, masters degrees, and doctoral degrees. This is a doctoral university with high research activity. When it comes to academic offerings, FIT offers programming in the biological and biomedical sciences, business, communication, education, engineering, and much more.

Florida Tech offers a Master of Business Administration in Project Management. This is PMI and GAC accredited. Additionally, this program is 100% online. The degree combines principles and practical applications. The curriculum includes core courses, specialization courses, and a capstone for a total of 36 credit hours. The core courses include: essentials of business development, essentials of business development two, managerial economics, managerial accounting, financial management, organizational behavior, marketing management, and two directed electives. For more information and to apply check out their website.

• Program Details
• Degree Type: Master of business administration in project management

14. Minnesota State University Moorhead

Minnesota State University Morehead as a public four-year institution that was founded in 1887. The current student population is over 5,000 and the student-to-faculty ratio is 19 to 1. The university offers associates degrees, bachelors degrees, masters degrees, and doctoral degrees. According to the US News and World Report Minnesota State University Morehead ranks as the 98th best school in the midwest, and the 28th top public school.

The university offers an online project management degree. This online program is certified by the PMI and accredited by the PMI GAC. The university currently offers a bachelors degree in project management. The bachelors degree Includes 48 credits of the core requirements. The core requirememts are as follows: principles of accounting, principles of management, principles of marketing, method improvements, computer applications for technologists, cost analysis, quality management, process leader ship, and much more. For more information and to apply check out their website.

• Program Details
• Degree Type: Online bachelor’s in project management

15. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a four-year private institution located in Dayton Beach Florida. There are 7000 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17 to 1. The university offers associates, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University ranks as the ninth best school in the region according to the US news and world report. Additionally, the university ranks highly for veterans, undergraduate teaching, innovation, and value.

Embry-Riddle offers a Bachelor of Science in Project Management. The course is divided into three main component parts: general requirements, core requirements, and electives. The project management course includes the following: project management profession, project planning, project risk and control, project management in aviation operations, global project management, managing trouble projects, agile project management, and a project management capstone.

• Program Details
• Degree Type: Onlinebachelor’s degree in project management

16. Regis University

Regis University is a private four-year institution located in Denver, Colorado. There are over 6000 students in enrolled at Regis and the student to faculty ratio is 12 to 1. The institution offers bachelors degrees, masters degrees, and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. Regis currently ranks as the 217th best school in the nation according to the US News and World Report. The university offers a wide array of academic programming including in business, computer and information sciences, education, healthcare, psychology, and the performing arts.

Regis University offers an Undergraduate Certificate in Project Management. The program is online and 12 credit hours to complete. Students will focus on the following areas: process mapping an improvement, project management, conflict management. Additionally students may wish to do the online undergraduate certification in agile management. For more information and to apply check out their website.

• Program Details
• Degree Type: Online bachelor of science

17. Charleston Southern University

Charleston Southern University is a four-year private institution located in Charleston South, Carolina. There are over 3,000 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 13 to 1. Charleston Southern University is ranked regionally as the 62nd best school on the south according to the US news and world report. Additionally, CSU ranks highly for veterans and social mobility. When it comes to academic offerings CSU offers bachelors degrees, masters degrees, and doctoral degrees. In recent years CSU has offered online programming in the fields of business , health, homeland security and much more.

CSU offers a Bachelor of Science in Project Management. This is an accelerated program with seven week courses. This online degree was designed with full-time working adults in mind. If you are interested in manufacturing, government contracting, construction or projects at a corporate level than this is the program for you. In 2020 US News and World report ranked this program as the 11th best online bachelors program. As part of this curriculum you’ll take courses like: accounting principles for managers, business policy, principles of macroeconomics, projects a strategic initiatives, project planning and implementation, project risk assessment. For more information and to apply check out their website.

• Program Details
• Degree Type: Online bachelor’s degree in project management

18. Liberty University

Liberty University is a private four-year institution that offers associates, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. The current student population is over 85,000 and this is an evangelical Christian school. When it comes to academic offerings liberty offers a number of online programs as well as on campus programs including in the following fields: business, education, engineering, health, and more.

Liberty University offers a Bachelor of Science in business administration. This is a 120-credit hour course that requires on average 3.5 years to complete. Students may transfer up to 75% of the degree. This online program has been accredited by the ACVSP. This online course includes foundational core courses, major courses, and general education courses. As part of the major you will complete the following: financial accounting, managerial accounting, financial statement analysis, business law, international business, principles of management, corporate finance, principles of marketing, human resource management, and much more. For more information and to apply check out their website.

• Program Details
• Degree Type: Online BSBA in project management

19. Malone University

Malone University is a private institution located in Canton, Ohio. According to the US News and World Report, Malone University ranks as the 71st best school in the region. The student population is 1,524 and the student to faculty ratio is 11 to 1. To support their student success Malone University offers advanced placement credits, credit for life experience, and academic and career counseling. When it comes to academic programming Malone offers on campus and online degrees.

Malone University offers an online bachelor of arts in organizational management. This online degree has been accredited by the a CBSP. This is a rigorous and hands-on degree for students who are interested in a biblical perspective of management. Some of the key topics that you will cover include: problem-solving, control systems, management and leadership, organizational behavior, financial management, human resources, in critical thinking. Students will study the following courses: business finance, group and organizational behavior, business communication, principles of management and leader ship, business statistics, human resource/personnel management, personal values in business ethics. For more information and to apply check out their website.

• Program Details
• Degree Type: Online bachelor’s in organizational management

20. Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University is a private four-year institution located in Saint Leo, Florida. The university offers associates degrees, bachelors degrees, masters degrees, and doctoral degrees. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18 to 1. According to the US News and World Report St. Louis University ranks as the 26th best school in the region as well as 14th for best college for veterans and fourth for best value school. To support student success, the university offers credit for life experiences as well as academic and career counseling. Their academic offerings include degree programming in business, management marketing and related degrees as well as many others.

Saint Leo University offers a Bachelor of Arts and Business Administration and Project Management. If you’re interested in hospitality, construction, information, technology, healthcare, or simply running your own projects than this program is for you. Some of the classes that you’ll take during this online degree include: quality improvement in management, project teamwork and leadership, contracts and procurement, project risk management, and much more. Additionally students at Saint Leo have the opportunity to gain real world experience through a wide array of internships. For more information and to apply check out their website.

• Program Details
• Degree Type: Online project management specialization

The post The 20 Best Online Project Management Degree Programs appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Building degrees are wide and varied and in today’s economy a great bet for a range of employment opportunities including starting your own building business, consulting, or working for someone else.

If you’ve always wanted to learn how to “put things together” and wondered how the objects that surround us daily were made, a building degree could be a great fit for you.

Below we’re going to look at a wide range of building degrees, including degrees in civil engineering, architecture, construction management, construction technology, and other degree programs.

Think you may be interested in a building degree? Be sure to check out some of our related content including rankings of the best building degree programs out there.

• The Best Graduate Architecture Programs
• The Best Undergraduate Architecture Programs
• What Degree Do I Need To Become a Drafter?
• What Degree Do I Need To Become a Civil Engineer?
• What Degree Do I Need To Become a Land Surveyor
• The Best “Bang For Your Buck” Associates Degrees
• What is the Difference Between a Civil Engineering Degree and an Architecture Degree?

Still need more information? Be sure to read through our guide on building degrees below!

Table of Contents

• What is a Building Degree?
• Can I Get a Building Degree Online?
• How Do I Gain Admission To A Building Degree?
• What Can I Do With a Building Degree?

What is a Building Degree?

Building degrees are a general category of higher education degrees that include:

• Architecture
• Civil Engineering
• Construction Management
• Construction Technology
• And Related Disciplines

When looking at this range of disciplines, building degrees are available at the associates through doctoral levels (as well as in the form of many professional certifications).

Below we’ll walk through the four most common disciplines related to building sciences.

First, are the masterminds behind nearly every building you’ve ever set foot in, architects. Architecture as an academic discipline begins with pre-professional programs at the bachelor’s level. Typically a bachelor’s in architecture takes 5 years for completion, and can be used to jump into the job title of “architect.”

The major subjects studied within a bachelor’s level architecture degree include CAD drawing, architecture history, construction method, steel structural designs, and green design principles.

At the master’s level, architecture is often bundled with pre-professional programs. These “4 + 2” programs as they’re commonly called end up with students graduating with a bachelor’s and master’s in architecture in six years, as opposed to spending 5 years just on a pre-professional bachelor’s in architecture degree.

At the master’s level, students are more likely to be able to move directly into an “architect role.” Students in these programs study a selection of the following:

• Architectural Theory
• Formal Analysis of Structures
• Visualization and Computation
• A Multi-semester Building Project
• Environmental Design
• Urban Design
• An Advanced Design Studio
• And Management of Architectural Projects

For students without a bachelor’s in architecture, master’s in architecture often take three years of full-time study.

Our second common “building” discipline is civil engineering. Civil engineers are often employed in building communal or public projects including roads, dams, bridges, and the like. Civil engineers work for public and private entities and are found in nearly every location. Approval of new construction projects that many individuals will use almost always includes consultation with a civil engineer.

The primary degree that prepares one for civil engineering is a bachelor’s in civil engineering or civil engineering technology. Upon completion of a bachelor’s degree, students prepare for a licensure exam and then are required to take continuing education credits for the remainder of their practicing years.

Courses that are commonly taken in a bachelor’s in civil engineering (or civil engineering technology) include statistics, mechanics and systems of engineering, advanced math courses, fluid dynamics, physics, and a range of fieldwork requirements.

As with all engineering disciplines, master’s and doctor of engineering (D.Eng.) degrees are also available, though not required to land a job as an engineer of this type.

Our third degree type is construction management. Construction management degrees are available at the associates through the master’s level. These interdisciplinary degrees take from common degree types such as management, business, and construction-centered courses.

Specific coursework that students may take in a construction management degree include: mathematics, natural sciences, business administration, structural behavior, architecture, structural systems, construction methods, and basic technology courses.

At the master’s level, courses typically require 1-2 years and may come with industry certifications in sub disciplines such as historic restoration, green building, real estate, and so forth.

Our final degree category within building degrees is that of construction technology. Today, there are many subdisciplines within the construction industry that require advanced tech skills.

This degree type may be obtained at the associates through masters level, though most commonly offered at the associates level. It is generally considered a vocational or professional degree that is focused on applied (job-centered) learning.

Some of the most common courses that you may take if you pursue a degree in construction technology include:

• Construction Material Strengths and Measurements
• Surveying Equipment
• AutoCAD Applications
• Mechanics of Drafting and Engineering
• Technical Drawing
• Computer Applications in Construction
• Intro to Construction Technology
• Construction Materials and Methods

Think you may be interested in a building degree? Be sure to check out some of our related content including rankings of the best building degree programs out there.

• The Best Graduate Architecture Programs
• The Best Undergraduate Architecture Programs
• What Degree Do I Need To Become a Drafter?
• What Degree Do I Need To Become a Civil Engineer?
• What Degree Do I Need To Become a Land Surveyor
• The Best “Bang For Your Buck” Associates Degrees
• What is the Difference Between a Civil Engineering Degree and an Architecture Degree?

Can I Get a Building Degree Online?

Building occurs in-person, on-site, but also in offices, meetings, and using drafting programs. Keep this in mind, when seeking out a building degree. That building is in many ways literally a “brick and mortar” experience. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t quality building degrees that are available online. Just that many programs do require an in-person component or field experience.

With that said, you can find fully online and fully in-person building degrees. It depends on the degree and the school offering the program.

While you’re choosing whether you want to pursue a degree online or in-person, you should be aware of some of the following terminology.

1. 1. If a program is a hybrid program, you’ll need to attend some on-campus events but a sizable portion of the program will be online. Hybrid can mean you’re expected to come to campus once a week, or once a year. So make sure you know what exactly the program you’re interested in means by the term hybrid.
   2. Fully online programs will often advertise the fact that they are fully online. This means that you do not need to attend any on-campus events including orientation or graduation. A great number of online programs actually include some hybrid components, so if a program you are interested in does not explicitly disclose that they’re 100% online, inquire.
   3. Synchronous online courses mean that you attend an online course at the same time as your classmates. Similarly to an in-person course, everyone “shows up” at the same time. Only the course is presented online.
   4. Asynchronous online courses involve logging on when you want to watch videos and perform course-related tasks. There will likely still be due dates, and you’ll still communicate with classmates and the professor. It’s just a more flexible format in which to take courses online

While more and more students do have a great student experience studying online, it’s not for everyone. You should do your research as to the pros and cons of attending your specific program online.

Some of the most common pros and cons of online education include the following:
Pros:

1. 1. • There are lower fees in many online degrees.
      • You don’t have to move or leave your job for an online degree.
      • Asynchronous programs allow you great flexibility.
      • You graduate with an identical degree.

Cons:

1. 1. • More self direction required for online degrees.
      • More difficult to meet classmates or attend networking events.
      • Lower level of support services (often).
      • Lack of college or grad school “experience.'”

With all that said, online universities work well for many students. And there are a wide range of online universities that all provide different experiences.

Think you may be interested in a building degree? Be sure to check out some of our related content including rankings of the best building degree programs out there.

1. 1. • The Best Graduate Architecture Programs
      • The Best Undergraduate Architecture Programs
      • What Degree Do I Need To Become a Drafter?
      • What Degree Do I Need To Become a Civil Engineer?
      • What Degree Do I Need To Become a Land Surveyor
      • The Best “Bang For Your Buck” Associates Degrees
      • What is the Difference Between a Civil Engineering Degree and an Architecture Degree?

How Do I Gain Admission To A Building Degree?

Building degrees are no exception to general admission policies depending on the degree level you’re pursuing.

Starting with the lowest higher education degree level, associates degree programs often offer open enrollment. This doesn’t mean that you can just show up, but that they admit all applicants that meet certain prerequisites.

Typically those prerequisites include a satisfactory completion of an application packet as well as the submission of transcripts to show graduation from high school.

At the bachelor’s level, there’s greater variability in what is expected of successful applicants. Some schools have open admission policies similar to many community colleges, while others are quite competitive in their application process.

Common components required for admission to bachelor’s-level building degrees include the submission of a Federal financial aid application (FAFSA), a standardized college admission test score (ACT or SAT), transcripts, as well as the filling out of an application packet. Transcripts are used to determine that you did indeed graduate from a high school, and that you have achieved a minimum GPA requirement. Most commonly, schools require students to have gotten at or above a 2.5 or 3.0 GPA. The most competitive programs may require as high as a 3.75 GPA for admissions.

Master’s-level building programs typically require GRE test results, proof that you’ve made arrangements for paying for the program, transcripts, and resumes. Transcripts are used to determine that you are a graduate of a regionally accredited undergraduate institution. Resumes are often used to fulfill work requirements and to provide information that may not have surfaced elsewhere in the application. At the graduate level, students may take out up to the full cost of attendance in Federal student loans. Other common payment routes include employer pay and self pay.

Two noteworthy differences are that construction management master’s degrees typically require GRE scores for admissions. And architecture bachelor’s degrees may require additional application measures as they are often competitive and intensive courses of study.

Think you may be interested in a building degree? Be sure to check out some of our related content including rankings of the best building degree programs out there.

1. 1. • The Best Graduate Architecture Programs
      • The Best Undergraduate Architecture Programs
      • What Degree Do I Need To Become a Drafter?
      • What Degree Do I Need To Become a Civil Engineer?
      • What Degree Do I Need To Become a Land Surveyor
      • The Best “Bang For Your Buck” Associates Degrees
      • What is the Difference Between a Civil Engineering Degree and an Architecture Degree?
      • What Civil Engineering Courses Will I Have to Take for a Degree in Civil Engineering?

What Can I Do With a Building Degree?

Finally, what you’ve been waiting for. Well, the short answer is that building degrees can take you into many roles (particularly when coupled with experience). There are many construction firm owners that hold associates degrees in building technology. There are small business owners that are architects, and there are highly sought after construction technologists.

Particularly in an expanding economy, real estate and development opportunities are all over the place.

Some of the most common roles include:

1. 1. • Building Science Engineer
      • Civil Engineer
      • Construction Technologist
      • Site Supervisor
      • Architect
      • Drafters
      • Real Estate Developer
      • And Cost Estimator

Working our way down the list, building science engineers (also called construction engineers) are generally civil engineers that actually oversee construction work. While some civil engineers oversee plans from their home office, construction engineers are commonly “on the ground” and helping to oversee some of the most crucial structural aspects of building roads, bridges, and buildings.

The average salary for building science engineers is currently close to $90,000. Though many construction engineers may eventually go out and start their own consulting businesses to bring in much more money.

Civil Engineers are one of the most common types of engineers and are involved with nearly every construction type. In particular, infrastructure projects are within the purview of civil engineers including dams, harbors, bridges, roads, as well as large buildings that need to be able to withstand a variety of natural events.

Job duties of civil engineers include performing feasibility and technical studies, the management of budgets, overseeing construction projects, legal compliance, utilizing a range of advanced software for design and calculations, ordering materials, and generally being the “expert” for building projects.

The average salary for civil engineers is presently $91,790, with more senior engineers easily making over $100,000.

Construction technologists (also known as construction specialists depending on the role) are responsible for some facet of operations within a construction environment. Generally these specialists will focus on one area of construction tasks. Perhaps that’s heavy machinery operation, perhaps it’s electronic systems within building, and the list goes on.

While average salaries vary depending on what area of construction technology, many construction specialists make close to $60,000 a year.

Site supervisors are the day-to-day logistics and human resources managers for building sites. Responsibilities of site supervisors include managing orders of materials, ensuring compliance of workers, hiring and firing of construction workers, overseeing subcontractors, ensuring a project stays on budget, and generally providing leadership to ensure that projects are completed in a satisfactory measure. Generally, site supervisors have worked in the construction industry for 5-10 years.

The average salary for site supervisors in construction settings is presently $70,067.

Architects play a role in designing and approving designs for nearly every building projects. These specialists must attend rigorous 5 year pre-professional programs, or hold master’s degrees in architecture. Additionally, professional licensure exams are required to be able to practice as an architect.

Job requirements of this role include preparing and proposing designs for clients, playing advisor roles, coordinating subcontractor work, periodic visits to building sites to assess progress, and the creation of detailed drawings and calculations for building. The average salary for architects in the United States is currently $76,100.

Drafters work in architecture and engineering firms in the public and private sector. These professionals are skilled at converting the drawings of engineers and architects into workable technical drawings that guide construction. Typically drafters specialize in one aspect of engineering including civil, electrical, architectural, or mechanical drawings.

Drafters typically only require associate’s degrees, and earn an average salary of over $55,000.

Real Estate Developers play a hybrid role of investor, manager, salesperson, and designer. While real estate developer positions typically mean you run your own business, these are also roles within established real estate companies. Typical duties include the identification of finished or unfinished properties, planning for how to make improvements or repairs on said properties, and go-to-market strategies once improvements to the property are made.

While the highest paid real estate developers have earned billions of dollars in their trade, the average salary for a real estate developer not running their own company is presently $91,333.

Cost estimators are specialists in construction logistics. Common job tasks include reviewing technical documentation and project planning documents to ascertain the viability of plans. They may provide detailed cost lists or documentation on how materials will get to the work site, what temporary aid is needed in construction, and potential hang-ups to do with logistics in construction. Cost estimators should also be good communicators as they often have to interface with a wide variety of stake holders.

The average salary for cost estimators is presently $54,026.

Finally, construction worker jobs can also benefit from building degrees. While you don’t need a degree to get your foot in the door as a construction worker, furthering your education can help you move into specialized or supervisorial roles.

Besides technical skills needed for demolition, construction, and tasks such as the laying of concrete and operation of machinery, construction workers must be team players, willing to learn, and decent at communication. Construction workers that enhance their education to some degree may quickly find themselves promoted to foreman, IT specialist, or roles such as building inspector or cost estimator.

The average salary for construction workers is presently $38,890.

Additional jobs that building degrees will likely prepare you for include:

1. 1. • Construction Worker
      • Building Inspector
      • Foreman
      • Among Others

Think you may be interested in a building degree? Be sure to check out some of our related content including rankings of the best building degree programs out there.

1. • The Best Graduate Architecture Programs
   • The Best Undergraduate Architecture Programs
   • What Degree Do I Need To Become a Drafter?
   • What Degree Do I Need To Become a Civil Engineer?
   • What Degree Do I Need To Become a Land Surveyor
   • The Best “Bang For Your Buck” Associates Degrees
   • What is the Difference Between a Civil Engineering Degree and an Architecture Degree?
   • Architect vs Engineer: What Is the Benefit of an Engineering Degree Over an Architecture Degree?

The post What Can I Do With a Building Degree? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

For students interested in the file of firefighting and fire protection services, an education beyond a high school diploma can be valuable. Many schools today give students the opportunity to earn a bachelors in fire science online. Through these programs, online students can deepen their knowledge of firefighter safety and prepare for a variety of careers within and outside the fire department.

Prospective students are sure to find some excellent programs to consider on our list of the best online fire science degree options in the nation.

What Is a Fire Science Degree?

The most common title for programs of study that pertain to firefighting and fire protection services is fire science. In a fire science degree program, students may take coursework in everything from fire dynamics and fire hazards in building construction leadership skills for managing fire service organizations.

Studies in fire science and fire prevention may also make up part of the curriculum in degree programs in emergency management, fire protection and fire safety engineering.

Most institutions that offer a fire science degree, a degree in emergency management or other fire-related programs of study cover a comprehensive curriculum that includes coursework in areas like the following:

• An overview of fire and emergency services
• Firefighting
• Fire prevention and protection techniques
• Fire inspection

RELATED: What Classes will I take in a Fire Science Bachelor’s Degree ?           

The focus of a degree in fire science doesn’t always revolve entirely around understanding fire behavior and ways to protect people and property from fire. Many fire science programs at the bachelor’s degree level provide graduates with more general skills needed in the emergency services workforces, including financial management and fiscal responsibility, human resource management and technology. In general, fire science degree programs prepare students to enter the public service and public safety workforce after graduation.

The Best Bachelor’s in Fire Science Degrees Online

There’s no question that having an associate or bachelor’s degree in a field like fire science can give your career in fire services a boost. Whether you want to rise through the ranks of your local fire department or get a job with a more emergency management organization like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), your education will be an asset. For many prospective students, the question isn’t whether they should pursue a degree in fire science but rather where they should go for their education.

What do the best colleges for fire science have that set them apart from the rest? For one thing, they are recognized and highly respected schools in other fields as well as fire science. Often, this includes having a long history of academic excellence, an engaged student body, strong institutional rankings and regional institutional accreditation.

At the best schools for fire science, the online fire science curriculum strikes a balance between breadth and depth, equipping students with the knowledge and technical skills they will need for life after graduation. Ideally, the program should earn either Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) Recognition or accreditation from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).

Read on to learn more about the top 10 fire science degree programs online.

1. University of Florida

Leading our list of the best fire science colleges is the University of Florida. This public university in Gainesville, Florida, is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Why Study Fire Science at the University of Florida

The University of Florida boasts an enrollment of more than 55,000 students as of Fall 2021, including more than 5,000 online students. The school is one of the largest single-campus universities in the United States. The campus consists of 2,000 acres and is home to upwards of 900 buildings. Approximately 180 research centers and institutes are part of the college, as are 16 individual academic colleges.

U.S. News & World Report has recognized the University of Florida on its lists of national universities, top public schools, best value schools, most innovative schools and best colleges for veterans.

The University of Florida offers more than 300 degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. More than 200 programs are available online, including both bachelor’s degree and master’s degree programs in fire and emergency services

Coursework in the University of Florida’s Fire & Emergency Services Program

In the Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Services, students develop skills for a variety of careers in emergency services. This degree program is offered through the Rinker School of Construction Management, part of the College of Design, Construction and Planning.

Required coursework for this degree includes studies in the following areas:

• Principles of fire and emergency services management
• Strategic planning for fire and emergency services
• Fire and emergency services financial management
• Disaster planning and control
• Communication and informational technology
• Fire and emergency services public relations
• Fire and emergency services ethical practices and leadership

The program offers a Fire Specialization, along with an Emergency Management Specialization and Emergency Medical Services Management Specialization, that allows students to focus their coursework. Core coursework for students pursuing the Fire Management Specialization includes:

• Political and legal foundations of fire protection
• Fire and emergency services administration
• Management of fire prevention programs
• Community risk reduction for emergency services
• Command and control at catastrophic fire-rescue incidents
• Fire and emergency services human resource management
• Applications of fire research

The bachelor’s degree in fire science program is open to both new students and transfer students.

The Master of Fire and Emergency Sciences program is a 33-credit graduate program that encompasses 11 courses. This non-thesis program covers courses in areas like the following:

• Fire suppression systems
• Disaster mitigation
• Emergency planning
• Technological innovations for fire and emergency management
• Homeland security

RELATED: What Are My Master’s Degree Choices in Fire Science?         

The online fire science programs at the University of Florida are accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).

View program details.

2. Fayetteville State University

Another of the top online fire science degree programs is offered out of Fayetteville State University in North Carolina. This Historically Black university was founded in 1867, making it the second-oldest state-supported institution in North Carolina. The public institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Why Study Fire Science at Fayetteville State University

U.S. News & World Report has included Fayetteville State University on its college rankings lists of top public schools, regional universities int he South, Historically Black colleges and universities and top performers on social mobility.

Today, the student body at Fayetteville State University numbers 6,500 students. Fayetteville State University is best known for its programs in teaching and nursing, but the school offers more than 60 total bachelor’s and master’s degrees out of four colleges:

• College of Education
• College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Broadwell College of Business and Economics
• Lloyd College of Health, Science, and Technology 

The school also offers a number of online degree completion programs, including the Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Services Administration program.

Coursework in Fayetteville State University’s Fire and Emergency Services Administration Program

The online Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Services Administration degree at Fayetteville State University is a FESHE-Recognized program. The curriculum, which is offered through the Broadwell College of Business and Economics, includes coursework in the following areas:

• Fire prevention organization and management
• Community risk reduction for fire and emergency services
• Fire service organizational dynamics
• Fire service personnel administration
• Fire-related human behavior
• Managerial Issues in an all hazards environment
• Fire dynamics
• Fire investigations
• Political and legal foundations of fire protection
• Applications of fire research
• Advanced fire administration
• Applied fire service ethics

Fayetteville State University’s fire science bachelor’s degree is intended for students who have an associate’s degree and/or fire service work experience.

View program details.

3. New Jersey City University

Another school where students will find a top-notch fire science bachelors degree online is New Jersey City University. This public institution located in Jersey City was founded in 1927.

Why Study Fire Science at New Jersey City University

U.S. News & World Report has included New Jersey City University on its rankings lists of top public schools, regional universities in the North and top performers on social mobility.

Although New Jersey City University was originally established as a teaching school, the institution now encompasses four colleges and schools:

• The Deborah Cannon Partridge Wolfe College of Education
• The William J. Maxwell College of Arts & Sciences
• The NJCU School of Business
• The College of Professional Studies

Close to 8,0000 students attend New Jersey City University. The school now offers more than 47 programs for undergraduates and 30 programs for graduate students. Additionally, its online offerings include nearly two dozen bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and certificate programs. The most popular and largest programs at New Jersey City University include music, nursing, psychology and early childhood education. For students who are interested in fire and emergency services, though, the most noteworthy program of study is the online Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Science

Coursework in New Jersey City University’s Fire Science Program

The Fire Science Department at New Jersey City University and its programs are accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC). Coursework in the Bachelor of Science in Fires Science program includes studies in subjects like the following:

• Introduction to fire science
• Problems in fire engineering
• Introduction to ladder company operations
• Introduction to engine company operations
• Fire officer company management
• Emergency personnel fitness
• Fire prevention & related codes
• Fire detection & suppression systems
• Fire department organization & administration
• Firefighting strategies
• Firefighting tactics 
• Hydraulic technology
• Fire investigation & arson
• General fire insurance
• Building construction 
• Hazardous materials
• Transportation & industrial fire hazards

Through this program, students prepare for roles that range from firefighters to fire investigators, code enforcers and jobs in the fire protection systems industry.

View program details.

4. Columbia Southern University

Another of the best online fire science degree programs can be found at Columbia Southern University. This private, for-profit higher learning institution is an online college that is headquartered in Orange Beach, Alabama.

Why Study Fire Science at Columbia Southern University

At Columbia Southern University, online programs aren’t an afterthought. The was founded in 1993 for the purpose of educating adult learners through convenient and affordable online education. Over the school’s 30-year history, it has educationed upwards of 60,000 students and awarded more than 100,000 degrees. Today, Columbia Southern University employs 1,000 faculty and staff and educates nearly 16,000 students.

Columbia Southern University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The school is also a member of the American Council and Education and has historically been accredited by the Distance Education Accreditation Commission. To keep improving the quality of the online education it offers, Columbia Southern University is taking steps to implement Quality Matters (QM) standards into its programs.

With nearly 100 active online degree programs and more than 450 online courses available, online learners at Columbia Southern University have plenty of academic options. Programs of study include associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctorates and certificates. One of these programs is the Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration.

Coursework in Columbia Southern University’s Fire Administration Program

Columbia Southern University’s fire science bachelor’s degree is a 120-credit undergraduate program recognized by FESHE. Students in this program can acquire the expertise required to become firefighters. The program’s comprehensive curriculum covers fire protection and fire prevention strategies. The 36 semester hours of fire science major coursework includes studies in the following areas:

• Principles of fire and emergency services
• Principles of fire and emergency services safety and survival
• Introduction to fire prevention
• Fire behavior and combustion
• Fire prevention organization and management
• Fire protection structure and systems
• Community risk reduction for the fire and emergency services
• Fire and emergency services administration
• Fire service personnel management
• Political and legal foundations of fire protection
• Building construction for fire protection
• Applications in fire research

Students also devote 12 semester hours to program elective courses. Options for these courses include the following:

• Fire dynamics
• Human behavior in fire
• Fire protection and code enforcement
• Analytical approaches to public fire protection
• Fire protection hydraulics and water supply
• Fire ground tactics
• Management of incident command systems
• Terrorism incident management and emergency procedures
• Legal aspects of emergency services

Southern Columbia University also offers a Master of Science degree in Fire Executive Leadership. This program allows students to choose one of four concentration areas:

• Emergency Services Management.
• Occupational Safety and Health
• Public Administration
• Human Resource Management

This program emphasizes decision-making and managerial skills for working in the field of fire science and protection.

View program details.

5. University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh also offers a great online fire science bachelor’s degree program. This public institution of higher learning dates back to 1871.

Why Study Fire Science at the Univesity of Wisconsin

At this school, the students – of which there are well over 12,000 – can choose from close to 200 programs of study. The degrees at the bachelor’s master’s and doctoral levels of study. The University of Wisconsin also offers more than 30 online programs of study.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh on its lists of national universities, top public schools and top performers on social mobility.

The University of Wisconsin is best known for its programs of study in biology, nursing and elementary education. It also is home to an excellent fire science degree for online students.  

Coursework in the University of Wisconsin’s Fire and Emergency Response Management Program

The online program in fire science at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is known as a Bachelor of Applied Studies degree. The major’s official title is Fire and Emergency Response Management, or FERM. The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s curriculum is both FESHE-recognized and accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress.

Core coursework for the program as a whole includes:

• Intro to public administration
• Intro to leadership
• Critical thinking and writing
• Fire & emergency services leadership
• Public personnel administration
• Services personnel
• Mentoring for emergency
• Budgeting for managers
• Conflict resolution for the emergency services
• Administrative law
• Government and economy
• Applied research in emergency management

Students who choose the Fire Service Management Emphasis take classes such as:

• Management of emergency services
• Fire prevention organization and management
• Community risk reduction for fire & emergency services
• Occupational safety and health in emergency services
• Intercultural communication

Learning outcomes of completing this program include the ability to apply theoretical leadership concepts to real-world fire services management, utilize systematic planning in emergency response management, understand the natural science behind fire response and approach fire and emergency practice from the diverse perspectives of fire.

View program details.

6. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is another school that offers a great fire science bachelor degree online. UNC Charlotte is a public university established in 1946.

Why Study Fire Science at the University of North Carolina

UNC Charlotte isn’t only the third largest university located in North Carolina. The school also bills itself as the fastest-growing college in the state. The total enrollment in Fall 2021 amounted to over 30,000, including more than 6,000 graduate students.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked the University of North Carolina at Charlotte on college rankings lists including national universities, best value schools, top public schools and best colleges for veterans.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte encompasses seven academic colleges, plus a Graduate School and an Interdisciplinary Studies division. The academic colleges at UNC Charlotte include:

• Belk College of Business
• Cato College of Education
• College of Arts + Architecture
• College of Computing & Informatics
• College of Health & Human Services
• College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
• The William States Lee College of Engineering

All told, there are over 170 bachelor’s degree programs of study and more than 150 graduate programs at UNC Charlotte. The online division of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, UNC Charlotte Online, is where working professionals study through the School of Professional Studies. Students can choose from more than 50 online programs of study, including the Bachelor of Science in Fire & Safety Engineering Technology degree.

Coursework in UNC-Charlotte’s Fire Safety Engineering Technology Program

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s online undergraduate degree in fire services focuses on engineering technology, particularly as it pertains to fire safety. As such, this program is as well suited for students interested in roles like fire inspector, fire prevention officer, building code official and corporate safety specialist as it is for aspiring firefighters.

Coursework in the program includes the following areas of study:

• Fire dynamics
• Active fire protection
• Fire safety in the built environment
• Risk management
• Electronic circuits and devices
• Industrial hazards & electricity
• Industrial hygiene
• Environmental pollution control
• Advanced fire service administration
• Command and control of major disasters
• Engineering economics
• Research investigation
• Adult learning theory in safety
• Fire and safety capstone

This fully online program of study is a degree completion program. The 61-credit curriculum is designed to build upon an Associate of Applied Science degree in fire science, fire protection or a related program of study.

RELATED: What is the Difference in a Fire Science vs. Fire Protection Engineering Degree?

UNC Charlotte also offers an online professional development certificate program known as Fire & Rescue Management Institute. This program is intended for established fire and rescue personnel. The curriculum covers a variety of aspects of professional development, including leadership, communication, strategic planning and team building.

View program details.

7. Colorado State University, Fort Collins

Next on our list of the top online fire degrees is Colorado State University, Fort Collins.

Why Study Fire Science at Colorado State University

Colorado State University, Fort Collins is a public institution founded in 1870.  This Tier 1 Research institution is celebrated as one of the best research universities in the nation. Students and faculty at Colorado State University work hand-in-hand to explore infectious illnesses, innovations in environmental science, mysteries of atmospheric science, and breakthroughs in clean energy technologies. The school also reports an 85% job placement rate within six months of graduation.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Colorado State University among the top public schools, best value schools, national universities and best colleges for veterans.

Colorado State University educates more than 33,400 students, and its faculty is growing to match. The school is home to eight colleges Students can choose from close to 300 academic programs. CSU Online, the college’s distance learning division, offers bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctoral degrees in the following fields:

• Agricultural sciences
• Arts and music
• Busienss and communications
• Computer science and technology
• Education
• Engineering
• Government studies
• Health, biology and social sciences
• Natural resources management and tourism
• social work
• Student affairs
• Exploratory studies

 The Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Services Administration at Colorado State University is part of the Natural Resources Management and Tourism area of study.

Coursework in Colorado State University’s Fire & Emergency Services Administration Program

Working professionals with prior college credits to transfer and a background in fire and emergency services can complete the bachelor’s program in fire and emergency administration at Colorado State University in as little as two years.

The core curriculum for this program consists of 37 credits of coursework in areas like the following:

• Fire emergency services administration
• Essentials of emergency management
• Fire service leadership
• Trends in fire science technology
• Structure influence on tactics and strategy
• Proposals/reports in fire service management
• Human resources for fire and emergency
• Fire and emergency services budgeting
• Legal considerations in fire and emergency

Students also complete elective coursework in areas such as:

• Industrial process and fire protection
• Fire protection through model building codes
• Emergency medical service management
• Indident command system s
• Prevention program management
• Policy and public administration
• Training management program

Students in the program learn to successfully apply the academic knowledge they gain to managerial and administrative roles in fire and emergency. In doing so, they not only develop the skills to improve their career in their current workplace settings but also prepare for future career advancement.

View program details.

8. The University of Nebraska at Omaha

Another institution to consider for a fire science degree is the University of Nebraska at Omaha. This school’s interesting history dates back to 1908. Although the University of Omaha was initially a private school, the college was made a public institution – which it remains today – in 1930.

Why Study Fire Science at the University of Nebraska at Omaha

More than 15,000 students are enrolled at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. To teach and serve these students, the school employs nearly 2,100 faculty and staff.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha has been recognized with the Carnegie Foundation’s Elective Classification for Community Engagement. The school is home to six colleges:

• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Business Administration
• College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media
• College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
• College of Information Science & Technology
• College of Public Affairs and Community Service

the school offers more than 60 online undergraduate degree, graduate degree and certificate programs. One such program is the Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management with a Concentration in Fire Service Management.

Coursework in the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Emergency Management Program

The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s fire science online program is technically a degree in emergency management. Fire Service Management is one of more than a dozen areas of concentration students can pursue within this online program.

The core curriculum for the emergency management degree includes coursework in the following areas:

• Introduction to emergency management
• Introduction to public administration
• Emergency management strategies and communication
• Disaster response and recovery
• Preparedness/planning and risk mitigation
• Agency collaboration during disasters
• Political and legal foundations in emergency services
• Applied statistics and data processing in the public sector
• Internship in emergency management
• Capstone project in emergency management

Students in the Fire Service Management Concentration take the following classes:

• Fire prevention, organization, and management
• Fire and emergency services administration
• Strategies and tactics in fire and emergency services
• Analytical approaches to public fire protection
• Codes and inspections

Students in the emergency management degree program at the University of Nebraska Omaha complete two separate 15-credit concentrations, amounting to 30 total l credits of concentration coursework. Among the secondary concentration options students may wish to pair with their fire services coursework are Natural Disasters, Public Administration and Management, Planning and Preparing for Urban Hazards and Nonprofit Management.

Students must earn120 credits to graduate with their emergency management degree from the University of Nebraska Omaha. 

View program details.

9. American Public University System

If you’re not opposed to earning your fire science degree online from a for-profit institution, turn your attention to American Public University. The American Public University System is a private online system that is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Why Study Fire Science at American Public University

In addition to housing American Public University and its fire science degree program, the American Public University System also encompasses the American Military University. The parent company behind the American Public University System is a private-sector organization called American Public Education, Inc.

The American Public University System is best known for offering programs in areas like business, homeland security and disaster management and liberal arts and humanities. Currently, the American Public University System teaches 89,291 students and employs more than 1,600 faculty members. The school offers more than 270 academic programs, including certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctoral programs. These programs are offered out of the following academic schools within the American Public University System:

• Dr. Wallace E. Boston School of Business
• School of Arts, Humanities & Education
• School of Health Sciences
• School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)
• School of Security & Global Studies

APUS offers an online Bachelor of Science in Fire Science Management program is offered through

Coursework in American Public University’s Fire Science Management Program

Students pursuing online fire science degrees from American Public University complete 66 semester hours of required courses for the major. Subjects of required study include:

• Fire behavior and combustion
• Fire dynamics
• Fire prevention
• Principles of fire and emergency services safety and survival
• Fundamentals of fire protection
• Fire protection systems
• Fire protection hydraulics and water supply
• Fire protection structure and system design
• Fire protection in building construction
• Community risk reduction for the fire and emergency services
• Community fire mitigation and protection
• Emergency planning
• Emergency and disaster incident command
• Managerial issues in hazardous materials
• Fire administration and finance
• Fire regulation, policy, and law
• Fire safety and risk regulation
• Incendiary fire analysis and investigation
• Applications of fire research
• Psychology of disaster

The curriculum of this program introduces students to students fire suppression methods, safety, protection and fire prevention as well as firefighting leadership and management. American Public University ystemsS’s bachelor’s degree in fire sciences and management is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress.

View program details.

10. Anna Maria College

Completing our list of the best fire science schools at the bachelor’s level is Anna Maria College in Paxton, Massachusetts.

Why Study Fire Science at Anna Maria College

Anna Maria College is a private, nonprofit Catholic college founded in 1946. Its 260-acre campus is less than an hour from Boston. The school is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

U.S. News & World Report has included Anna Maria College on its lists of the top regional universities in the North and top performers on social mobility.

for the most recent year for which Anna Maria College currently has data available (2019), total enrollment amounted to more than 1,400. Online students accounted for nearly one-quarter of the total student population (175 undergraduate and 177 graduate students).

At Anna Maria College, 99% of students receive some form of financial aid. That’s a big consideration for prospective students who are on a budget, especially since not all roles in the fire protection services are well paid.

The institution offers undergraduate programs of study in more than 30 areas, as well as graduate degrees and certificates. Among the online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs available online from Anna Maria College is a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science program.

Coursework in Anna Maria College’s Fire Science Program

If you want to ascend to roles like fire investigator, fire chief or fire marshal, Anna Maria College’s fire science degree may be for you. The FESHE-recognized curriculum encompasses 60 credits of coursework.

Required courses for the online fire science program include studies in areas such as:

• Fire behavior and combustion
• Fundamentals of fire prevention
• Principles of emergency services
• Fire protection systems
• Building construction for fire protection
• Fire protection hydraulics & water supply
• Analytical approaches to public fire protection
• Applications for fire research
• Fire service ethics

Students also take six elective courses, seminar courses, an optional internship course and courses that meet college-wide requirements in areas like writing and quantitative reasoning. Together, this requirement adds up to 20 total courses.

Anna Maria College’s online program is intended as a bachelor’s degree completion program. Applicants should have either an associate degree or 60 credits of prior college coursework. Professional work experience and certification in roles like Fire Officer I is also valuable.

Prospective students who want to take their education even further may be interested in Anna Maria College’s fast-track Master of Public Administration program. Under this program, students in their final year of the bachelor’s degree program take some graduate-level courses that apply to both their bachelor’s and master’s programs. This allows them to complete the MPA curriculum in just one additional year of study instead of two. The Master of Public Administration program with a Fire and Emergency Services Specialization includes studies in labor-management relations, policy and strategy and customer service in addition to public policy, strategic planning and executive leadership.

View program details.

The post The 10 Best Online Fire Science Degree Bachelor’s Programs appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

We shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us – Winston Churchill

Civil engineering is the design, development, and maintenance of infrastructure. In America, we’re facing significant infrastructure issues. These issues can be seen in our airports, train systems, bridges, roads, and water systems. From the Rust Belt to major cities like New York and Los Angeles, there are comprehensive infrastructure challenges that must be addressed. We’ve all heard about Flint, Michigan’s water crisis, but throughout the country, there are areas where people can’t depend on clean, dependable running water.

This is just one of the challenges facing the modern civil engineer. Fortunately, civil engineers have a long track record of beating seemingly insurmountable odds to create safe and sustainable projects that markedly improve the lives of anyone who utilizes or relies on them.

One great example of a civil engineering success is the Qingdao Haiwan Bridge. Built in 2011 the bridge is 26.4 miles long, making it the longest bridge in the world based on its aggregate length. It took 10,000 workers four years to build and required 450,000 tons of steel along with 3 million cubic yards of concrete. It was designed to withstand earthquakes up to 8.0 on the Richter scale, impacts from 300,000-ton vessels, as well as typhoons.

These massive civil engineering projects aren’t new, and in fact, some of the historical accomplishments in the field are extremely impressive, especially when you consider the times and places they happened in. Consider the Panama Canal. In the 1600’s Charles V, King of Spain and Holy Roman Emperor wanted a route that ships could take between Peru in Spain. Hundreds of years later his dream became a reality in the form of the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through movable locks that lift and lower ships. It saves thousands of miles on each trip between North and South America. In 1914 it opened. Now 15,000 ships use it each year.

Each ship that passes through must be raised and lowered by 85 feet across the canal, and each movable lock door weighs 750 tons and fills with 52 million gallons of water to support the thousands of ships that go through it each year. The project required 60 million pounds of dynamite and 40,000 workers.

These are just a couple of the most important civil engineering projects in human history, but they demonstrate how much can be accomplished with a bold vision and the will to bring it to fruition. Civil engineers handily solve complex problems by coordinating as many skilled professionals they require. If they’re successful, their works stand the test of time and markedly improve the lives of incalculable people over the years and decades after they’re completed.

Being a civil engineer is extremely rewarding and challenging work. It’s not for everyone, but if you have the aptitude and the will to thrive in this field, a top-notch civil engineering education can give you the tools you’ll need to have a successful, long-lasting career in the field.

By earning a civil engineering degree you can help build a better, more efficient world and help people live better lives whenever they make use of your works.

In this handy, thorough guide, we’ll look into the available civil engineering degrees, including different degree levels and common specializations. We’ll also look at all that we’ve done at Degree Query to help you find the best civil engineering degree for you. While you peruse this resource, please ask yourself and consider the following (among other factors that might pertain to you):

• What are your short and longterm career goals, and how can a degree in civil engineering help you reach them?
• You don’t need to have an exact plan of how your education and career will go, but starting with a premise about where you’d like to work and what you’re good at is a great way to explore your civil engineering degree options.
• What degrees do you currently hold? What civil engineering position do you want, and what degree level would you need to reach to qualify for it?
• Entry-level civil engineering positions often require at least a Bachelor’s degree. Applicants with graduate or doctoral degrees can reach more senior positions and are preferred for competitive civil engineering positions.
• How much can you afford to pay in tuition and the other costs that are associated with a specific civil engineering degree, and how much would you have to take out in loans to afford one?
• There are many costs associated with civil engineering programs, depending on the school you choose, and the delivery formats they offer. You should also consider what scholarships and loans you could qualify for, among other personal financial considerations.
• Whenever possible you should choose schools you can afford to attend. However, that’s not an option for many people, so if you need to borrow money take out loans from the government instead of borrowing money from private interests.
• Consider schools that are comparably affordable, accredited, and non-profit over more costly for-profit options.
• How much time can you commit to a civil engineering degree each day, week, and in total before graduating? Depending on the civil engineering program you choose you can enjoy a variety of delivery formats.
• These delivery options include full-time, part-time, online, on-campus, or a hybrid of online and traditional on-campus instruction. What’s best for you?
• Where do you want to live and use your civil engineering degree? Different states, cities, and industries have different demands for civil engineers.
• What is your career and educational background? How can a prospective civil engineering degree program increase your strengths and mitigate your weaknesses?
• What are the available specializations in civil engineering degrees you’re considering? How can a specialization or focus in the field help you meet and exceed your educational and career goals?

This is just a taste of what you should look at when searching for a civil engineering degree or any other discipline for that matter. While you explore, it’s beneficial to write down more questions, parameters, obstacles, and considerations that will inform your search. This way, you can set up criteria to pare down the available civil engineering options. Throughout, keep in mind, what do you want from a civil engineering program?

Now let’s look at some of the factors that make civil engineers successful. These may not all apply to you, but that’s OK. Probe your aptitudes, and how they play into civil engineering, and think about whether you can make up for the things you struggle with to determine whether civil engineering is right for you.

What Makes Successful Civil Engineers?

Many qualities make a great civil engineer, but here are some of them:

• Incredible Analysis: Civil engineers are constantly looking to solve problems, and prevent them from occurring. They need to be examining a multitude of factors that go into a project and determining where the courses they and their coworkers have chosen need correction, and where they will be successful.
• Management and Organizational Skills: Because of how much a civil engineer must try and control (can they maintain their budgets? Is their building being constructed safely? Etc.) they need excellent planning and delegation skills to keep everything running smoothly on time. Coordinating all of the moving parts of a building project is a lot easier when you’re naturally adept at managing many different aspects of a project towards an overall goal.
• Communication Skills: Knowing exactly how you want a project to play out won’t matter unless you can convey your plans to peers, those working under you, your bosses and the people financing a project.
• Flexibility: No matter how hard you plan, large or small scale civil engineering projects will hit snags. Your ability to adapt, and also compromise on your desires is essential to success in the field.
• Negotiation Skills: Of course, you don’t just want to give in to any demands that workers or bosses are making. However, patience and kindness will go a long way towards achieving your goals and keeping everyone you need to complete a project happy while you do so.
• Attention to Detail: This is one of the most important aspects of an engineer’s life. No detail is too small, especially when it can rear its head as a major problem down the road.

Let’s move on to what we’ve done at Degree Query to help you find a civil engineering degree:

How Can We Help You Find the Right Civil Engineering Degree for You?

At Degree Query we’ve worked hard to provide you with resources in your hunt for the right degree for you. We’ve ranked jobs, schools, and degree options. We’ve answered common questions about schools, degrees, jobs, and the state of higher education. We’ve also built tools like our interactive compare careers matrix, which was designed to help you find the best pathway in school for you. Some of what we’ve done that applies to civil engineering and adjacent fields includes:

Rankings

• Top 10 Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Environmental Science
• Top 50 Highest Paying Master’s Degrees
• 50 Best Online Degrees for 2019
• 50 Highest Paying Bachelor’s Degrees
• Top 50 Degrees For Changing The World
• Top 50 Degrees for the Future

Frequently Asked Questions

• What Degree Do You Need to Be a Civil Engineer?
• What Are the Highest Paying Jobs in Engineering?
• What Can I Do With An Engineering Degree?
• What are the Fastest Schools for a Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering?
• How much Science is in an Environmental Engineering Degree?
• What Is the Difference Between a Degree in Civil Engineering and a Degree in Architecture?
• What Kind of Job Can You Get With a Degree in Civil Engineering?
• What Classes Will I Have to Take for a Degree in Civil Engineering?
• What Should You Know When You Interview for a Job With a Degree in Civil Engineering?
• What Are the Benefits of Pursuing a Degree in Civil Engineering?
• What Are the Highest Paying Jobs With a Degree in Civil Engineering?
• What Is the Benefit of a Civil Engineering Degree Vs an Environmental Engineering Degree?

Now let’s explore the different levels of Civil Engineering degrees:

What are the Different Levels of Civil Engineering Degrees?

Associate’s in Civil Engineering

These degrees take approximately two years to earn depending on your schedule and availability. In these programs, you’ll study the construction of public infrastructures like roads, bridges, tunnels, and systems like water and electricity. Students will likely do lab work in addition to in-class instruction. You’ll get acquainted with the latest tools and technologies used for mapping and surveying. These programs can prepare you to work as an assistant technician, inspector, or surveyor, or can assist you in your ongoing education and help you earn a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a similar discipline. These programs are often offered at community or junior colleges, which can cost less than traditional four-year programs. If you choose to transfer into a four-year program, you’ll come equipped with pertinent credits that can make your remaining undergraduate civil engineering studies much more comfortable.

Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering

Here you’ll study construction, materials, and much more. These programs are similar to their associate counterparts but far more in-depth. Topics covered include structural design, soil composition, waste management, surveying, materials science, hazardous materials, wastewater, among other areas. You’ll become exceptionally well-versed in the writing, calculus, computer-aided design, and other math skills needed in civil engineering. Generally, these programs take four years to complete, depending on your delivery format and any credits you’ve earned previously in the field. Graduates will be prepared to design systems, bridges, roads, public sanitation, dams, and other vital infrastructure. If you succeed in these programs, you’ll also be on the way to certification as a civil engineer, and can continue your education at the graduate level.

Master’s in Civil Engineering

In these programs you’ll go much further into advanced concepts and the practical skills needed to design, implement and maintain infrastructure. These degrees take approximately two years to earn, depending on your needs and schedule. They’re incredibly interdisciplinary and demand extensive practical work, often through an internship. These programs offer feature specializations students can choose to refine their education to a particular area of civil engineering (more on this later). You’ll need to hold a Bachelor’s degree to be considered for one of these programs, and many schools require that degree to be in engineering. In these degrees, you’ll study engineering decision-making, support systems, physical hydrology, linear programming, pipe systems, environmental monitoring, statistics, and much more. Graduates will be prepared to work as supervisors, team leaders, and in other administrative positions within civil engineering.

Doctorates in Civil Engineering

These are incredibly challenging, demanding degrees that require four to five years for completion. In them, you’ll gain an excellent understanding of materials, structural engineering, mechanics, physics, data analysis, and much more. These programs also allow students to select a particular aspect of civil engineering to focus on. These might include earthquake engineering, transportation, geoenvironmental engineering, water resources, computational engineering mechanics, structural engineering, and much more. Students can expect to do advanced coursework for approximately half to heir time in these programs, and then will spend the second half researching, creating, writing, and eventually defending a thesis. There are opportunities to have tuition covered through fellowships and teaching/research posts as part of being accepted into these programs. Graduates will be prepared to teach advanced civil engineering courses, do vital research in the field, and work at the highest levels at a number of agencies, companies, and other organizations that employ civil engineers.

Now that we’ve discussed the available degree levels in civil engineering let’s look into degree and career specializations in the field:

What are Your Civil Engineering Specialization Options?

Civil engineering encompasses so many different areas of infrastructure design, creation, and development. Here are some of the specific areas you could find yourself in, either through studying in a focused program or within the field itself:

Construction Management

If you think you’re a great leader and love to see projects from their infancy through completion, this could be an excellent choice for you. These civil engineers help create building projects, from their initial designs until they’re completely done. They work with all of the different groups that help build, including plumbers, financiers, architects, electricians, construction workers, and anyone else involved in bringing a construction project from a dream into reality. They need to be up to date on the latest building codes (at the federal, state, and local levels). They’re also in charge of making a project safe, which is extremely difficult while working on a deadline.

Environmental Engineer

This option is excellent for people who want to create a better world through civil engineering. Here you’ll learn to develop projects that improve environments or sustain them. You’ll study the use of alternative energies like water, wind and solar, building materials that can reduce energy expenditure, and make many other design choices that lend themselves to sustainability. For example, you might build a project with windows and panels that maximize lighting and draw solar power while cutting down on energy expenditures.

Geotechnical Engineering

In this specialization you’ll focus on the soil and rock that form the bedrock for a project. Depending on where you’re constructing you’ll need to mitigate the softness or toughness of the land you’re building on. Your work can prevent erosion, and make sure a project lasts longer than it would have without your efforts. Projects spring from the ground up, and people who understand that ground are invaluable to building successes.

Structural Engineering

This is related to geotechnical engineering, but a bit broader. Structural engineers make sure buildings, and other physical structures can support their weight, and the weight of those who go inside them. They calculate potential loads and what designs can handle in a variety of ways. They’re essential to the skeleton of buildings, and the materials used to build them.

Transportation Engineering

These civil engineers work on the infrastructure that gets people where they need to be. Their work can include subways, roads, bridges, rails, and anything else necessary for the transportation of people and goods. The significant factors they consider are the capacity to carry people while making sure they’re safe. Our society depends on reliable, convenient, safe, and sustainable travel, and will continue to in the foreseeable future. If you were obsessed with trains as a kid, this might be the right fit for you.

Water Resources Engineering

We depend on safe water to live. But even as our societies and infrastructures have developed exponentially, there are constant obstacles to people receiving clean, consistent water. Water resources engineers build and maintain the infrastructure that delivers people the water they need to live.

As you can see, these are all fundamental aspects of civil engineering that will always have high needs for competent professionals.

Now that we’ve explored the degree and career options in civil engineering we’re almost through our guide. Before we go though, let’s look at what you can expect to earn as a civil engineer to support yourself and your family:

Civil Engineering Degrees in Conclusion

Let’s take a quick look at what civil engineers are likely to earn in the field:

In 2018 the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found civil engineers made a median pay of $86,640 a year, or $41.65 per hour.

BLS wrote that in 2016 there were 303,500 of these positions, which they predicted would grow by 11% between 2016-26, translating to 32,200 new jobs.

They also found that in May 2018 the lowest 10% of civil engineers earned less than $54,780, while they top 10% earned over $142,560. Areas associated with higher pay included government positions and engineering services positions.

We hope you’ve found this guide illuminating and extremely useful. If you find a school through our content that feels like a good fit, it’s useful to email their support staff directly to request more information about it.

Good luck!

The post What Can I Do With a Civil Engineering Degree? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

There are numerous types of engineering careers, each of which has its own distinct earning potential and path to the career. Our list below presents the 10 most lucrative engineering jobs.

Preparing for the Best Engineering Jobs

If you have your eye on an engineering career, you need at least a bachelor’s degree. Some engineers have a master’s degree. Graduate education is more common in some engineering jobs than others, so whether you should enroll in a master’s degree program depends on the specific career in engineering you are most interested in.

Engineering students need a strong background in math and the sciences. Often, engineering majors have to take classes in science disciplines like physics, biology and chemistry and math classes like linear algebra, differential equations and calculus, as well as engineering principles.

RELATED: What Are the Highest Paying Jobs in Engineering Technology?

The Highest Paying Engineering Jobs, Ranked

1. Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum engineer is the highest paying engineering job. For 2021, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a median annual salary of $130,850 for petroleum engineers. The best-paying of the top employing industries for this career, management of companies and enterprises, paid a median wage of $165,480. Even the lowest-paying top employment industry, support activities for mining, still paid a median wage of $123,820.

The highest-earning 10 percent of petroleum engineers made more than $208,000 per year in 2021, while the lowest-earning 10 percent of the occupation reported salaries below $78,390, the BLS reported.

What Do Petroleum Engineers Do?

The primary concern of petroleum engineers is extracting fuel resources from oil and gas deposits beneath the Earth’s surface. More specifically, a petroleum engineer might devise the plan for extracting these resources from oil and gas deposits, design the machines and equipment used to perform this work and evaluate the effectiveness of extraction efforts. Some of the industries that employ petroleum engineers include the oil and gas extraction industry, support activities for mining, petroleum and coal products manufacturing and engineering services.

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Coursework in Petroleum Engineering

Petroleum engineering is closely linked to the topics of energy production and the environment, so many petroleum engineering programs include at least one class that touches upon these topics. Some of the coursework involved in a petroleum engineering program is somewhat general, including studies of engineering mechanics, such as statics and the mechanics of solids. Thermodynamics and phase behavior, especially as they pertain to petroleum fluids, are also relevant, as are petrophysics and the properties of petroleum fluids.

Petroleum engineering programs typically include some coursework in the geological sciences, including the foundations of geology and of sedimentary rocks, as well as classes in geostatistics. Prospective petroleum engineers will also learn about rock formation evaluation, resource economics and valuation in the petroleum industry, reservoir engineering, reservoir geomechanics, drilling and well completions and petroleum engineering production technology and design. Aspiring petroleum engineers should expect to study the design and analysis of geosystems, transport phenomena in geosystems and the formulation and solution of problems that arise in geosystems engineering.

RELATED: What Are the Highest Paying Jobs with a Degree in Petroleum Engineering?

2. Aerospace Engineer

Another of the highest-paid engineering jobs is aerospace engineer. For aerospace engineers, the BLS reported a median salary of $122,270 in 2021. The lowest-paid aerospace engineering professionals reported annual earnings below $77,440, while the highest-paid professionals in this field made more than $168,370 in a year. The top-employing industry for aerospace engineering careers, aerospace product and parts manufacturing, paid a median wage of $126,780 to the 33% of aerospace engineers it employed.

The 8% of aerospace engineers working in research and development in the physical, engineering and life sciences industry enjoyed the highest wages, with a median salary of $128,020. Of the top employment industries for aerospace engineers, engineering services, which amounted to 18 percent of the workforce, paid the least. However, the median salary in this industry, $120,640, was still well into the six-figure range.

What Does an Aerospace Engineer Do?

Aerospace engineers design and develop solutions that pertain to aircraft and spacecraft. In general, aerospace engineering encompasses everything from the structural design of airplanes and spaceships themselves to the propulsion systems, navigation controls, instrumentation, communications systems and other components that make these vessels work. Often, an aerospace engineer will specialize in one area of expertise.

Besides coming up with designs, aerospace engineers are responsible for ensuring that their designs meet product quality standards. Quality is particularly important in this field, because a malfunction can be devastating if it occurs on a commercial jet filled with people 35,000 feet in the air or on a manned spaceship in outer space, too far away to wait for outside help. Aerospace engineers can determine whether a design or product meets quality standards by running tests, such as computer simulations and hands-on examinations and tests of prototypes.

Careers in aerospace engineering can be further broken down into two categories. Aeronautical engineers deal with aircraft and vessels intended to stay within the Earth’s atmosphere, while astronautical engineers are concerned with spacecraft and other craft that are meant to perform both within and outside the Earth’s atmosphere (in other words, in space).

Coursework in Aerospace Engineering

Some of the coursework involved in a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in aerospace engineering is, literally, rocket science. Dynamics, or mechanics as they pertain to motion and force, is a major area of concern for aerospace engineers. Aerospace engineering students often study spacecraft aerodynamics, low-speed aerodynamics and flight dynamics. Additionally, propulsion and compressible flow are common topics of study in this engineering degree program.

Majoring in aerospace engineering also requires learning about the different systems used in aircraft and spacecraft, including electromechanical systems, feedback control systems and linear systems. Aerospace engineering students must also become familiar with the properties and performance of aerospace materials.

3. Computer Engineer

Computer engineering can be said to encompass two major types of careers, both of which rank among the highest-paying engineering jobs. Computer hardware engineer is the job most commonly associated with the field of computer engineering, but the work of software engineers also revolves around computer systems and computer technology.

For computer hardware engineers, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median salary of $128,170 in 2021. Software engineers in roles like software developers earned a median wage of $110,140.

What Do Computer Engineers Do?

Computer engineers are a type of electrical engineers that focus on the electrical equipment used in computer systems. A computer hardware engineer is a computer engineering professional who primarily develops the physical components for computers. The types of components that a computer hardware engineer may work on include circuit boards, memory devices and microprocessors.

Software engineering revolves around designing and developing software programs and applications. Software engineers are generally more involved in conceptualizing programs and applications to be developed with computer programming languages than with putting together physical computer components. However, like computer hardware engineers, software engineers focus more on high-level design and development of solutions to complex problems. Software engineers don’t just write computer code. Rather, software engineering is about creating detailed plans for how a software application should function. 

Coursework in Computer Engineering

The coursework that computer engineers need depends on whether they want to design hardware or software. Hardware engineers, as a specialized subset of electrical engineers, focus more on electrical and electronic circuits for computer systems. Software engineering is the engineering career at the intersection between engineering design and computer science, so software engineers should expect to study computer science and develop advanced skills in programming. Of course, software engineers must also learn the principles of engineering design. Computer engineering coursework can also prepare students for roles such as computer and information research scientists.

4. Nuclear Engineer

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median salary of $120,380 for nuclear engineers in 2021. Earnings in excess of $169,000 per year characterize the top 10% of earners in this occupation, while the lowest-paid 10% of nuclear engineers reported an annual income below $75,460.

The federal government, which is the largest employer in the field of nuclear engineering and accounts for 18 percent of the workforce, is also the lowest paying of these top employment industries. The median annual salary for nuclear engineering professionals in this industry just exceeded the six-figure mark, at $100,650. Nuclear engineers working in the scientific research and development services industry – about 15 percent of the profession – reported the highest median salary, $151,980.

What Does a Nuclear Engineer Do?

Nuclear engineers are the professionals behind the development and production of nuclear energy and nuclear radiation. As such, nuclear engineers play a big part in energy production. They are also responsible for medical uses of radiation, including diagnostic imaging tests that use radiation to visualize the inside of the body and radiation-based treatments for conditions like cancer.

Unfortunately, the current job outlook for nuclear engineering professionals is discouraging. From 2020 through 2030, the BLS expects jobs in this field to decline by 8%, compared to the 8% increase predicted for all jobs as a whole and the 7% increase predicted for engineering careers in general. If you want to work in this career field, you should be prepared for a competitive job market.

Coursework in Nuclear Engineering

Coursework in this degree program often begins with an overview of the principles of nuclear engineering. Specialized coursework in this major includes nuclear reactor theory and design, nuclear plant systems, nuclear engineering systems design, experiments in nuclear engineering and the materials for nuclear energy applications.

Nuclear engineering is an interdisciplinary branch of engineering that draws from more than one of the major disciplines of the field. As such, students should expect to study the principles of electrical engineering, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, statics and particle dynamics and electricity and magnetism.

5. Chemical Engineer

Another of the six-figure engineering careers is chemical engineer. For chemical engineers, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 2021 median salary of $105,550. The 10% of chemical engineers who make the most money reported earning upwards of $187,430 per year, while the 10% of the chemical engineer occupation that earned the least brought in less than $62,730.

Industry of employment makes a big impact on the earning potential of chemical engineers. For chemical engineer careers in the engineering services industry, which make up 10% of the chemical engineering workforce, the BLS reported a median salary of $152,430. Chemical engineer roles in engineering firms are some of the highest-paying engineering jobs. The pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industry, which employs 3% of the occupation, is the lowest-paying top employment industry for chemical engineers. Professionals working in this industry reported earning $96,220 annually in 2021.

What Do Chemical Engineers Do?

A chemical engineer is an engineering professional who uses the principles and practices of chemistry and other life and natural sciences to design solutions that range from the development of new chemicals to processes and equipment used in chemical production. Chemicals are a part of many facets of life, which means that chemical engineers play a role in products ranging from food, medicine and clothing to fuel, energy production and electronics.

Coursework for Chemical Engineers

As you might expect, an aspiring chemical engineer needs a strong background in chemistry and should expect to take laboratory courses in physical chemistry, organic chemistry, chemical practice and a more advanced level of principles of chemistry than other students typically take.

Specialized coursework for aspiring chemical engineers includes chemical engineering materials, the design and operations of the chemical engineering process, chemical engineering analysis, biochemical engineering, separation processes and mass transfer and transport processes. Additionally, students should study the design and analysis of chemical reactors.

6. Electrical Engineer

For electrical and electronics engineers, the BLS reported a median salary of $101,780 in 2021. The BLS further distinguishes between the job titles of electrical engineer and electronics engineer. According to the BLS, electronics engineers earn slightly more than electrical engineers – $104,820 compared to $100,420 in 2021. Among electronics engineers, the best-paid 10% earned more than $166,890, and the lowest-paid 10% made less than $73,630. Electrical engineers in the 90th percentile reported earnings of more than $162,930, while an electrical engineer in the 10th percentile would make less than $62,360 per year.

The highest-paying industry for electronics engineers is the navigational, measuring, electromedical and control instruments manufacturing industry, for which the median salary was $128,560. The lowest-paying top employment industry in this field, telecommunications, paid a median annual salary of $100,290.

For electrical engineers, the highest-paying engineering jobs are in research and development in the physical, engineering and life sciences industry. Electrical engineering professionals in this industry reported earning a median salary was $125,080. The lowest-paying top employment industry for electrical engineers, the engineering services industry, paid a median wage of $99,330. An electrical engineer or electronics engineer can expect earnings that approach, if not exceed, the six-figure range as they advance their career over the course of their work lifetime.

What Do Electrical Engineers Do?

Electrical systems and electronic equipment are the main areas of focus for electrical and electronics engineers, respectively. Both areas pertain to electricity in some way, but an electrical engineer is generally more concerned with the generation and distribution of electrical power on a larger scale, and electronics engineers typically focus more narrowly on electronic devices and equipment.

In either case, designing and developing products, equipment or processes used for an electrical system or electronic device, such as navigation systems, is the main job duty of engineers in these related areas of electrical engineering and electronics engineering.

Coursework in Electrical Engineering

Students majoring in electrical engineering should expect to take coursework in the foundations and design of electric circuits, electronic devices and the fundamentals of power and energy. Studies in digital logic design and design with microcontrollers are also common requirements in electrical engineering bachelor’s degree programs. Electrical engineering students should learn about electromagnetics in computing and wireless systems and about continuous and discrete signals and systems.

Gaining hands-on experience designing electrical circuits and systems is important for an aspiring electrical engineer. A bachelor’s degree in this area of study should include design studio coursework, internship or co-op opportunities or a senior project that facilitates the acquisition of hands-on electrical engineering work experience.

7. Biomedical Engineer

The median salary the BLS reported for bioengineers and biomedical engineers in 2021 was $97,410. A six-figure salary is well within the realm of possibility for biomedical engineers. The average salary for biomedical engineers and bioengineers, according to the US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, was $101,020 as of 2021.

Although the lowest-paid 10% of workers in the biomedical and bioengineering field reported making less than $60,680 per year, the highest-paid 10% of the field earned upwards of $154,750.

The 8% of bioengineers working in navigational, measuring, electromedical and control instruments manufacturing enjoyed the highest median salary of all top employment industries, at $108,690. Bioengineers working for colleges and universities earned the least, with a median wage of $62,650.

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What Do Biomedical Engineers Do?

A biomedical engineer is an engineer who designs and develops solutions based on or with applications in medical science. For most biomedical engineers, a passion for helping people and making a difference is what attracts them to this career that U.S. News & World Report had ranked as one of the best STEM jobs. Through their work in engineering design, most biomedical engineers create medical devices, equipment and processes that can be used to help diagnose and treat medical conditions.

Biomedical engineering isn’t just one of the highest paying engineering jobs but also one of the newer fields of engineering. It wasn’t until the late 1960s that the first college biomedical engineering departments were established, according to the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE). Despite the relative recency of the field’s development, biomedical engineers have accomplished a great deal in a short time.

Coursework in Biomedical Engineering

To innovate and engineer solutions to biomedical problems, biomedical engineers first need to know a great deal about the body and biological systems. This means studying cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics, membrane physiology and the physiological systems of the body.

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Coursework in biomechanics, vascular mechanics and biotransport and kinetics also helps biomedical engineering students build a foundation for the work of engineering medical solutions. Specialized areas of study in this field may include medical device design, biomedical signals and imaging, biomaterials, biomedical computation, bioimaging, tissue engineering and immunoengineering.

8. Geological Engineer

The median salary for mining and geological engineers in 2021 was $97,090, the BLS reported. The highest earners in this career field made more than $162,720, while the lowest earners reported making less than $48,690.

Even the lowest-paying of the top employment industries for geological engineering professionals, metal ore mining, paid a median annual salary of $95,300. Geological engineers working in the oil and gas extraction industry enjoyed a median salary of $131,020.

What Do Geological Engineers Do?

Geological engineers locate mineral deposits below the surface of the Earth and plan for the extraction of these resources. Geological engineers design different kinds of mines and procedures for transporting and processing extracted resources.

Coursework in Geological Engineering

Courses in geological sciences – including structural geology, mineralogy, crystallography, stratigraphy and sedimentation, igneous and metamorphic petrology and rock mechanics – is essential for those seeking a career in geological engineering. Students also need a thorough understanding of fluid mechanics, metallurgical thermodynamics, engineering geophysics, geographic information systems (GIS) and computer-aided design.

Through their coursework, students of geological engineering should develop skills and knowledge pertaining to geotechnical engineering, petroleum drilling and production engineering and engineering for environmental geology. Gaining practical experience through geological engineering fieldwork and hands-on design projects is particularly valuable for students who want to enter this career.

RELATED: What Are the Highest Paying Jobs with a Degree in Mining and Geological Engineering?

9. Mechanical Engineer

In 2021, the median salary for mechanical engineers was $95,300, according to the BLS. The mechanical engineers with the highest salaries reported earning upwards of $136,210, but those with the lowest salaries made less than $60,750.

The scientific research and development services industry paid mechanical engineers the best, with a median salary of $102,050, while the machinery manufacturing industry paid a median wage of just $79,770.

What Do Mechanical Engineers Do?

Mechanical engineering is a broad discipline that encompasses any engineering application that involves movement and motion. While mechanical engineering work encompasses machines like robots, automotive engines and power grids, it can also include biomedical applications that pertain to the movement of the human body. Because they work in so many areas and industries, mechanical engineers develop solutions for a wide range of problems.

Coursework in Mechanical Engineering

The most important topics of study in a mechanical engineering program include computer-aided design software and techniques, the properties of materials, thermodynamics and the process of heat transfer and energy conversion, static and dynamic systems and the mechanics of matter – both fluids and solids. By the time they graduate, mechanical engineering students should know the fundamentals of machine theory and engineering design, and they often have an opportunity to concentrate on certain areas, like robotics or automotive vehicles, in their elective courses.

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10. Civil Engineer

Civil engineering is one of the major engineering disciplines, but it encompasses other types of engineering job roles, including environmental engineer. The median salary for civil engineers in 2021 was $88,050, while environmental engineers specifically earned a median salary of $96,820 – making environmental engineers some of the highest-paid workers in the engineering industry.

What Do Civil Engineers Do?

Civil engineers design and implement infrastructure projects that range from roads and bridges to buildings.

The subdiscipline of environmental engineering focuses on engineering design work used to solve environmental problems. Example areas of focus for environmental engineers include the development of renewable energy systems and waste disposal systems.

Coursework in Civil Engineering

Studies in civil engineering include courses in statics and dynamics, structural engineering and structural analysis, construction materials and structural material behavior, soil mechanics and hydraulics.

RELATED: What Civil Engineering Courses Will I Have to Take for a Degree in Civil Engineering?

Environmental engineering may be a concentration within civil engineering or its own distinct degree program. In either case, coursework for aspiring environmental engineers emphasizes sustainability. Aspiring environmental engineers also study the chemical principles and microbial principles in environmental engineering work. Environmental engineer degree programs include coursework in environmental science topics, such as soil science, and in environmental regulations. Environmental engineers often start their careers off by gaining experience through an internship, co-op experience or field practicum.

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Other Types of Engineering Occupations

These aren’t the only engineering careers out there. Other engineering jobs to consider include agricultural engineer, materials engineer and industrial engineer.

Agricultural engineer, as the job title suggests, is a field of engineering devoted to problem-solving in farming and agriculture. Agricultural engineers may develop new products, processes and procedures for cultivating, harvesting, storing and processing produce and other types of agricultural products. Although the BLS predicted a slower than average rate of job growth for agricultural engineers between 2020 and 2030, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported for this occupation a median salary of $82,640 per year in 2021 – not too shabby, considering this isn’t even one of the 10 highest-paying engineering jobs.

Materials engineers research the properties and uses of raw materials and existing combinations of materials for application in all engineering fields. Materials engineers combine existing materials into new substances that can be used to solve problems in medicine, construction, computer technology and even sports. In addition to studying materials themselves, a materials engineer may also develop methods of processing and testing materials more efficiently and with less waste of time, product, energy or expense. The BLS reported that materials engineers earned a median wage of $98,300 per year as of 2021, but the material engineer profession is considerably smaller than many other engineering occupations. There were only 25,100 materials engineers working in America as of 2020. Although materials engineers can look forward to an 8% job growth rate, that amount of growth would yield only 2,100 new jobs for materials engineers over the course of a decade.

Industrial engineering, which focuses on the efficiency of industrial processes and manufacturing processes, was one of the most in-demand engineering jobs as of 2020. The BLS predicted a much faster than average job growth rate of 14% for industrial engineers between 2020 and 2030. Industrial engineers focus on improving efficiency in production processes and manufacturing processes. For industrial engineers, the BLS reported an average salary of $95,520 in 2021.

Management Careers in Engineering

If you want to move up from any of these engineering jobs, you might work toward another of the highest-paying engineering jobs, engineering manager. If you’re making a determination based solely on earning potential, engineering manager is one of the best engineering career options.

Engineering managers are tasked with project management duties as well as supervisory duties. The median annual salary for engineering managers in 2020 was $152,350.

Talented engineers are needed for management roles in every field of engineering. Often, aspiring engineering managers prepare for this career path by pursuing a master’s degree. However, a master’s degree is not strictly required for aspiring engineering managers, because candidates may advance to this role with only a bachelor’s degree.

Master’s degree programs in engineering management focus on skills in leadership and administration – precisely the skills engineering managers most need. You are also likely to need several years of work experience to become an engineering manager. In some engineering disciplines, licensed Professional Engineers will have the best prospects for engineer manager jobs.

What Are the Best Engineering Careers?

Our ranking of the highest paying engineering jobs focuses on just one aspect of the different types of engineering careers: earning potential, based on median pay rates. Your ability to earn a comfortable or even lucrative living is one important factor in choosing the best career for you, but average salary potential shouldn’t be your only consideration when choosing between different types of engineering fields.

In fact, engineering jobs as a whole report average salaries that are well above the national average salary. For all architecture and engineering jobs, the BLS reported a median annual salary of $79,840. For all occupations in all types of careers across the United States, the BLS reported an average salary of $58,260 in 2021. That national average salary translates to $28.01 per hour.

While some engineering jobs pay more than others, all of them offer significant earning potential and the opportunity to use your knowledge and skills for real-world innovation, not just academic and theoretical contemplations. High salaries don’t always correlate with high job satisfaction, although having an earning potential that exceeds the national average salary certainly doesn’t hurt job satisfaction rates.

As you’re exploring options for a career in engineering, think about the types of technical skills you would enjoy using on a regular basis and the types of problems you’re most eager to solve. Do you prefer the hands-on work of building circuits out of physical materials or the conceptualization of software programs constructed out of computer coding? Are you more interested in climate change and other environmental issues or in tackling public health issues? Would you prefer to assemble computer hardware, test drug therapies, build aircraft and vessels for space exploration, find safe methods of using and securing useful yet dangerous chemicals or planning construction projects?

There’s no one right answer to any of these questions. Fortunately, the 10 highest paying engineering careers include a variety of areas of focus, each of which requires its own set of technical skills.

Demand for Different Types of Engineering Jobs

What else should you consider when choosing the best engineering career for you? Looking at the job market and job growth rates, as predicted by the BLS, is a wise idea. Although the demand for jobs in any industry and discipline can shift over time, it can be helpful to know going into your career preparation whether the projected rate of job growth for your profession over the next few years is characterized as an average, above-average or below-average rate.

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Even if knowing the job growth rate for your intended occupation doesn’t change your big-picture career plans, this information can inform how you go about your job search and career advancement efforts. If you’re entering one of the engineering fields that is seeing less job growth, you may have to be less selective when it comes to applying for entry-level jobs. It might make more sense for workers in these engineering fields to pursue a master’s degree or get licensed as Professional Engineers when they’re working toward career advancement, so that they can stand out from the competition – most of whom are likely to have only a bachelor’s degree.

The most in-demand engineering jobs in 2020 were growing at above-average rates, and the job outlook for many engineering roles was consistent with the average growth rate. However, some engineering roles – like nuclear engineer – were expected to see a significant decline in job opportunities from 2020 through 2030.

Your Personal and Professional Interests

Full-time workers can expect to devote a third of their life (on workdays) to their jobs. Since there are few activities you will spend more time doing over the course of your life than working, you might as well choose an occupation that you can get excited about.

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Engineers in all disciplines draw from the same general subjects: mathematics and the natural and physical sciences. Engineers working in many industries perform many of the same basic tasks, as well. For example, they design new products and processes, prepare technical reports that express the engineering specifications for their designs, run computer simulations and work closely with others involved in the project, from stakeholders to technicians. However, the technical work that different kinds of engineers do on a daily basis can be very different depending on the field of engineering they pursue.

RELATED: What Industries Have the Greatest Demand for a Degree in Engineering?

Do you want to develop building plans, put together electrical circuit boards, mix up chemical solutions, assemble machines or plan the development of software programs? Would you prefer to take on the task of solving environmental problems, or do you have no qualms about working in the petroleum and mining industries? (These goals, by the way, aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive, since petroleum engineers and mining and geological engineers often strive to improve the effectiveness of this work and to mitigate the harm it does to the environment.) Engineers are creating the future, so aspiring engineers choosing their path should consider both the big-picture matter of what kind of future they want to create and the smaller details of what an average day of work will look like.

Related Resources:

Highest Paying Degrees in Engineering – Majors & Careers

What Are the Highest Paying Jobs With a Degree in Mechanical Engineering?

What Are the Highest Paying Jobs With a Degree in Civil Engineering?

What Are the Highest Paying Jobs in Engineering Technology?

For Further Reading: 

Top 10 Paying Jobs With an Associate’s Degree

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

How Much Can I Make With a Degree in Digital Marketing?

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Biochemistry is the science of life. All our life processes – walking, talking, moving, feeding – are essentially chemical reactions. So biochemistry is actually the chemistry of life, and it’s supremely interesting. – Aaron Ciechanover

Chemistry is the science of energy, matter, and how they interact. It is compelling, universal, and constantly omnipresent in our lives, whether we acknowledge it or not.

Besides being a fascinating, challenging discipline, studying chemistry will let you understand all that silently governs the world around us. Energy and matter’s combinations, conflicts and reactions control, maintain and structure what we see and experience, as well as all that we can’t. But when you study chemistry, you can explore and comprehend what was previously unknowable, and begin to take control of processes that generally act upon us instead of at our behest.

In science, chemistry is seen as a bridge between biology and physics. It’s known for facilitating understanding of the world at a fundamental level. You need chemistry to understand how plants and animals consume and process energy, which is essential to botany and biology. You also need it to explore the way rocks are formed, or how the ozone came to be, and the factors degrading it. In medicine, forensics, astrophysics, you name it, chemistry is the way we describe and explain the world around us.

We take discoveries like the periodic table, electrons, and the inner workings of oxygen for granted, but think about how remarkable those findings were, especially considering they were uncovered in the 1700s and 1800s. Imagine defining and identifying unseen aspects of the world that few had even imagined or attempted to describe. That’s what chemists do.

Chemistry hasn’t only shown us the nature of the world we live in, and it’s helped us tap into parts of ourselves that may have remained dormant forever without intervention.

Like many breakthroughs in chemistry LSD was created accidentally. In 1938 Swiss chemist Albert Hoffman was researching ergot, a deadly fungus that could be used to constrict blood vessels and aid childbirth when administered in small doses. During his work, Hoffman and his colleagues accidentally synthesized LSD. They didn’t even realize its hallucinogenic properties until five years later. Since then the drug has had a profound impact on our culture, and many people credit it for changing the way they perceive themselves, others, and the world.

And of course, chemists have saved countless lives through their work with vaccines. In the 17th and 18th centuries, smallpox was killing massive swaths of the European population. It wasn’t until Lady Mary Wortley Montagu adopted the Turkish technique of inoculation on her own son, and brought the practice back to England that the disease began to be defeated. Eventually, Edward Jenner invented the smallpox vaccine in 1796, marking the first time a successful vaccine was created. He used inoculation to do so, and smallpox has since been eradicated.

These are just a few of the things chemists have done over the years that changed humanity, and the world itself.

You can be a part of these discoveries, critical research, and life-changing work by earning a degree in chemistry. It won’t be a painless path, but it can be an extremely rewarding one. However, it begins with finding the right chemistry degree for you, which can be a daunting process. That’s why we’re here to help.

In this sprawling resource we’ll look at the different levels of chemistry degrees, going over different focus areas in the field, look at the work we’ve created at Degree Query to help you find the right chemistry degree for you, and we’ll try to help you determine whether chemistry is the right fit for you or not.

While reading this, please ask yourself and consider the following:

• What are your short and longterm career goals, and how can a chemistry degree in turning them from goals into realities?
• Chemistry is a broad field with many applications, so don’t beat yourself up if you don’t know exactly what you want to do in it yet, however, having a general idea will be helpful in your degree search.
• What degree level have you achieved thus far in your higher education? What job would you like in chemistry, and what degree level is necessary to be qualified for it?
• Entry-level chemistry positions often require a Bachelor’s degree, but candidates with graduate or doctoral degrees are extremely coveted, especially for highly competitive or supervisory roles.
• How much can you pay in tuition and the other associated costs for a specific chemistry degree, and how much would you have to take out in loans in order to pay for one?
• There are many costs that can come with earning a chemistry degree. Factors governing these include the school you choose and its prices, the delivery formats you select, scholarships, and loans you might qualify for, along with many other contributing elements.
• Whenever possible, try to choose a school you can afford instead of borrowing money. For many people, this isn’t possible, so if you need to borrow money to afford a degree, do your best to find public loans instead of private ones. You should also strive to pick programs from schools that are more affordable, accredited, and non-profit over expensive, for-profit options.
• Try to calculate approximately how much an investment in school would cost through all of its components, and how much return on investment you can expect in the 5-10 years after you graduate from it.
• How much time are you able to devote to a specific chemistry degree daily, weekly, and in total before you graduate from it? Different chemistry degree programs offer their classes through many different formats.
• These might include full-time, part-time, online, on-campus, or through a hybrid of online and traditional on-campus instruction.
• Where do you want to live and work after earning your chemistry degree? Different states, cities, and industries have higher or lower demands for chemists.
• What is your career and educational background thus far? How can a chemistry degree program you’re looking at reinforce your strengths and mitigate your weaknesses?
• What are the available specializations in chemistry degrees? How can a focus or specialization in the field help you achieve your educational and career goals?

This is just a light smattering of the questions and considerations you should explore while searching for a chemistry degree (or any other degree program). Whenever you’re searching for a degree, it’s very helpful to write out any other desires, needs, questions, considerations, and anything else that will impact the schools you can and want to get into. You need to determine what you want from a chemistry program, and whether one is fulfilling those needs.

Now let’s look at some of the things that make chemists successful. Please consider if these apply to you and if they don’t, whether you want to work towards them. Is chemistry right for you? Only you can determine that for sure, but this can help:

What are the Qualities and Attributes that Make Chemists Successful?

• Willingness to Continue Your Education: While you can work as a successful chemist after earning a Bachelor’s, those who continue to earn advanced degrees will see far more success and more importantly, gain a much better understanding of the field.
• Open-mindedness: Many major discoveries in chemistry happened because of someone’s curiosity or refusal to take conventional wisdom as empirical truth. New discoveries are happening all the time that can dramatically change what we take for granted, and good chemists embrace this intrinsically.
• Flexibility: Chemists work many different places, taking on vastly different responsibilities depending on their position. You’ll need to be open to doing work that may not be ideal to you as you build up your chemistry career.
• Actual Experience: Chemistry is highly theoretical, but also extremely practical. If you have some experience in a lab or can get some, that will do wonders for increasing your opportunities in the field.
• Analytical Chops: Chemists must use logic, analysis, and the willingness to reexamine things they’ve taken for granted to be successful.
• Organized and Problem Solving: You’ll be juggling a lot, so the ability to break it into bite-sized pieces is huge for chemists. Most importantly though, you’ll need a knack for identifying problems, hypothesizing solutions, then testing and recalibrating your prescriptions.

Now let’s look at what we’ve done at Degree Query to help you find a chemistry degree or another educational discipline that’s right for you:

How Can We Help You Find the Right Chemistry Degree for You?

Here at Degree Query we’ve worked very hard to give you tools you need to find the right degree for you, whether that’s in chemistry or another educational area. We’ve ranked jobs, schools, and degree options in a number of ways. We’ve answered common questions about the higher education landscape, built tools like our interactive compare careers resource, which was designed to help you find the best degree for your needs and goals. Some of the work we’ve done that applies to chemistry and adjacent fields, and the schools that offer them include:

Rankings

• Top 50 Degrees for the Future
• Top 50 Degrees For Changing The World
• Top 50 Highest Paying Master’s Degrees
• Top 20 Highest Paying Online Degrees
• Top 10 Highest Paying Medical Specialties
• Top 10 Highest Paying Science Careers
• Top 10 Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Environmental Science

And here’s some of the question’s we’ve answered:

Frequently Asked Questions

• What Can I Do With a Chemical Engineering Degree?
• What Can I Do With a Food Science Degree?
• What Is the Benefit of a Chemical Engineering Degree Vs a Chemistry Degree?
• What Classes Will I Have to Take for a Degree in Materials Engineering?
• What Classes Will I Have to Take for a Degree in Agricultural Engineering?
• What Classes Will I Have to Take for a Degree in Chemical Engineering?
• What Can I Do With a Degree in Medicine?
• What Can I Do With a Degree in Science?
• What Degree Do I Need to Be an Organic Chemist?
• What Degree Do You Need to Be an Astrophysicist?

If you find any school through our content that seems like a good fit for you, do yourself a favor and reach out to their support staff directly to request more information. You’ll often find a dedicated team that is eager to help you in your application process and do their best to competently answer any questions you might have about the schools they work for and the programs those schools offer.

Now let’s get into the different levels available to prospective chemistry students:

What are the Different Levels of Chemistry Degrees?

Associates in Chemistry

If you’re looking to get your beak wet in the world of chemistry this is a great place to start. In these introductory higher education degrees you’ll get a formative base of knowledge in areas like molecular chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physics, geology, calculus, and more. You might get the opportunity to do some lab work, and upon graduation will be prepared to push your education forward to the baccalaureate level, or for entry-level employment in chemistry as an assistant technician or similar role. These programs most often take two years to complete. They can also save you time and money if you take them through a community or junior college then transfer into a four-year degree program. Speaking of which:

Bachelors in Chemistry

These programs take four years to complete and give a much more in-depth look at the field. You’ll study experimental physics, biology, cell biology, calculus, advanced algebra, differential equations, techniques of chemical measurement, and much more. There will be plenty of lab work to give you practical experience in the field, especially regarding research and experimentation. Graduates can go on to work for drug companies, chemical research companies, medical examiner’s offices, among many other roles they’ll qualify for, as well as continuing their education at the graduate level.

Masters in Chemistry

If you want a sustainable, longterm career in chemistry, it makes a lot of sense to earn your Master’s in the field. Here you’ll gain comprehensive, exceptional instruction and hours of lab practice in areas of chemistry like environmental chem, organic chem, analytical chem, and biochemistry. You’ll build up your research skills, which are essential to a thriving, long-term career in chemistry. You can expect these programs to take two years to complete and build towards a thesis project that draws from original research you’ve done on a topic of your choice. Graduates will be trained to work in some of the most desired positions in chemistry or move on to their doctorate.

Doctorates in Chemistry

Here you’ll need four to seven years of arduous work, advanced courses, independent study, and the will to reach the upper echelon of chemistry no matter what it takes. If you want to do professional research in chemistry in a wide range of settings, this is the degree for you. If you’re going to teach higher education courses in chemistry: same deal. You can also work in healthcare, consumer affairs, for government agencies, drug companies, and many other industries, and be qualified for their top positions.

Now that we’ve explored the different levels of chemistry degrees let’s dive into the various specializations in the field that can refine your education and career in the direction of your choosing:

What are Your Chemistry Specialization Options?

There are many focus areas within chemistry, but here are a few of the most common options:

Chemical Physics

Here you’ll combine physics, math, and chemistry. You’ll study advanced applied math, electronics, quantum physics, thermodynamics, among other topics. You’ll also likely explore biology. These are incredibly interdisciplinary degrees that give graduates an incredibly versatile education in diverse math and sciences.

Paleontology

In this specialization you’ll study fossilized remains with the goal of understanding previous organisms and environments. You can uncover the impacts of current and past climate change, and you’ll use chemical analysis on fossilized plants, animals, soils, and much more.

Organic Chemistry

Here you’ll learn to use chemistry to create medicines, plastics, foods, fuel, and much more. Graduates can expect to find roles at biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical companies, or do research and development at a number of organizations, among other positions they’ll qualify for.

Geochemistry

These programs will help you study the processes, structure, and other physical aspects of the planet. You’ll explore the chemical makeup of rocks, minerals, soil, water systems, and more. You can work to mitigate climate change, measure its effects, dispose of toxic materials, encourage the use of alternative energies, predict earthquakes, and do extensive research. You’ll also likely do a lot of field work, so if you enjoy being on the go this might be the discipline for you.

Environmental Chemistry

This is related to geochemistry, but more geared explicitly towards examining how chemicals (often contaminating ones) move through different environments. You’ll study how these chemicals impact ecosystems, animals, and humans. You can try to correct the damage chemicals are doing through the disposal of hazardous waste, do critical laboratory analysis of chemical interactions, and much more. (Learn more about the 5 best careers in environmental science.)

Forensic Chemistry

Here you’ll learn to examine isolated, specific environments or crime scenes to answer essential questions. You might end up in a crime laboratory, and depending on what degree you earn, end up running one. If you want to solve complex problems and help serve justice, this might be the best chemistry degree pathway for you.

Now that we’ve looked into the different degree levels in chemistry and some of the most common specializations, we’re almost ready to wrap up. However, before we go let’s look at some markers of how much you can earn as a chemist, and cover some last notes on your school search:

Chemistry Degrees in Conclusion

Here at Degree Query we hope you’ve found this guide very beneficial and stimulating. So what will you get out of a chemistry degree in terms of providing for yourself and your loved ones?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has found that chemists and materials scientists earned a median pay of $78,330 in 2018. There were 96,200 of these jobs in 2016, and BLS expects there will be a 7% growth between 2016-26 (as fast as the average across the economy), which will lead to 6,300 new positions. The typical entry-level education for chemist and material scientist positions is a Bachelor’s degree.

The lowest 10% of people in these positions earned less than $52,560 in May 2018, and the top 10% earned over $159,970. Some areas associated with higher pay include research and development in the engineering, physical, and life sciences, and chemists that are working in the federal government.

Please keep in mind that if you find a great program or school for you through our content, it’ll do wonders to reach out to their support staff directly to ask for help in your application process or to answer any questions you might have about the school or program.

We here at Degree Query are rooting for you to find the best degree for you and change your life and career! Best of luck!

The post What Can I Do With a Chemistry Degree? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

1. University of Delaware

The University of Delaware is a public four year institution located in Newark Delaware. The institution offers associates, bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. The University of Delaware currently enrolls 23,808 students and maintains a student a faculty ratio of 15 to 1. According to Carnegie, the University of Delaware it’s a doctoral university with very high research activity. To support the success of their students the University of Delaware offers academic and career counseling as well as distance learning opportunities. The institution has been accredited by the Middle States commission on Higher Education.

University of Delaware offers an online undergraduate program in mechanical engineering. In addition to the mechanical engineering majors students may elect to concentrate on aerospace engineering, automotive engineering, or manufacturing systems. Additionally, the University of Delaware offers two minors: biomechanical engineering and integrated design. The curriculum for the mechanical engineering major includes core courses, technical electives minors and concentrations as well as a senior design project. The required coursework is that in the following areas: introduction to engineering, maker series, statics, mechanics of solids, machine design, fluid mechanics, thermal labs and a senior design project. The senior design project is a final six credit capstone design course that is structured to imitate a real world scenario. For more information about this degree and to apply check out their website.

• Program Website

2. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public four year institution located in Tempe Arizona as well as campuses across the state. The university enrolls over 53,000 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 20 to 1. ASU offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees and professional certifications. The institution has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. According to Carnegie ASU is a doctoral university with very high research activity. US News and World Report ranks ASU as their 103rd best school in the nation as well as highly for undergraduate teaching, veterans, value, business, undergraduate engineering, computer science, and innovation. In fact, ASU ranks number one in the nation for their innovation score meaning that they have ranked highly for curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology and more. In recent years, ASU has expanded to create one of the largest online universities in the world. In fact, students may select from hundreds of programs both at the undergraduate and graduate level.

Arizona State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Egineering. Students from this program have the option to choose from one of two concentrations: computational mechanics and energy and environment. This is one of several online engineering programs offered at ASU. Some of the critical courses include those in chemistry, calculus, mechanics of particles and rigid bodies, physics, mechanics of materials, and thermodynamics. The program is 120 credit hours in length and includes course material in nano materials, computer control systems, economic analysis, and much more for more information about this degree and to apply check out their website.

• Program Website

3. Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University is a public four-year institution located in Flagstaff. There are over 30,000 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 19 to 1. NAU offers bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees as well as professional certifications. The institution has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. According to the US News and World Report, Northern Arizona University ranks highly as a national institution and highly for undergraduate engineering programming. To support the success of their students NAU offers academic and career counseling as well as undergraduate and graduate distance learning opportunities. Some of their most popular online programs are in the fields of business, communications, education, and health.

NAU offers the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. This program includes undergraduate research opportunities as well as hands-on experience. The program has been accredited by the engineer ring accreditation commission of ABET. This program includes course material and design for practice, mechanical engineering, liberal studies, and electives. Students choose electives from the breath and depth electives. The breath electives are courses from engineering, the natural sciences, business and mathematics. The depth electives are mechanical design or fluid/thermal sciences courses. The main chemical engineering courses focus on mathematics as well as computer science and engineering. Additionally, students round out their degree with general elective courses. To complete this degree students must complete 124 units of credit. For more information about this degree check out their website.

• Program Website

4. Siena Heights University

Siena Heights University is a private four-year institution located in Adrian Michigan. According to Carnegie, Sierra Heights is a masters college and university with small programming. The university offers associates, bachelors and masters degrees. Their student enrollment is 2337 and the student to faculty ratio is 12 to 1. Siena Heights university is affiliated with the Roman Catholic church. To support the success of their students the University offers academic and career counseling as well as credit for life experience and distance learning opportunities. According to the US News and World Report, Siena Heights is ranked regionally as the 91st best school in the region and 118th for social mobility. Undergraduate and graduate students may pursue their programming online.

Siena Heights University offers a standalone general engineer in program. Siena heights is partnered with UND to include a bachelors degree in mechanical electrical or chemical engineering. Students are expected to produce a portfolio to show their learning along the way. The program is based on active learning. This is a unique hands-on program. In addition students engage with internship opportunities. Internship opportunities offer students away to apply their knowledge to real-world settings. Along with the University of North Dakota Siena Heights offers a dual degree program. Students graduate with a bachelors degree from Siena Heights as well as an additional bachelors degree from UND. For more information about this program check out their website.

• Program Website

5. University of North Carolina Charlotte

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a public four-year institution that enrolls nearly 30,000 students. UNCC offers bachelors masters and doctoral degree’s as well as professional certifications. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools SACS. According to Carnegie, UNCC is a doctoral University with high research activity. The US News and World Report ranks the University of North Carolina Charlotte as the 227th best school in the nation as well as highly for business programming, computer science and undergraduate engineering programming. To support the success of their students UNCC offers academic and career counseling as well as distance learning opportunities. Some of their most popular online programs are in the field of education, health, and public administration.

UNCC offers a bachelor of science in engineering technology with a focus on electrical engineering or fire safety. The electrical track includes a curriculums with the following coursework: linear circuits, digital logic and systems, microprocessors microcontrollers and embedded systems, electronic circuits and systems, control systems, power systems. T

hose interested in pursuing the fire safety option will study fire behavior, building fire safety, industrial hazards in electricity, risk management, applied fire engineering design, professional leadership, and more. For more information about these two programs check out their website.

RELATED: The 10 Best Online Fire Science Degree Bachelor’s Programs

• Program Website

6. Indiana State University

Indiana State University is a public four year institution located in Terre Haute, Indiana. According to Carnegie, Indiana State is a doctoral/professional university. The institution offers bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees as well as professional certifications. The current student enrollment is over 12,000 and the students to faculty ratio is 18 to 1. This university has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. To support the success of their students the university offers credit for life experiences as well as academic and career counseling, ROTC options, distance-learning and much more. Indiana State University ranks nationally according to the US News and World Report as well as highly for business and computer science. In recent years, Indiana State has expanded their online presence to offer undergraduate and graduate students online learning opportunities.

Among their online options is the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology. The program focuses on two areas: design and management. The the design portion of this degree focuses on mechanical tools machines and products. Graduates of this program may enter into a career ain design insulation, manufacturing, testing, evaluation, technical sales, maintenance or management of mechanical systems and processes.This program requires course material in the following areas: applied statics, engineering and technology, strength of materials, fluid power technology, manufacturing processes, and science and math required courses. For more information about this online degree check out their website.

• Program Website

7. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is a public four year institution located in Grand Forks. The institution offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degree’s as well as professional certifications. The student population is 13,581 and the student to faculty ratio is 17 to 1. According to Carnegie UND is a doctoral university with high research activity. UND has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. To support the success of their students, the university offers academic and career counseling as well as credit for life experiences and distance learning opportunities. According to US News and World Report UND ranks highly for social mobility, business programming, computer science and undergraduate engineering programming.

The University of North Dakota offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. This is a 128 credit hour program 36 of those credits must be 300 or above classes. The program is divided into five main areas: essential required courses, mechanical engineering required courses, program required electives, college of engineering and mines requirements, and requirements outside of the college and engineering and mines course including those in calculus and physics. Additionally students have the option to select from the following concentrations: mechanical design, thermal sciences and manufacturing and materials. The aerospace concentration requires 133 credit hours for completion. The main mechanical engineering courses include the following: mechanical engineering, design lecture and design labs, fluid mechanics, design of machinery, thermo dynamics, manufacturing processes, mechanical engineering seminar, and engineering design. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

• Program Website

8. The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama is a public four year institution that offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees. It is located in Tuscaloosa and currently enrolls over 38,000 students. The student to faculty ratio is 20 to 1. UA has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1897. According to Carnegie, the University of Alabama is a doctoral university with very high research activity. According to the US News and World Report the University of Alabama is a nationally ranked institution that ranks highly for veterans, value, business programming, computer science, and undergraduate engineering programming. In recent years, the University of Alabama has expanded their programming to include distance learning opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. Their most popular online programs are in the fields of education, business, family consumer science is, health, and public administration.

The University of Alabama Online offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. This is a 126 credit hour program that is offered primarily online. The program has been accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology ABET. The curriculum includes general education courses, computer courses, mechanical engineering and technical elective courses, humanities and social sciences courses, writing courses in the mechanical engineering core. The mechanical engineering core courses include the following: engineering foundations, thermodynamics, statics, engineering materials, fluid dynamics, mechanics of materials, heat transfer, mechanical engineering design and much more. Studnets may also choose a number of electives which are approved by their advisor. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

• Program Website

9. University of Massachusetts-Lowell

The University of Massachusetts Lowell is public four year institution located in Lowell, Massachusetts. There are 18,300 enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17 to 1. The university offers associates bachelors masters and doctorate degrees as well as professional certifications. According to Carnegie the University of Massachusetts Lowell is a doctoral university with high research activity. To support the success of its students the institution offers academic and career counseling as well as distance learning opportunities.UMass Lowell has been accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education since 1975. In recent years, UMass Lowell has extended their programming to include a very large distance learning campus. Their online campus includes course material in education, business, psychology, engineering and more. According to the US News and World Report UMass Lowell ranks as the 176 for school in the nation and highly for veterans, social mobility, business programs, computer science and undergraduate engineering.

UMass Lowell offers an Online Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. The strength of the program is hands-on experience. UMass Lowell uses the methodology of design build test where students build and test their own designs. This program has been accredited by the engineering accreditation commission. The course material includes those in kinetic projects, mechanical engineering, a computer aided design, aerospace, thermodynamics, materials science for engineers, applied strength of materials, kinematics of mechanisms, control of mechanical systems, conduction and radiation heat transfer, and much more. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

• Program Website

10. Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University is a public institution located in Kennesaw Georgia. They enroll over 37,000 students and have a student to faculty ratio of 21 to 1. The institution offers bachelors masters and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. According to Carnegie, Kennesaw State is a doctoral university with high research activity. To support the success of the students the institution offers academic and career counseling as well as credit for life experiences, and distance-learning opportunities. In recent years, Kennesaw State has expanded their online offerings to include a wide array of opportunities for undergraduate and graduate the like. Some of the most popular courses by enrollment are in marketing, education, and engineering. According to the US News and World Report, Kennesaw State is a nationally ranked university.

Kennesaw State offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering BSME. This program requires training in basic science and engineering principles as well as computer aided design, instrumentation and planning and managing projects. The curriculum includes 42 credit hours of general education courses as well as course material in the lower division major math, and science classes upper division major, and upper division technical electives for a total of 130 credit hours. The upper division major requirements including material and fluid mechanics materials, electronic circuits, machines, dynamic assistance in control theory as well thermodynamics and others. All students are required to complete a senior design project. From our information about this program and to apply check out their website.

• Program Website

The post The 10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering Degrees appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

What Are the Highest-Paying Math Jobs?

Mathematical skills – and the other competencies students develop pursuing an undergraduate math degree – are in-demand in many fields.

RELATED: What Are the Highest Paying Jobs With a Degree in Math?

High-paying jobs for math majors may include high-paying jobs in financial and government agencies, consulting firms, insurance companies, colleges and universities and more.

1. Cryptographer

At the intersection between mathematics and computer science is the cryptographer career path. In general, cryptography refers to the security and privacy of messages and data – but the modern field of cryptography refers specifically to computers and cybersecurity.

A cryptographer writes the computer code – and algorithms – used to protect data security online. When hackers and other cybercriminals attempt to breach data security measures and access or steal unauthorized information, the encryption programs created by a cryptographer

Average Annual Salary

The average salary for cryptographers across the United States in 2021 was $145,356, according to Western Governors University. The highest-paid cryptographers made nearly $200,000 per year, and even the 4% of the occupation with the lowest wages still earned salaries around $102,000.

2. Financial Manager

Another math role with an exceptionally high salary is financial manager. A financial manager makes financial decisions for a company and oversees the organization’s financial activities. Some of the job titles that fall under the financial manager role include treasurer, controller and chief financial officer (CFO).

RELATED: What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs in Finance?

Median Salary

For financial managers as a whole, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a median salary of $131,710. The top 10% of earners in the financial manager occupation made upwards of $208,000, while the lowest-paid 10% of the field reported annual earnings below $77,040.

The management of companies and enterprises industry, which employed one in 10 financial managers, paid the highest median salary of all top employment industries at $158,820. The 15% of financial managers working in the professional, scientific and technical services industry earned a median salary of $158,770.

In the manufacturing industry, which employed 6% of the field, and the finance and insurance industry, which employed 30% of the field, financial managers earned a median salary of $131,710. For the 7% of financial managers who worked for government agencies, the median salary was $123,010.

Of course, how high a management position a financial manager holds affects their earning potential. Salary.com reported an average salary of $224,461 for treasurers, $240,082 for controllers and $420,300 for chief financial officers.

RELATED: How Many Jobs Are Available in Finance?

3. Mathematician

Mathematician may seem like the most direct career path for math majors, but in fact, relatively few math majors follow this trajectory. There are only about 2,000 mathematicians working in America, even though the BLS reported that there are 887,590 American workers in the mathematics field.

Mathematicians are the professionals whose job duties involve math in the purest sense. To solve problems – which may be theoretical or exist in the real world – they create mathematical equations. Testing new mathematical theories and developing mathematical rules are some of the duties that a mathematician may perform.

Mathematicians who focus on abstract math work acquire mathematical knowledge for the sake of advancing the field. Mathematicians interested in applied mathematics use their knowledge of complex mathematics and their math skills to understand, organize and quantify problems and to write and solve equations through which they can address real issues.

If you want to be a mathematician with an academic focus working at a college or university, you will likely work toward a full math professor role. Unfortunately, math professor jobs and other roles for mathematicians in colleges and universities pay significantly less than other mathematician jobs. The median salary the BLS reported for mathematicians working in colleges and universities was $61,600 as of 2021 – and these math jobs typically require a doctorate degree.

Median annual salary:

Mathematicians across the United States earned a median salary of $108,100 as of 2021, the BLS reported. The highest-earning mathematicians made more than $169,500, while the lowest-earning mathematicians earned below $61,760.

Mathematicians in the professional, scientific and technical services industry, which made up 13% of the profession, earned a median salary of $129,800. The federal government – the largest industry of employment for mathematicians, which employed 62% of the workforce – paid a median wage of $115,610. Unfortunately for the 13% of mathematicians working for colleges and universities, academia pays much less, with a median salary of $61,600.

4. Actuary

With strong math skills, you could quantify just about anything – even risk. The role of an actuary is to calculate risk by looking at economic data and running complex calculations. Most actuaries work for either an insurance company or a financial institution.

While a math major can prepare students for an actuary career, students interested in becoming an actuary may also pursue a specialized degree in actuarial science.

RELATED: What Is the Salary Potential for Someone With an Actuarial Science Degree?

Median Salary

The median salary actuaries earned in 2021 was $105,900, the BLS reported. Actuarial science is such a lucrative career path that the top 10% of earners in the field made upwards of $206,820. The lowest-paid 10% of earners reported salaries below $63,260.

Among the top employment industries for this field, the government paid the most, with a median salary of $110,590. Only 3% of the field works for the government. The finance and insurance industry, which employed 74% of actuaries in the U.S., reported a median salary of $110,000.

Salaries in the professional, scientific and technical services industry and the management of companies and enterprises industry – which employed 13% and 4% of the occupation, respectively – paid very close median salaries of $101,600 and $101,510.

5. Data Scientist

Despite the job title, a data scientist is more a math professional than a scientist, at least compared to scientist jobs that first come to mind. The role of data scientists is to analyze data. This is another role that combines mathematical knowledge, statistical methods of analysis and the knowledge of computers needed to write algorithms that support machine learning.

Median Salary

Data scientists reported a median salary of $100,910 in 2021, the BLS reported. For the best-paid scientists in this career, earnings are in excess of $167,040 per year. At the lowest end of the pay scale are salaries below $59,430.

All of the top employment industries for the data scientist profession paid salaries within the range of $100,000 to $102,000. The scientific research and development services, which employed 5% of the occupation, paid a median salary of $102,750.

The 15% of the field working in the computer systems design industry reported a median wage of $102,600. For both the management of companies and enterprises industry and the management, scientific and technical consulting services – which employed 10% and 7% of the profession, respectively – the median salary for data scientists was $101,000. For the 9% of the profession working for an insurance company, the median salary was $100,360.

6. Statistician

Statistics is a data-centric discipline of analysis. Statisticians can apply methods of statistical analysis to calculate the statistical probability of many different outcomes or events in virtually any imaginable industry. Science, medicine and business are some examples of the fields that rely upon statistical methods.

RELATED: Statistics Jobs: What Kind of Job Can You Get With a Degree in Statistics?

Median Salary

As a whole, statisticians enjoy a near-six-figure median salary of $95,570, the BLS reported. The best-paid 10% of statisticians earned upwards of $157,300 per year, but the lowest-paid 10% of statisticians reported earnings under $50,000.

In the best-paid of the top employment industry – scientific research and development – statisticians earned a median salary nearly $20,000 higher than the median wage for the occupation as a whole. This industry accounts for 14% of employment in the profession and pays a median salary of $114,770. The median salary among statisticians working for federal government agencies, as 15% of the occupation does, amounted to $114,050.

RELATED: What Are the Highest Paying Jobs With a Degree in Statistics?

In the rest of the top employment industries for statisticians, earning potential is significantly lower. Insurance carriers employed 6% of statisticians and paid a median salary of $83,820. The 8% of the profession employed in the healthcare and social assistance industry reported a median salary of $79,060. Nearly one in 10 statisticians worked for colleges and universities, which paid a median salary of $77,750.

7. Personal Financial Advisor

An important area of finance is managing wealth. A personal financial advisor, including those with the Certified Financial Planner credential, helps clients manage, plan, save, invest and grow their wealth.

Personal financial advisors don’t make recommendations based on hunches. Rather, they analyze available financial data and past patterns to predict what will happen in financial markets.

Nearly one-fifth of all personal financial advisors are self-employed, the BLS reported. Self-employed financial advisors may also manage their own financial firms.

Median Salary

Earnings vary a great deal among personal financial advisors, for whom the BLS reported a median salary of $94,170 in 2021. While the best-paid 10% of the field reported earning more than $208,000, the lowest-paid 10% of the occupation reported salaries under $47,570.

Personal financial advisors who worked in the securities and financial investments industry – as 59% of the field does – earned a median salary just shy of six figures, at $99,970. The personal financial advisors employed in the remaining top employment industries earn substantially less, amounting to a difference of $20,000 to $30,000 per year.

The management of companies and enterprises industry employed just 1% of personal financial advisors but paid a median salary of $79,780. Close behind is the credit intermediation industry, which employed 15% of the profession and paid a median salary of $76,620. For the 3% of personal financial advisors working for insurance carriers, the median salary was $69,410.

8. Financial Analyst

As the name suggests, a financial analyst analyzes financial data. There are many types of financial analysts, including:

• Investment analyst
• Financial risk specialist or financial risk analyst
• Fund manager
• Portfolio manager
• Securities analyst
• Ratings analyst
• Buy-side analyst
• Sell-side analyst

Financial analysts often look at past market data and trends and companies’ financial statements. An investment analyst, for example, often develops financial models and advises an employer’s financial team on investment opportunities that are likely to pay off.

Median Salary

The overall median salary the BLS reported for financial analysts in 2021, $95,570, is slightly skewed because this occupation includes two roles with median wages more than $8,000 apart. For financial and investment analysts specifically, the median wage was $91,580, while the median salary for financial risk specialists hovered a bit higher, at $100,000.

The highest-paid 10% of financial and investment analysts earned upwards of $166,560, while the highest-paid financial risk specialists made more than $171,000. Financial and investment analysts in the 10th percentile made less than $57,900, while financial risk specialists in the 10th percentile earned below $59,370.

The securities, commodity contracts and other financial investment activities industry was the highest-paying industry for both financial and investment analysts and financial risk analysts, with median salaries of $100,800 and $127,110, respectively.

For financial and investment analysts, the professional, scientific and technical services industry followed, with a median wage of $96,600. The management of companies and enterprises industry paid a median salary of $83,990, followed by the insurance industry, which paid a median wage of $81,150. In the credit intermediation industry, financial and investment analysts earned a median salary of $79,910.

The management of companies and enterprises industry is the second most lucrative among the top employment industries for financial risk specialists, paying a median salary of $102,750. In the credit intermediation industry, the median salary was $98,320, closely followed by the $98,250 median salary reported for the professional, scientific and technical services industry. Insurance carriers paid financial risk analysts a median salary of $91,770.

9. Operations Research Analyst

An operations research analyst uses mathematical modeling methods and calculations to solve all kinds of practical problems organizations face, from making pricing decisions for goods and services to coordinating the supply chain, production schedules and resource allocation.

Median Salary

The BLS reported a median salary of $82,360 for operations research analysts. The best-paid operations research analysts earned considerably more. For the top 10% of earners in this role, salaries were in excess of $160,850. However, the lowest-paid 10% of operations research analysts made less than $48,690.

Although the federal government employed only 6% of the field, it paid the most, with a median salary of $120,950. The 28% of operations research analysts who worked for the professional, scientific and technical services industry reported a median salary of $99,790.

In the manufacturing industry, where 5% of the profession worked, the median salary was $98,040. For the 8% of the occupation working in the management of companies and enterprises industry, the median salary was $94,070.

The finance and insurance industry, which accounted for one-quarter of the profession, paid a noticeably lower salary of $79,450.

10. Market Research Analyst

A market research analyst uses mathematical and statistical methods to analyze market data. Through their work analyzing economic trends, a market research analyst is able to help organizations make decisions on what products to offer, how to price them and how to market them successfully to consumers.

Median Salary

Market research analysts as a whole earned a median salary of $63,920 as of 2021, the BLS reported. The highest-paid 10% of market research analysts earned more than twice that much, with salaries above $128,320. The 10% of the operations research analyst occupation with the lowest earnings made less than $37,570.

The management of companies and enterprises industry, which employed 7% of the profession, paid the highest median salary among the top employment industries: $79,640. The 4% of the field working for the publishing industries earned nearly as much, with a median wage of $79,450. In the finance and insurance industry, where 10% of the field worked, median pay amounted to $76,650.

The median salary in the wholesale trade industry, which employed 7% of market research analysts, reported a median salary of $64,090. For market research analysts working in the management, scientific and technical consulting services, which amounted to 11% of the occupation, the median salary was $62,650.

What to Expect as a Math Major

If you want to prepare for one of the highest-paying jobs for math majors, you’re going to need to take numerous math courses. Math majors study mathematical theory, methods and applications. In the course of pursuing a four-year math degree, students are likely to study mathematical analysis, linear algebra, abstract algebra, modern algebra, multivariate analysis, calculus, number theory, differential geometry and topology.

RELATED: What Is the Salary Potential for Someone with a Math Degree?

Math majors will also be exposed to methods for applied mathematics. As part of their bachelor’s degree studies, a math major may also complete a minor or elective coursework in an area of interest, such as business or computer technology, to help them develop a knowledge base that will help them in an applied mathematics career.

RELATED: What Kind of Job Can You Get With a Degree in Math?

Other Majors to Consider If You’re Good at Math

Math degrees aren’t the only options for students with strong math skills. If you want to apply your knowledge of mathematical concepts and equations to real-world issues, it might make sense to pursue a bachelor’s degree in an area relevant to the career path you plan to pursue.

Computer Science

If you want to become a cryptographer or work in another role in cyber security, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science may be the right choice. Computer science and mathematics have more in common than many people realize. In fact, mathematical principles inform the computation theories and methods of statistical analysis that are critical parts of bachelor’s degree studies in computer science.

In a bachelor’s degree program in computer science, students typically take classes in data structures and algorithms, computer programming, computer architecture, systems programming and computational science and theory.

Engineering

If you want to use your knowledge of mathematical equations to design solutions to real problems, a career as an engineer may appeal to you. Engineers work in numerous disciplines – mechanical engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering and electrical engineering, to name a few – and find employment in environments like engineering firms, technology companies, government agencies, colleges and universities and other settings.

RELATED: Architect vs Engineer: What Is the Benefit of an Engineering Degree Over an Architecture Degree?

Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in engineering take enough math courses, along with basic science courses, to develop a strong math and science background that they can apply to work in engineering design.

Finance

The area of business that is most closely related to mathematics is finance, which revolves around the management of wealth. Students who pursue a bachelor’s degree in finance typically study corporate finance, investment analysis, futures and options, securities analysis and portfolio management, international finance and financial management.

What Level of Education Do You Need for the Highest-Paying Math Jobs?

For most of the highest-paying math jobs, at least some level of college education is required. The BLS lists actuary, operations research analyst and data scientist among the math jobs with a bachelor’s degree required. A bachelor’s degree is also considered the entry-level education needed for many business jobs for math majors, such as financial analyst and personal financial advisor.

RELATED: What Are the Highest-Paying Business Entry-Level Jobs?

Although professionals with strong math skills and a relevant bachelor’s degree can do well in a variety of career roles, there are some positions for which a bachelor’s degree alone may not be enough. Some professionals working in math jobs go on to pursue a graduate degree, such as a master’s degree, or to earn a doctoral degree like a PhD.

Generally, a master’s degree is most likely to come in handy when you are pursuing a high-level role in research and development or in management. Some of the master’s degree programs that may be of interest include mathematics, business administration, finance, computer science, data science and engineering.

RELATED: How Advanced Does My Degree in Math Have to Be to Get a Good Job?

You don’t have to go for your master’s degree straight after completing your bachelor’s degree program. Many students apply to entry-level jobs for math majors after graduation, through which they gain experience and on-the-job training that can help them plan their career trajectory.

For some of the highest-paying math jobs, work experience and on-the-job training are sufficient preparation for advancement on their own, while for other roles, having a master’s degree can be invaluable.

RELATED: What Kind of Business Jobs Can You Get With a Degree in Math?

The Most In-Demand Skills for Math Majors

Any math job requires strong mathematical skills, but there are specific related skill sets that can prove valuable in a high-paying math career.

Analyze Data

Most of the math jobs on our list involve at least some analytical component. Having strong analytical skills is valuable not only for jobs that revolve around analysis specifically but also for jobs that involve any sort of strategic decision-making.

Whether you’re using methods of statistical analysis or simply applying logic and reasoning to better understand and solve problems, your analytical skills are essential to success in a math career. Due the need to analyze not only mathematical equations but also how to apply mathematical methods to real-world problems, math majors develop excellent analytical skills in the course of earning their bachelor’s degree or advanced degrees.

Solve Problems

A math major solves problems, but the types of challenges they overcome aren’t limited to arriving at the answer to a tricky equation or figuring out the value of a variable. The business, financial, risk, cyber security and other problems that are the focus of math jobs are often best addressed in similar ways, such as organizing a problem logically, analyzing each aspect and modeling solutions.

Studying math equips students with strong problem-solving skills – and that’s a skill set that almost every job requires.

Interpret Financial Reports

It takes only basic arithmetic skills and accounting knowledge to prepare financial statements, but making meaning out of financial reports is much more challenging. With their thorough grasp of mathematical concepts and theories, math majors are well-suited to make meaning and glean insights out of financial and economic data.

For Further Reading: 

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

What Degree Do I Need to Be a Policy Analyst?

The post Top 10 Paying Jobs That Involve Math appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

In 2021 and beyond, information is the new gold. Virtually any business in operation today runs on information–be it the financial information of daily operations, customer engagement information, or market logistics information. But the information itself is a neutral-value asset. It is the ability to glean valuable insight from information that confers its extreme value. 

Thus the fields of information science, data science, and information technology have exploded in recent years to take prominent positions in the world economy. The industrial revolution changed the world forever, and we are in the midst of a similar revolution now–one fueled by information rather than coal. 

RELATED: The 20 Best Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs Online

Information systems professionals work at the forefront of this revolution. They develop new uses and modalities for existing information systems, and even develop new models of information systems and IT–with the goal being to improve on the system’s ability to collect, process, store, and distribute information. These professionals can work in a wide range of professional settings, however given the high-tech nature of the field, opportunities tend to congregate in tech-hubs and city metropolises. 

The burgeoning field of information systems has only come into focus after many professionals already dove into their careers. As such, many people–both first-time students and professionals looking for a career change–are now looking to build a career in information systems. Thankfully, there are more options to do so than ever before. Many of which are offered online, and have been designed from the ground up to accommodate adult learners and working students, and transfer students. Our researchers have compiled the best online bachelor’s of information systems programs according to metrics that matter most to you: graduation rate, average tuition costs, financial aid, as well as the overall recognition of the program in respected publications such as US News & World Report, The Financial Times, and The Princeton Review. 

1 Arizona State University

Average Cost of Tuition after Aid: $8,840

Arizona State University (ASU) continuously distinguishes itself as one of the most innovative institutions in higher education. With more than 530,000 alumni and a measured economic impact of more than $4.6 billion, ASU is quickly becoming the premier online University of the United States. A whopping 79 degree programs have received recognition and accolades from top publications. In short, when considering an online degree, ASU is always a great place to begin your search. 

ASU’s Online Bachelor’s of Information Systems is built around positioning graduates for success in the job market after graduation. Students are introduced to foundational subjects, while trained in managerial and leadership skills. The program is both affordable and flexible, allowing students to progress through the program while holding down employment. 

To get a better idea of the program’s curriculum, consider these featured courses:

• Introduction to Information Systems
• Business Information System Development I
• Business Information System Development II
• Business Database Systems Development
• Managing Cyber Risks in Enterprise Business Processes
• Web Technologies for the Enterprise
• Mobile Platforms for Business
• Capstone in Information Systems

Learn more about Arizona State University’s Online Bachelor’s of Information Systems

2 Western Governors University

Average Cost of Tuition after Aid: $2,500

Western Governors University (WGU) has earned its spot on this list by combining a tremendously affordable tuition with an efficient, career-focused curriculum that is meant to position graduates to capitalize on opportunities in the job market. This is an excellent combination for adult learners and working students who want to enter the job market in an efficient manner that won’t break the bank. Another distinguishing element of WGU is that its programs represent the needs of the job market, often combining specialized tracks with certification options to best prepare students for competition in the job market. 

WGU offers a fully online Bachelor of Data Science Analytics / Data Management that delves into the technical aspects of information systems. Students will earn a number of notable professional certifications including CompTIA and CIW. Additionally, students will earn a Data Analyst Nanodegree from Udacity. And what’s more–69% of students complete the entire program in just 24 months. 

Curriculum is based around investigations into the following subjects: 

• General Education
• IT Fundamentals 
• Network and Security
• Scripting and Programming
• Data Management
• Business of IT
• Spreadsheets
• General Science
• Data Science
• Data Analytics
• Technical Communication
• Web Development
• Software
• Computer Science
• Capstone

Learn more about Western Governors University’s Online Bachelor’s of Information Systems

3 Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Average Cost of Tuition after Aid: $11,049

Northwestern State is a branch of the University of Louisiana System that offers highly specialized degrees that is meant to represent the current market. The Computer Information Systems at Northwestern State has received countless accolades and awards since its inception in 1999. This makes it simultaneously one of the most well-recognized programs of its kind as well as one of the oldest of its kind. This means that the program has fine tuned its approach through iterations, evidenced by the awards received year after year. 

Specifically students can earn a fully online Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems (CIS). The program’s curriculum is built around investigations in both the theoretical and practical modalities. The CIS program offers four concentrations paths: Application Development, Networking & Systems Management, Web Development, or Cyber Security.

RELATED: The 20 Best Masters in Cyber Security Online

Students also have the option of earning a number of professional certifications and certifications, depending on their particular career goals and interests. 

The program’s course load prepares students to excel in the following areas: 

• Database
• Networking
• Cloud Computing
• Programming
• Cyber Forensics
• Internet Web Design and Development
• Information Security
• Mobile Application 
• Development and Systems Analysis & Design

Learn more about Northwestern State University’s Online Bachelor’s of Information Systems

4 Bellevue University

Average Cost of Tuition after Aid: $12,055

Bellevue University has carved out a name for itself by catering to adult learners and working students who value affordable, efficient degree programs that base education programs around real-world industries. As such, its programs often come with various options for specializations and professional certifications. Bellevue’s online programs are helmed by faculty who are willing to go the extra mile to engage students and cultivate professional aspirations. 

Bellevue University offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems. As the name of the program suggests, the curriculum is framed within the context of computer science and computer-based projects, however foundational subjects within the larger information systems field are explored as well. Students also choose an area of emphasis from the following options: applications development, business intelligence, cybersecurity, or networking. 

Learn more about Bellevue University’s Online Bachelor’s of Information Systems

5 Fort Hays State University

Average Cost of Tuition after Aid: $12,340

Fort Hays State University (FHU) is quickly becoming one of the world’s premier hubs for online education at the undergraduate level. A distinguishing element of FHU’s approach is that faculty are specially trained to work with online students, and are trained to maximize student engagement and to facilitate a smooth education experience. This is a great selling point for students who might be concerned about the trade-offs involved in choosing online education over traditional on-campus education, as FHU works to ensure that there are little or no trade-offs.

FHU offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science that is completed entirely online through 120 credit hours of coursework. The program offers a number of entry points to the program for transfer students, and second-time undergraduates–making it an excellent option for adult learners. The program delivers a comprehensive curriculum based on computer science and technology as well as foundational studies in: 

• Survey of Computer Science (3 Credit Hours)
• Computer Science I (3 Credit Hours)
• Computer Science II (3 Credit Hours)
• Object-Oriented Programming (3 Credit Hours)
• Foundations of Computing (3 Credit Hours)
• Data Structures (3 Credit Hours)
• Assembly Language (3 Credit Hours)
• Operating Systems (3 Credit Hours)
• Programming Languages (3 Credit Hours)
• Computer Graphics (3 Credit Hours)
• Software Engineering (3 Credit Hours)
• Seminar (3 Credit Hours) 

Learn more about Fort Hays State University’s Online Bachelor’s of Information Systems

6 American Public University

Average Cost of Tuition after Aid: $9,718

As many universities look to break into the market for online education, American Public University (APU) stands as one of the leaders in the industry. With more than 200 fully online degree programs, APU stands as an industry leader whose success many schools are seeking to replicate. APU’s School of  Science, Technology, Engineering & Math offers online students some of the most flexible course formats and schedules available, offered with cutting-edge digital learning technology. 

Specifically the APU School of  Science, Technology, Engineering & Math offers a fully online Online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management. The program offers a combination of a foundational curriculum combined with a robust selection of electives, meant to empower students to customize their route of study. The core curriculum is based on inquiries in these courses: 

• Principles of E Business 3 credits
• Fundamentals of Programming 3 credits
• Database Concepts 3 credits
• Management Information Systems 3 credits
• Networking Concepts 3 credits
• IT Security: Risk Management 3 credits
• Introduction to Computer Science 3 credits
• Application Software Integration 3 credits
• Law, Privacy, and Digital Data 3 credits
• Information Technology Project Management 3 credits
• Project Management Using MS Project 3 credits
• Virtual Management 3 credits
• Ethics in Information Technology 3 credits
• Introduction to Web Analytics 3 credits
• Web eCommerce Development 3 credits

Learn more about American Public University’s Online Bachelor’s of Information Systems

7 Mercy College

Average Cost of Tuition after Aid: $19,941

Mercy College offers more than 40 fully online degree programs, helmed by 231 full-time faculty who are meant to enable small class sizes where online students can each receive the care and attention needed to facilitate a smooth education process. Students come from all around the world, more than 51 countries to be specific. 

Mercy College offers a fully online Computer Information Systems program. The program’s curriculum distinguishes itself through providing subjects in the context of business inquiries and investigations. This program is an ideal option for students who want to delve into the technical side of computer information systems framed in the context of business and industry. 

Graduates of the program go on to find success in positions like the following:

• Programmer 
• Web administrator 
• Helpdesk specialist 
• Systems analyst 
• Database administrator 
• Network engineer

Learn more about Mercy College’s Online Bachelor’s of Information Systems

8 Indiana University Purdue University

Average Cost of Tuition after Aid: $10,987

The Indiana University Purdue University (IUPU) Purdue School of Engineering & Technology offers a number of top-tier technology and engineering degrees. A distinguishing factor of the School’s mission is that it looks to position students to capitalize on the increasingly globalized technology and engineering markets. Particularly in the case of technology, working at the forefront of the industry often requires collaboration with teams around the world. 

Students at the Purdue School of Engineering & Technology have one of two options for earning their undergraduate degree in Computer and Information Technology. Students can either enroll in a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Technology, or they can enroll in a five year program BS / MS in Computer and Information Technology. Students in the Bachelor of Science program can also choose from a number of specialization options: 

• Networking Systems
• Information Security
• Web Development
• Data Management

Learn more about Indiana Purdue University’s Online Bachelor’s of Information Systems

9 LeTourneau University

Average Cost of Tuition after Aid: $22,105

The LeTourneau University College of Arts and Sciences offers a combination of on-campus and online degree programs. While the tuition costs of these programs are higher than others on this list, its programs are recognized for top-tier faculty, academic rigor, and the impressive career-outcomes of graduates. 

Students at LeTourneau University have the choice of one of two program paths: either a fully online Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, or a on-campus program–Bachelor of Science in Information Systems. The CIS program is managed by faculty who have worked at the absolute cutting-edge of their careers (fullbright scholars and Fortune 500 professionals). One distinguishing element of this program is that the curriculum is framed within the context of a Christian world-view, which represents a rare combination of a top-tier program with religious morality. 

Learn more about LeTourneau University’s Online Bachelor’s of Information Systems

10 Southeast Missouri State University

Average Cost of Tuition after Aid: $13,113

Southeast Missouri State University represents a unique combination of a large University with a rich history dating back to 1873 that has positioned itself to expand into new and modern technology. Today, students can earn a variety of degrees entirely online where students work closely with faculty and advisors to develop a plan of study that matches a student’s individual interests and career goals. This is ideal for students who wish to earn a degree online while holding down a job or while managing family responsibilities. 

Students can earn a Bachelor’s of Computer Science that can be completed entirely online. The department offering the degree boasts a 100% rate of employment or enrollment in graduate school among the graduates of the program. Students also have the choice of enrolling in a specialized track in one of the following concentrations: cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and business administration.

Learn more about Southeast Missouri State University’s Online Bachelor’s of Information Systems

11 Florida Institute of Technology

Average Cost of Tuition after Aid: $8,651

Florida Institute of Technology has specialized in offering degree programs specifically designed for working students and adult learners. These programs are efficient, flexible, and perhaps most importantly, affordable. The university has been recognized as one of the best universities in the nation by US News and World Report. And moreover, 90% of full-time faculty hold a doctorate or the highest degree relevant to their field, meaning that students are learning from some of the best of the best. 

Students can earn a fully online Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems that is in alignment with the Association for Computing Machinery curriculum guidelines. The program is designed to be flexible, so that students can progress through the program while maintaining employment. The program is based around studies in the following areas: network theory, programming, system administration and database management systems. 

Learn more about Florida Institute of Technology’s Online Bachelor’s of Information Systems

12 Post University

Average Cost of Tuition after Aid: $9,857

Post University sports a robust history that stretches all the way back to the 1890s. Post University has demonstrated extensive work in reaching out to adult learners, and has recently expanded into online education. Today, a number of its most successful degree programs now have online variants. Faculty and advisors work closely with each online student to ensure that they are getting the most out of their online programs. 

Post offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems that is designed to prepare students for a future in careers such as the following: systems analyst, systems programmer, database analyst, network technician, or technology manager. Students can further customize their experience of the program by choosing from one of the following four concentrations: 

• General Computer Information Systems
• Cybersecurity
• Networking
• Software Development

Learn more about Post University’s Online Bachelor’s of Information Systems

13 Austin Peay State University

Average Cost of Tuition after Aid: $13,018

Austin Peay State University prides itself on offering student-centric programs that can meet each student on their terms. As such, many of its degree programs offer generous transfer policies and financial aid packages to accommodate first-time students, second-time students, transfer students, and military students. Particularly in the case of the computer information systems, faculty hold over 30 years of experience and hold published works in their respective area of specialization.

Specifically students can earn a Bachelor’s of Computer Science and Information Technology that can be completed entirely online. Students of the program work closely with faculty and advisors to ensure learning objectives are being met and exceeded. Despite being an online program, students will work together in collaborative projects as well as through peer-to-peer tutoring programs. 

Learn more about Austin Peay State University’s Online Bachelor’s of Information Systems

14 Champlain College–Champlain College Online

Average Cost of Tuition after Aid: $35,549

Champlain College is a unique example of a College that really does invest in students’ success. Undergraduates students will benefit from the Fast Start Formula Career Course, which is designed from the ground up to position students for success after graduation. The Fast Start course trains students in vital skills that are often missed in degree programs: how to make the most out of interviews, how to tailor resumes, and overall–how to improve one’s standing in the job market. 

Students can earn a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems that can be completed entirely online. Inline with the College’s larger mission, the program constantly updates its curriculum and course schedules to reflect the ever-changing demands of the job market. But specifically, graduates of the program will be prepared to compete for top-positions in the following areas: 

• Application Developer
• Business Systems Analyst
• IT Systems Manager
• Network Administrator
• Programmer Analyst
• Software Developer
• Systems Analyst
• Systems Engineer

Learn more about Champlain College’s Online Bachelor’s of Information Systems

15 Saint Leo University

Average Cost of Tuition after Aid: $19,545

Saint Leo University demonstrates a unique combination of a forward-facing University that infuses its degree programs with the tenets of the Jesuit mission. Regardless of the individual program chosen, students learn how to develop themselves professionally, academically, and spiritually. Beyond this, each degree program frames its curriculum in terms of community service and societal impact. Saint Leo will be an ideal option for students who want to expand their focus beyond simple coursework to larger problems impacting communities large and small. 

Saint Leo University offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems. Students can enroll in additional coursework in order to earn a degree emphasis in data analytics or cybersecurity. The program’s curriculum is designed to position students to find success in one of the following areas: web developer, computer network architect, cybersecurity analyst, or information assurance engineer.

Learn more about Saint Leo University’s Online Bachelor’s of Information Systems

16 College of St. Scholastica

Average Cost of Tuition after Aid: $23,232

College of St. Scholastica offers a number of degree programs that combine a Catholic Bendectine value-set with forward-facing, career-focused degree programs. Students who are interested in infusing their studies with a religious moral structure will likely find these programs to be a perfect fit. The College of St. Scholastica is consistently recognized for offering some of the nation’s best undergraduate degree programs. 

The College offers both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems (CIS) which is completed through 128 credits over 2 to 3 years. Students can earn one of the following concentrations: business analysis, cyber security, data analytics, health informatics or software development. Moreover, the program distinguishes itself by offering a build-your-own concentration option for students who want to pursue a niche area of study.

Learn more about College of St. Scholastica University’s Online Bachelor’s of Information Systems

17 Central Washington University

Average Cost of Tuition after Aid: $15,175

Central Washington University (CWU) positions both itself and its students to excel in a world that becomes increasingly reliant on global business and industry. At CWU, students benefit from a robust network of more than 30 colleges and universities around the world. As such, CWU has earned numerous accolades for programs that benefit from an international network, as well as for programs that are built upon the tech industry. 

CWU offers a unique degree program, specifically a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Administrative Management (BS-ITAM). Students can further tailor the degree program to match interests by pursuing one of three degree specializations: Administrative Management (ADMG), Cybersecurity, or Retail Management and Technology (RMT).

Learn more about Central Washington University’s Online Bachelor’s of Information Systems

18 Columbia College

Average Cost of Tuition after Aid: $24,148

Columbia College looks to provide a balanced approach in providing education programs for both traditional and nontraditional students. The focus of the college is providing students with innovative degree programs that reflect the realities of the job market, packaged in a liberal arts model of study. As such, programs are meant to facilitate students’ creativity, curiosity, and sense of ethics.

Columbia College offers a fully online Computer Information Systems Major that prepares students for going on to successful careers or a graduate program. The program introduces students to the core subjects and theories of computer technology and information systems. 

Learn more about Columbia College’s Online Bachelor’s of Information Systems

19 University of Maryland Global Campus

Average Cost of Tuition after Aid: $13,672

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is quickly becoming a premier hub for various online degree programs. UMGC offers programs that have been nationally recognized for affordability and academic value, however the most notable accolade is that of having a high ROI–that is the return on investment in one’s career as compared to what one invests in their degree. 

UMGC offers a fully online Bachelor of Science Information Systems Management which is designed to position graduates to take on positions of leadership and management after graduation. Core courses within the curriculum are as follows: 

• Information Systems in Organizations 
• Foundations of Information Systems Management 
• Ethics in Information Technology 
• Cybersecurity for Leaders and Managers
• Software and Hardware Infrastructure Concepts
• Enterprise Architecture
• Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
• Telecommunications in Information Systems
• Information Systems Project Management
• Systems Analysis and Design
• Trends and Practical Applications in Information Systems Management

Learn more about University of Maryland Global Campus’ Online Bachelor’s of Information Systems

20 Colorado State University Global

Average Cost of Tuition after Aid: $12,556

Colorado State University Global (CSUG) offers a robust selection of industry-aware degree programs that are designed for both adult learners and working students who need affordable programs that do not waste students’ time or money. Its online degree programs are designed with flexibility and comfort in mind–students can access coursework anytime, anywhere and will have many resources to help them make the most of their education. 

CSUG offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems and Business Analytics. This program is one of few that combines the curriculum of information systems management with business analytics. This program is ideal for students who want to lean into the business-side of the information systems industry. 

Learn more about Colorado State University Global’s Online Bachelor’s of Information Systems

The post The 20 Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees In Information Systems appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

What is a nature career? You can earn a living through contributions like:

• Conserving natural resources
• Stopping pollution
• Making agriculture more environmentally friendly
• Making clean energy and recycling efforts a reality

Read on to learn more about 10 excellent “green” careers in nature and find out which one is right for you.

1. Environmental Engineer

Some high-paying environmental jobs include the various roles environmental engineers play.

Environmental engineers are professional problem-solvers who focus on the natural environment. They dig – sometimes literally – into the causes of environmental issues.

Some of the issues environmental engineers research include:

• Acid rain
• Pollution
• Climate change
• Waste management
• Ozone layer depletion

Once environmental engineers understand the cause of the problem, they search for ways to fix it.

How do potential applicants develop the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in solving problems like unsafe drinking water, global climate change and public health threats? Aspiring environmental engineers need a college education.

Bachelor’s degree programs in environmental engineering typically include coursework in subjects like:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Soil science
• Engineering principles and applications

Entry-level environmental engineering positions usually don’t require candidates to hold a Professional Engineering (PE) license, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Many environmental engineers attain a license later in their careers.

Environmental engineering is a great green career path because the mission of these professionals’ work is to help the environment. They use their knowledge of science and engineering to search for solutions to environmental issues across the globe. They may, for example, seek ways to repair damage to an ecological system. Environmental engineers may also search for ways to save ecosystems from being harmed in the first place.

Environmental scientists develop solutions of all kinds. Sometimes this work entails designing new or improved containment systems for hazardous waste. Other times, environmental engineers look for new methods of generating energy. Some environmental engineers’ jobs involve developing water reclamation procedures. Other environmental engineers search for more effective recycling practices. An environmental engineer may ways to save animal habitats from harm. Designing sustainable systems for reducing pollution is another of the types of contributions environmental engineers make. Environmental engineering roles that involve the development of new chemicals to protect crops from harmful pests and diseases are among the best-paying jobs in agricultural chemicals industries.

Many environmental engineers enjoy working outdoors. However, they often have to divide their time between working in the natural environment, collaborating with project partners in offices and presenting ideas at seminars.

If there’s a particular ecological threat that concerns you, pursuing a nature career as an environmental engineer may allow you to specialize in studying and solving that issue.

Median Salary: $96,820 (2021)
Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering

2. Hydrologist

What if you’re interested in environmental concerns that involve water? From water pollution to water scarcity, there are plenty of environmental issues of this sort. Hydrologist might be the right green career for you.

These scientists study how water moves. They use their knowledge to solve environmental problems related to water quality and quantity.

An undergraduate college education is essential for aspiring hydrologists. It’s not unusual for students interested in these nature jobs that pay well to pursue a graduate degree even before they enter the career field.

If you can’t find a school that offers a major in hydrology specifically, you’re not alone. There aren’t many such programs, the BLS reported. Many students instead look for a school that offers a concentration in hydrology. Hydrology concentrations may exist in earth science, geosciences or engineering programs.

Hydrology is a great career path for nature lovers. These jobs working with nature are involved in so many environmental issues, including the following:

• Droughts
• Floods
• Soil and land erosion
• Water pollution

Lack of access to clean drinking water is a major problem in some areas. Lengthy droughts can cause serious problems with farming, agriculture and fire hazards across the globe.

Studying water – and its movements, quality, and accessibility – is an important part of the field of hydrology. However, it’s just one aspect of the job. Hydrologists do more than just analyze water. They also work with scientists in various fields of study to research and develop plans for conserving, managing, and improving quality of and access to the water supply.

A career in hydrology requires a lot of hands-on work in the field. This means spending time outdoors. Hydrologists also often have the opportunity travel to new environments as they study water supplies and movements across the globe.

Median Salary: $84,030 (2021)
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree in Hydrology, Geosciences, Earth Science or Engineering

3. Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientist may seem like the most natural career path for a nature-lover to pursue. After all, these are likely the first jobs that involve nature most people think of.

Researchers and practitioners of environmental science use their college-level knowledge of the natural and physical sciences to study and solve issues that affect the natural environment.

There are numerous specialist roles within the field of environmental science.

RELATED: What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

Environmental chemists analyze how chemicals affect the natural world. They often apply this knowledge to a mission like cleaning up contamination and pollution or hazardous waste management.

Environmental restoration planners manage pollution cleanup projects. Their job duties include establishing budgets, procedures and steps for completion.

Environmental health specialists focus on how environmental issues affect public health dangers.

Industrial ecologists work with companies in industries that often have a negative effect on the environment. These scientists establish practices that minimize the ecological harm.

Many environmental scientists begin their jobs in nature working lower-level roles in environmental science. For example, applicants often have experience in roles like the following:

• Laboratory technician
• Field analyst
• Research assistant

Advancing to higher-level roles in environmental science may require an advanced degree.

Environmental scientists play a role in understanding and addressing environmental problems of all kinds. They do the field work of gathering soil, water, plant and other samples for testing. Working in environmental science also encompasses laboratory work. In the lab, environmental scientists study samples and record data. They use their information to not only identify existing ecological issues but also predict possible future threats.

Some environmental scientists spend most of their time doing hands-on work to clean up polluted ecosystems. Others collaborate with public policymakers or private industry leaders to develop regulations and business practices that result in less of a disturbance to the natural environment. In either case, the occupation allows the professional to make a positive change on the environment, directly or indirectly.

Successful environmental scientists must have the analytical skills and self-discipline to present their findings in technical reports. They also need problem-solving and interpersonal skills for developing plans for resolving ecological problems and getting the message across to the public and government and business entities.

Median Salary: $76,530
Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Geosciences

4. Agricultural Manager

What job could be more green – literally – than growing the plant crops that feed families across that nation? Agricultural managers are the professionals who oversee the routine activities required to run a farm. These are also some high-paying jobs that work with plants and animals.

Whether they grow crops, raise livestock or both, agricultural managers play an integral part in the U.S. economy. Of course, they also contribute to the food supply.

Many agricultural managers start their careers by doing hands-on farm production work. They may begin gaining this experience during childhood or adolescence, particularly if they grew up living on a farm.

It’s become increasingly common for agricultural managers to have a college degree, the BLS reported. Many agricultural managers have at least an associate’s degree, if not a bachelor’s degree, in agriculture. Aspiring agricultural managers develop the analytical and critical-thinking skills they need to run the farm and the mechanical skills necessary to do hands-on farming work by taking classes like the following:

• Farm management
• Dairy science
• Plant breeding
• Agricultural economics

Coursework in the business of agriculture also helps students develop business skills.

It’s true that not all farming activities qualify as “green.” However, today’s farmers are met with a greater demand for organic food products and sustainable farming practices.

Agricultural managers hold leadership roles on farms. This puts them in a position to implement these changes and make farming more environmentally friendly than ever before.

After all, agricultural managers are rarely responsible for the actual planting, plowing, harvesting, herding and animal care tasks you most likely associate with farming. They focus instead on the big-picture concerns of running a successful farm. Agricultural managers’ mission will usually include determining answers to questions like the following:

• How the farm will spend its operating budget
• What crops to plant or animals to raise
• How to store and ship crops and livestock for sale

It’s an agricultural manager’s job to recruit and train farm workers. Their job duties also entail maintaining the farm, and all of the equipment necessary to run it, in proper working order. These are precisely the decisions that have the power to make the agriculture industry green.

Median Salary: $73,060 (2021)
Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture

5. Landscape Architect

Landscape architects design outdoor environments. The work of a landscape architect ranges from public parks to private home gardens.

The path to becoming a landscape architect is more rigorous than you might think. Most states have licensing requirements for landscape architects.

A college degree is a requirement. However, not any degree will do. Students typically need to choose a special degree. Either a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) or Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (BSLA) degree program can prepare applicants for this career.

To meet state licensing requirements, students usually need a degree from an accredited program. Accredited programs in landscape architecture can take up to five years of full-time study.

Like the architects who design buildings and bridges, landscape architects must complete extensive studio design work. This work involves building models and creating computer-aided designs. According to the BLS, aspiring landscape architects also study subjects like the following:

• Landscape ecology
• Surveying
• Geology
• Plant and soil science
• Landscape design and construction

Earning a degree may be just the first step to this career. Aspiring landscape architects may need to attain several years of training working under experienced landscape architects before they can meet the qualifications to take the Landscape Architect Registration Examination. Upon passing this exam, landscape architects can finally earn their licenses.

It’s important for the spaces designed by landscape architects to be visually and aesthetically appealing. That said, appearance isn’t the only thing that matters in their work. Many of the projects a landscape architect may work on help the environment in some way.

Landscape architecture projects often include adding plant life to the environment. In some cases, landscape architects install plants in places where plants are naturally lacking, like the rooftops of tall city buildings. They decide where on a site to put trees and other plants, as well as structures like walkways and buildings. Landscape architects also choose what plants to use for a project. Other projects focus specifically on restoring ecosystems that have been altered, polluted or destroyed by human activities or changes in the environment.

Aspiring landscape architects should be comfortable working both outdoors and in office environments. Landscape architects spend some of their work time at jobsites. They also spend a good deal of time in the office researching, creating designs and preparing budgets and reports, according to the BLS.

Median Salary:  $67,950 (2021)
Education Level: Bachelor of Landscape Architecture or Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture

6. Wildlife Biologist

Are your environmental interests focused more closely on animals than plants or earth science? A career in zoology and wildlife biology might be what you’re looking for. Zoologist and wildlife biologist encompass some high-paying jobs with animals.

Wildlife biologists and zoologists study animals. Individual wildlife biologists often focusing particular types of animals, like mammals. They may also focus on groups of animals that live in specific habitats, such as oceans.

What education you will need for a career as a wildlife biologist depends on what you plan to do in the field. You can get an entry-level role in this field of science with just a bachelor’s degree. You’ll need a master’s degree if you aspire to conduct higher-level investigative or scientific work, the BLS reported. To advance into independent research or university research roles, you will need a Ph.D.

RELATED: Highest Paying Jobs With a Biology Degree – Degrees in Biology – Majors & Careers

Working with animals, in and of itself, may not be enough to make a career qualify as green. Still, the wildlife biology career path is certainly a green career.

Part of a wildlife biologist’s job is to observe the animals’ behavior, physical characteristics and interactions with its own kind and with other species. However, much of a wildlife biologist’s work focuses on conservation of the animals’ natural habitat and preserving the species.

These scientists keep tabs on the animals’ populations. They may implement breeding programs to increase the population of endangered species. Developing conservation plans is also a typical part of these jobs, according to the BLS.

Wildlife biologists even play a role in the development of alternative energy solutions. For example, imagine that a wind farm is being constructed. A wildlife biologist may assess how the turbines and construction could interfere with the local ecosystem. This assessment helps the biologist devise strategies to minimize the impact on the region’s birds and other animal life, the BLS reported.

Median Salary: $64,650 (2021)
Education Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. Degree Zoology and Wildlife Biology

7. Conservation Scientist

Few careers are greener than that of a conservation scientist. In these jobs in nature, you would study the quality of natural resources and plan how to use those resources.

If a career as a conservation scientist sounds like the right choice for you, you’ll need to choose your college carefully. Employers may prefer applicants who have a bachelor’s degree from a program accredited by the Society of American Foresters.

The coursework in accredited programs typically covers subjects like the following, according to the BLS:

• Biology
• Ecology
• Forest resource measurement
• Computer modeling,

Some conservation scientists choose to pursue professional certification through the Society of American Foresters or the Society for Range Management. Professional certification is not required for these nature jobs, but it can be beneficial.

Conservation scientist is another occupation that allows workers to split their time between working outdoors and indoors. Conservation scientists may work extensively in the field. They often take long walks that require a great deal of physical stamina, according to the BLS. They also spend time in laboratories and offices. Here, they analyze data and draft plans for conservation projects.

As a conservation scientist, the main goal of your job would be to preserve the natural environment and its resources. In fact, many conservation scientists don’t just conserve existing resources. They actually work to improve resources, like making farmland more fertile for agriculture. Your work could include tasks like gathering and studying water, soil and plant samples. Developing strategies for using and conserving resources is also part of many jobs in conservation science. A conservation scientist may also oversee land use and harvesting contracts and practices.

With the right qualifications and experience, you might find yourself in a specialized role in conservation science. Specialized conservation science jobs include:

• Conservation land manager
• Range manager
• Soil conservationist
• Water conservationist

In specialized jobs in conservation science, scientists focus their efforts on preserving a particular land area or aspect of the natural world.

Median Salary: $63,750 (2021)
Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry, Environmental Science or Agricultural Science

8. Limnologist

Limnologist probably isn’t a career you’re familiar with. It can, however, be a very rewarding nature career.

A limnologist is a type of scientist. In some ways, limnologist is similar to more well-known marine biologist career. Unlike the marine biologist, a limnologist studies the animals, plants and ecosystems that make up freshwater environments. Lakes and ponds – and their plant and animal inhabitants – the the subject of a limnologist’s study.

RELATED: What Degree Do You Need to Become a Marine Biologist?

How much money a limnologist makes can vary significantly based on two factors:

• The kind of work the limnologist does
• The industry and organization for which the limnologist works

A limnologist’s area of specialization also affects both job duties and earning potential. For example, limnologists who study freshwater animals can expect to earn a median wage similar to that of wildlife biologists, the BLS reported. Those who study the movement of water, instead, earn salaries more comparable to that of hydrologists.  Limnologists with a chemistry focus may bring home a median salary that’s on par with chemists in other disciplines.

Limnologist is a very broad career path. Ecologists, environmental scientists, biogeochemists and various other kinds of scientists and researchers can all fall under the category of limnologists if they specialize in studying freshwater ecosystems.

Limnologist is an excellent career for nature-lovers. Many of the roles in this area of science include a focus on conservation.

For example, a limnologist who studies freshwater animal life might research the reasons behind a diminishing population of fish. They may also develop plans for increasing that population back to normal levels.

Limnologists also conduct experiments to determine what effects possible changes to the freshwater ecosystem could have on the environment. Examples of the kinds of changes limnologists study are the introduction of a new species of fish and changes in the diet of small organisms like plankton.

If you enjoy spending time in lakes and ponds, you will enjoy the fieldwork in these nature careers. Limnologists visit these environments to record measurements and gather specimens and water samples to study in the lab.

Median Salary: $63,625 (2023, job search website Zippia)
Education Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. Degree in Biology or Chemistry

9. Wind Turbine Service Technician

Few things are greener than clean energy sources. Wind turbine service technicians are the maintenance and repair professionals whose work makes renewable wind energy possible. Another name for wind turbine service technicians is “windtechs.”

Wind turbine service technicians are responsible for examining, repairing and maintaining the turbines that generate renewable wind energy. For many wind turbine service technicians, the opportunity to work primarily outdoors is enjoyable.

However, the job is also physically demanding and can be dangerous. Industrial wind turbines are often hundreds of feet tall. Windtechs maintenance on very tall wind turbine towers. Replacing old or damaged parts is part of a windtech’s job. So is troubleshooting the various mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems used to power the wind turbines. To do this work, windtechs need to know how to use safety harnesses and other equipment to safely climb the towers.

In 2021, windtechs held 11,100 jobs across the nation, the BLS reported. However, these nature careers are growing rapidly in America and across the globe. Jobs for windtechs in the United States should increase by 44% between 2021 and 2023, according to the BLS. That’s nearly nine times the 5% job growth rate for all occupations during that same period.

Many of the jobs on our top 10 green careers list are science-based and at least partly academic in nature, but windtech is an exception. Are you more comfortable fixing mechanical problems than studying samples in a lab? If so, wind turbine service technician is a career path that will fit both your technical talents and your love of nature.

This emphasis on technical skills also makes wind turbine technician one of the best jobs in nature without a degree. The BLS considers the minimum level of education for this nature career to be a postsecondary nondegree award. This means a training program from a community college or technical school that confers a certificate may be all you need to get started. If you would rather go for a degree, search for a wind energy technology program at the associate degree level.

Median Salary: $56,260 (2021)
Education Level: Associate’s Degree in Wind Energy Technology

10. Recycling Coordinator

Are you passionate about recycling? Why not turn your enthusiasm into a career as a recycling coordinator?

These labor management professionals oversee recycling efforts. Their work ensures that collected recyclables actually make their way to a facility where they can be transformed into something new or reused, rather than permanently discarded in a landfill.

Recycling coordinators establish recyclables collection schedules. They send workers to pickup routes. These nature-focused careers involve serving as a supervisor or manager for the employers who operate recycling collection trucks and processing facilities.

The earning potential for recycling coordinators can vary widely, the BLS reported. The lowest-paid recycling coordinators earn well below the median salary for all occupations. The highest-paid recycling coordinators can pull in six-figure salaries annually.

Certain factors make a big difference in salary for recycling coordinators. The size of the program the recycling coordinator is responsible for managing is one such factor. Another is the amount of experience the worker has. Even new recycling coordinators who oversee relatively small recycling programs find the work rewarding in non-financial ways. No matter the scale, their work has a positive impact on the environment.

Recycling coordinators help the natural environment in more ways than one. By planning and supervising recycling programs, they ensure that recycling efforts actually become a reality. Once the recyclables are collected and sorted, they need to make it to a facility that will actually use the materials to create another usable product. A recycling coordinator is behind this process, too. Part of their jobs is negotiating contracts to sell and transport the recycling materials to a facility that will use them.

An important aspect of any successful recycling program is public education and awareness. Making the public aware of the importance of recycling and which items can be recycled is critical. Education through community outreach is another job duty recycling coordinators must accomplish.

A passion for recycling is among the most important characteristics for a recycling coordinator to have. Recycling coordinators also need excellent skills in communication, data management and administration. They typically need a bachelor’s degree in a subject related to the environment. Past work experience in education, manufacturing, waste management or the government is also useful.  In some states, recycling coordinators need to acquire state certification.

Median Salary: $57,860 (2022, O*NET)
Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Education or Environmental Resources Management

Every nature job on our environmental science careers list gives applicants a chance to make a difference. Whether your mission is to protect plant life or wildlife, combat pollution or clean up existing environmental issues, the contributions you make when you join these industries affect the natural world not just in the U.S. but across the globe.

Editor’s note:

Some green jobs have been around for decades. Others are relatively new and evolving all the time. If you’re seeking a job that’s environmentally friendly and will allow you the chance to help protect the natural world, you have plenty of options.

Choosing a career is a big decision. It’s important to consider all of the potential benefits and challenges of an occupation before you commit to it. Consider this list a guide for beginning your own research into the green career that’s right for you.

To learn more about these and other jobs for nature lovers, check out the Green Jobs Career Outlook articles published by the BLS. Unless otherwise stated, the BLS was the source for any employment, education, training, salary and career outlook information presented in this article.

Related Resources: 

Top 10 Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Environmental Science

Best Paying Jobs With a Geography Degree

For Further Reading: 

Top 10 Paying Jobs With an Associate’s Degree

Top 10 Highest Paying Engineering Careers

The post The Top 10 “Green” Nature Careers for Nature-Lovers appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Research is the key to making an informed decision, and our list of the top 10 graduate architecture degree programs is the perfect place to start. Every program on our list has received high rankings from industry experts, and each can help you reach your architecture career goals – whatever those goals may be.

1. Harvard University

The school that ranked first in the United States on the Greenway Group’s list of the top 10 best graduate architecture schools happens to be an Ivy League institution known nationwide. However, Harvard University isn’t just home to the best graduate architecture degree program in the nation. It also landed the fifth spot on the QS Top 100 Universities in the World for Architecture list, according to Arch Record. Of course, the research university as a whole has been recognized elsewhere, as well. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Harvard University highly in many areas, most notably:

• National universities (2^nd in the nation)
• Best value schools (2^nd in the nation)
• Best colleges for veterans (2^nd in the nation)
• Most innovative schools (tied for 8^th place)
• Best global universities

The Harvard University Graduate School of Design offers two graduate degree programs in architecture. The Masters in Architecture I (MARCH I) is a professional degree program for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in any subject but who haven’t yet completed the professional education requirements for a career as an architect. Students need not have any background in architecture to apply to this program, though some enrollees have completed a pre-professional bachelor’s degree program in architecture or design. Students complete rigorous coursework in subjects such as professional practice, architecture history and theory, technology and the social environment. Hands-on work in the studio helps students master architectural design. In addition to completing a design thesis, students often begin their professional internships while earning their MARCH degree.

For students who have already earned a professional Bachelor’s in Architecture (B.Arch.) degree through a five-year program, the Masters in Architecture II (MARCH II) is the next step to furthering their design skills. This post-professional degree program allows students who are already high achievers in design to cultivate advanced theoretical and analytical skills over two years of full-time study. To earn their degree, students must complete advanced design research through either a graduate thesis or a special “superstudio” experience.

Location: Cambridge, MA

Enrollment: 14,500 graduate and professional students

Tuition: $43,700

2. Columbia University

Columbia University in New York isn’t just the second-best (according to Greenway Group) graduate architecture program in the nation. The school as a whole is also among the best national universities (tied for 4^th place), best colleges for veterans (again, tied for 4^th place), best value schools (6^th place) and best global universities (10^th place), as ranked by U.S. News & World Report. Columbia University is ranked 11^th globally on the QS Top 100 Universities in the World for Architecture list.

Most of the 788 students enrolled in Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation are pursuing a master’s degree, program, such as the Master of Architecture (M.Arch.). This three-year program equips students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field – or a pre-professional degree in architecture – with the professional education they will need to embark on the career. Throughout their studies, M.Arch. students will explore the concepts and practice of creating architecture, technology, design, visual studies and architectural theory and methods. Students will spend much of their time honing their skills in the design studio, but in the classroom, they will also study the social, historical, cultural, economic and technical factors that influence architecture.

Not every architecture graduate student Columbia University is seeking an M.Arch. degree. The school also offers post-professional degrees for architects who have already completed a professional bachelor’s program. Over three semesters, students can earn a Master of Science degree in Advanced Architectural Design. For students with a strong interest in research in the field of architecture theory and history, the school also offers a Ph.D. program in architecture.

Location: New York, NY

Enrollment: 14,578 graduate and professional students

Tuition: $50,880

3. Yale University

Another school to rank on both the Greenway Group’s list of the top 10 best graduate architecture schools and the QS Top 100 Universities in the World for Architecture list is Yale University. The high-achieving Ivy League institution has also earned high rankings from U.S. News & World Report, receiving honors such as:

• 3^rd place among national universities
• 3^rd place among best value schools
• 3^rd place among the best schools for veterans
• 17^th place among the best global universities

The Yale School of Architecture offers numerous degree options at the graduate level. For students who have a bachelor’s degree in any subject but don’t yet hold a professional degree in architecture, the Master of Architecture I (M.Arch.1) program teaches the fundamentals and prepares students for a career as a licensed or registered architect over three years of full-time study. Students who already have their professional Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) degree can increase their theoretical knowledge and design skills through the two-year Master of Architecture II (M.Arch.II) program.

The school also offers programs outside the traditional master’s degree options. The non-professional Master of Environmental Design (M.E.D.) program focuses on advanced architectural studies completed through two years of research. A five-year Ph.D. program prepares students for architectural work in capacities such as university teaching, publishing, museum curatorship and cultural advocacy. M.Arch. students can also expand their skills through a joint degree program that combines architectural studies with coursework in business (M.Arch/M.B.A.), environmental management (M.Arch/M.E.M.) or environmental design (M.Arch/M.E.D.).

Location: New Haven, CT

Enrollment: 6,501 graduate and professional students

Tuition: $46,500

4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology doesn’t just rank highly on Greenway Group’s top 10 in the nation list. It’s also the best architecture program in the world, according to the QS Top 100 Universities in the World for Architecture list.

Though you might equate MIT more closely with engineering, science and technology than with design, architecture was among the original four departments that made up the school when it was founded in 1861. Today, the department divides the study (and research) of architecture into five distinct disciplines:

• Architectural design
• Building technology
• Computation;
• History, theory and criticism of architecture and art
• Art, Culture, and Technology

MIT’s Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) degree had earned accreditation from the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) as a professional degree program. Design studios make up the focus of the Master of Architecture program. A design thesis and courses in architectural culture, building technology, computation in architecture, sustainability and urban theory rounding out the three-and-a-half years of study typically required to complete the program. Upon graduating, M.Arch. students will have completed the educational requirements necessary to earn a professional license or registration.

The Department of Architecture at MIT also offers specialized graduate programs like the Master of Science in Architecture Studies, Master of Science in Building Technology and Master of Science in Art Culture and Technology. At the doctoral level, students can earn a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Architecture in Building Technology, Computation or the History, Theory and Criticism of Architecture and Art. Certificates and dual degree programs are also available at the graduate level.

Location: Cambridge, MA

Enrollment: 6,807 graduate and professional students

Tuition: $44,720

5. Cornell University

Cornell University took fifth place among Greenway Group’s top 10 graduate architecture programs, and it also ranked first among the top 10 undergraduate degrees. You’ll also find this school high on the QS Top 100 Universities in the World for Architecture list, taking the 27^th slot.

The Cornell University College of Art, Architecture and Planning offers three degree options at the graduate level. For students who haven’t earned a professional degree in architecture – including those with a pre-professional bachelor’s degree in architecture or those with an undergraduate degree in a different field – there’s the accredited Professional Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) degree. This three-and-a-half year program prepares students to attain licensure or registration as a professional architect in their state through intensive studio work, a design thesis and coursework in subjects like structural concepts, professional practice and architecture history and theory.

Students who have already earned a professional bachelor’s degree, usually through a five-year accredited program, can pursue Cornell’s Post-Professional Master of Architecture (M.Arch.II) degree. This advanced design research program allows students to spend three semesters in intensive interdisciplinary study of a specialized topic such as Architecture and Discourse, Architecture and Ecology or Architecture and Urbanism. The school also offers a Ph.D. program in History of Architecture and Urban Development, for students with an interest in advanced interdisciplinary research.

Location: Ithaca, NY

Enrollment: 7,200 graduate and professional students

Tuition: $48,900

6. University of Michigan

At the University of Michigan, the graduate architecture program is part of the A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. The school offers programs at the master’s and doctoral level. The Master of Architecture degree, accredited by the NAAB, takes two tracks. For students who already have a pre-professional bachelor’s degree in architecture, the program involves two years of intensive studio design work as well as studies in classroom. Students without an architecture background will spend three years in the program, learning the fundamentals of design, construction, structures and the history of architecture. Both tracks require students to complete a thesis project to graduate.

Students whose interests are more closely aligned with research than the practice of creating architecture application can pursue the Master of Science in Architecture Design and Research at the University of Michigan. Over the course of 10 months, the program allows students who already have a professional architecture education to prepare for research and academic positions. Students can choose one of four concentrations:

• Conservation
• Design and Health
• Digital Technologies
• Material Systems

The University of Michigan also boasts one of the oldest Ph.D. in architecture degree programs in the country, dating back to 1968. Students conduct research in long-term projects that can span five to six years or more, focusing on interdisciplinary topics such as structural modeling, urban history and media practices in architecture.

Besides placing 6^th among the top 10 graduate architecture programs in the United States, the University of Michigan also made the top half of the QS Top 100 Universities in the World for Architecture list. The school has also appeared on several U.S. News & World Report lists, including best national universities, top public schools, most innovative schools, best colleges for veterans and best global universities.

Location: Ann Arbor, MI

Enrollment: 1,791 graduate and professional students

Tuition: $53,404 (in-state)

7. Rice University

Like Cornell, Rice University earned the distinction of making both Greenway Group’s top 10 undergraduate and graduate architecture program lists. It has also received recognition from U.S. News & World Report, which ranked it 14^th on the list of best value schools, tied for 14^th place among the best schools for veterans, tied for the 18^th slot among national universities and tied for 89^th place among the best global universities.

At the graduate level, Rice University’s architecture programs provide a breadth of knowledge on architectural history, technology and theory. Students will grow their understanding of the discipline of architecture and develop their own expertise in specific areas through completing a thesis design project.

The school offers NAAB-accredited professional master’s degree programs for both students with a pre-professional undergraduate background in the field and for those with no architecture background. Students who have already studied architecture will complete their professional degree requirements in five semesters, while those who are new to the discipline will spend seven semesters in the classroom and the design studio. At the end of either program, graduates will have an education that qualifies them to take professional licensing examinations.

Students can also pursue the Master of Arts in Architecture, a nonprofessional degree, through a post-graduate program called Present Future. This program includes two semesters of special-topic studies at the graduate level.

Location: Houston, TX

Enrollment: 1,500 graduate and professional students

Tuition: $41,560

8. University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania’s graduate architecture program tied for 7^th place on the Greenway Group’s top 10 list. It also ranked 35^th on the QS 100 Universities in the World for Architecture list. The Philadelphia-based school placed 8^th on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the best colleges for veterans, 9^th on its list of national universities, 11^th on its list of best value schools and 19^th on the list of the best global universities.

PennDesign – as the University of Pennsylvania School of Design is affectionately known to students, faculty and the community – offers a few options of study at the graduate level of architecture education. The accredited Master of Architecture degree is a professional program that prepares students to take their state’s licensing exam and succeed in the world of professional architecture. Design studios make up the core of the program, but students also take coursework in a variety of subjects, including:

• Ecology
• History of architecture
• Professional practice
• Society
• Theory of architecture
• Technology
• Visual studies in drawing and new media

To graduate, students must also complete individual research in advanced design studios, leading to a thesis project. While the program typically takes three years, students with a nonprofessional educational background in architecture may be able to complete it in two.

Other graduate-level architecture degree options at the University of Pennsylvania include:

• Master of Science in Design, a three-semester post-professional program
• Master of Science in Architecture, a one-year program for students who already have a professional bachelor’s degree
• Master in Environmental Building Design, a one-year advanced degree for practicing architects
• D. Program in Architecture, which happens to be the oldest in the United States
• More than a dozen dual degree options that pair studies in architecture with degree programs both within and beyond the School of Design

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Enrollment: 11,035 graduate and professional students

Tuition: $45,870

9. University of Virginia

At 9^th place on Greenway Group’s top 10 graduate architecture programs list is the University of Virginia. U.S. News & World Report recently ranked the public college founded by Thomas Jefferson among the best national universities, top public schools, best value schools, best schools for veterans and best global universities.

The University of Virginia’s professional graduate degree, the Master of Architecture, offers numerous paths from which students can choose, each corresponding to the amount of time it will take to earn the degree.

For students with a pre-professional bachelor’s degree in architecture, Path 2 can provide students with the professional education they need to earn a license and a master’s degree to get ahead in just two years. Path 2.5 exists to allow students with a pre-professional degree but limited design studio experience – such as those who have earned a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture or Environmental Design – to earn their M.Arch. degree in two and a half years. Path 3, for students with an undergraduate degree but no architecture background, teaches the basics of architecture and beyond in a total of three years. For students who aren’t looking for a professional program, there’s Path 1, a one-year option of study that culminates in a Master of Architecture, Design Studies degree.

In addition to its M.Arch. degree, the school also offers graduate-level studies in the following specialized programs:

• Master of Urban and Environmental Planning
• Master of Architectural History
• Master of Landscape Architecture program
• D. in the Constructed Environment

The University of Virginia has the one of the most affordable price tags of any school in the top 10 list, proving that you don’t have to break the bank to get a great graduate-level architecture education from a highly-ranked university.

Location: Charlottesville, VA

Enrollment: 7,249 graduate and professional students

Tuition: $14,244 (in-state); $23,568 (out-of-state)

10. University of California, Berkeley

Another affordable school to make Greenway Group’s top 10 graduate architecture programs list is the University of California at Berkeley. One of the largest schools on the list, with upwards of 10,000 graduate students, UCB also happens to take 4^th place on the QS Top 100 Universities in the World for Architecture list. It’s no wonder U.S. News & World Report ranked the institution first in the nation on its top public schools list, also ranking the school highly on its lists of national universities, most innovative schools and best global universities.

The College of Environmental Design at UCB offers both professional and academic master’s degree programs, as well as a Ph.D., in architecture. The Master of Architecture degree is an accredited professional program. Students with no architecture background can earn this degree in three years, while students with a pre-professional architecture degree can earn it in just two. There’s also a one-year post-professional M.Arch. degree option for students who already hold a professional Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.). The final year of study in the M.Arch. program includes either an intensive research studio or an individual thesis project.

UCB’s academic graduate architecture degree program, the Master of Science in Architecture, is a nonprofessional program that allows students to perform advanced research in either Building Science and Sustainability or History, Theory and Society. For students with academic research or university teaching, the Ph.D. program in architecture allows for advanced, interdisciplinary research that coincides with the same concentrations.

Location: Berkley, CA

Enrollment: 10,455 graduate and professional students

Tuition: $13,432 (in-state); $28,534 (out-of-state)

For Further Reading: 

Top 10 Graduate Degree Programs in Criminal Justice

The post Top 10 Graduate Architecture Degree Programs appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

What is an Education in IT? 

IT or information technology is the field of technical science dedicated to overseeing, installing, or troubleshooting digital infrastructure for large organizations and consumers alike. An education in an IT program will endeavor to build students’ problem solving skills, critical thinking, and command of computer technology, while cultivating a strong foundation of technical knowledge. 

Technical knowledge such as software programming, software engineering, and web development are common areas of focus for IT programs. Though many IT degree programs will focus on one area and build a curriculum around it, thereby conveying a degree specialization that is meant to help students build expertise towards targeted interests. What degree specializations a student chooses will certainly determine the career opportunities available in the IT job market after graduation. 

Why Invest in an Associate’s of IT? 

Unlike a bachelor’s or master’s program an Associate’s of Information Technology program presents a much lower barrier of entry comparatively, that is, the requirements for enrollment are much less stringent. An Associate of IT can be completed in just two years, marking half the time that an undergraduate program requires, which also translates to much lower tuition costs. 

The true value of an Associate of IT however, is in its power to prepare students for their next level professional ascent. Earning an Associate of IT is a quick and affordable maneuver that when completed successfully can either position students for acceptance into the best undergraduate IT programs, or position them to enter the workforce and begin building resumes.

This makes an Associate of IT an ideal option for adult learners and working professionals who wish to make a career change, but who might not have the background to warrant an easy transition into a Bachelor’s program. 

What is our Methodology for this Ranking? 

Considering the view that the true value of an associate’s degree is located in its accessibility and flexibility, we have doubled down on this sentiment in this ranking. As such, we focus only on Associate’s of IT degree programs that can be completed entirely online. With this in mind, the degree programs below should represent the most accessible options to the largest number of prospective students. 

While there may have been a time when an online degree carried some element of stigma, that time is gone. Many of the country’s best universities now offer fully fleshed out departments of distance learning and offer hundreds of degrees totally online. We have scoured available offerings to uncover which offer the best Associate’s of IT programs according to the following metrics: 

• Reputation 

The overall clout of an institution and the reputational value conferred to its degree holders. 

• Number of Specializations

Being able to pursue your desired area of specialization is often as important as anything. 

• Graduation Rate 

Given the time and investment involved in an Associate’s degree, we have weighted schools where students see this investment come to fruition at graduation. 

25 Best Online Associate’s of IT

1. Florida State University Jacksonville

FSU Jacksonville takes the number one spot on this ranking for multitude of reasons. Foremost of which is the reputation of its online degree offerings which consistently rank among the nation’s best options. This reputation has been generated by award-winning faculty and upheld by alumni who participate in the upper echelons of many industries and areas of government. 

Particularly in the case of the Information Technology program, FSU Jacksonville offers a fully online Associate in Science (AS) in Computer Information Technology. This program works in conjunction with Microsoft’s Developer Network Academic Alliance, which provides students with tremendous value–a free licensed copy of Microsoft’s server along with a full-blown developer kit, and a 50 hour professional internship to cultivate one’s experience in the workforce. 

FSU Jacksonville further distinguishes itself from the competition by offering students even greater flexibility in curriculum. Students can choose from any of the four career tracks:

• Software Development Track
• Web Track
• Database Track
• Data Science Track

Click here to learn more. 

2. Randolph Community College 

Randolph Community College was founded in 1962 has carved out a reputation for itself in many ways–but among the most notable is its commitment to student care. A stellar student to faculty ratio ensures that each Randolph Community College student receives the guidance necessary so that they might make the best choices–both during their graduation and thereafter. 

Randolph looks to offer students an Associate of Science that is highly flexible. This flexibility allows students to essentially tailor their Associate’s Degree program to match the four year program (or entry level job) they wish to move into after graduation. 

With this in mind, Randolph offers an Information Technology track that will prepare students to quickly and affordably move into the job market, or on to the next state of their IT education. 

Click here to learn more. 

3. St. Petersburg College

Founded in 1927, SPC defies traditional conceptions of what a community college is by performing on the level of much larger universities. For instance, SPC produces alumni who bring in the largest wages of any community college graduates. This accomplishment is due to the commitment of faculty to deliver career-focused and industry-relevant curriculum to students so that upon graduation they are ready to thrive professionally. 

SPC offers a fully online Associate of Science in Computer Information Technology that clearly holds true to a career focus. The program offers a curriculum couched in business and real world considerations that are further reinforced through a professional technology support internship. Similarly, students have the option of a degree focus in technology support that prepares students for a seamless transition into employment as a tech support specialist. 

If students wish to take a different route, there is also a tack available in data science. SPC further encourages students to succeed in the workforce by offering coursework which prepares students for the following industry certifications: 

• CompTIA A+
• CompTIA Network+
• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Office 
• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Excel 

Click here to learn more. 

4. University of the Cumberlands

With more than 18,000 students and degree programs in more than 40 areas of study, UC is one the largest and most affordable private universities in Kentucky. UC’s mission is to deliver a quality education at an affordable price so that students from all backgrounds can pursue professional advancement. This mission is likely a result of UC’s Christian values, which translate into a focus on leadership and community engagement in program curriculums. 

UC offers an Associate of Information Technology that can be completed entirely online. This program is designed with a broad approach to the subject in mind, so as to provide students a strong foundational knowledge that can work as the basis for many different career paths. This program has received numerous accolades, among the most notable of which is the certification as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Click here to learn more. 

5. Peirce College

Founded in 1865 Peirce College began as Union Business College whose primary purpose was to provide education and professional advancement opportunities to soldiers returning from the Civil War. Today Peirce College is holding true to this commitment and is Pennsylvania’s only institution of higher learning that commits all of its resources to educating adult learners. 

With the advent of online education technology, Pierce College has redoubled its efforts to provide accessible and convenient education to adult learners who might pursue a degree amidst busy professional and family lives. Specifically, Pierce offers an Associate of Science in Information Technology. 

This program is designed to jumpstart students’ careers in information technology, and does so by designing curriculum to match the real world demands of the job market. Students in the program will be able to earn certain key certifications to aid in this process. 

Click here to learn more. 

6. Indiana Wesleyan University

Founded in 1920, IWU holds a rich history of combining religious leadership with academic excellence, and is now a large liberal arts Christian university under the umbrella of The Wesleyan Church. While many universities have only recently addressed the demand for online education and adult learner programs, IWU developed its adult education program in 1985. This program now services over 10,000 adult learners, so prospective students can rest assured that online and adult learning programs have been perfected at IWU. 

Among IWU’s online offerings are an Associate of Science with a Major in Computer Science that can be completed entirely online. In accordance with the program’s primary mission to prepare adult learners for professional advancement, curriculum is organized in a broad fashion so that students build competency in many areas relevant to industry demand. Students can also pursue personal interests and build toward specialization by taking electives in their area of interest. 

Click here to learn more. 

7. Union County College

Founded in 1933, Union County College is a public comprehensive community college that emphasizes adult learner programs. These programs service over 20,000 students through fully accredited continuing education degree paths. UCC is one New Jersey’s only Community Colleges to brandish such a distinguished history in adult learner education and credit transfer services. The core intention of UCC is to provide affordable and flexible education programs to jumpstart students’ futures. 

This intention of providing adult learners with career relevant programs has led to UCC building out online degree program paths to accommodate busy working schedules and family lives. Among these online programs is an Associate of Science in Computer Information Systems & Technology.  

This Associate’s program can be completed through 60 credit hours over four semesters in two years. The program’s emphasis on information system curriculum prepares students for easy transition into a four year bachelor’s program or into the information systems job market. 

Click here to learn more. 

8. Minnesota State Community and Technical College

Minnesota State Community and Technical College has carved out an excellent reputation for working with both adult learners and recent high school graduates alike. In particular, M State provides over 30 fully online programs made up of more than 200 virtual courses. M State distinguishes itself as a school dedicated to helping its students reach the next level in professional development–even amidst demanding work or family life.

M State demonstrates its value to prospective IT students through a combination of affordable, flexible, and specialized degree path offerings. Students can choose a more generalized degree or they can begin building targeted expertise in one of the M State’s more specialized tracks. 

M State offers a fully online Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Information Technology, which employs a curriculum based on industry relevant software, technical support strategy, as well as collaborative research and development approaches. Students can further specialize their approach in pursuing one of the following specialized degree paths:

• Information Technology – Database Administration 
• Health Information Technology / Coding 

Click here to learn more. 

9. UMass Lowell

UMass Lowell services thousands of students–both on-campus and online–through its Division of Graduate, Online, and Professional Studies. This makes it one of the largest nonprofit online continuing education programs in New England, housing a massive catalogue of fully online graduate and undergraduate degrees that can be completed on either a full-time or part-time basis. 

UMass Lowell online degree programs can be completed either entirely online through virtual classroom technology or through a combination of online and on-campus coursework. UMass Lowell’s Associate of Information Technology provides a comprehensive education in the major introductions to the subject, while also allowing students to customize curriculum to match their career goals and interests. 

While students can choose from a wide variety of options–even developing a unique focus of their own if appropriate–common choices are as follows: 

• Programming 
• Networking
• Database management
• Website design
• Multimedia

Click here to learn more. 

10. Broward College

Broward College has built an intriguing business model in higher education, that is, the College has demonstrated tremendous success in predicting emerging industry needs and developing professional certifications accordingly. These certifications can usually be completed in about a year, and thus get students into the workforce as quickly and affordably as possible. Broward also offers fully online associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs that consistently rank among the country’s best STEM programs. 

Broward’s available selection of IT-faced degree programs is one of the most extensive on this list, and as such empowers its students with a tremendous amount of choice. Foremost among these choices is the choice between an Associate of Art or an Associate of Science in a student’s chosen area of focus. 

An Associate of Art in IT will focus more on the conceptual and theoretical issues of the subject–that is, the qualitative elements. An Associate of Science in IT will focus more on the hard science and technical breakdowns–that is, the quantitative elements. 

Students can pursue any of the following degree paths:

• A.A. in Computer and Information Science / Engineering 
• A.S. in Computer Information Technology 
• A.S. in Software Development 
• A.S. in Computer and Network Security 
• A.S. in Technology Program Management 

Click here to learn more. 

11. Pennsylvania State University

Penn State is one of those schools that confers great value to its alumni and the degrees they hold. This is due in part to the extensive and rich history of Penn State stretching back as far as 1855, making it one of the oldest universities in America. Despite brandishing such a storied and reputable institution, Penn State has remained on the forefront of innovation, particularly in the area of distance education, which it developed officially through its World Campus program over 20 years ago. 

So when earning a degree online at Penn State you get the best of both worlds–a degree that represents academic excellence, and a format that represents decades of fine-tuned accessibility and flexibility. This is particularly true in the fully online Associate of Science in Information Sciences and Technology. 

Students in this program will progress through a curriculum designed to build a strong foundation in the all the introductory pillars of information science and technology, however students will also have the opportunity to build expertise in tracks that provide specialized curriculum: 

• Baccalaureate Track – Credits transfer to Bachelor’s in IT at Penn State
• Generalized Business Track – Improve overall entrepreneurial skill
• Individualized Option – Work with an advisor to establish a unique path
• Networking Option – Focus on network and computer administration 

Click here to learn more. 

12. Herzing University

Herzing University is a higher learning institution that jumpstarts student careers by enrolling them in career focused degree programs that instill knowledge along with crucial life skills such as critical thinking and leadership. Herzing has developed a reputation for innovation, especially where online learning is concerned, as it is regularly recognized as offering some of the best online degree programs in the higher ed market. 

Among these degree programs is a fully online Associate of Information Technology. This program remains true to the larger commitment of Herzing to deliver industry relevant curriculum by directly preparing students to earn professional IT certifications listed below. There is also an Associate of Technology Studies for students who wish to build a career in technology, but who wish to avoid the highly technical side.

• CompTIA Security+
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)

Click here to learn more. 

13. Keiser University

Keiser University is one of those organizations whose mission has been validated by its results, that is, the University was founded in 1977 with the mission of two doctors to develop a better option for education of adult learners. Since then Keiser has produced tens of thousands of successful professionals, many of whom earned degrees amidst busy work and family lives–a feat only made possible by its online degree capabilities. 

Specifically Keiser offers an Associate of Science in Information Technology with a focus in network administration and emphasis in cyber support. This program is meant to establish a foundation in information technology, while also preparing students to take on employment in the aforementioned subspecialties. 

The program’s curriculum combines theory and practice by investigating real problems occurring in the industry. Critical thinking and strong communication skills are also emphasized to help encourage the development of students so that they may thrive as they continue their IT education or enter the job market. 

Click here to learn more. 

14. Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University is the oldest Catholic institution of higher ed in Florida, and is also recognized as one of the top liberal arts universities in the state. Though Saint Leo is recognized for its rich Catholic history, it welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds including those of without any religious affiliations. This background however, will translate into a noticeable focus on stewardship and community leadership within a degree program’s curriculum.

Saint Leo offers a fully online Associate of Information Technology that looks to prepare students for entry level positions in the job market. For students interested in combining a top notch IT education with an emphasis in leadership and ethics, this program is certainly one to consider.  

Click here to learn more. 

15. Campbell University

Campbell University is distinguished by several factors: its rich history, its christian approach, and its stellar reputation. Founded in 1887, it is one of the oldest Christian institutions in North Carolina and enrolls more state locals than any other private university, and moreover, Campbell is one of only four universities in the state to have reached the highest level of accreditation. 

Campbell University also demonstrates a willingness for innovation evidenced in its recent commitment to building out online education and adult learning programs. Among these is the Associate of Science in Information Technology which provides students with the opportunity to build expertise in a targeted area of focus. Students can complete any of the following specialized degree paths: 

• Associate of Science in Homeland Security 
• Associate of Arts in Information Technology Security 
• Associate of Arts in Information Technology Security – Management 

Click here to learn more. 

16. College of Southern Maryland

CSM is one of the largest community colleges in the state, and is recognized nationally as one of the best community colleges for earning an Associate’s degree. This is due at least in part to CSM’s focus on delivering career relevant education to students in order to empower professional mobility and enhancement. With the recent development of its online degree offerings, CSM has been able to service more students and professionals than ever before. 

Specifically CSM offers an Associate of Applied Science in Information Services Technology that can be completed through 60 credit hours usually spaced over two years. The program directors mention that up to 45 of these credits can transfer to four year IT programs, which can significantly lessen both the time requirement and tuition expense. 

The AAS in Information Services Technology prepares students to earn any of the following professional certifications: 

• CompTIA A+
• CompTIA Network+
• Security+
• Linux+

Click here to learn more. 

17. Point University

Point University displays a respectable commitment to its religious ideology, and interweaves Christian doctrine into academically rigorous curriculum. Point University carries out this commitment in fulfillment of its core belief–that to develop students into successful professionals with global awareness, the student must be developed both intellectually and spiritually in alignment with the teachings of Jesus Christ. 

Students who are interested in an IT degree based in a Christian worldview will want to check out Point University’s Associate of Science in Information Technology. This program prepares students on two levels–first, in the technical knowledge that will open doors to entry level employment in tech support, and second, in the critical thinking and assessment skills that will contribute to continued success throughout one’s career. 

Click here to learn more. 

18. University of Alaska Fairbanks

UAF first opened in 1922 and since then has grown immensely to currently service more than 8,500 students, many of which are from around the world thanks to UAF’s development of online degree offerings. UAF further distinguishes itself in the amount of choice it offers students, and through its 8 colleges offers 139 degrees in 112 disciplines. And each degree program is based on current research, industry trends, and market needs. 

UAF offers a fully online Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology where students learn to install, design, and troubleshoot computer and information systems in a variety of professional environments. Students can pursue a more specialized IT Associate’s in any of the following degree tracks: 

• Computing Technology 
• Network and Cybersecurity 
• Network and System Administration 

Click here to learn more. 

19. Georgia Military College

GMC is a nationally recognized leader in community college education, and is the best in the state of Georgia. What makes GMC unique is its commitment to a character-based education that is both career focused and academically stimulating. GMC is also one of the fastest growing community colleges in the country, which is due in part to its growing catalogue of top tier Associate’s degrees that can be completed entirely online. 

GMC offers an Associate of Science in Information Technology that can be completed entirely online over a two year period for a total tuition cost of around $14,000. Despite this affordable tuition GMC’s Associate of IT program, students complete a fully accredited curriculum and can choose from three primary tracks of specialization: 

• Desktop Programming 
• Web Programming 
• Network Systems 

Click here to learn more. 

20. Hodges University

Hodges University is an institution that looks to set itself apart from the competition through a singular commitment to its students both during their enrollment and even after graduation. Hodges has invested in building a strong and active alumni community, who now actively participate in the professional advancement of one another–which is an excellent prospect for any future student. Another notable distinction is Hodge’s focus on delivering career focused online degree programs for adult learners and distance students. 

Hodges offers a fully online Associate of Computer Information Technology that embodies the commitment to career-relevant material. That is, the program directors divided the degree into what they determined were the more fundamentally distinctive tracks. Students are further empowered by choice from an available selection of electives that are meant to help cultivate and develop students’ professional interests. 

As such students can pursue a more specialized degree track in any of the following paths:

• Computer Information Technology 
• Cybersecurtiy and Networking 
• Software Development 

Click here to learn more. 

21. Northern Virginia Community College

NVCC is the largest institution of education in Virginia and is the second largest community college in the nation currently servicing more than 75,000 students from 180 countries around the world. NVCC adheres to a respectable mission–to provide a world class education to its students in order to produce a workforce that is competitive on the global scale. 

Particularly in the case of the Information Technology program, NVCC designs curriculum so that the students are prepared for a seamless transition into a four year IT program. By structuring the program with transfer in mind, students will be able to transfer more credits to their desired four-year program upon completion. While this program will certainly prepare students for entry level positions in the workforce, it is designed specifically for students who plan on transferring into a four year program. 

If needed students can begin to develop expertise in the area of the targeted program they wish to transfer to after graduation. NVCC’s Associate of IT offers numerous elective options to this end. 

Click here to learn more. 

22. University of Maine Augusta

UMA distinguishes itself in many ways, but foremost among these is its demonstrable background in distance education. Despite the ubiquitousness of online education many students might feel trepidation at the idea of a college that has only recently started to offer it. Students will need not worry about this at UMA, who has participated in distance education for more than 30 years. Moreover, UMA offers many financial support systems for its students. In 2019, financial aid totalled out at a whopping $27 million. 

UMA offers a fully online Computer Information Systems degree program that can be completed at the Associate, Bachelor, or Master level. The Associate’s track covers the following core coursework subjects: hardware and operating systems, networking and security, systems analysis, database design, and applications development. 

Click here to learn more. 

23. Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU has received international attention for its online education movement which isn’t the first organization to tackle online education, but as mentioned in the 2020 TedTalk, SNHU is certainly among the first to attempt to provide truly global education with resources commiserate to the scale of the task. At SNHU online students can rest assured that they are participating in what is truly a world class education. 

Among its hundreds of online degree offerings, is an Associate of Science in Information Technologies that comprises 60 credit hours. Students who graduate from this program can transfer up to 45 of these credits towards a B.S. in IT which constitutes about half of the degree requirements, meaning that this Associate’s degree is an excellent choice for quick and affordable professional advancement. 

The comprehensive curriculum includes the following subject focuses: 

• Scripting
• Cross-Platform Technologies 
• Cybersecurity 
• Operating Systems 
• Secure Networking Environments 

Click here to learn more. 

24. Colorado Technical University

CTU is a leader in innovation and research in higher education, and has developed many unique approaches to adult, distance, and traditional learning practices. Faculty advisors work closely with students–regardless of their chosen learning format–to ensure that they are making the best decisions in coursework and electives in order to reach career goals. This feature alone is an excellent benefit for adult learners who might need assistance navigating online learning programs. 

CTU offers an Associate of Science in Information Technology that covers the fundamentals of the subject, while preparing students for either entry level employment in the workforce or for a four year program in IT. A Fast Track option exists to allow students to take up to 30% off of the standard completion time, which additionally equates to about 30% reduction in tuition. There are two alternative degrees that confer more specialization: 

• Associate’s of Electronic Technology 
• Associate’s of Online Technology 

Click here to learn more. 

25. Franklin University 

Franklin University is one the largest public universities in Ohio and boasts of a rich history going back more than 115 years. During this time Franklin has built a reputation for servicing adult learners, who might wish to make a career change or start a new one altogether. With this in mind, Franklin has designed its degree offerings to be completed efficiently and affordably, so that professionals can achieve their desired advancement and get back to work seamlessly. 

Franklin University offers an Associate of Science in Information Technology that can be completed entirely through online coursework. The program covers all the core pillars of the area–such as technology and problem solving, programming, cybersecurity, and database architecture. Similarly, students can develop particular expertise in any of the specialized degree majors: 

• Problem Solving with Computing 
• Principles of Computer Network
• Database Management Systems 
• Cybersecurity Fundamentals 
• Principles of Programming 
• Management Information Systems 
• Introduction to Web Page Construction 
• Computer Networks: Switching, Routing, & Wans

Click here to learn more. 

For Further Reading: 

What Degree Do I Need to Become a Lighting Designer?

The post 25 Best Online Associate’s of IT Degree Programs appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

A good engineer thinks in reverse and asks himself about the stylistic consequences of the components and systems he proposes – Helmut Jahn

We’re surrounded by chemicals. They exist naturally all around us, but they’re also manufactured and combined in myriad ways to build products and compounds we take for granted and use regularly. The people who create many of these compounds are known as chemical engineers, and their creations have an incredible influence over our society and ability to adapt the world around us to our needs.

One way we can see chemical engineering at work is through its assistance in the creation and maintenance of human nutrition. Chemical engineers have discovered and invented fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides that protect produce, and help it thrive in a variety of environments. They’ve innovated the ways food is packaged and processed to improve taste, nutritional value, appearance, convenience, safety, and longevity. They’ve also used sterilization to prevent food from spoiling and keep food-borne illnesses from hurting people.

While chemical engineers have helped keep us fed and yielding more from our food, they’ve also made it possible for people to explore the world through the analysis, understanding, and control of hydrocarbon molecules. Through this work, they’ve been able to create efficient gasoline, jet fuel, and much of the human-made energy that society needs daily to function. Now chemical engineers are not just finding out how to get more use from fossil fuels; they’re creating and refining new alternative energies that can be used to cut emissions, eliminate waste and inefficiencies, and potentially extend the amount of time humans can viably live on earth.

This work doesn’t just extend to fuel, but the environments it impacts. Chemical engineers are working every day to lessen the impact of industrial and consumer waste, purify water supplies, and make raised product standards possible through their work. Some of this work comes through green manufacturing like chemical scrubbing, bioremediation for contaminating agents, and even reducing the waste found in universally used products like ibuprofen.

Chemical engineers have also been indispensable in human history through their work in war efforts, and the development of technologies that keep soldiers and police officers safe. Without chemical engineers, we wouldn’t have developed the rubbers that the Allies used to win World War II or the Kevlar vests that are used to protect our troops and police safe from gunfire. We also wouldn’t have the athletic footwear that allows modern athletes to extend their careers and thrive on and off the field.

As the global population rapidly expands, chemical engineers have streamlined the processes that create consumer products, leading to far higher production of the goods we use every day. This has brought costs down dramatically, improving life quality for incalculable millions, if not billions of people throughout history.

Perhaps one of the most useful areas of chemical engineering is through the medical field. Chemical engineers have created lifesaving drugs that are used every day, like the industrial-scale production of penicillin through fermentation and massive mold growth through aerated and agitated tanks (as opposed to smaller surfaces). They’ve helped build the materials used in prosthetics, and even developed the sunscreens that protect our skin from damage and cancer, among many other medical developments.

These are just a smattering of the applications and roles that chemical engineers play throughout our society and economy. To learn more and explore your options, keep reading, and you may begin to see how you fit into this exciting, multi-faceted landscape.

By earning a chemical engineering degree you can help shape the world around us and the life quality of incalculable people right now, and for years to come.

In this comprehensive resource, we’ll explore the available chemical engineering degrees, including degree levels and diverse specializations, as well as share the work we’ve done at Degree Query to help you find the best chemical engineering degree for you. While you read it, please think about the following questions and considerations:

• What are your longterm career goals, and how can a degree in chemical engineering help you achieve them?
• You don’t have to know precisely what you would do in chemical engineering (it’s an extremely versatile and overlapping field), but having some idea will help you in your search for the right degree for you.
• What degree level have you reached so far in your higher education? What job do you want, and what degree level is necessary for you to qualify in it?
• Entry-level chemical engineering positions generally require a Bachelor’s degree, but candidates with graduate or doctoral degrees are far more desirable, especially in senior positions.
• How much can you afford to pay in tuition and other associated costs for a prospective chemical engineering degree, and how much would you need to borrow to pay for one?
• Many different costs come with a chemical engineering program. These can depend on the school you choose to attend, the available delivery formats, scholarships, and loans you may receive, along with many other factors.
• It’s also best practice to choose a school you can afford to pay for instead of borrowing money. That’s not realistic for many people, so if you must borrow money to afford your degree, always try your hardest to take out public loans instead of private ones. You should also always choose schools that are more affordable, accredited, and non-profit instead of expensive, for-profit options.
• How much time can you commit to a chemical engineering degree daily, weekly, and overall before you complete it? Different chemical engineering programs convey their classes through many different formats.
• These can include full-time, part-time, online, on-campus, or through a hybrid of online and traditional on-campus instruction?
• Where do you want to live and work after earning your chemical engineering degree? Different states, cities, and industries have different needs for chemical engineers.
• What is your current career and educational background? How can a specific chemical engineering degree program you’re considering build up your strengths and make up for your weaknesses?
• What are the available specializations in chemical engineering degrees? How can a focus or specialization in the field assist you in achieving your educational and career goals?

This is just a small sample of the questions and considerations you should ponder while searching for a chemical engineering degree (or any other degree program). Throughout your degree search it’s useful to write out additional questions, considerations, desires, needs, and the other factors that will govern what schools you can get in to, and most importantly what you want out of a chemical engineering program.

Now let’s look at the qualities that make chemical engineers successful. Think about whether these apply to you, and if not, whether you’re capable of improving in the areas you’d need to thrive within the field.

What are the Qualities and Attributes that Make Chemical Engineers Successful?

• Strong Analytical Skills: The core of chemical engineering comes through logic, nuance, and deep inspection of problems and their potential solutions.
• High Motivation: Chemical engineering is difficult, complex work. It requires not just sharp intelligence, but a willingness to commit untold hours to study and hard work, especially in the face of failure and defeat.
• Working Well With Others: Chemical engineers rely on coworkers, bosses, investors, and of course the needs and demands of the population at large. You’ll need to be extremely flexible, incredibly communicative, and emotionally consistent to thrive in this field.
• Strong Conceptualizers: Chemical engineering discoveries and creations begin with a simple design or concept that’s fleshed out and tested again and again. But this process often begins with sketches, or the nugget of an idea that becomes a reality far later.
• Adept Mathematicians and Scientists: Don’t get it twisted: to be a great chemical engineer you need a great natural talent for math and science across many different disciplines. If this isn’t something you know you possess, this field probably isn’t for you.
• Organized and Problem-Solving Oriented: Chemical engineers juggle so much at once, and throughout need to keep their eyes on the prize: solving pertinent problems that improve people’s lives and save businesses money.

Now let’s dive into what we’ve done at Degree Query to help you find your place in chemical engineering, or another educational discipline that can radically change your life and career:

How Can We Help You Find the Right Chemical Engineering Degree for You?

At Degree Query we’ve done so much to help you find the best degree for you, whether that’s in chemical engineering or another field. We’ve ranked schools, jobs, and degree options. We’ve also answered frequently asked questions about the degree options that are currently available, reported about the state of higher education, and built tools like our interactive compare careers resource which was created to help you find the best educational pathway for your needs and desires. Some of the work we’ve done that applies to chemical engineering specifically, and the schools that offer degrees in this area includes:

Rankings

We’ve ranked jobs and degrees related to chemical engineering, including:

• Top 10 Highest Paying Engineering Careers
• 50 Highest Paying Bachelor’s Degrees
• Top 50 Degrees For Changing The World
• Top 50 Degrees for the Future

We’ve also answered questions like:

• What are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?
• What degree do I need to be a Chemical Engineer?
• What Is the Difference Between an Engineering Degree and an Engineering Technology Degree?
• What Classes Will I Have to Take for a Degree in Environmental Engineering?
• What Classes Will I Have to Take for a Degree in Biomedical Engineering?
• What Degree Do You Need to Be a Biomedical Engineer?
• What Can I Do With a Degree in Science?
• What Can I Do With An Engineering Degree?
• What Is the Difference Between a Chemical Engineering Degree and a Biomedical Engineering Degree?
• What Classes Will I Have to Take for a Degree in Chemical Engineering?
• What Is the Benefit of a Chemical Engineering Degree Vs a Chemistry Degree?

Now that we’ve looked at the content we’ve produced that’s related to chemical engineering let’s inspect the degrees available to people who want to enter this discipline:

What are the Different Levels of Chemical Engineering Degrees?

Now we’re getting into the meat of your degree options in chemical engineering. Depending on what degree level you’ve reached you’ll want to consider one of the following if you’re still interested in an education and career in the field. Studying chemical engineering in undergraduate can make graduate study in the area much more comfortable, but it’s not necessarily required, except at the doctoral level.

Associates in Chemical Engineering

In these two-year programs students will learn the most essential elements of chemical engineering, taking courses in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology. They’ll explore how these disciplines can impact the use of materials in food, drugs, fuel, and much more. At an elemental level, they’ll learn to identify a problem, compile data about it, then use that data to try and solve problems. These programs are often offered through junior or community colleges, which allow students to save time and money in comparison with traditional, on-campus programs. Graduates will be prepared to take on the most entry-level positions in labs, agencies, and other basic chemical engineering openings. They’ll also be ready to transfer into four-year programs and complete their Bachelor degrees in chemical engineering, which is strongly recommended for those who want a longterm career in the field.

Bachelors in Chemical Engineering

Here you’ll study for three to four years depending on the program you choose. You can graduate with a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Chemical Engineering depending on the school you attend. These degrees will teach you how to design and execute economic, sustainable, and safe equipment, materials, and chemical compounds for biological or chemical manufacturing plants, among other organizations. You’ll spend significant time in the lab, but also work to solve pressing real-world problems, like creating clean technologies, or measuring the impacts of chemical processes on the environment. Your work can also lead to new consumer products, vaccines, better versions of existing treatments like chemotherapy, and so much more. Some programs can help you earn a Master’s in Chemical Engineering in hybrid programs that combine a Bachelor’s and Master’s program depending on your grades and coursework. Speaking of which:

Masters in Chemical Engineering

In these programs you’ll gain an advanced understanding of chemical engineering, completing required modules and doing a good deal of elective studying to build a set of skills that will qualify you for many of the positions available to chemical engineers across the economy. These programs can be completed in as little as 16 months, but can also take four to five years depending on your delivery format, course schedule, as well as previous experience and coursework. In addition to a graduate level inspection of biology, physics, math, chemistry, and how they can be used to create and refine a wide range of products, treatments, and human-made resources. You’ll also gain an incredible understanding of risk management, how to work in chemical engineering safely, risk management, knowledge of the financial implications involved in chemical engineering, and much more. These programs often culminate in a thesis or independent dissertation (and its defense) on a topic of your choice (within chemical engineering of course).

Doctorates in Chemical Engineering

These degrees generally take four to five years to complete and prepare graduates to work at the very highest levels of chemical engineering, whether that be in research, education, or executive positions at drug companies, fuel organizations, and throughout the chemical engineering landscape. These programs often lead to a Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering, but can also lead to a Doctor of Science in the field, but are generally identical in their contents. These programs are primarily based around an extremely comprehensive independent research project and the doctoral dissertation it leads into (as well as that dissertation’s defense).

Now that we’ve looked at the different degree levels in chemical engineering, let’s explore available degree specializations:

What are the Different Specializations Within Chemical Engineering

There are many different focuses you can select in a chemical engineering degree program. Here are some of the available options:

Materials Synthesis

Here you’ll learn to create new products and materials out of plastic, metal, and much more. You’ll learn and make use of biomaterials, ceramics, nanoparticles, with the goal of improving many processes, especially concerning bettering life quality for others, making businesses more efficient (and thus more profitable), among other outcomes.

Materials Processing

Here you’ll really lean into how materials and processes can be made safer and more effective. At its heart materials processing is about problem-solving. You might deal with dangerous materials, gas or oil, and the separation or transportation of them all. You’ll gain an incredible understanding of different substances in order to be successful in this specialization.

Alternative Energies

This is your opportunity to be at the forefront of renewable, sustainable energies. You’ll likely work with batteries, biofuel, wind, and solar power. Your creations will pay dividends for years to come and could extend the viability of the planet for human and animal life. Mitigating climate change is going to be a vital part of science and the economy for years to come, and you can be a part of that by working with alternative energies.

Food Engineering

As we’ve previously discussed, creating or improving food chemically is an essential part of chemical engineering. This can involve additives and processing that can lead to higher yields of naturally occurring food, breeding food that takes longer to go bad, and adding more health benefits to the foods we eat. This field is extremely important, especially considering that a significant part of the global population are struggling to get consistent nutrition.

Biomedical Chemical Engineering

Biology and chemistry are deeply intertwined, and any biomaterials are made up of chemicals. As a chemical engineer in biomedical disciplines, you can use chemicals to create physical responses in organisms, and much more. This work can lead to developments that save or improve lives, among many other outcomes.

Environmental Engineering

The same way chemical engineering can be used to impact organisms, it’s also extremely useful in the development or improvement of environments big and small. In these specialties, you’ll learn to mitigate or eliminate hazardous materials, work on controlling the impact of pollution, or anything else that negatively effects environments. These pursuits can also apply to get the most out of an environment for a business.

Chemical Engineering Design

Here you’ll use the latest technologies and computer-aided design programs to create new processes and theories that are then tested and utilized in the real world. You’ll look at how systems and processes work, simplifying them whenever possible to create exponential utility for businesses and people.

Now that we’ve looked at the degree options and the specializations in the field of chemical engineering we’re almost ready to wrap up. But first:

Chemical Engineering Degrees in Conclusion

We hope you’ve found this guide extremely helpful. Before we go, let’s take a look at how much you can earn while working as a Chemical Engineer.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, chemical engineers earned a median pay of $104,910 in 2018 or $50.44 per hour. There were 32,700 of these positions in 2016, and BLS predicted an 8% growth between 2016-26, leading to 2,500 new jobs. The typical entry-level education for these roles was a Bachelor’s degree.

The lowest 10% of people in these positions earned less than $64,890 in 2019, and the highest 10% earned over $169,770. Areas associated with higher pay include the petroleum and coal industries, research and development roles, engineering services, wholesale trade, and pharmaceutical or medicine manufacturing.

Remember, if you find a program or school through our content that you think is a good fit, it’s beneficial to send an exploratory email requesting more information about the application process to them. You’ll likely receive valuable information about their program, what you can do to better your chances of being accepted to it, and learn more about whether it’s a good fit for you or not.

Here’s to a successful career and education in chemical engineering, or whatever field you decide to enter or continue your education in! Good luck!

The post What Can I Do With a Chemical Engineering Degree? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Why Pursue an Online Masters in Cyber Security?

Cyber attacks have been rapidly rising in recent years. In 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received 800,944 complaints of cybercrime. The total losses arising out of these crimes amounted to more than $10.3 billion, according to the FBI’s 2022 Internet Crime Report. The upshot of all this cybercrime is the high demand for skilled professionals to fill cybersecurity jobs.

RELATED: What Is the Career Outlook for Cyber Security?

Some of the best cybersecurity jobs are reserved for candidates with a master’s degree in cybersecurity. It’s possible to work in the cybersecurity field with only a bachelor’s degree. However, the coursework in a cybersecurity master’s degree program can help students develop an advanced knowledge of cybersecurity risk management and the technical skills to protect organizations from cyber threats.

Right now, there is a dearth of qualified cybersecurity professionals in America and worldwide. It’s not easy to become a cyber security worker, much less prepare for advanced careers in cybersecurity management. That’s where the online programs with the best masters in cyber security degrees come in.

The Benefits of a Master of Science Degree in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity professionals need strong technical skills, a solid foundation in the workings of computer systems and some specialized knowledge of the cybersecurity industry. Many students find that the best way for them to acquire this interdisciplinary but highly technical skill set is by earning a master’s degree in cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity careers exist even for candidates with only a bachelor’s degree. Students interested in cybersecurity careers often pursue a bachelor’s degree in a field like computer science or computer engineering. Although these bachelor’s degree programs may offer a cyber security concentration, many schools still don’t offer undergraduate degrees dedicated to cybersecurity. A degree program in cybersecurity is more likely to be a master’s degree than a bachelor’s degree. It’s also more likely to cover advanced coursework in cybersecurity risk management.

Cybersecurity degrees differ from traditional liberal arts programs –and even computer science programs – in key ways. They bring together studies across numerous disciplines, like law and justice, along with technical computer skills. As such, cybersecurity master’s programs are challenging courses of study. Upon successful completion of an online master’s degree program in cybersecurity, though, you can secure yourself a stable, high-paying career. Earning a master’s in cybersecurity degree also allows you to do your part to solve this growing problem.

RELATED: What Can I Do With a Cyber Security Degree?

What Makes an Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Worth It?

It’s no coincidence that some of the best cybersecurity master’s programs are available online. Because cyberthreats concern the digital world, online learning lends itself well to both the study and practice of cyber security management. Further, aspiring cybersecurity professionals should have strong computer skills and be comfortable with online learning.

There are several benefits of pursuing a cyber security online masters degree. The flexibility of online programs makes them ideal for working professionals and students juggling family obligations. Some online programs allow students to accelerate their education or to take courses on a part-time basis. In either case, the opportunity to work toward your master’s degree at your own pace is valuable.

Getting Into a Cybersecurity Master of Science Program

Who can pursue master’s degree in cybersecurity programs? To have the best chances of successfully completing a Master of Science in cybersecurity degree, you’ll likely need an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related field, some applicable work experience, or a combination of both.

What if your background doesn’t include a bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer engineering? Cybersecurity programs often include an interdisciplinary curriculum. Having a background in law and justice, business or another relevant subject may still be an asset. If you haven’t taken enough computer science courses to meet admission requirements or to develop the foundational tech skills needed for entrance to the program, you may need to complete some computer-related prerequisite courses.

As they explore individual cybersecurity master’s programs, prospective students should pay attention to other admissions requirements. Some cybersecurity master’s degree programs require students to submit GRE scores, a personal statement and letters of recommendation.

What Is the Best University for Cyber Security?

With the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals, the number of institutions offering cybersecurity master’s programs is on the rise. How do prospective students narrow down the best schools for cyber security?

There are a lot of factors to consider in choosing the best cybersecurity program. Fortunately, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. We’ve ranked 20 of the best online cyber security graduate degrees to help you whittle down your options when applying. We’ve ranked the schools on this list based on factors like the following:

• Special features
• Affordability
• Flexibility
• National and regional rankings

To learn more about the 20 best cyber security masters programs, read on.

1) University of Denver

The University of Denver in Colorado is a private research university that dates back to 1864. The institution is known for its  Sturm College of Law, its high level of research activity and, of course, its cyber security education. The University has landed impressive rankings on numerous U.S. News & World Report lists over the years, including the best value schools and the top national universities.

The Security Management Master’s Degree at the University of Denver

Denver offers an online Master of Science degree in Security Management. Students in this master’s program can choose from three concentrations:

• Information security
• Organizational Security
• Emergency planning and response

Students in all concentrations take five core courses in pursuit of their Master of Science in Security Management degree:

• Security Concepts Overview
• Business Function of Security
• Business Assets Protection
• Research Practices and Applications
• Security Management Capstone Project

Through these courses, University of Denver graduate students develop skills for strategic planning and management, the analysis of security issues and the evaluation of the financial impact of cybersecurity programs.

Students in the Information Security concentration study information security threats, integrated security systems and legal human factors in security. They also pursue coursework in legal and ethical issues that arise in security management.

In the Organizational Security concentration, students take classes in risk management, security administration, human factors in security and emergency planning.

The coursework required for the Emergency Planning and Response concentration includes emergency incident recovery, emergency planning, critical incident management and mitigation for emergency managers.

The curriculum of the cybersecurity Master of Science degree at the University of Denver aligns with recommendations from ASIS International, a longstanding professional organization for security management professionals. The online learning experience at the University of Denver includes audio and video tools and interactive discussion boards that allow for real-time collaboration with classmates. In these programs, students will study threats to security and how to solve them. You’ll use case studies, collaborative discussion and problem-solving, and significant research to do so.

The cybersecurity master’s program at the University of Denver can be completed in as little as 18 months. Another advantage of this program is that you don’t need to submit GRE or GMAT scores for admission. The University of Denver is also among the most affordable options on our list for graduate students.

Tuition: $38,688, Fall 2023 

View program details.

2) Boston University

Boston University is a private university based in Boston, Massachusetts. The school was established in 1839. With its undergraduate enrollment of 18,229 students as of the Fall 2021 semester, Boston University is among the largest independent nonprofit universities nationwide. The school’s programs in engineering, law, medicine, management and education have particularly strong reputations. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Boston University highly on its lists of national universities, best value schools and most innovative schools.

The Online Master of Science in Computer Information Systems at BU

Boston University’s master’s in cybersecurity program is a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems degree. Within this broader master’s degree program in computer systems, students may complete a concentration in security.

The program is certified by the Committee on National Security Systems. BU’s program prepares students for job roles like computer and information research scientists, information security analysts and computer and information systems managers.

Students develop their knowledge of computer systems through ten graduate courses – five core courses and five concentration courses.

Core courses for the Master of Science in Computer Information Systems degree at BU include:

• Business Data Communication and Networks
• Database Design and Implementation for Business
• Information Systems Analysis and Design
• IT Strategy and Management
• Information Structures using either Java or Python programming language

For the Security concentration, graduate computer systems students at Boston University must complete the following three courses (as of 2023):

• Introduction to Probability and Statistics
• Enterprise Cybersecurity Management
• Cybersecurity

For their remaining coursework, students can choose from options that include network security, database security, digital forensics and mobile forensics.

Students in Boston University’s program gain a comprehensive understanding of current threats to security and the solutions necessary to find, evolve, and deploy secure systems.  This degree was designed to be completed in 18-24 months.

Tuition: $33,460–$35,140, 2023-2024 (part-time)

View program details.

3) Dakota State University

Dakota State is a public university in Madison, South Dakota. It was founded in 1881 and is primarily focused on technology.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked the institution high on its list of the top public schools in America, as well as awarding it a spot on its ranking of the best regional universities in the Midwest. The most popular degree programs at Dakota State University include education, business, management and computer and information sciences, among others.

Dakota State University holds Centers of Academic Excellence Designations from the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. The institution’s Cyber Defense Consultative Regional Resource Center is one of just four university-based centers nationwide.

The Master of Science in Cyber Defense at Dakota State

The 100% online Master of Science in Cyber Defense degree equips students with skills for protecting data through cryptography and offensive and defensive security practices. Students also learn risk management methods for preventing network attacks, including vulnerability assessment and penetration testing, and for responding to internal and external cybersecurity incidents in the real world.

The curriculum of Dakota State University’s Master of Science in Cyber Defense program includes core coursework in data privacy, offensive security, managing security risks and network security monitoring and intrusion detection. From there, students can choose to pursue either a technical track or a track in security management and compliance. Between required concentration courses and elective options, students actually devote more of their coursework to their chosen track than to the core requirements for the major.

Coursework in the Technical Track encompasses studies in the following:

• Cryptography
• Computer forensics
• Wireless security
• Malware analysis

Students pursuing the Security Management and Compliance Track take the following classes:

• Data privacy management
• Compliance and audit
• Incident response
• Ethics and information technology

Graduating from this program requires successful completion of a comprehensive exam.

Applicants to this program should have a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, software engineering or computer science from an accredited institution. Most applicants are also required to submit GRE scores. Students must complete the program within five years of enrolling.

Tuition: $5,225.40 for 9 credit hours (one semester), 2023-2024

View program details. 

4) National University

This private, veteran-founded nonprofit university located in La Jolla, California, was founded in 1971. National University is known for its colleges and schools of Arts, Letters and Sciences; Education; Business and Economics; Technology & Engineering; and Health Professions. U.S. News & World Report has ranked National University among its lists of the top regional universities in the West and the top performers on social mobility.

National University isn’t just one of the best cybersecurity master’s program options out there. It’s also an ideal choice for students hoping to accelerated their education. The program features four-week courses that allow students to focus on just one or two classes per month and, in turn, accelerated their progress through the degree program.

National University is another school with National Security Agency (NSA) designation claim to fame. The NSA has designated the institution a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, a recognition the school will hold through 2028.

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity at National University

National University’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity program encompasses nine required core courses, including:

• Cybersecurity technology
• Cybersecurity toolkit utilization
• Threat modeling and intelligence
• Wireless and mobile security
• Network security monitoring and incident response
• Cloud security
• A series of Cyber security project courses (I-III)

In this program, graduate students are required to specialize in either Enterprise Cybersecurity Management or Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing.

In the Enterprise Security Management specialization, coursework includes cybersecurity policy, cybersecurity governance, cybersecurity audit and assessment and cybersecurity program management.

The Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing program includes Classes in red teaming, ethical hacking, advanced penetration testing and cybersecurity audit and assessment.

Students will analyze and evaluate cybercrime risk and security strategies. They learn how to protect systems, mitigate attacks and do critical research. To facilitate real-world success, the program features comprehensive projects where students can practice their skills in scenarios that simulate real problems they’d face in the workforce. You’ll also come to understand legal and ethical issues, ramifications, and requirements of cybersecurity professionals at the local, state, and federal levels.

Tuition: $442 per quarter unit, 2022

View program details. 

5) DePaul University

DePaul is a private university founded in 1898. It’s based in Chicago, Illinois. The school is known for its Colleges of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Business, and Education. Through a total of 10 colleges and schools, DePaul University offers more than 130 undergraduate majors and 170 graduate programs of study.

The school boasts a total enrollment of over 20,000 students. DePaul University bills itself as “the largest private university whose faculty members’ priority is teaching.”

U.S. News & World Report has ranked DePaul University among its lists of the best value schools, national universities, schools that emphasize service learning and best colleges for veterans.

The National Security Agency has designated this institution as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD). Deapul University is also home to the CyberCenter, which for two decades has helped advance science, practice and teaching in computer security.

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity at DePaul University

DePaul offers its Master of Science in Cybersecurity both on campus and online. Through this program, students can prepare for roles in fields like the following:

• Network security administration
• Incident response
• Risk assessment
• Computer forensics
• Web development

The curriculum takes students beyond theoretical knowledge, with a focus on hands-on learning in the CDM Security Lab.

Cybersecurity graduate students at DePaul University choose from three concentrations.

Students in the Computer Security Concentration begin their coursework with introductory studies in the following:

• Programming
• Data structures
• Systems
• Discrete structures

Foundation courses cover topics like:

• Distributed systems
• Digital forensic techniques
• Network security
• Information security management
• Object-oriented software development

Students complete advanced courses in areas like:

• Artificial intelligence
• Governance policies in information assurance
• Cryptology
• IT risk management
• Theory and practice of safe systems programming

In the Governance, Risk Management and Compliance Concentration, students complete introductory courses in the following:

• Network fundamentals
• Computer and network systems
• Host security
• LAN technologies

Their foundation coursework includes studies in:

• Auditing
• Information security management
• Human-centered cybersecurity
• Computer networks and data systems

Advanced coursework commonly encompasses studies in:

• Network security
• Enterprise security infrastructure controls
• Cybersecurity and data policy law

Introductory coursework in the Networking and Infrastructure Concentration includes:

• Network fundamentals
• Computer and network systems
• Host security
• LAN technologies

In their foundation coursework, students learn about the following:

• Computer networks and data systems
• Network security
• Information security management
• Digital forensic techniques

Advanced courses in this concentration include:

• Upper-level network security studies
• Security testing and assessment
• Enterprise security infrastructure controls and regulatory compliance

A master’s thesis is optional in this program, but a capstone experience of some kind is required. DePaul University backs up the worth of its cybersecurity program with data. As of 2023, the school reported a 94% career outcome rate and a median salary of $87,500 for graduates six months after graduation.

Tuition: $918 per credit hour, 2023-2024

View program details. 

6) Maryville University

Maryville is a private university in St. Louis, Missouri. It was founded in 1872 by the Religious of the Sacred Heart to serve underprivileged youth and women. Today, Maryville offers more than 90 degrees at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels – including more than 50 online degrees. The school has a total enrollment of 10,000 students.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Maryville University on its lists of top national universities and top performers in social mobility.

The Online Master’s in Cybersecurity at Maryville University

The Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity features the following courses:

• Controls for effective cyber defense
• Ethical hacking
• Cybersecurity incident response and examination
• Domains of cybersecurity
• Legal aspects of privacy and compliance
• Information technology management

Students can customize their education by focusing on technical or business/leadership tracks.

Through this program, students can pursue professional industry certifications such as

• C Council-Certified Security Analyst (ECSA)
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• EC Council-Certified Encryption Specialist (ECES)
• Splunk Core Certified Power User

Students in this program can graduate in as little as 12 months. All of their coursework can be completed online, but that doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on hands-on learning experiences. Maryville’s Virtual Lab is a great way to hone your professional skills and experience. The curriculum also draws upon current events in cybersecurity. Utilizing case studies and project-based learning gives students the chance to apply their knowledge to the real world.

Tuition: $851 per credit, 2023-2024

View program details. 

7) Penn State World Campus

Penn State is a public research university spread out on campuses throughout Pennsylvania. It was established in 1855. Penn State has been nicknamed a “Public Ivy” institution because its excellence in public education is perceived as on par with private Ivy League schools.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Penn State highly on its list of the best global universities, as well as nationally and in numerous subject areas. Its online wing, the Penn State World Campus, is highly respected among schools.

Penn State’s Master’s in Cybersecurity  Program

The online cybersecurity master’s degree program at the Pennsylvania State University is a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degree in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations. The 33-credit curriculum includes studies in the following areas:

• Foundations of Software Security
• Network Management and Security
• Cybersecurity analytics
• Cybersecurity project management
• Foundations of information security and assurance
• Technologies for Web and e-commerce application security

Through electives ranging from crisis, disaster and risk management to the legal and regulatory environment of information sciences, students can customize their education. To earn their master’s degree, students must either participate in a capstone experience or complete a research paper or project.

Part-time students can complete this degree in as little as two years. Students will enjoy the program’s flexibility and interactive and collaborative courses. It’s also possible to concurrently complete a graduate certificate in Information Systems Cybersecurity.

Tuition: $1,017 per credit, 2023-2024

View program details. 

8) Western Governors University

WGU is a private university in Salt Lake City, Utah, founded in 1997. The nonprofit online school was founded by a group of 19 U.S. state governors to meet the needs of working adults and other nontraditional students.

One feature that sets Western Governors University apart is its competency-based learning model. Through this model, students can make progress toward a degree through online assessments when they’re already familiar with the course material. The program is ideal for students who already have a strong foundation in the field but need a formal academic credential as well as access to advanced coursework – or who otherwise want to accelerate their studies.

 The Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance at Western Governors University

WGU’s online graduate cybersecurity degree is its Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance. The curriculum consists of 10 courses that cover the following subjects:

• Security foundations
• Hacking countermeasures and techniques
• Penetration testing
• Web and cloud security
• Cybersecurity management
• Risk management
• Software design
• Network design and management
• Secure systems analysis & design
• Cybersecurity graduate capstone

Students at WGU generally take courses one at a time. Students can take as many courses in a term as they can handle to finish their degree faster. There’s no extra cost for this, so you can save time and money expediting your degree. The majority of students finish their degree within 22 months. Another benefit of this program is the ability to earn industry certifications at no cost. These certifications include:

• (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
• CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
• CompTIA PenTest+
• CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) Optional Voucher
• ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Optional Voucher

Tuition: $4,555 for six-month term, 2023

View program details. 

9) Regis University

Regis is a private university in Denver, Colorado, that was founded in 1877. The school offers dozens of online graduate degrees.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Regis University on its lists of top national universities, top performers on social mobility and, more specifically, the best online master’s in computer information technology programs.

Regis University is a leader in cybersecurity education. Not only has the institution been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security, but it was also awarded almost $1 million in grant funding in 2018 to devise a new curriculum used to train cybersecurity professionals nationwide.

Regis University’s Master of Science in Information and Cyber Security

The core coursework in the Online Master of Science in Information and Cyber Security program at Regis Univesity includes:

• Digital transformation & enterprise architecture
• Risk management
• Managing a secure enterprise
• Information technology concepts
• Information technology research methods

Beyond their core coursework, students choose a specialization in either Cyber Security or Information Assurance Policy Management. To finish their degree, students must complete either a thesis, an information assurance practicum or a graduate capstone course. Throughout their education, students benefit from experiential learning opportunities that include hands-on simulations.

An eight-week term format and six start dates per year allow students to progress through this 36-credit program quickly. Students may complete their master’s degree at Regis in as little as 12 months. Graduates can prepare for several industry exams, including Cisco, ISACA, (ISC)2 and CISSP.

Tuition: $896 per credit hour, 2023-2024

View program details. 

10) Iowa State University

Iowa State University of Science and Technology is a public research university in Ames, Iowa. It was established in 1858.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Iowa State University of Science and Technology highly on several of its lists, including best value schools, top public schools, national universities and best colleges for veterans.

Iowa State University has a long history of innovation in the computer and technology industry. The campus is considered the birthplace of the first-ever electronic digital computer in the late ’30s and early ’40s. It’s no surprise that the University is now home to one of the best cyber security masters programs.

The Master of Science in Cyber Security at Iowa State University

The online Master of Science in Cyber Security at ISU is offered through the computer engineering department. The 30-credit curriculum includes courses in areas like the following:

• Computer security
• Advanced computer networking
• Information warfare
• Ethical and legal issues in computer security
• Wireless Security
• Cryptography
• Secure software engineering
• Forensics

This program offers both thesis and non-thesis options. No GRE or GMAT scores are required for admission. The median time it takes students to finish the program is 1.9 years. The program’s asynchronous online delivery format offers plenty of flexibility for working students.

Tuition: $12,451 for in-state students or $29,303 for out-of-state students, 2023-2024 (annual tuition and fees) 

View program details.

11) Florida Institute of Technology

Florida Tech, as the Florida Institute of Technology is colloquially known, is a private institute that opened in 1958. The school is based in Melbourne, Florida, and was initially founded to train space industry workers at what became the Kennedy Space Center. Today, the institution continues to train STEM workers for the careers of today and tomorrow, offering upwards of 200 graduate and undergraduate programs of study.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Florida Institute of Technology on its lists of the best value schools, national universities and best colleges for veterans, among others.

Florida Tech’s Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity

Florida Tech offers an online Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity. The program features 33 credits of coursework in subjects like:

• Cyberthreats and vulnerabilities
• Security architectures
• Operating systems security mechanisms
• Data mining and machine learning for cybersecurity
• Encryption
• Biometric technology
• Security strategies and implementation

This flexible interdisciplinary program prepares students to work in many different positions – especially leadership roles – across the cyber security/information assurance landscape. Examples of career opportunities for graduates include security operations manager, computer forensic investigator and threat intelligence analyst. Through this program, students with an interest in high-level leadership positions can start on the path to a role like cybercrime technology director or chief information security officer. The online learning option at Florida Tech is ideal for working adults.

Tuition: $777 per credit hour or $25,641 for the program, 2023

View program details. 

12) Liberty University Online

Liberty University is a private Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia. The school was founded in 1971. Today, Liberty University serves a significant portion of its students online. More than 115,000 students were studying online at Liberty in 2022. The school offers more than 700 programs of study – over 600 of which are available online.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Liberty University on its lists of national universities and top performers on social mobility, among others.

Liberty University is a relatively affordable program. At most universities, tuition costs increase every year – but the nonprofit school’s tuition rates haven’t increased in eight years. Tuition for online students at Liberty University is among the most affordable rates nationwide.

The Master of Science in Cyber Security at Liberty University

The online Master of Science in Cyber Security degree at Liberty is part of the School of Business. The business school is also home to Liberty’s Center for Cyber Excellence.

Liberty’s master’s degree program includes coursework in areas like the following:

• Overview of computer security
• Web security
• Issues in security, privacy and anonymity
• Ethics, legal issues & policy
• Security engineering
• Secure software engineering
• Applied network security
• Applied cryptography
• Digital forensics
• Ethical hacking
• Advanced topics in computer security

Students round out their education with a capstone project. By the time they graduate, students are equipped with the skills to pursue careers like security engineer, penetration tester, ethical hacker, information security specialist and digital forensics specialist.

On average, students complete this online program in 1.5 years. Liberty University is a particularly appealing option for students with prior college credit who are seeking degree completion programs. Students can transfer up to 50% of the 36 credits required for graduation.

Tuition: $565 per credit hour, or $20,340 for the program, 2023

View program details. 

13) Our Lady of the Lake University

Our Lady of the Lake University is a private Catholic institution in San Antonio, Texas. The school was founded in 1895. Although the institution offers on-campus studies at three different campuses, the school offers online programs in areas like business, social work and counseling.

U.S. News & World Report has listed Our Lady of the Lake University on its rankings of national universities and top performers on social mobility.

The school has also achieved designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) from the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. The school is also home to the Center for Cyber Leadership and a student organization called CyberSaints.

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity at Our Lady of the Lake University

The cybersecurity master’s program at Our Lady of the Lake University is offered through the School of Business and Leadership. As such, it’s accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The school also offers a cybersecurity graduate certificate, if you’re not sure you’re ready to commit to a full master’s degree program.

The 30-credit curriculum includes coursework in the following topics:

• Cybersecurity principles
• Networking and cloud computing
• Basic scripting and programming
• Hardware and software platforms
• Database management systems
• Cybersecurity planning and management
• Penetration testing
• Information assurance compliance and auditing
• Digital forensics
• Special topics in information systems

To streamline the curriculum, courses are unsequenced, allowing students to take them in any order. Students without a background in computer technology can catch up by taking a separate six-hour foundation course that gets them up to speed on all things IT.

Our Lady of the Lake University students who study full-time can complete their master’s in cybersecurity degree in as little as 12 months.

Tuition: $981 per credit hour, 2023-2024

View program details. 

14) Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University is a public university founded in 1879. The school is based in Huntsville, Texas and is a member of the Texas State University System.

SHSU is a Doctoral University of High Research Activity, as designated by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Among the University’s eight colleges are the College of Osteopathic Medicine and the College of Science & Engineering Technology – home to the school’s cybersecurity programs.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Sam Houston State University on its lists of national universities, top public schools and top performers on social mobility.

The Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity at SHSU

Sam Houston State University offers a fully online Master of Science degree in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity. This 30-credit master’s program is intended for students with a strong tech background.

Coursework in the program includes studies in the following areas:

• Network and cyber security
• Database security
• Operating system security
• Principle & policy – information assurance
• Business continuity management
• Directed management & development project

The inclusion of 12 elective credits allows students to customize their curriculum.

By the time they finish their studies, students will have marketable skills in planning for network security and the security of digital files, analyzing cyber threats and conducting forensic investigations. Graduates are qualified for cybersecurity roles in industry, government and business organizations.

Tuition: $5,764.50 for Fall and Spring terms (9 credits each), 2023-2024

View program details. 

15) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a private university headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida, that dates back to 1926.

Don’t be fooled by the inclusion of “aeronautical” in the institution’s name. The school offers highly-respected programs of study in areas outside of aviation, too. In fact, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers more than 60 programs of study that span areas like engineering, business, computers and security as well as aviation and space.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked this STEM school on numerous lists, including regional universities in the South, best value schools most innovative schools and best colleges for veterans.

Cybersecurity Master’s Degrees at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

If you want to study cybersecurity at ERAU, you’ve got options. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers three distinct master’s degree programs in cybersecurity.

If you are interested in the aviation industry, consider Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s specialized Master’s in Aviation Cybersecurity. This fully online program includes 30 credits of study in areas like the following:

• Security engineering and management
• Cybersecurity standards, laws and regulations
• Foundations of aviation cybersecurity
• Aviaton cybersecurity threats, actors, tools and techniques
• Aviation cybersecurity risk management and resilience
• Cybersecurity applications in space
• Uncrewed and autonomous systems cybersecurity
• Operational technology risks in aviation
• Aircraft maintenance management
• The air transportation system

In the Master of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering program, students focus on engineering secure networked systems. The Industry Advisory Board of the Department of Electrical, Computer, Software and Systems Engineering oversees the M.S. in Cybersecurity Engineering program curriculum and its research activities. Students in this program complete six core courses:

• Computer security
• Software security assessment
• Software engineering discipline
• System safety and certification
• Applied cryptography
• System exploitation and penetration testing

Students can choose from thesis or non-thesis tracks. The curriculum of the non-thesis tracks allow for more open electives than the thesis track. Students who aren’t writing a thesis can opt to take an extra elective course or complete a cybersecurity engineering capstone project to meet their degree requirements.

RELATED: What is a Master’s Degree in Cyber Security Engineering?

The Master of Science in Cyber Intelligence and Security is Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s best option for aspiring leaders in the world of cybersecurity. This 30-credit program is part of the College of Business, Security and Intelligence and aligns with National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security recommendations. Core coursework in this master’s in cybersecurity program includes studies in the following :

• System security and architecture
• Cyber intelligence and information systems security
• Advanced analytical and research methodologies

Students take 15 credits of cyber intelligence and security electives. Options range from threat intelligence and advanced network forensics to cyber policy, legal, ethics and compliance. To meet their graduation requirements, students must complete a master’s thesis, a comprehensive exam or a cyber security graduate project.

Tuition: $32,309 (tuition and fees), 2023-2024

View program details. 

16) University of Maryland Global Campus

The Global Campus is a public university and the online wing of the University of Maryland. The University of Maryland was founded in 1947, and is headquartered in Adelphi, Maryland. The school was formerly known as the University of Maryland University College (UMUC).

The University of Maryland Global Campus serves tens of thousands of students all over the world. The online institutions offers a diverse catalog of degrees and courses.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked both the University of Maryland, College Park campus and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County campus on its lists of national universities, top public schools and best value schools.

The UMGC Cybersecurity Master’s Degree

Prospective students will find numerous UMGC masters programs in cybersecurity to consider. Relevant UMGC master programs include:

• Cybersecurity Technology
• Cybersecurity Management & Policy
• Cyber Operations
• CyberAccounting
• Digital Forensics & Cyber Investigation
• Cloud Computing Systems
• Information Technology: Information Assurance

These diverse options let students specialize in many pertinent areas of the field of cybersecurity. Each of the cybersecurity-related graduate-level UMGC majors has its own distinct curriculum. UMGC masters programs in cybersecurity range from 30 credits to 36 credits. Whichever UMGC cyber security program you choose, you will be poised to acquire the most in-demand technical skills needed for real-world applications.

Tuition: $524 per credit (in-state) and $659 per credit (out-of-state), 2023 

View program details. 

17) Lewis University

Lewis is a private university in Romeoville, Illinois. The a Roman Catholic school was founded in 1932 as an aviation technology school. Since then, the institution of higher learning has expanded dramatically. It now offers more than 80 undergraduate programs and 35 graduate programs.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Lewis University on its lists of the best value schools, best regional universities in the Midwest and best colleges for veterans, among others.

Lewis University has been designated as a Department of Homeland Security Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense since 2011.

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity at Lewis University

Lewis University offers a fully online Master of Science in Cybersecurity program.

The 33-credit program encompasses core courses in the following areas:

• Network security essentials
• Cyber security essentials
• Advanced cyber security
• Encryption and authentication
• Operations and organization security
• IT governance and compliance
• Information security strategies and risk management
• Disaster recovery & business continuity planning
• Legal & ethical issues in information security
• Securing operating systems
• Cybersecurity project

Lewis University’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity program is intended for students with a technical background. Applicants without this background begin their studies by taking the following foundation courses:

• Computer organization
• Operating systems
• Programing fundamentals
• Communications and networking

Tuition: $845 per credit hour, 2023-2024

View program details. 

18) Norwich University Online

NU is a private military school in Northfield, Vermont. The institution is the oldest military school in the country, dating back to 1819. Norwich University bills itself as the “birthplace of ROTC.”

U.S. News & World Report has included the institution on rankings lists such as best value schools, best colleges for veterans and regional universities in the North.

Norwich was “one of the earliest institutions” to earn the Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education designation from the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity at Norwich University

Norwich offers a 100% online Master of Science in Cybersecurity in six areas of concentration:

• Computer Forensic Investigation and Incident Response Team Management
• Vulnerability Management
• Critical Infrastructure Protection and Cyber Crime
• Cyber Law and International Perspectives on Cyberspace
• Project Management
• Procurement and Government Contract Management

This program is ideal for students who want to develop their business and management skills as well as their technical skills. Small class sizes characterize online studies in Norwich University’s cybersecurity master’s program. The maximum number of students per class is 15.

On average, students complete this program within 18 months.

Tuition: $799 per credit hour ($550 for active-duty military personnel, veterans and first responders)

View program details. 

19) Northeastern University

Northeastern is a private school based in Boston, Massachusetts, that founded in 1898.

U.S. News & World Report has listed Northeastern University on several of its ranking lists, including national universities, best value schools and most innovative schools. In 2022, U.S. News ranked Northeastern Unviersity #1 in the nation for co-ops and internships.

The school receives generous research grants from the Departments of Homeland Security, Energy and Defense each year and has been designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cyberdefense, IA Research and Cyberoperations by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

Northeastern University’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity

Northeastern University’s online Master of Science in Cybersecurity program starts with foundational courses in cyberspace technology and applications and the foundations of information assurance. Students complete courses in both the Technical Track and Contextual Track of the program.

Examples of Technical Track courses include:

• Applied cryptography
• Software security practices
• Network security practices
• Wireless and mobile systems security

Coursework that falls under the Contextual Track includes:

• Security risk management and assessment
• Cyberlaw: Privacy, ethics and digital rights
• Decision making for critical infrastructure
• Information systems forensics

Overall, this program aims to equip students with skills and knowledge of cybersecurity management, law and social sciences, all through the lens of information technology. Students may even pursue a concentration in criminology.

Experiential learning is a bit part of the curriculum. Through co-op opportunities, graduate students can acquire up to 12 months of professional experience in the field while working toward their master’s degree.

The online Master of Science in Cybersecurity program at Northeastern University takes two to three years to complete, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time. This master’s degree is a great option for students considering doctoral study, because it can lead into Northeastern’s PhD in Information Assurance program.

Tuition: $52,000 for the program, 2023-2024

View program details. 

20) The New Jersey Institute of Technology

The New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, New Jersey, is a public research school founded in 1881. Today, the institution encompasses six specialized schools and offers upwards of 125 degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked the New Jersey Institute of Technology on its lists of best value schools, top public schools, national universities and best colleges for veterans.

NJIT’s Master of Science in Cyber Security and Privacy Program

In its 30-credit Master of Science program, the New Jersey Institute of Technology includes coursework in the following areas:

• Security and privacy in computer systems
• Internet and higher-layer protocols
• Network protocols security
• Counter hacking techniques
• Cryptography and security
• Operating systems design
• Data structures and algorithms
• Data management system design

Thesis, project and course-only tracks are available. Regardless of which track students pursue, they will develop skills for building secure infrastructure, analyzing vulnerability data and implementing security protocols.

Tuition: $1,143 per credit, 2023

View program details. 

If you’re interested in cyber security, there’s so much more to learn about – and Degree Query is here to help. We’ve answered a host of important questions about degrees and careers in cyber security, information assurance and other related topics.

Related Resources: 

• What Degree do I need to work in Cyber Security Law?
• What Kind of Computer Degree Is Most Helpful in Getting a Job in Cyber Security?
• What is the Hiring Process for Cyber Security?
• Is there a clear career path to get into Cyber Security?
• What are good subjects to double major or minor with Cyber Security?
• What kind of security clearance would I need for most Cyber Security jobs?
• How Advanced a Degree Do I Need to Work in Cryptography?
• What Is the Benefit of a Degree in Cybersecurity vs. Network Security?

The post The 20 Best Masters in Cyber Security Online appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

If you find yourself enthralled by the chemicals that surround us and build out everyday objects, as well as the practical challenges of engineering, chemical engineering could be just the path for you! And a master’s is more attainable than ever. Several programs listed below don’t require previous engineering as a background. And many are among the best engineering programs in the nation (with degrees you can take FROM HOME). Check out the 10 best online masters in chemical engineering below today.

1. University of Florida

The University of Florida is a public research institution located in Gainesville. The student population is over 50,000 and the student to faculty ratio is 17 to 1. UF offers comprehensive degree programming as well as professional certifications. According to the US News and World Report the University of Florida ranks as the 30th best school in the nation as well as highly for value, teaching, business, and engineering programming. UF is a land grant university that has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools SACS. To support student success UF offers academic as well as career counseling. In recent years, UF has expanded their programming to include online offerings. In fact, undergraduate and graduate students as well as those seeking professional certification may follow a course of study entirely online.

One such course is there online public engineering graduate education degree. The US news and world report ranked this program 15th among their top online engineering degree programs. This program is designed for graduate students who are not able to participate in on campus study. This is a non-thesis masters degree that requires 30 credit hours for completion. Students complete 18 credit hours of required core course material as well as six hours of individual work and six hours of supervised research. Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. You have three options once pursuing engineering studies online at UF. You may follow their short courses, graduate certificate or their masters degree program. To complete the Masters degree online, students must be accepted to their Master of Science in material science and engineering. For more information and to apply to this program check out their website.

• Program Website

2. University of Virginia

The University of Virginia is a public four year institution located in Charlottesville. This is a research institution with very high research activity according to Carnegie. The student population is over 25,000 and the student to faculty ratio is 15 to 1. The university offers bachelors masters and doctoral degree’s as well as professional certifications. According to the US News and World Report, the University of Virginia ranks as the 26th best school nation as well as highly for veterans teaching, innovation, business, computer science and undergraduate engineering programming. The University of Virginia is a sea and space grant institution that has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Additionally, the University of Virginia is a world heritage site in the United States. To support student success the institution offers academic as well as career counseling. Additionally in recent years UV has begun to offer online programming for both undergraduate and graduate students as well as those pursuing professional certification.

The University of Virginia offers a masters of chemical engineering online. The master of engineering consists of five core courses in advanced thermodynamics, chemical reaction engineering, transport processes, mass transfer, and techniques for chemical engineering analysis and design. The five elective courses are in the following areas: chemistry polymer engineer in, biomedical engineering, and others. This is a 30 credit hour program 24 credit hours are offered via videoconferencing. Courses in related areas may be taken from other departments at the University of Virginia or transferred from other universities Such as in the areas of mathematics chemistry, material science, nuclear engineering, and others. One course must be an independent research course. For more information about this online program check out their website.

• Program Website

3. Columbia University in the City of New York

Columbia University is a private Ivy League institution located in the city of New York. The university offers bachelors, masters, and doctoral degree’s as well as professional certifications. The current student enrollment is over 31,000 and the student to faculty ratio is 6 to 1. According to Carnegie Columbia University is a research institution with a very high research activity. According to the US news and world report Columbia University ranks as the third best university in the nation as well as highly for a wide range of things including teaching, innovation, value computer science and undergraduate engineering programming. Columbia is a space grants university with one of the largest endowments among any academic institution in the world.The institution has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since 1921. To support student success the institution offers academic support as well as online offerings.

Among their online offerings is the online masters in chemical engineering. This is a 30 credit hour program that is divided into two main component parts, core courses and elective courses. The core courses include mathematical methods in chemical engineering, transport phenomena, statistical mechanics or advanced chemical engineer in thermodynamics, and advanced chemical kinetics. 18 elective courses are required which will be approved by your advisor. The following industries are related to the degree: pharmaceutical, aerospace and automotive, prosthetics, biotechnologies, and more. For more information about this program check out their website.

• Program Website

4. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California USC is a private institution located in Los Angeles. There are over 48,000 students enrolled and the Senate to faculty ratio is 9 to 1. USC offers bachelors masters and doctorate degrees as well as professional certifications. According to the US news and world report USC ranks as the 24th best school in the nation as well as highly for value business and engineering. USC is a private sea grant and space grant institution that has been accredited by the WASC senior college and university commission.In recent years, USC has offered online programming for students pursuing masters degrees, doctoral degrees, and professional certifications. Some of their most popular online degrees are in the fields of health, public administration, library information science, and engineering.

USC offers an online master of science in chemical engineering. The program is offered through the Viterbi school of engineering. If you are interested in a career in one of the following areas than this program might be for you: pharmaceuticals, tissue engineering, oil and gas, commerce, public health agencies, petroleum, minerals and environmental agencies, and others. Students of this program will take a number of fundamental courses in key areas of chemical engineering such as thermodynamics kinetics and reaction engineering applied Mathematics as well as a select number of elective courses to help you expand your knowledge and specialized areas such as materials engineering bio engineering, engineering design, energy engineering, and control management among others. For more information about this online masters degree check out their website.

• Program Website

5. North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University NCSU is a public four year institution located in Raleigh. There are over 36,000 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 14 to 1. The university offers associates, bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees as well as postbaccalaureate certifications. According to the US News and World Report, NCSU ranks as the 80th best school in the nation as well as highly for value veterans, innovation, business programming, computer science, and undergraduate engineer in programming. To support student success the university offers academic and career counseling as well as online programming. In recent years NCSU has offered online programming for masters-seeking students as well as those pursuing professional certification. Their most popular online offerings are in the field of engineering.

NCSU offers an online Master of Science in Chemical Engineering program this program is designed with students for students with an undergraduate degree in an engineering discipline. If you were looking to pursue a graduate degree in chemical engineering than this program may be for you. The program itself it’s flexible. Students may earn their online masters degree in 3 to 5 years. As this is a distance program students may choose the path that fits their schedule and this online opportunity offers students the ability to change career paths. Students without a chemical engineering background may apply. Additionally, this program is military friendly. The degree features courses in the following areas: chemical engineering concepts, energy and energy balances, multiphase systems, Thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and more. For more information about this program check out their website.

• Program Website

6. University of Illinois Chicago

The University of Illinois Chicago is a public four year institution that enrolls over 30,000 students. The students to faculty ratio is 18 to 1. According to Carnegie the University of Illinois Chicago is a doctoral university was very high research activity. The institution offers bachelors match lawyers bachelors masters I am doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. According to the US news and world report the university of Illinois Chicago ranks as 112 the best school in the nation as well as highly for veterans value and undergraduate engineering programming. The institution has been accredited by the higher learning commission. To support student success the university offers credit for life experiences as well as academic and career counseling and online programming. In fact, UIC offers online degrees for bachelors seeking students as well as master seeking students And those pursuing professional certification.

One such online degree is their online masters in chemical engineering. To be eligible for this program you must have a bachelors degree in an engineering or natural science discipline. Additionally, students should have a GPA of at least 3.0. The degree itself is divided into three main areas: required courses, electives, and research credits for a total of 36 credit hours. The required courses include course material in transport phenomena, thermodynamics, advanced mass transfer, micro hydrodynamics, numerical methods in chemical engineering, and more. Students must also complete a thesis project. For more information about this program check out their website.

• Program Website

7. Missouri University of Science and Technology

Missouri University of science and technology is a public four your institution located in Rolla. The university offers bachelors masters and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. Currently MST enrolls over 8000 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 18 to 1. According to Carnegie, MST is a doctoral University with high Research activity. According to the US news and world report MST ranks of the 176th best school in the nation and highly for business, veterans, and undergraduate engineering programming. To support their student success the university offers academic and career counseling as well as dualcredits and online offerings program. In fact, in recent years MST has offered a number of online masters degrees as well as professional certifications.

MST offers a Master of Science in environmental engineering. To enter this program you must have a degree in engineering from an accredited university as well as an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. According to their website, the environmental engineering graduate degree incorporates chemical characteristics as well as biological and physical characteristics of engineered environmental systems. The engineering solutions are then placed into a context of societal needs. Additionally students may complete the Geoenvironmental engineer graduate certificate. This program includes course curricular material in structural analysis, building analysis and design, structural dynamics, geotechnical earthquake engineering, and much more.

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8. Lehigh University

Lehigh University is a private institution located in Bethlehem Pennsylvania. There are over 6000 students enrolled and a student to faculty ratio is 9 to 1. Leigh University offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degree’s as well as professional certifications. The university has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and it’s classified as a doctoral University with high research activity. According to the US news and world report, Lehigh University ranks as the 49th best full on the nation and also highly for undergraduate teaching, value, innovation, undergraduate engineering, computer science, and more. To support student success Lehigh University offers academic and career counseling as well as online programming. In fact, Lehigh University offers online masters in doctoral degrees.

Among their online offerings of the online masters in chemical engineering. In fact, the chemical and biomolecular engineer program is one of the oldest degree programs at Lehigh University and was established in 1903. This is 30 credit hour program that is divided into three main areas, 18 hours of coursework, 18 hours of fieldwork and 15 hours of 400 level coursework in the field of chemical engineering. Some of the core courses include: Chemical engineer in Thermo dynamics, transport processes, chemical reaction engineering, and mathematics methods and chemical engineering. The electives offer students the opportunity to focus on various specializations including in polymer science and bio technology, process control, mass transfer, semiconductor materials processing, and much more. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

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9. Villanova University

Villanova university is a private four year institution located in Villanova Pennsylvania. The university offers associate through doctoral degree’s as well as professional certifications. Currently the student enrollment is over 10,000 and the students to faculty ratio is 11 to 1. According to Carnegie Villanova University is a Doctoral University with high research activity. The US News and World Report ranks Villanova University as the 53rd best school in the nation as well as highly for value, undergraduate teaching, engineering, business and more. To support success of their students the University offers academic and career counseling as well as distance learning opportunities. In fact, students may pursue an online degree at the undergraduate and graduate level. Some of their most popular online offerings are in the fields of business health and engineering.

Villanova University offers a Master of Science in chemical engineering. This is a 30 credit hour program that requires 10 courses to complete. Three courses are required courses and five are elective courses. Additionally five courses are generally selected from among all CHE offerings. Six credit hours may be used for independent study or a thesis project. The required courses are in thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and chemical kinetics and catalysis. For those who do not have an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering you will be required to complete 36 credit hours. All students no matter what their background must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. If you have a bachelors degree in another biological or physical science and you must have a minimum GPA of 3.25. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

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10. Kansas State University

Kansas State University is a public four-year institution located in Manhattan Kansas. The university offers associates, bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. Their current student population is over 21,000 and the student to faculty ratio is 18 to 1. According to Carnegie, Kansas State is a doctoral university with very high research activity. To support their student success the university offers a range of student services including academic and career counseling as well as advanced placement credits and dual credits. According to the US News and World Report Kansas State University ranks as the 170th best school in the nation as well as highly for computer science, business, and undergraduate engineering programming. In recent years, Kansas state has begun to offer online programming for undergraduate as well as graduate seeking students. Additionally students returning to school for professional certifications may complete these programs online.

Amongst their online offerings as their chemical engineering masters degree. This is a 30 credit hour program which may be completed entirely online. The program is actually designed for working professionals with working professionals in mind. This program seeks to address societies challenges with regards to sustainable energy chemicals in the environment. The curriculum focuses on chemical engineering analysis, engineering thermodynamics, reaction engineering, and hazardous waste engineering as well as sustainability and more. For more information and to apply check out their website.

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Nearly every container in every grocery store comes with a compelling story. From almost completely unprocessed greens from down the street, to highly processed food products that have a shelf life of 50 years, food scientists likely helped with some portion of this process.

The stories behind even our most common foods are almost unbelievable. When you think about how humans originally learned what was edible and not — largely through trial and error — it’s no wonder that even with today’s scientific advancements determining what goes into our food is an intricate process.

Accounting for shelf life, nutritional value, price, availability of ingredients, and consumer tastes is quite a balancing act. If that seems interesting to you, you may be interested in food science.

Food science is a unique discipline, in that it’s not a particularly common degree. You’ll meet plenty of second-year college students majoring in psychology or religion before you’ll meet someone into food sciences. And yet the act of determining how our food “works” is essential to a functioning society.

Food science is a multidisciplinary field that draws from a range of academic topics. Combined into food science are chemical engineering, biology, biochemistry, nutrition, marketing, and logistics. As one may expect, it takes a number of years to hone the prerequisite skills to be a food scientist. Below we’ll work through the steps you should take if you want to pursue the field of food science in academic and then in work settings

Table of Contents:

• What Food Science Degrees Are Available?
• Can I Pursue a Food Science Degree Online?
• How Do I Gain Admission to a Food Science Degree Program?
• Differences Between Food Science and Related Degrees
• What Can I Do With a Degree in Food Science?

Don’t see what you’re looking for in this guide? Be sure to check out some of DegreeQuery’s coverage of topics related to Food Science:
Related Content

• What Can I Do With a Degree in Nutrition?
• What is a Degree in Nutrition?
• What Degree do I Need to be a Microbiologist?
• What Degree do I Need to be a Dietician?
• What are the Benefits in a Chemical Engineering Degree Versus a Chemistry Degree?
• What Degree Do I Need to Be an Organic Chemist?
• What Degree Do I Need to be an Agricultural Engineer?

What Food Science Degrees Are Available?

Food science degrees are available at the associates through doctoral levels. Additionally, a wide range of certification programs can help students who have pursued another science discipline in their undergraduate study gain some graduate-level experience in the discipline.

At the associates level, food science degrees are primarily a preparation for further education as well as a way to gain promotions within the food service industry.

These degrees typically require 60 credit hours for completion, and are commonly completed in 1.5-3 years depending on what rate it which you work through the degree.

General education requirements for food science associates degrees are typical of associates-level schooling and require some courses in the following:

• Writing
• Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Natural Sciences
• Mathematics
• English
• And a Foreign Language

As students progress through “gen-ed” courses, major courses begin to show up. At the associates level, food science courses center around some basic college level understanding of related natural sciences and applied skills for the food service or preparation industries.

Common courses that are includes in associates in food science degrees include:

• Biology
• Chemistry I and II
• Organic Chemistry I and II
• Food Science Intro
• Intro to Nutrition
• Statistics
• Physics for Scientists and Engineers

Due to the applied and career-centered nature of associates in food science degrees, these degrees are also commonly called associates in food technology degrees as well.

Outside of service industries, the lowest degree level that you can typically gain employment within food science with is that of a bachelor’s degree. Bachelor’s in food science degrees typically require 4 years and 120 credits for graduation. Students within a bachelor’s in food science program will take many of the same general education requirements as are noted above in the associate’s degree section.

Major courses within bachelor’s degrees in food science offer a great deal more diversity than in their 2-year degree counterpart. Some of the most common bachelor’s-level courses in food science include:

• Biology
• Chemistry I and II
• Organic Chemistry I and II
• Food Science Intro
• Food Processing
• Professional Food Science Prep
• Food Science
• Food Microbiology
• Intro to Nutrition
• Fundamentals of Nutrition
• Food Chemistry
• Food Production Quality Assurance
• Product Development in Food Production

Within food science degree programs, bachelor’s programs at times offer different specializations. These may include:

• Food product production
• Food industry and technology
• And food operations and business

While bachelor’s degrees in food science can be used to ascend the corporate ladder within food production businesses, master’s in food science are the primary entry point degree for scientific and research roles. If you’re seeking to truly push the envelope with the development of new food products, a master’s (or more) may be the right degree for you.

Typically master’s degrees in food science come in two forms. One involves a stand alone “terminal” master’s program. This degree type requires 2-3 years to complete. An “en route” master’s degree, however, is part of a longer Ph.D. program. In this second program type, students are awarded their master’s degree as part of a longer Ph.D. program and receive their master’s somewhere in the middle of the program.

For terminal master’s in food science, a wider range of specializations are available than at the bachelor’s level. Some courses are common across programs and specializations, however. Some of these courses include:

• Food microbiology
• HACCP Principles
• Quality Assurance With Food Products
• Science Writing
• Analysis of Foods
• Advanced Chemistry of Foods
• Food Science Seminar
• Analysis and Regression of Variance

Finally, the highest degree available to food science students is that of a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in food science. These research doctorates typically require 4-6 years for completion, depending on whether you enter the program with a master’s degree and how long your dissertation requires.
As with other research doctorates, students are required to complete a substantial amount of research that provides an original contribution to their field of study. Most commonly this research takes the form of a dissertation. Dissertations are research documents that are often several hundred pages in length. At the end of the dissertation writing process, students are required to “defend” their dissertation in front of a panel of experts. In theory, dissertations should be of a quality such that they could be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Can I Pursue a Food Science Degree Online?

Depending on the focus of the food science program you are pursuing, there are a number of online options within the discipline.

Business and operations-heavy food science programs are regularly offered online. Science-heavy food science programs may be offered in hybrid formats in which students may take some courses online and some in-person. Though courses with many lab components among science classes are seldom 100% online.

If you’re trying to find an online program that’s a good fit for you, be sure to look through all of your options. For students that have never taken an online course, it can be valuable to read through some of the most common good and bad things about online programs.

Some of the most commonly cited negative aspects of online programs include less support services, the need for a self-starter mentality, and greater difficulty crafting meaningful relationships with classmates and professors.

Some of the most commonly mentioned positive aspects of online programs include lower fees, no need to move or switch jobs, the same degree earned, and the ability to log on whenever for asynchronous courses.

How Do I Gain Admission to a Food Science Degree Program?

Admissions criteria to food science degree programs depends on the level of degree you are seeking.

For associates-level food science programs offered at community colleges, many programs offer “open admission.” This means that all students with a high school equivalent are granted entry to the program. Though these students must maintain certain grade standards to remain in the program.

For bachelor’s-level food science programs, many schools require college admissions tests like the ACT or SAT, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays. Some bachelor’s-level programs also offer open admission policies. And for students looking to avoid having to submit standardized test scores, more schools than ever have alternative routes to admission.

For master’s-level food science programs, admissions depend on whether you are pursuing a research or career-centered degree. Research-centered degrees typically require you to identify a faculty member you would like to oversee your research. Faculty members commonly just take a handful of research students each semester, so make sure to reach out in advance. For career-centered (often terminal) master’s, admissions are more likely contingent on GRE scores, a statement of purpose, a resume, and letters of recommendation.

Ph.D.-level food science programs are likely to require some experience in the field, as well as a wider range of prerequisites. Those with bachelor’s in natural sciences or a master’s in food sciences should be well equipped to jump into Ph.D. programs. As a large portion of your program will be centered on research, you’ll need to identify a professor you would like to oversee your research. Be sure to reach out to professors of interest in advance to ensure your research interests align.

Differences Between Food Science and Related Degrees

Food science degrees are built around the unique demands of food manufacturers, food testing facilities, and a myriad of other food product makers. While there are degrees that deal with the sciences underlying food science, and degrees dealing with food in some other way, there isn’t truly a substitute for a food science degree if you’re seeking to work as a food scientist.

With that said, work in food science fields does vary from laboratory work, to logistical analysis, to other business concerns. In this light, you can work in tandem with food scientists with degrees in business and agriculture.

Additionally, food science relies on a number of natural sciences. Those with master’s or doctorates in the following discipines may find themselves hired on in food science settings, but may require some niche-specific education to catch up with all the demands within food science:

• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Chemical Engineering
• Biological Engineering
• Biology
• Physics
• Crop Science

While food scientists are trained in nutrition to some degree, food science work settings also often employ those who are more specialized in nutrition. In this sense, most major food producers employ nutritionists alongside food scientists.

With all of that said, food scientists are meant to be generalists that understanding enough of a range of sciences to be able to balance the many concerns that go into creating new food products. In this sense, there isn’t truly a replacement degree for food science.

What Can I Do With a Degree in Food Science?

There are a variety of fields you can enter with a food science degree, depending on the degree level you have acquired.

Associates-level graduates in food science are well equipped to advance within food service or logistics industries. Graduates of these programs aren’t truly equipped for lab settings of major food producers, but jobs including restaurant manager and logistics manager are within reach.

Restaurant managers wear many hats, a fact that food science degrees prepare them for well. Common job duties bridge the gap between logistics, marketing, human resources, safety and food preparation assurance, customer service, and accounting. While devoted service industry employees can make a good living being restaurant managers, hours can be long and unpredictable.

The average salary for restaurant managers is presently $53474. This number varies greatly depending on the type or restaurant and location, however.

Logistics are at the heart of both the production of and eventual sales of food products. What’s more, many foods have very specific needs when they or the raw materials they’re made with are transported and stored. This is where knowledge of food handling, storage, and presentation can come in handy within an otherwise logistics-centered role.

Though the pay of logistic managers varies greatly by field and level of seniority, the average pay for this position is $110,157.

At the bachelor’s level, food science graduates can begin as entry-level analysts within food product business and agencies. While science-related courses from a bachelor’s degree likely won’t let you ascend to a full-blown food scientist position, many bachelor’s-degree holders advance into managerial ranks within food production businesses.

Project managers within food production companies and organizations are commonly tasked with managing a small team (3-10 employees) in an effort to create or maintain a single product. Excellent project managers are good at dealing with a variety of stakeholders and also hold some scientific or technical knowledge of the work their organization is completing. For this reason, bachelor’s-holders in food science are a great fit.

The average salary for project managers across all fields is $133,933, though this number can vary significantly across industries.

For those with a master’s or doctoral degree in food science, options get a little more interesting. Besides being qualified for all of the job titles previously listed, graduate-level degree recipients in food science can find employment as food scientists and business specialists within food science.

While bachelor’s degrees in food science set you up for a lifetime of learning and to enter the field of food production, a graduate degree will help you to become an “expert” at one element within food production. Food scientists have not only been introduced to a wide range of disciplines, but regularly employ them in the following job requirements.

Food scientists are responsible for:

• Evaluations of nutritional content, texture, taste, and color of food products
• Making sure that food production methods are in-line with governmental, industry, and consumer expectations
• The exploration of alternative and new food production methods
• The development of new food products
• Testing for safety of food products in regards to bacteria, mold, or yeast overgrowth
• Working with biologists, chemists, and marketing leaders within your food production business
• Establishing cost and time-saving methods for the production of food products

In the end, food scientists are the heart of the creation and honing of new food products. Behind every massively distributed food product there is likely a team of food scientists. The average salary for food science positions is presently $70,765, though depending on seniority and assignment these numbers may rise above $100,000.

Finally, food production industry business specialists work in a variety of business disciplines. There are unique marketing, logistics, production, and economics positions within food production. With many food products relying on global supply change, proprietary production methods, and huge marketing efforts, food is big business!

While your final salary will vary based seniority as well as what food production company you’re employed at, some industry average salaries are listed below:

• Logistics manager: $110,157
• Marketing manager: $145,620
• Product manager: $91,781

Think you’re interested in a food science degree? Be sure to check out some of DegreeQuery’s related content including commonly asked questions, guides on how to succeed at different degree levels, and rankings of some of the best programs available below:

Related Resources: 

• What Can I Do With a Degree in Nutrition?
• What Degree do I Need to be a Microbiologist?
• What Degree do I Need to be a Dietician?
• What are the Benefits in a Chemical Engineering Degree Versus a Chemistry Degree?
• What Degree Do I Need to be an Agricultural Engineer?

For Further Reading: 

What Degree Do I Need to Become a Lighting Designer?

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RELATED: The 20 Best Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs Online

1. Savanah College of Art and Design

The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is a private institution that was founded in 1978. It is located in Savannah Georgia. It currently enolls over 14,000 students and has a student faculty ratio of 20 to 1. SCAD Regularly ranks among the best in the nation for their art programming. SCAD offers degree programming in film, design, art history, equestrian studies, printing, motion media design, visual effects, writing, urban design, and so much more. This is a special focus four-year arts music and design school.

Do you love art and technology? Then the Integrative design and game development program at SCAD may be right for you. SCAD offer is a bachelors as well as a masters degree in integrative design and game development. The bachelors degree program includes general education courses as well as concentration courses and interactive design. The total credit hour requirement is 180 credit hours and takes about four years to complete. The Masters of arts in interactive design and game development is a 45 credit hour program that affords you great flexibility. Students may select one of two concentrations: game development, or Integrative design. Additionally SCAD offers Masters of fine arts in integrated design and game development the difference being the general focus of the program. If you are looking for a wide array of opportunities in game development and design then look no further than SCAD.

• Program Details

2. Franklin College

Franklin College is a liberal arts institution located in Franklin, Indiana. Franklin College was founded in 1834 and currently ranks as the 136th best liberal arts school in the nation according to the US News and World Feport. Franklin College currently enrolls over 14,000 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 20 to 1.

Franklin College offers an online interactive media degree. This bachelors of science program is 120 credit hours in length. The program is divided into five main component parts: fundamental general education core, additional general education requirements, technical credits, university electives, major. The major includes some of the following courses: communication-groups and teams, human-computer interaction, advanced graphic design, digital media design, interactive media for training and instruction, interactive media for advertising, and others. This online program features a project-based curriculum. The project-based curriculum curriculum gives you the opportunity to showcase actual client work when creating your portfolio. Additionally, you will get hands-on experience with some of the best technologies and exposure to the most popular programming languages in software. For more information about this program check out their website.

• Program Details

3. University of Advancing Technology

The University of Advancing Technology is a private four-year institution located in Tempe, Arizona. The university offers associates, bachelors, and Masters degrees and enrolls just over 700 students. The student to faculty ratio is 15 to 1. This is a special focus four-year other technology related school. When it comes to academics offerings the University of Advancing Technology’s office programming in business, computer and information sciences, the visual and performing arts, and engineering. All of the programming is offered online.

UAT offers an online game design bachelor of arts. All of their online game design degrees first start off as a general online game design major and then proceed to become dual online gaming degrees. Students have the opportunity to select degree specializations that interest them. Students of this program have the opportunity to work with state of the art programming as well as all the tools of the trade. You will engage with interface design, design documentation, interactive storytelling, design balancing and play testing. Students may also pursue their online game programming degree in which they will learn C++ programming, direct X/open GL development, data handling, gameplay interaction, artificial intelligence, game engine architecture and other standard industry APIs. For more information about this online opportunity check out their website.

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4. Full Sail University

Full Sail University is a private four-year institution located in Winter Park, Florida there are 21,663 students enrolled and the students to faculty ratio is 27 to 1. The institution offers programming for associates, bachelors, masters degree candidates. Their programming is all offered online and includes degrees in business, communication technologies, computer and information sciences and support services, education, visual and performing arts, and others.

Full Sail University offers a Bachelor of Science in Game Design. If you are looking to become a game designer than this may be the path for you. This is a 29-month online bachelors degree that offers comprehensive programming for individuals looking to become game designers. Students will study technology in the entertainment and media industries, design tools, scripting for designers, game mechanics, psychology of play, game design pre-production, and more.

• Program Details

5. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a four-year private institution located in Manchester New Hampshire. There are over 100,000 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 22 to 1. Their academic offerings include programming and business education, health computer sciences, social sciences and more. To support student success the university offers remedial help as well as academic and career counseling. Southern New Hampshire University offers a wide array of online degree programming. In fact, the majority of their programs are taught entirely online.

Southern New Hampshire University offers an online degree in game art design, game design and development. This is an online bachelors degree that is 120 credit hours in length. In addition to general education courses this curriculum includes technology courses and courses related to the major. Some of the courses may include: 3-D character animation, interactive animation, character design, creature design, 3-D art and design, game art and development, and introduction to digital imaging. For more information and to apply check out their website.

• Program Details

6. Liberty University

Liberty University is a private institution located in Lynchburg Virginia. The university offers comprehensive programming from associates degrees to doctoral degrees. There are over 85,000 students currently enrolled in the student to faculty ratio at 17 to 1. The institution offers a vast online program. In fact, the majority of their programming is offered online and includes online programming and business management, journalism, education, literature, foreign languages, health, computer science, visual and performing arts and more.

Liberty University offers a Bachelor of Science in Information technology and gaming design. This is a 120 credit hour program that takes approximately 3.5 years to complete. The classes are 100% online and are eight weeks in length. If you are looking to become a creative director, graphics director, a mobile user interface design, a software programmer or a video game designer than this program may be right for you. Some of the featured courses in the program include courses in graphic design, digital imaging, and 3-D graphics. In your information technology courses you will learn advance job skills, as well as how to build foundational knowledge and web architecture in design computer hardware and operating systems. For more information about this program check out their website.

• Program Details

7. Wilmington University

Wilmington University is a private four-year institution located in New Castle Delaware. The student population is over 14,000 and the student to faculty ratio is just 12 to 1. The university offers associates, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees. Their academic offerings include online programming and on-campus programming. In fact, nearly half of their programming is now offered entirely online. Some of their academic offerings include: masters degrees in computer information sciences, online bachelors degree in business management, and an online doctoral degree in higher education.

Wilmington University offers a bachelor of science in game design and development. This is a 120 credit hour degree that includes course material in interactive design, video production, 3-D modeling, graphic design, and programming. You use these skills to create video games and simulations for major platforms consuls and mobile devices. You’ll be able to take your video game concepts to a completed design. This is a hands-on online program.

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8. Lindenwood University

Lindenwood University is a private four-year institution located in St. Charles, Missouri. The student population is over 8000 and the student to faculty ratio is 12 to 1. The university offers bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. When it comes to academics offerings, Lindenwood University offers programming in business, computer information sciences, education, health, social sciences, and a visual and performing arts as well as many others. In recent years, Lindenwood University has started to offer online degree programs for undergraduates and graduate students.

Lindenwood University offers a bachelor of arts in game design. This is a highly ranked online game design degree program for their rigorous academic programming. This is a 120 credit hour course that takes between 24 and 48 months to complete. You will learn how to create two and three dimensional games from the character stages through to production and application. You’ll learn how to exhibit skills using design software and to create vector graphics as well as animation. For more information about this online degree head to their website.

• Program Details

9. Baker University

Baker University is a private four-year institution located in Baldwin City, Kansas. There are over 2,000 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 11 to 1. The university offers associates, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees. Their programming includes both programming on campus and online including in the fields of education, health, parks and recreation, social sciences, philosophy, and computer science.

Baker offers a bachelor of science in game software development. This is a 120 credit hour program that will take approximately four years to complete. The bachelor of science teaches you the skills you need to design and test your own games. You will be able to test your games across a number of platforms. The curriculum includes the following: senior design software, Java programming, C++ programming, Python programming, senior design projects, and an introduction to Android mobile, C Sharp programming, unreal game programming, game development, artificial intelligence , Linux, and much more. For more information about this program head to their website.

• Program Details

10. EdX

EdX offers and number of game design courses including those from NYU, Harvard, Georgia Tech, UC San Diego, and the University of Texas at Austin. EdX gives you access to over 2500 online courses from over 140 institutions.

NYU offers three courses in game design including the theories of media and technology, creative coding, integrative digital media. Harvard University offers mobile phone app development with react native as well as an introduction to game development. The university of Texas at Austin offers embedded systems shape the world a multi threaded interfacing course. This online course use as a bottom up approach it as a simple hands-on lab course. MichiganX offers leading change: Go beyond Gamification with Gameful Learning. For more information and to enroll in one of these courses, check out their website.

• Program Details

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In fact, industrial engineering is sort of like engineering, well, engineering. These engineers apply the applied scientific mindsets of engineering to complex processes, systems and organizations. What other engineers and managers build, you fine tune. And you can focus on human processes as well as the creation of physical goods. For the right person, industrial engineering just makes sense. And a bachelor’s is the de facto entry-level degree to get into the field. Check out 10 programs you can pursue from the comfort of your own home below!

1. University of Florida

The University of Florida is a public research institution located in Gainesville. The student population is over 50,000 and the student to faculty ratio is 17 to 1. UF offers comprehensive degree programming as well as professional certifications. According to the US News and World Report the University of Florida ranks as the 30th best school in the nation as well as highly for value, teaching, business, and engineering programming. UF is a land grant university that has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools SACS. To support student success UF offers academic as well as career counseling. In recent years, UF has expanded their programming to include online offerings. In fact, undergraduate and graduate students as well as those seeking professional certification may follow a course of study entirely online.

One such course is there online public engineering graduate education degree. The US news and world report ranked this program 15th among their top online engineering degree programs. This program is designed for graduate students who are not able to participate in on campus study. This is a non-thesis masters degree that requires 30 credit hours for completion. Students complete 18 credit hours of required core course material as well as six hours of individual work and six hours of supervised research. Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. You have three options once pursuing engineering studies online at UF. You may follow their short courses, graduate certificate or their masters degree program. To complete the Masters degree online, students must be accepted to their Master of Science in material science and engineering. For more information and to apply to this program check out their website.

• Program Website

2. University of Virginia

The University of Virginia is a public four year institution located in Charlottesville. This is a research institution with very high research activity according to Carnegie. The student population is over 25,000 and the student to faculty ratio is 15 to 1. The university offers bachelors masters and doctoral degree’s as well as professional certifications. According to the US News and World Report, the University of Virginia ranks as the 26th best school nation as well as highly for veterans teaching, innovation, business, computer science and undergraduate engineering programming. The University of Virginia is a sea and space grant institution that has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Additionally, the University of Virginia is a world heritage site in the United States. To support student success the institution offers academic as well as career counseling. Additionally in recent years UV has begun to offer online programming for both undergraduate and graduate students as well as those pursuing professional certification.

The University of Virginia offers a masters of chemical engineering online. The master of engineering consists of five core courses in advanced thermodynamics, chemical reaction engineering, transport processes, mass transfer, and techniques for chemical engineering analysis and design. The five elective courses are in the following areas: chemistry polymer engineer in, biomedical engineering, and others. This is a 30 credit hour program 24 credit hours are offered via videoconferencing. Courses in related areas may be taken from other departments at the University of Virginia or transferred from other universities Such as in the areas of mathematics chemistry, material science, nuclear engineering, and others. One course must be an independent research course. For more information about this online program check out their website.

• Program Website

3. Columbia University in the City of New York

Columbia University is a private Ivy League institution located in the city of New York. The university offers bachelors, masters, and doctoral degree’s as well as professional certifications. The current student enrollment is over 31,000 and the student to faculty ratio is 6 to 1. According to Carnegie Columbia University is a research institution with a very high research activity. According to the US news and world report Columbia University ranks as the third best university in the nation as well as highly for a wide range of things including teaching, innovation, value computer science and undergraduate engineering programming. Columbia is a space grants university with one of the largest endowments among any academic institution in the world.The institution has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since 1921. To support student success the institution offers academic support as well as online offerings.

Among their online offerings is the online masters in chemical engineering. This is a 30 credit hour program that is divided into two main component parts, core courses and elective courses. The core courses include mathematical methods in chemical engineering, transport phenomena, statistical mechanics or advanced chemical engineer in thermodynamics, and advanced chemical kinetics. 18 elective courses are required which will be approved by your advisor. The following industries are related to the degree: pharmaceutical, aerospace and automotive, prosthetics, biotechnologies, and more. For more information about this program check out their website.

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4. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California USC is a private institution located in Los Angeles. There are over 48,000 students enrolled and the Senate to faculty ratio is 9 to 1. USC offers bachelors masters and doctorate degrees as well as professional certifications. According to the US news and world report USC ranks as the 24th best school in the nation as well as highly for value business and engineering. USC is a private sea grant and space grant institution that has been accredited by the WASC senior college and university commission.In recent years, USC has offered online programming for students pursuing masters degrees, doctoral degrees, and professional certifications. Some of their most popular online degrees are in the fields of health, public administration, library information science, and engineering.

USC offers an online master of science in chemical engineering. The program is offered through the Viterbi school of engineering. If you are interested in a career in one of the following areas than this program might be for you: pharmaceuticals, tissue engineering, oil and gas, commerce, public health agencies, petroleum, minerals and environmental agencies, and others. Students of this program will take a number of fundamental courses in key areas of chemical engineering such as thermodynamics kinetics and reaction engineering applied Mathematics as well as a select number of elective courses to help you expand your knowledge and specialized areas such as materials engineering bio engineering, engineering design, energy engineering, and control management among others. For more information about this online masters degree check out their website.

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5. North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University NCSU is a public four year institution located in Raleigh. There are over 36,000 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 14 to 1. The university offers associates, bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees as well as postbaccalaureate certifications. According to the US News and World Report, NCSU ranks as the 80th best school in the nation as well as highly for value veterans, innovation, business programming, computer science, and undergraduate engineer in programming. To support student success the university offers academic and career counseling as well as online programming. In recent years NCSU has offered online programming for masters-seeking students as well as those pursuing professional certification. Their most popular online offerings are in the field of engineering.

NCSU offers an online Master of Science in Chemical Engineering program this program is designed with students for students with an undergraduate degree in an engineering discipline. If you were looking to pursue a graduate degree in chemical engineering than this program may be for you. The program itself it’s flexible. Students may earn their online masters degree in 3 to 5 years. As this is a distance program students may choose the path that fits their schedule and this online opportunity offers students the ability to change career paths. Students without a chemical engineering background may apply. Additionally, this program is military friendly. The degree features courses in the following areas: chemical engineering concepts, energy and energy balances, multiphase systems, Thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and more. For more information about this program check out their website.

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6. University of Illinois Chicago

The University of Illinois Chicago is a public four year institution that enrolls over 30,000 students. The students to faculty ratio is 18 to 1. According to Carnegie the University of Illinois Chicago is a doctoral university was very high research activity. The institution offers bachelors match lawyers bachelors masters I am doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. According to the US news and world report the university of Illinois Chicago ranks as 112 the best school in the nation as well as highly for veterans value and undergraduate engineering programming. The institution has been accredited by the higher learning commission. To support student success the university offers credit for life experiences as well as academic and career counseling and online programming. In fact, UIC offers online degrees for bachelors seeking students as well as master seeking students And those pursuing professional certification.

One such online degree is their online masters in chemical engineering. To be eligible for this program you must have a bachelors degree in an engineering or natural science discipline. Additionally, students should have a GPA of at least 3.0. The degree itself is divided into three main areas: required courses, electives, and research credits for a total of 36 credit hours. The required courses include course material in transport phenomena, thermodynamics, advanced mass transfer, micro hydrodynamics, numerical methods in chemical engineering, and more. Students must also complete a thesis project. For more information about this program check out their website.

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7. Missouri University of Science and Technology

Missouri University of science and technology is a public four your institution located in Rolla. The university offers bachelors masters and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. Currently MST enrolls over 8000 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 18 to 1. According to Carnegie, MST is a doctoral University with high Research activity. According to the US news and world report MST ranks of the 176th best school in the nation and highly for business, veterans, and undergraduate engineering programming. To support their student success the university offers academic and career counseling as well as dualcredits and online offerings program. In fact, in recent years MST has offered a number of online masters degrees as well as professional certifications.

MST offers a Master of Science in environmental engineering. To enter this program you must have a degree in engineering from an accredited university as well as an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. According to their website, the environmental engineering graduate degree incorporates chemical characteristics as well as biological and physical characteristics of engineered environmental systems. The engineering solutions are then placed into a context of societal needs. Additionally students may complete the Geoenvironmental engineer graduate certificate. This program includes course curricular material in structural analysis, building analysis and design, structural dynamics, geotechnical earthquake engineering, and much more.

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8. Lehigh University

Lehigh University is a private institution located in Bethlehem Pennsylvania. There are over 6000 students enrolled and a student to faculty ratio is 9 to 1. Leigh University offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degree’s as well as professional certifications. The university has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and it’s classified as a doctoral University with high research activity. According to the US news and world report, Lehigh University ranks as the 49th best full on the nation and also highly for undergraduate teaching, value, innovation, undergraduate engineering, computer science, and more. To support student success Lehigh University offers academic and career counseling as well as online programming. In fact, Lehigh University offers online masters in doctoral degrees.

Among their online offerings of the online masters in chemical engineering. In fact, the chemical and biomolecular engineer program is one of the oldest degree programs at Lehigh University and was established in 1903. This is 30 credit hour program that is divided into three main areas, 18 hours of coursework, 18 hours of fieldwork and 15 hours of 400 level coursework in the field of chemical engineering. Some of the core courses include: Chemical engineer in Thermo dynamics, transport processes, chemical reaction engineering, and mathematics methods and chemical engineering. The electives offer students the opportunity to focus on various specializations including in polymer science and bio technology, process control, mass transfer, semiconductor materials processing, and much more. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

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9. Villanova University

Villanova university is a private four year institution located in Villanova Pennsylvania. The university offers associate through doctoral degree’s as well as professional certifications. Currently the student enrollment is over 10,000 and the students to faculty ratio is 11 to 1. According to Carnegie Villanova University is a Doctoral University with high research activity. The US News and World Report ranks Villanova University as the 53rd best school in the nation as well as highly for value, undergraduate teaching, engineering, business and more. To support success of their students the University offers academic and career counseling as well as distance learning opportunities. In fact, students may pursue an online degree at the undergraduate and graduate level. Some of their most popular online offerings are in the fields of business health and engineering.

Villanova University offers a Master of Science in chemical engineering. This is a 30 credit hour program that requires 10 courses to complete. Three courses are required courses and five are elective courses. Additionally five courses are generally selected from among all CHE offerings. Six credit hours may be used for independent study or a thesis project. The required courses are in thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and chemical kinetics and catalysis. For those who do not have an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering you will be required to complete 36 credit hours. All students no matter what their background must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. If you have a bachelors degree in another biological or physical science and you must have a minimum GPA of 3.25. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

• Program Website

10. Kansas State University

Kansas State University is a public four-year institution located in Manhattan Kansas. The university offers associates, bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. Their current student population is over 21,000 and the student to faculty ratio is 18 to 1. According to Carnegie, Kansas State is a doctoral university with very high research activity. To support their student success the university offers a range of student services including academic and career counseling as well as advanced placement credits and dual credits. According to the US News and World Report Kansas State University ranks as the 170th best school in the nation as well as highly for computer science, business, and undergraduate engineering programming. In recent years, Kansas state has begun to offer online programming for undergraduate as well as graduate seeking students. Additionally students returning to school for professional certifications may complete these programs online.

Amongst their online offerings as their chemical engineering masters degree. This is a 30 credit hour program which may be completed entirely online. The program is actually designed for working professionals with working professionals in mind. This program seeks to address societies challenges with regards to sustainable energy chemicals in the environment. The curriculum focuses on chemical engineering analysis, engineering thermodynamics, reaction engineering, and hazardous waste engineering as well as sustainability and more. For more information and to apply check out their website.

• Program Website

The post The 10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering Degrees appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

RELATED: 23 Fastest Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Often, accelerated programs and online learning go hand in hand, especially at the master’s degree level. An online program that allows students to work at their own pace is also ideal for allowing ambitious students to finish more coursework in a shorter timeframe. Our list of the fastest online master’s programs identifies graduate degrees in a variety of disciplines that can be completed online at accredited colleges and universities in less than the traditional two years of study.

What Is the Fastest Master’s Degree?

There are several factors that can affect how long it takes to earn a master’s degree. Accelerated online graduate degrees commonly possess one or more of the following features: a smaller number of credits required for graduation, an accelerated course format or degree structure, a policy of accepting a considerable number of transfer credits and a subject that fits well into an accelerated format.

Smaller Credit Requirements

Progress toward a masters degree is typically measured in credits, or credit hours. Most graduate-level courses are worth three credits or four credits, but some classes – like short modules and seminar courses – may sometimes count for only a single credit hour.

One way to reduce the time it takes to earn your master’s degree online is to choose a program that requires fewer credits. Master’s degree programs typically consist of at least 30 credits of college study at the graduate level. However, some master’s degree programs, particularly those in specialized areas, may require up to 45, 50 or even 60 credit hours of graduate coursework.

Naturally, it takes significantly less time to complete 30 credits than 50 credits. If you want to earn your degree quickly, you should look for a master’s degree program in your field of study that requires only 30 credits to 40 credits. Many of the master’s degree programs on our list require 30, 32 or 36 college credits.

Accelerated Formats and Structures

Even the best student can only handle so heavy a workload at a time, especially if they have obligations outside of graduate school. Courses and programs that are offered in an accelerated format can allow students to complete their curriculum faster. Students in one of the best online accelerated master’s programs may take more than what is typically considered to be a full load of graduate-level coursework per term.

Often, students take advantage of the accelerated formats the quickest master’s programs offer by taking a smaller number of courses at a time spread over many short academic terms. Instead of taking three or four graduate courses per semester over two long semesters, a student might instead take one or two classes during each eight-week term. Under this sort of accelerated structure, a student may complete 10 to 12 classes in a year instead of just six to eight. Students may also prefer this learning format because it allows them to focus on just one or two courses at a time instead of spreading their efforts and attention too thin.

RELATED: Top 25 Fastest Online Doctorate Degrees

Because this program structure depends on short, frequent terms, an accelerated online master’s program is likely to offer multiple start dates throughout the academic year. This type of program enables students to start their online degree program sooner, without having to wait for traditional fall or spring start dates to enroll.

Transfer-Friendly Policies

Another way to speed up your education is by making sure you get full credit for all of your work, even prior coursework. If this isn’t your first attempt at graduate school, you should look for an institution that will allow you to transfer as many of your prior credits as possible, so you’re not stuck doing extra work to get your degree. A school with a generous transfer credit policy may allow students to transfer as many as 12 credits – a third (or more) of the credits required to earn a typical master’s degree.

Some schools also offer competency-based programs that allow you to get credit for what you already know – like the knowledge you gained on the job. Usually, colleges and universities that award credit for competency, rather than strictly for course completion, count scores on proctored exams, portfolio assessments and other methods of evaluation as progress toward graduation. Choosing a nationally ranked school that awards prior learning credits is a great choice to help working professionals who are earning a master’s degree finish their education faster.

The Best Subjects for an Accelerated Online Master of Science

Earning a master’s degree can improve your career prospects and your job security in any number of fields. However, some subjects lend themselves to accelerated online studies more effectively than others.

Naturally, a program that requires a great deal of clinical fieldwork can be more challenging to complete online and in an accelerated format than other programs. This is why many of the health sciences and health-related degrees on our list take closer to 16 months, a year and a half, or just under two years, rather than the degree plan being something students can complete in 1 year.

However, programs that require less highly technical knowledge and/or those that build upon existing knowledge and fieldwork often allow for shorter completion times. Some of the subjects in which accelerated online master’s degrees are commonly offered include:

• Business (business administration
• Education
• Criminal justice
• Computer science

This isn’t an exhaustive list of the types of online accelerated master’s program options graduate students may finish quickly. Whether you want to earn a masters degree in human sciences, policy analysis, public relations, global studies, other languages or the arts – like a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) or Master of Music degree – national universities offer accelerated learning programs that can be completed quickly online. An online accelerated master’s program can help you reach career goals in a wide array of real-world industries and occupations.

Accelerated Master’s Programs in Business Management and Administration

Business programs are some of the most common accelerated online master’s options out there. Business students pursuing a master’s degree online may opt for an online MBA, a master’s in business management, human resource management, project management, organizational performance and organizational leadership, business analytics and other specialization options.

Certain business programs are tailored toward management and administration in specialized areas. For example, pursuing an online college degree in public administration prepares students to work in administrative roles in government agencies and entities, while master’s programs in engineering management and healthcare administration allow students to achieve career aspirations involving leadership roles in the engineering and healthcare industries, respectively.

What can you do with an accelerated master’s degree in business? Many of these degree programs help students develop a range of useful skills, including managerial skills, skills in conflict resolution, critical thinking skills, a working knowledge of employment law and more. An accountancy program can help you become a certified public accountant (CPA), while an accelerated master in finance can help students become senior-level financial analysts.

Some online MBA program, accountancy program and other business master degree program options have earned programmatic accreditation from organizations like the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the International Association for Business Schools and Programs (IABSP), and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Accelerated Master’s Programs in Education

Many online education degree program options offered with an accelerated track are teacher education degrees intended for working teachers. Master’s in education degrees that fit into this category include master’s in early childhood education and early childhood studies degrees, K-12 education programs, special education online degrees and music education degrees. Aside from these graduate-level teacher education programs, Master of Education program options may include topics like educational leadership, higher education administration, instructional design and learning technology.

Accelerated Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice

Online masters in criminal justice programs often include a variety of specialization options ranging from criminology and law enforcement studies to emergency management and homeland security. Again, these programs are often well-suited to adult learners with considerable work experience in these fields.

Accelerated Master’s Programs in Computer Science and Computer Technology

Another category of accelerated online master’s degrees that naturally works well with computer-based learning methods is computer science and computer technology. Tech-savvy students may pursue online degrees in cyber security, information systems and data analysis.

Accelerated Master’s Programs in Health, STEM Fields and Other Areas

Some master’s degree programs in health science and other science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields are also available on an accelerated online format. Nursing, nutritional health and behavioral sciences are just a few of the health-focused online Master of Science programs students can consider. An online graduate program like one of these can prepare students for job prospects in settings like a nursing home or care facility, hospital, clinic or other type of medical or healthcare facility.

Types of Online Master’s Degree Program Options

Many master’s degrees are Master of Science (MS) programs, but these degrees aren’t the only option for online graduate students. Other programs may award a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Education (MEd) or Master of Engineering (MEng) degree, to name a few examples.

RELATED: 100 Most Affordable Online Graduate Schools

The 40 Fastest Online Programs for Graduate Students

Many of the fastest online master’s degrees are available with just a year and a half of study, one year of study or, at certain institutions, less than a full year of study. The accelerated online master’s degrees offered at each of the 40 schools listed below are among the 40 fastest online masters degrees in the nation, and they’re sure to impress students who are eager to jump right into accelerated online programs.

Whether you’re interested in a master’s in education, an online master of business degree, a master’s in engineering management or something completely different, you’re likely to find an accelerated online master’s program for you on our list below.

1. Southern New Hampshire University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

At Southern New Hampshire University, online students can choose from more than 100 distance-learning master’s degree programs. Many of these programs are available in accelerated formats that allow them to be completed in as little as 18 months, 15 months or even just 12 months.

One of the shortest online programs available at Southern New Hampshire University is the one-year MBA program. Students pursuing an MBA at Southern New Hampshire University can choose from 17 distinct concentration areas, including finance, entrepreneurship, the music business and information technology management.

Numerous other degree programs at Southern New Hampshire University can be completed in just 15 months. In the area of education, these programs include the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and the Master of Science in Higher Education Administration.

Accelerated programs related to the fields of business and management include the 15-month Master of Science in Management, Master of Science in Sports Management, Master of Science in Applied Economics and Master of Science in Project Management and Operations. There are 15-month master’s degree programs in history, English, criminal justice and data analytics. Southern New Hampshire University even offers accelerated options in healthcare-related fields. The Master of Science in Healthcare Administration can be completed in as little as 15 months, while the Master of Science in Nursing takes 18 months to finish.

To allow students to complete their master’s degree programs faster, Southern New Hampshire State University offers five start dates throughout the school year and offers a generous transfer credit policy. Generally, students with prior graduate study can transfer up to 12 credits – a third of their curriculum – to this program. Additionally, by not requiring graduate admissions tests like the GRE or GMAT, the school removes obstacles that delay or prevent prospective students from applying.

As an institution, Southern New Hampshire University is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. The school’s individual degree programs have earned programmatic accreditation from numerous organizations, including the following:

• The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
• The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
• The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
• The Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology)
• The New Hampshire State Department of Education for Teacher Certification

View general online master’s program information.

2. California Baptist University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-16 Months

If you don’t mind earning your online degree at a school with a strong religious mission, consider applying to California Baptist University. The Christian-founded Riverside-based institution is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

To facilitate accelerated online learning, California Baptist University offers accelerated online or hybrid courses with start dates every eight weeks. These programs are geared toward adult students, making them an even better option for full-time professionals and students with family obligations.

The average completion time for many online master’s degree programs at California Baptist University is just 12 months, including the Master of Science in Accounting, Master of Science in Information Technology Management and Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies.

Business- and administration-related accelerated programs include the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, the Master of Arts in Strategic Communication, Master of Public Administration and Master of Business Administration programs in the specializations of accounting and general management. Education is another popular field of study at this institution, where online students can pursue a Master of Science in Education with specializations in Curriculum and Instruction, Early Childhood Studies, Educational Leadership, Special Education and Transitional Kindergarten.

Healthcare-related options include the 1-year Master of Healthcare Administration and Master of Science in Kinesiology, as well as the 16-month Master of Public Health. The school’s online Master of Science in Counseling Psychology degree is unique because courses are offered in different formats like an asynchronous online format and a virtual hybrid format that allows for real-time distance-learning interactions.

View general online master’s program information.

3. University of North Texas

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

With eight-week accelerated course formats and five start dates throughout the year, the University of North Texas offers plenty of fast online master’s degree options.

Students seeking an online accelerated master’s degree from the University of North Texas can earn their MBA in half a dozen concentrations: marketing, marketing analytics, sport entertainment management, strategic management, supply chain analytics and organizational behavior and HR management.

In the field of education, accelerated master’s degree programs at the University of North Terxas include Master of Education in Educational Leadership and the Master of Science in Early Childhood Education.

The Master of Science in Learning Technologies program exists at the intersection between education and technology. More tech-focused programs include the Master of Science in Advanced Data Analytics and the Master of Science in Digital Communication Analytics.

View general online master’s program information.

4. Saint Leo University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-24 Months

Saint Leo University bills itself as “one of the first universities in America to offer online degree programs,” so it’s no surprise that the Florida institution offers dozens of online master’s degree options.

The Catholic liberal arts-based university offers an MBA program with a variety of distinct concentrations, as well seven different Master of Education degree options and seven specializations of Master of Science in Criminal Justice programs. Other areas of online study include creative writing, theology, psychology and social work.

Online graduate students at this institution typically take one to two classes per eight-week term, six of which run – often, with no break in between terms – in an academic year. Students who take the maximum number of courses per term and work toward their degree non-stop may be able to complete many of these degree programs within a year, while those who take just one course per term will be closer to the two-year mark by the time they graduate.

When taken with advanced standing, the full-time Master of Social Work is one of Saint Leo University’s abundant online master’s degree programs that can be completed in as little as one year. However, for students without advanced standing, this program requires two years of full-time study, as does the school’s creative writing program that includes three summer residencies. For prospective students who haven’t yet earned an undergraduate degree, Saint Leo University offers “3+1” accelerated degree programs in three subject areas that allow students to rapidly complete both their bachelor’s and their master’s degrees in a shorter timeframe.

View general online master’s program information.

5. Boston University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

Boston University has a 20-year history of offering award-winning online education programs, so this school is a solid choice for students looking for a credible online master’s degree program. Coincidentally, Boston University also happens to offer 20 online degrees at that master’s level.

These degree options range from topics like insurance management and data analytics to gastronomy, a multidisciplinary program concerned with the role of food in society. BU’s Master of Science in Project Management degree program can be completed in 12 to 20 months, while the Master of Science in Enterprise Risk Management degree program consists of one and a half years to two years of study.

Education degrees are popular options and include programs in music education, art education, higher education administration and curriculum and teaching. Business-related subjects of online graduate study at Boston University include financial management, insurance management, global marketing management, project management, supply chain management, business analytics and taxation law.

Other degree options fall under the discipline of computers and technology, including subjects such as software development and computer information systems, or healthcare, including health communication and health informatics.

View general online master’s program information.

6. Indiana Wesleyan University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-20+ Months

Indiana Wesleyan University offers more than 80 online degrees at the master’s level. Religion is important at this Christian institution – associated with the Wesleyan Church – that is headquartered in Marion, IN, and regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. As such, several online degree programs pertain to the subjects of ministry and divinity.

However, you would be mistaken if you assumed that the only online programs the school offers at the graduate degree level are religious in nature. The Master of Business Administration degree programs are available in eight areas of specialization and generally take 18 months to just shy of two years to complete. Master of Science in Accounting programs, which include three distinct concentration areas, take 18 months to complete, as does the Master of Science in Human Resource Management. The completion time for a Master of Science in Management program, however, is listed as 15+ months.

Programs in education that can be completed in as little as 12 months include the Master of Science in Early Childhood Teaching (for licensed teachers), the Master of Science in Elementary Teaching, while education degrees in other subjects, like special education, teaching English as a new language and curriculum and instruction, take longer to complete.

Students at Indiana Wesleyan University typically focus on one five- to eight-week course at a time.

View general online master’s program information.

7. Ball State University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-20 Months

Ball State University in Muncie, IN, offers 25 online master’s degree options. Many of these programs can be completed in less than two years, but certain programs are even faster to finish. The Master of Arts in Business Education takes just one year to complete. Students can earn the Master of Arts in Educational Psychology degree in less than a year if they take a full course load every semester, but most students take closer to 18 months to complete this program.

The Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Supervision degree at Ball State University can be completed in as little as 18 months, as can the Master of Arts in Foundational Mathematics Teaching in the Community College and the Master of Arts in Secondary Education.

Students in a variety of undergraduate majors at Ball State University can also speed up their graduate education through the school’s Accelerated Master’s Program.

View general online master’s program information.

8. Trine University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-15 Months

Trine University in Angola, IN, is a private Midwest university that dates back to 1884 and is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Outside of degrees in the health sciences, which typically require considerable clinical fieldwork, most of Trine University’s online master’s degrees can be completed in 12 months. Some of the degrees you could earn from Trine University in just one year include the Master of Science in Business Analytics, the Master of Science in Criminal Justice, the Master of Science in Engineering Management, the Master of Education in Early Childhood Education and the Master of Business Administration with seven specialized tracks.

View general online master’s program information.

9. Northcentral University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-20 Months

Northcentral University is an online nonprofit institution that is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and is affiliated with the National University System based in La Jolla, CA. Accelerated online master’s degrees at Northcentral University that can be completed in just 12 months include the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and the accelerated MBA program. Students can earn a Master of Arts in Teaching in just 13 months.

If you’re willing to spend a little more time on your studies, your options are more varied. In a year and three months, you could earn a Master of Education in Educational Leadership or a Master of Science in Technology Management. A 16-month completion time is possible for the Master of Education and Master of Human Resource Management degrees, as well as for Master of Science degrees in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, Accounting, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology and Health Psychology.

Three psychology master’s degree programs – the Master of Arts in Psychology, the Master of Science in Sport Psychology and the Master of Science in Educational Psychology, take 18 months to complete. In 19 months, you could earn a Master of Public Administration degree. The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis is a 20-month program.

View general online master’s program information.

10. Concordia University System

Time to Degree Completion: 12-16 Months

The Concordia University System is a system of higher education that was founded in the Lutheran Christain tradition and today has campuses in Michigan, Texas, California, Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Each campus offers its own set of online programs. The Accelerated MBA program at Concordia University Chicago is a 1-year program. At Concordia St. Paul, the Master of Science in Athletic Administration and Coaching can be completed in 18 months. Concordia University Texas offers a 16-month Master of Education in Instructional Leadership. This is just a sampling of the numerous online master’s degree programs offered by the Concordia University System.

View general online master’s program information for each campus:

• Concordia University Ann Arbor
• Concordia University Texas
• Concordia University Irvine
• Concordia University Chicago
• Concordia University Nebraska
• Concordia St. Paul
• Concordia University Wisconsin

11. Benedictine University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

Benedictine University is a Roman Catholic-affiliated institution located in Lisle, IL, that aims to serve an “inclusive academic community” while still holding true to its Benedictine tradition and its religious mission and values.

Benedictine University offers a one-year accelerated MBA program that includes potential areas of study like entrepreneurship, accounting, marketing management, financial management, international business and healthcare administration. Students in the accelerated MBA program take two courses per eight-week academic term. Another fast master’s degree program is the online Master of Science in Nutrition and Wellness degree, which can be completed in just 18 months.

If you can’t decide on just one master’s degree, why not go for both with a dual degree program? Two of the dual master’s degrees offered by Benedictine University, the online Master of Business Administration/Master of Public Health (MBA/MPH) and the Master of Public Health/Master of Science in Management and Organizational Behavior, can be completed in the shortened timeframe of three and a half years.

Benedictine University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

View general online master’s program information.

12. Mercy College

Time to Degree Completion: 12-15 Months

At Mercy College in New York, students will find more than 30 total fully online degree programs, including both graduate and undergraduate options. Online course formats include both traditional asynchronous classes that have no set meeting times, online synched courses that utilize real-time meetings in a virtual classroom and online hybrid courses.

One-year master’s programs at Mercy College include the Master of Business Administration degree with nine concentration options, the Master of Science in Computer Science and the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. The school also offers 15-month programs for registered nurses: the Master of Science in Nursing Administration and the Master of Science in Nursing Education. Another option for undergraduate students at Mercy College is a five-year combined bachelor’s degree and master’s degree program, which the school offers in subjects like cybersecurity and psychology.

Mercy College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

View general online master’s program information.

13. Gwynedd Mercy University

Time to Degree Completion: 12*-20 months

Gwynedd Mercy University in Gwynedd Valley, PA, offers an array of accelerated programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, online and on campus, in the fields of education, business, nursing and counseling.

For students interested in earning a master’s degree online in less than two years, a program of particular interest is the 20-month Master of Science in Educational Administration. Students who start their undergraduate coursework at Gwynedd Mercy University can also take advantage of a fast-track 4+1 combined bachelor’s in business and MBA program to earn both degrees in a total of five years.

The school also offers numerous accelerated graduate certificate and certification programs that consist of as few as four courses in narrowly specialized areas of study. If you don’t necessarily need a master’s degree, these certificate options can help you build graduate-level knowledge in a matter of months, without the cost of a full degree.

Gwynedd Mercy University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. In the school’s accredited graduate programs, students take one seven-week class at a time, allowing them to focus on just one subject area.

View general online master’s program information.

14. Western Governors University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-20 Months

Western Governors University is a fully online university established by the Western Governors’ Association – a group of U.S. governors – and accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The school emphasizes accessibility to higher education, curricula that focus on practical application in the workforce and affordability, charging a flat tuition rate per six-month term instead of per-credit tuition costs.

The shortest time to earn an online master’s degree at this institution is 12 months, and the degrees that you can quickly earn in this timeframe include the Master of Business Administration and the Master of Science in Management & Leadership.

Several master’s degree programs at Western Governors University can be completed in 18 months, including:

• The Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education
• The Master of Arts in Teaching, English Education (Secondary)
• The Master of Arts in English as a Second Language (ESL) or English Language Learning (ELL)
• The Master of Arts in Mathematics Primary Education
• The Master of Arts in Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades)
• The Master of Arts in Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary)
• The Master of Arts in Teaching, Science Education (Secondary)
• The Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction
• The Master of Education in Learning and Technology
• The Master of Science in Nursing Informatics (BSN to MSN)

Additionally, students can complete the Master of Science in Information Technology Management degree in 20 months.

View general online master’s program information.

15. University of Charleston

Time to Degree Completion: 11-16 Months

At the University of Charleston in West Virginia, three of the five online master’s degree programs available can be completed in under two years. In fact, students can finish the school’s Master of Science in Business and Data Analytics in just 11 months, making this degree one of the fastest master’s program options in the country. In less than a year, you could be ready to pursue leadership roles in the areas of applied artificial intelligence and big data.

If your interests aren’t quite so technical in nature, other accelerated online degree options at this university include the Master of Business Administration and the Master of Science in Strategic Leadership, both of which can be completed in as little as 16 months.

View general online master’s program information.

16. Purdue University Global

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

Purdue University Global is the online learning hub of the well-respected Purdue University System. Online programs at Purdue are geared toward the needs of working adult students. In addition to accelerated course formats, online learning options at Purdue University include Competency-Based ExcelTrack programs and alternative pathways to earning college credits for what the student already knows.

The fastest online master’s degrees you will find at Purdue University are the one-year Master of Professional Studies and Master of Science in Legal Studies programs. Through the Purdue University System, online students can also complete a number of distinct graduate degrees in just 18 months, including:

• The Master of Arts in Teaching
• The Master of Science in Education
• The Master of Science in Higher EducationThe Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology
• The Master of Science in Health Education
• The Master of Health Care Administration
• The Master of Health Informatics
• The Master of Health Information Management
• The Master of Public Health
• The Master of Public Administration
• The Master of Science in Human Services
• The Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
• The Master of Science in Criminal Justice
• The Master of Science in Accounting

Purdue University is located in West Lafayette, IN, and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The public research university consistently ranks well among national universities.

View general online master’s program information.

17. University of Miami

Time to Degree Completion: 16-20 Months

The University of Miami is a particularly strong option for current and prospective finance professionals looking to boost their credentials quickly. The fastest online master’s degree available from this institution is the 16-month Master of Finance degree.

If you’re interested in the business side of the music and performing arts industries, a Master of Arts in Music Industry or a Master of Arts in Live Entertainment Management degree, both of which can be completed in as little as 18 months, might be the right fit for you. The University of Florida’s accelerated programs also include the Master of Science in Education Sport Administration and the Master of Science in Education Applied Learning Sciences, both of which are 20-month degrees.

The University of Miami is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

View general online master’s program information.

18. Baker College

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

At Baker College in Owosso, MI, the fastest online master’s degrees include the one-year general MBA and a more specialized one-year MBA in Business Intelligence. Students can also pursue an 18-month Master of Science in Information Systems degree. Online courses at Baker College are offered through both traditional asynchronous formats and OnlineLive formats that utilize live, real-time virtual meetings.

Baker College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

View general online master’s program information.

19. Central Michigan University

Time to Degree Completion: 12 Months*

Central Michigan University, a public university with its main campus in Mount Pleasant, offers online learning options at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Online classes can be presented in 8-week, 12-week or 16-week formats. The quickest accelerated online master degree options at this institution are the one-year Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Administration and Master of Entrepreneurial Ventures degrees.

For undergraduates studying at Central Michigan University, the 4+1 accelerated graduate degree program allows you to double count 9 to 18 credits toward both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Under this program, undergraduates complete the first courses – up to 18 credits – of their master’s degree programs as part of their bachelor’s degree curriculum. Another benefit of this option is that the master’s-level courses students complete while registered as undergraduates are cheaper, since students pay undergraduate tuition for these classes.

This university is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

View general online master’s program information.

20. Thomas Edison State University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-20 Months

At Thomas Edison State University in Trenton, NJ, online programs of study are available at every level, from associate’s degrees and undergraduate certificates to graduate certificates, master’s degrees and doctorates.

Thomas Edison State University is an adult-focused public university that offers numerous online MS and online MA options. The one-year degree options at Thomas Edison State University include the Master of Science in Management, the Master of Science in Human Resources Management and the Master of Science in Accounting, which is also available in a 20-month format. Earning a Master of Business Administration degree from Thomas Edison State University takes 15 months and prepares students to work in business roles in areas like accounting, finance, marketing, human resources management, healthcare management and data analytics.

Several graduate degree options for adult learners are available in 18-month formats, including the following:

• The Master of Public Service Leadership
• The Master of Science in Homeland Security
• The Master of Science in Information Technology
• The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
• The Master of Arts in Educational Technology and Online Learning
• The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies

Thomas Edison State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

View general online master’s program information.

21. Warner Pacific University

Time to Degree Completion: 7-18 Months

The single fastest online master’s degree on our list is the Accelerated Master of Arts in Teaching offered by Warner Pacific University. Full-time students who complete a full schedule of classes from May through August and a 15-week student teaching experience during the fall semester can complete this degree by December, but they must be ready to commit to taking both morning and afternoon classes throughout the summer and essentially working full-time in the classroom during their clinical teaching experience.

Students can also opt for other fast degree options in education. The Master of Education degree for licensed teachers can be completed in 18 months. There is also a 20-month part-time Master of Teaching option that consists of evening classes for students who need a less rigorous schedule.

Outside of degrees in education, Warner Pacific University offers an accelerated Master of Business Administration and a 4+1 combined degree business administration program that awards both a Bachelor of Business Administration and an MBA.

Warner Pacific University is located in Portland, OR, and is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

View general online master’s program information.

22. Capella University

Time to Degree Completion: 13-14 Months

Capella University, an online university headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, offers online instruction in dozens of graduate-level degree programs. The fastest online education options at the master’s level available at the school are the ones for which the institution offers its FlexPath format of study.

Under the FlexPath learning format, Capella University students take one or two courses at a time and complete their desired number of courses over a 12-week academic term for which they pay a flat tuition rate. The fastest FlexPath students can finish degrees like the following in as little as 14 months:

• Master of Science in General Psychology
• Master of Science in Psychology: Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• Master of Science in Psychology: Sport Psychology
• Master of Science in Psychology: Child and Adolescent Development
• Master of Science in Educational Psychology
• Master of Education in Teaching and Learning
• Master of Business Administration in Project Management
• Master of Business Administration: Self-Designed MBA
• Master of Business Administration in Health Care Management
• Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management
• Master of Science in General Human Resource Management
• Master of Science in Human Resource Management in Health Care
• Master of Health Administration: General Health Administration
• Master of Health Administration in Health Care Informatics
• Master of Health Administration in Health Care Leadership

Even faster degree options are, surprisingly, graduate nursing programs. Capella University offers the following eight master’s degree programs in nursing that, with the FlexPath program, can be completed in just 13 months:

• Master of Science in Nursing in Care Coordination
• Master of Science in Nursing in Care Coordination (RN-to-MSN)
• Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Education
• Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Education (RN-to-MSN)
• Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Leadership and Administration
• Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Leadership and Administration (RN-to-MSN)
• Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Informatics
• Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Informatics(RN-to-MSN)(13 months

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

View general online master’s program information.

23. Northeastern University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-20 Months

Northeastern University is a private research institution headquartered in Boston, MA, with campuses not only throughout the country but across the globe.

More than 30 of the master’s degree programs offered online at Northeastern University can be completed on a shorter timeline than the two years traditionally required for graduate school. In fact, more than 20 of these degrees can be completed within one year, and another seven programs can be completed in 18 months.

At Northeastern University, accelerated programs are available in a variety of specialized fields, including degrees in business, education, health, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects and more. The breadth of online master’s degree program options makes this school a great place for students from many backgrounds to advance their education in their given field.

View general online master’s program information.

24. Colorado Technical University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

Online classes at Colorado Technical University are just five weeks long, and new terms begin nine times each year. The mobile-friendly CTU Mobile platform makes online learning truly convenient and on your terms, since you can access your educational materials from a device like a smartphone or tablet.

The fastest online master’s degree at Colorado Technical University is the Master of Business Administration. In this one-year MBA program, students can choose from a dozen concentrations, including accounting, global leadership and logistics management.

In 18 months, students at Colorado Technical University could earn a Master of Science in Management degree or branch out into fields like criminal justice or technology with a Master of Science in Criminal Justice or a Master of Science in Information Technology.

View general online master’s program information.

25. National University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

National University is a veteran-founded private nonprofit institution that is located in San Francisco, CA, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

The accelerated online master’s degrees available from National University cover a wide range of subject areas, from business to criminal justice, computer science and even health. One year of study may be enough to complete either the Center for Creative Leadership Master of Business Administration (MBA) or the Master of Criminal Justice Leadership. It takes a minimum of 14 months to earn the Master of Science in Data Analytics degree. The Master of Public Health degree program requires 18 months of full-time study to complete.

National University’s four-week classes are some of the shortest courses out there, so you’ll never feel like your courses are dragging on. New terms start nine times each year, allowing students to jump into graduate school when it’s convenient for them and to keep pushing through until they reach their educational goals.

View general online master’s program information.

26. Eastern University

Time to Degree Completion: 10-18 Months

Eastern University’s two 10-month online master’s degree programs, the Master of Business Administration in Organizational Management and the Master of Science in Data Science, make the institution one of the fastest schools for online graduate study.

The school also offers seven distinct Master of Education degree programs that can each be completed in one year, as well as a 12-month Master of Arts in Theological and Cultural Anthropology. Additionally, a Master of Arts in Teaching: Classical Education degree takes at least 16 months to complete, and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership takes 18 months.

Eastern University is a Pennsylvania Christain institution that is based in St. Davids, PA, and is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

View general online master’s program information.

27. University of Arkansas

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

At the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, two master’s degree programs can be completed online in as little as 12 months. The Master of Social Work degree for students with advanced standing takes one year to finish online, including a year-long internship through which students acquire real-world experience. The Master of Science in Engineering Management degree can also be completed in this short timeframe.

Other accelerated programs at the University of Arkansas require 18 months of study. These graduate degree programs include the more technical Master of Science in Engineering, the Master of Education in Educational Technology and the Master of Science in Operations Management. E-learning students at the University of Arkansas also enjoy the benefit of getting to pay in-state tuition no matter where they live.

View general online master’s program information.

28. Full Sail University

Time to Degree Completion: 12 Months

At many institutions, only certain degree programs can be completed on an accelerated schedule. That’s not the case at Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL. Each of the 10 master’s degree programs offered online at Full Sail University can be completed in just 12 months. The accelerated offerings include:

• Master of Science in Business Intelligence
• Master of Science in Entertainment Business
• Master of Science in Digital Marketing
• Master of Science in Innovation & Entrepreneurship
• Master of Science in Entertainment Business: Sports Management
• Master of Science in Game Design
• Master of Science in Instructional Design & Technology
• Master of Arts in Public Relations
• Master of Arts in New Media Journalism
• Master of Fine Arts in Media Design

Full Sail University is a private for-profit institution that prizes hands-on experience and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

View general online master’s program information.

29. Louisiana State University

Time to Degree Completion: 9-18 Months

One of the fastest graduate schools for online students is Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA. The degree with the shortest completion time here is the Master of Social Work, which students who qualify for advanced standing – those who already have a Bachelor of Social Work degree – can finish in as little as nine months.

Students can also go for a 10-month Master of Business Administration program, with MBA concentrations in 10 different fields, including data analytics, hospitality and casino management, family enterprise entrepreneurship, project management and international business. There is also an 18-month MBA degree option.

One-year master’s programs at Louisiana State University include programs in educational leadership, human resources, nonprofit administration, health administration and sport management.

View general online master’s program information.

30. University of South Carolina

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

The University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC, is a public research university that has been educating students for more than 200 years. The school offers a robust assortment of online graduate degree options from nine subject areas, including science and engineering, education, business, nursing and the arts.

Online courses at the University of South Carolina are offered in three separate 100% online formats. The fastest online master’s degrees at the University of South Carolina are the one-year full-time Master of Business Administration program and the Master of Science in Business Analytics, both offered through the Darla Moore School of Business. The school also offers an accelerated Master of Health Information Technology, an interdisciplinary program offered by the College of Engineering and Computing that can be completed in 18 months.

View general online master’s program information.

31. Indiana Tech

Time to Degree Completion: 12*-14 Months

At Indiana Tech in Fort Wayne, IN, there’s an accelerated master’s degree option for both graduate and undergraduate students. The standalone graduate program that can be completed the quickest is the Master of Business Administration – Professional Studies degree program. Over the course of 14 months – or potentially even less time – graduate students complete an MBA program with a curriculum customized to their unique interests and goals.

For Indiana Tech undergraduates, the path to a graduate business degree may be even shorter. Indiana Tech offers a Fast Track program that shortens undergraduate study in subjects like business administration and accounting to just three years and puts the student on the path to complete an MBA or a Master of Science in Management in just two additional semesters of full-time study. (Although the graduate program isn’t an option, the three-year bachelor’s degree format is also available to undergraduates majoring in criminal justice, psychology, pre-law, communication and recreation therapy.)

Indiana Tech is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

View general online master’s program information.

32. Grand Canyon University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

Grand Canyon University is a private, for-profit Christian institution of higher learning in Phoenix, AZ. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The university’s online programs commonly have a shorter course duration and offer 52 start dates per year, so prospective students don’t need to wait long to start working toward their master’s degrees.

You can earn a graduate business degree in 12 to 18 months at Grand Canyon University, but doing so is a little tricky. Both the Online Master of Business Administration degree and the Master of Business Administration in Leadership degree are meant to take just shy of two years of study (22 months). However, if you already have a business administration background, you can get certain fundamental MBA courses waived to shorten the curriculum to 18 months. If you’re willing to double up on your courses at least three times during your studies, you could reduce the time it takes to graduate down to just 12 months.

If you’re not eager to make so many adjustments to shrink the time it takes to earn a graduate degree, Grand Canyon University does offer an online Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity that is designed to be completed in 18 months. Like the MBA degree (assuming no waived course requirements or doubling up on classes), the Master of Science in Computer Science degree program can be completed in under two years.

View general online master’s program information.

33. University of New England

Time to Degree Completion: 16-24 Months

As the largest private university in Maine, the University of New England – regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education – has some excellent options to offer online graduate students, including those looking for a quick way to improve their credentials.

This university is credited with having offered the first fully online asynchronous accredited Master of Social Work degree program in the country, but that isn’t the only reason this school’s online MSW program is special. While the traditional program requires three years of study to complete, the advanced standing MSW program is the fastest online graduate degree option at this school, with a completion time of 16 months. The next fastest master’s degree options are the Master of Public Health and the Master of Healthcare Administration degrees, both of which can be completed in as little as 18 months.

Additionally, all four of the online Master of Science in Education degree programs offered at this institution – the general MSEd as well as specializations in Educational Leadership, Reading Specialist and Inclusion Education – may be completed in just under two years of study.

View general online master’s program information.

34. Rivier University

Time to Degree Completion: 12 Months

Rivier University in Nashua, NH, offers three online master’s degree programs that students can complete in just one year. The Master of Science in Computer Information Systems degree combines technical and business coursework to prepare students for roles like system architect, integrated systems designer, quality assurance analyst and information technology project manager.

Most of the MBA programs offered by Rivier University are two-year degree programs. However, two of these options – the MBA in Management and the MBA in Information Technology Management – can be completed in only one year.

Rivier University is embracing “open educational resources” over traditional (and expensive) textbooks, which is good news for students. Using a textb00k-free format for the MBA in Management degree program is saving students approximately $1,500 dollars, according to the school. The university is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

View general online master’s program information.

35. Columbia College

Time to Degree Completion: 12 Months

Columbia College in Missouri offers online master’s degrees in the fields of business administration, education and criminal justice. With six eight-week terms per year, students only have to take two courses per term to complete all of the requirements for a master’s degree in just 12 months. It’s an intensive workload, certainly, but it’s doable, especially if you’re able to make graduate school your full-time focus.

Another option to speed up your education in business, specifically, is by applying to Columbia College as an undergraduate and taking advantage of the combined undergraduate and graduate Accelerated MBA program to start working toward your master’s-level studies early – and have your first graduate-level classes count toward both degrees.

Columbia College is a liberal arts and sciences college that has garnered national recognition. The private nonprofit institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

View general online master’s program information.

36. South University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

South University in Savannah, GA, is a private university that dates back to 1899. The fastest program at South University is the Master of Science in Human Resources Management degree, which can be completed in as little as 12 months.

A number of other degree programs, including the Master of Public Administration, the general Master of Business Administration and the Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration, can be completed in as little as 16 months.

South University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

View general online master’s program information.

37. Upper Iowa University

Time to Degree Completion: 12 Months

Upper Iowa University in Fayette, IA, offers half a dozen online master’s degrees in various fields. For students in search of a fast online graduate degree, the standout program at Upper Iowa University is the Master of Healthcare Administration, a degree that the school advertises as taking as little as one year to complete.

Online learning at Upper Iowa University involves taking up to two courses per session, although graduate students more commonly focus on one class per session. There are two eight-week sessions in a traditional fall or spring semester, plus an accelerated six-week session in the summer.

Upper Iowa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

View general online master’s program information.

38. George Washington University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

George Washington University in Washington, D.C., offers more than half a dozen online master’s degree options, many in subjects that are fitting for the school’s location in the nation’s capital: homeland security, cybersecurity, political management and more. The private but federally chartered research institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The fastest online master’s degrees offered through George Washington University can be completed in as little as one year. These degrees include the Master in Management degree, the Master of Studies in Law degree, the Master of International Policy and Practice degree and the Master of Public Health degree, which is also available in an 18-month format. Both the Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Strategy & Information Management and the Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security degree programs can be completed in 16 months.

View general online master’s program information.

39. University of Florida

Time to Degree Completion: 12 Months

At the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL, online students can pursue graduate-level studies in 85 programs in a variety of subject areas. For students interested in the fastest online master’s degrees available, a program that will be of particular interest is the University of Florida’s one-year Master of Science in Management. This accelerated degree program consists of eight-week periods and involves a workload so intense that students are advised not to attempt to work full-time during their studies.

The University of Florida is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

View general online master’s program information.

40. Widener University

Time to Degree Completion: 12 Months

Widener University in Chester, PA, offers accelerated master’s degree programs that stand on their own as well as combination master’s and bachelor’s degree options.

Among the fully online one-year master’s degree programs available are the allied health Master of Education and the Master of Arts in Organizational Development & Leadership. Online students in the one-year Master of Business Administration degree program can pursue a concentration in business process innovation, investment management and organizational leadership.

The Accelerated Advantage 4+1 program can put undergraduate students at Widener University on the path to a quick master’s degree from the start. In addition to directly corresponding master’s degrees in fields like business, engineering and social work, students in any major can leverage this program to quickly pursue a graduate degree in business administration, organizational leadership, public administration, allied health education or criminal justice.

View general online master’s program information.

The Benefits of Accelerated Master’s Degree Programs

Completing your master’s degree program quickly can be valuable in many ways. In accelerated master’s degree programs, online students generally complete the same rigorous coursework that students in a traditional, campus-based two-year degree program would. Whether students are pursuing an online MS, an online MA or another type of online master degree, they take required core courses and, often, more specialized elective courses. However, they get through these core courses faster by carrying an intense and difficult workload.

Financially, this choice to pursue one of the fastest online master’s degrees is a wise one. Spending a shorter amount of time overall in school typically translates to paying less money in tuition, and if you’re borrowing the money to get your master’s degree, it means less student debt on which to be charged ever-growing amounts of interest. There is also an opportunity cost of staying in school longer – the money that you’re missing out on each year you’re not out in the workforce putting your degree to work full-time – that you minimize when you are able to complete your master’s degree program faster than is usually expected.

Related Resources:

• 25 Cheapest Online Master’s Degree Programs
• Easiest Online Master’s Degrees
• 50 Best Online Master’s Degrees 2021
• Top 50 Highest Paying Master’s Degrees
• The 20 Best Online Masters in Liberal Arts Degree Programs
• The 20 Best Online Master’s in Accounting Degree Programs
• The 20 Best Online Master’s in Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering Degrees
• The 20 Best Online Masters in Applied Behavioral Analysis Degrees
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• The 20 Best Online Master’s In Communications Degree Programs
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• The 20 Best Online Master’s in Creative Writing
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• The 20 Best Online Masters in Environmental Studies
• The 25 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Homeland Security
• The 20 Best Online Master’s in Hospitality Management
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• The 25 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Information Technology (IT)
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• My Undergraduate Degree is Not in the Same Field as What I Want to Get My Master’s in. Will I Be Able to Get into a Program?

For Further Reading: 

• What Degree Do I Need to Be a Policy Analyst?
• What Degree Do I Need to Be an Intelligence Analyst?

The post The 40 Fastest Online Master’s Degrees appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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!

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