Are you passionate about technology and the systems that keep society running? Are you interested in securing a hands-on role that will allow you to make a real difference?
If this sounds like you, then you may find great satisfaction in securing a practitioner-based position within the field of engineering.
As an aspiring engineering professional/practitioner, you owe it to yourself to enroll in a respected graduate engineering program that is going to equip you with the skills needed to immediately take on industry engineering jobs upon graduation. Let’s talk about the difference between a master of engineering and a master of science — and how the former can prepare you for a practitioner-based role in engineering.
Master of Engineering vs. Master of Science: What is the Difference?
Students that plan on pursuing a master’s degree in engineering often choose between two types of academic program options: a master of engineering (M.Eng.) or a master of science (M.S.).
A master of science is generally for students with an interest in pursuing theory, teaching or research, while a master of engineering is primarily geared toward professional practice in engineering.
Choosing the correct degree ultimately comes down to the professional goals of the individual, but if you are seeking to develop the skills needed to secure a hands-on role upon graduation, then a master of engineering is the strategic choice for you.
Master of Engineering vs. Master of Science:
Take our quiz to determine which is right for you.
Ways that an M.Eng. Leads to Engineering Practitioner Careers
It is proven that a respected master of engineering program will prepare you for hands-on roles immediately after graduation; here are just some of the ways an M.Eng. accomplishes this:
Robust curriculum with advanced technical training
The curriculum within a master of engineering program includes highly-advanced coursework that prepares students as experts in engineering concepts including theory and strategy, risk analysis, data science, systems thinking, cyber-physical systems and much more. A quality M.Eng. program bridges the gap between theory and practice — equipping you as a competitive candidate for a practitioner role upon graduation.
Whether you are interested in working in fields related to sustainability, infrastructure, construction or healthcare (and more!), you will emerge from a master of engineering program with the tangible skills needed to secure a professional engineering career.
Dedication to experiential learning and professional development
A master of engineering is also designed to give students on-the-ground, practical experience that is invaluable by industry standards. With opportunities to work alongside experts in laboratories, lead teams in hands-on projects and secure both graduate fellowships and internships, engineers are taught to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
As a master of engineering student, you will find countless opportunities to network with industry experts, increase your professional development, challenge yourself to think outside the box and market yourself as a competitive, professional engineer to potential employers.
Opportunities to specialize in specific areas of engineering
Research and practical application are paramount to any respected master of engineering program. Graduate engineering students have the strategic opportunity to choose a strategic research area; whether you are interested in big data science, surgery and intervention, natural resources, nanotechnology or another specific engineering discipline, an M.Eng. will make you an expert in the discipline you are truly passionate about.
With mastery of a strategic research area, you will set yourself apart from the packs of job seekers and signal to employers that you are prepared to exceed expectations and become an invaluable asset to any team.
Master of Engineering at Vanderbilt University School of Engineering
At Vanderbilt University, the master of engineering is an advanced professional degree awarded by the School of Engineering and especially designed for engineering practitioners who may prefer to work while doing professional study. We are committed to equipping future engineering thought leaders with the skills and tools needed to envision engineering solutions and ultimately, drive positive change in the world.
We invite you to explore our individual program pages.
Become a Professional Engineering Practitioner at Vanderbilt School of Engineering
At Vanderbilt School of Engineering, we believe in the power of learning-by-doing. We employ industry experts that help to foster a community of innovation and diversity that in turn produces skilled, marketable engineering professionals who go on to make the world a better place.
You have the invaluable opportunity to jumpstart your journey today. Please take this chance to request more information to learn more about our diverse graduate program offerings, or you can start your application today.
We cannot wait to help you reach your career goals and set you up for success in the engineering field.
