phd vs engineering

Choose Between a Master's, Ph.D. in Engineering

A doctorate in engineering requires a love of research and patience for several years of challenging study.

Weigh a Master's, Ph.D. in Engineering

Students who pursue a graduate degree in engineering will be more competitive in the job market than those with just a bachelor's, experts say.

When it comes to employment, graduates with a bachelor's degree in engineering are on solid footing, relatively speaking. With high salaries and some of the best odds of finding full-time work , they can escape the career angst that often plagues their peers with freshly-minted English or history diplomas.

Still, many engineers may find themselves wondering what a graduate degree could do for their career. 

"With the economy improving, significant numbers of job postings are now requiring higher levels of expertise," says Ken Little, senior graduate career development adviser at  Georgia Institute of Technology . At the same time, high-tech jobs are becoming more globally competitive, drawing applicants from all over the world, he says. 

Students looking to get a graduate degree in engineering can choose between a master's program and a Ph.D. It's a big decision, experts say, and one that can significantly affect a student's career. 

Learn why engineers may be more

Before choosing what kind of graduate degree to pursue, students should think about what they want to do with their lives after graduation, experts say.

Master's degrees prepare students for careers in industry that don't have a research focus, says Babatunde Ogunnaike, dean of the college of engineering at the University of Delaware . "If you want to work in research either in industry or in academia or for a government research lab, you need to get a Ph.D.," he says.

Eddie Machek, who is earning a master's degree in civil engineering from the  University of Akron  and who will start a doctoral program in engineering at Georgia Tech this fall, explains the difference between the degrees this way: "At a bachelor's level you are going to go out and do what's been done. At the master's level you are going to be in charge of the people who are doing that stuff. In a Ph.D., that's a whole other thing because you are doing the new stuff. You are in a lab." 

Master's degrees in engineering can be a great fit for recent graduates who want to specialize within engineering or for those already in the field who want to switch their focus, experts say. The degrees can be research-based, which is the more common option, or professional, which lack a research component.

“It opens the door for more specialized opportunities in the workforce," Craig Menzemer, associate dean for graduate studies and administration at the University of Akron, said through email. "For example, a civil engineer with a bachelor’s degree may be expected to do a variety of day-to-day tasks, but a civil engineering major with a master’s who specialized in structures will have opportunities to work on structural-specific projects." 

Discover the

Aditya Srinath, who earned his  master's in industrial engineering from Purdue University in 2014, says he opted for the credential because it helped him bolster his professional skills rather than research skills. "A master's strikes a good balance between having more education than a bachelor's and not as much as Ph.D but still having a more rounded-out profile," says Srinath, who works as a project engineer at 3M, which manufactures a wide array of products, including Post-it Notes. 

Engineering Ph.D.s provide even more specialization than master's degrees, and a higher earning potential, but they also come with significant risks, experts say. 

Research jobs within government labs and industry are quite competitive, and tenure-track faculty positions are notoriously hard to come by, says George Haritos, dean of the college of engineering at the University of Akron. What's more, sometimes employers in industry won't hire Ph.D.s because they fear they are overqualified and would have to pay them too much, he says. 

Doctoral programs require students to put in a great deal of time and effort, experts say. Not everyone finishes the programs, and those who do are both gifted and passionate about their subject. 

Scottie-Beth Fleming, who is earning a doctorate in aerospace engineering from Georgia Tech, says she enjoys the independence that comes with a Ph.D. 

"With the master's, a lot of times, your research is driven by the government or someone who is giving money and there is an expectation of what you are going to do," she says. "In a Ph.D. you don’t have that expectation. You get to explore an area that maybe nobody else would explore." 

Before making a final decision about what kind of advanced engineering degree to pursue, students should also look into the requirements of their field, says Susan Fisher, director of graduate programs at Purdue University's engineering school.

For example, chemical engineering and biomedical engineering have more employment opportunities for Ph.D. students, she says. Civil engineering, on the other hand, has more employment openings outside academia for those with master’s degrees than for those with doctorates.

One way students can gauge whether they are ready for a Ph.D is to take a few research-focused courses either in undergrad or while in a master's program, experts say. 

"The goal is to find out what you are truly passionate about and find a good way to apply that to the world," Srinath says. 

Searching for an engineering school? Get our  complete rankings  of Best Engineering Schools.

Tags: education , engineering graduate school , graduate schools , STEM education , STEM , students

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What Is the Difference Between a Master’s Degree in Engineering and a Ph.D. in Engineering?

Krystle Dodge

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Many engineers choose to advance their education to improve their career prospects. How do you decide whether a master’s degree or a doctoral degree like a Ph.D. in engineering is the right choice for you? Before enrolling in graduate school, engineers should consider what their goal for furthering their education is and understand what to expect from each of the educational options they are considering.

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Master’s and Doctoral Degrees in Engineering

Both graduate and doctoral degrees in engineering are more specialized than undergraduate degree programs, with Ph.D. degrees having the narrowest focus. Naturally, the coursework covered in either a graduate or doctoral degree program in engineering builds upon the principles and practices students learn from an ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology)-accredited bachelor’s degree program.

Master’s degrees in engineering can be either research-focused or professional degrees, according to U.S. News & World Report . A research-focused master’s degree often requires a student to complete a thesis presenting original research, while a professional master’s degree in engineering often has no such requirement. Ph.D. degree programs, on the other hand, are research-focused and usually require students to complete a dissertation in order to earn the advanced degree.

Some schools also offer Doctor of Engineering degree options as well as, or in place of, traditional Ph.D. programs in engineering. A Doctor of Engineering degree requires research but emphasizes practical application rather than theory. Instead of writing a dissertation, a student enrolled in a Doctor of Engineering degree program might compile a portfolio of their best work, including plans, design prototypes, models and simulations and patent applications that can be shown to prospective employers. Doctor of Engineering programs may take less time than Ph.D. programs and may be a better choice for engineers who want to advance their education beyond the master’s level but still want to work in industry or to apply engineering concepts rather than conducting theoretical research.

Some master’s in engineering degree programs can be completed in as little as a year, while Ph.D. programs typically take at least four years and an average of more than eight years, according to CBS News .

Jobs With Master’s and Doctorates in Engineering

Typically, becoming an engineer in any discipline requires only a bachelor’s degree, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). You may even be able to become an engineering manager with a bachelor’s degree, once you have the right experience, the BLS reported. Any degree beyond the bachelor’s degree is an advanced education for an engineer, offering not only the possibility of increased earning potential but also the opportunity to take on roles that would be unattainable with only an undergraduate degree.

Generally, master’s degrees are excellent choices for experienced engineers who need a graduate degree to earn a promotion to a senior role in the engineering industry. They can also prove valuable for ambitious engineering students and recent graduates who know they want to shoot for leadership positions eventually. Often, a master’s degree in engineering that follows the professional track rather than a research track fulfills this need. Engineers eyeing engineering manager roles might also choose a specialized engineering management master’s degree or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree to develop their business and leadership skills.

On the other hand, you might envision yourself working in academia or in research positions. A master’s degree may be sufficient for some of these positions, the BLS reported. However, at the highest levels – such as tenure-track university professor and researcher, whether in academia, industry or government research lab – these positions often require a Ph.D., according to U.S. News & World Report .

While engineers with a master’s degree earn nine to 13 percent more money annually than those with a bachelor’s degree in some disciplines, in other branches of engineering they earn the same or less than their less educated peers, the BLS reported.

There are many reasons why advancing your career by furthering your education can be a smart move for engineers. Whether you’re looking to boost your salary or open the doors to new opportunities, a post-baccalaureate degree can certainly be the key to achieving your goals. However, before you invest the time, money and hard work needed to earn a graduate or doctoral degree in engineering, you need to develop a clear understanding of what you want from your advanced education and which educational path will help you make those plans a reality.

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Should Engineers Get a PHD? 11 Truths!

Should engineers get a PhD? Depends on what you want to achieve in your career. There are ups and downs to pursuing a PhD in engineering.

To figure it out, start by asking yourself what kind of career you’re after. Your decision will be based on factors like:

• Your interests
• How much money you want to make
• The lifestyle you desire
• Your other career options

We’ll chat about these four pointers, and then dive headfirst into 11 extra tips to help you size up the pros and cons of pursuing a PhD in engineering.

Important Note: I’ll be generalizing each factor I discuss, so keep in mind that there are always exceptions. And don’t forget that some superstar engineers will fly high whether they have a PhD or not. Success can come either way!

What really interests you in engineering?

A PhD can give you a leg up when tackling groundbreaking technological challenges. Without one, you might find it tough to access such work. But if you’re into more typical engineering gigs in the industry, then a PhD won’t be worth the time and money.

Usually, people go for a PhD if they want to become a specialist or researcher, or if they have their sights set on an academic career. A PhD can provide flexibility between industry and academia, letting you explore fresh ideas and spearhead innovative projects.

Here’s my two cents on both academia and industry:

In academia

In this world, your work might not make an immediate real-world splash. It could take years or even decades for your research to be recognized and applied. So, if you’re looking to become an overnight sensation, you might want to think again.

But you know what? To a select few who are passionate about your field, your work will be a big deal. You’ll have the chance to share your unique ideas with like-minded folks and make a difference in your little corner of the world.

And never forget that every small step you take will ultimately contribute to the greater good of humanity.

In industry

Meanwhile, in the industry, your work can make an instant impact. You’ll tackle awesome projects that are directly tied to a company’s goals, making a real difference in people’s lives.

Take, for example, working on R&D for batteries. Batteries are essential for our future, and every tiny improvement can change our lives in a big way.

The downside? Your company might not give you the credit you deserve for your groundbreaking work. But don’t sweat it – there are loads of similar opportunities for PhD holders who are motivated and inventive.

All in all, whether you pick academia or industry, you’ll have plenty of chances to change the world. Just keep cranking out top-notch work, and everything else will fall into place.

How much money do you want to make?

First off, don’t pay for your PhD yourself. If you can’t get funding, it means the market doesn’t see the value in your research.

Even with funding, you might only make $20k to $40k a year, depending on your university. If you’d gone straight into the industry, you could be pocketing $150k or more each year. Then you could invest that salary in real estate, businesses, you name it.

So, if money’s your main concern, you’ll lag behind your peers who jumped straight into the industry. Because while you’re spending 3 to 5 years earning a PhD and living on ramen noodles, they’ll be making bank.

And if you’re thinking about academia after your PhD, buckle up for even more financial hurdles.

Let’s be real: a PhD is a massive investment of time and money. If dollar signs are all you see, don’t bother with a PhD.

Important Note: Engineers with PhDs who start multi-million dollar businesses are exceptions, just like college dropouts who start multi-billion dollar businesses.

PhD stipends from major U.S. universities

Check this shortlist of engineering department stipends from major universities, put together by PhD Stipends :

As you can tell, diving into a PhD in engineering might not make you rich overnight. But, hey, it does give you the chance to work on some mind-blowing research and help shape the world of tomorrow.

Important Note: Don’t forget to weigh in the cost of living when you’re checking out those PhD stipends. Higher stipends usually come with a heftier price tag on everyday life, like in the Bay Area where Stanford is nestled.

What type of lifestyle do you want?

Dreaming of a chill, easygoing life? Academia might not be your jam. You could grind away for years and never snag that elusive academic tenure. Even in the industry, you might land just an ordinary engineering gig, making your PhD feel like a waste.

The professional stress from this uncertain journey can seep into your personal life. Financial struggles might become your constant companion, impacting every corner of your life. But hey, with a PhD, you get the keys to the world’s coolest toys and can work in top-notch national labs and fancy universities.

If you’re down to embrace uncertainty into your golden years, a PhD could be worth the ride. You may trade short-term comfort for the shot at doing what sets your soul on fire in the long run.

Mind you, I use the term sacrifice lightly. If you’re head over heels for your research, nothing else will even matter.

Do you have other options in life?

If you’re still feeling the PhD vibe after all this, ask yourself:

• Do you have any other career options?
• Is there another gig that’s tugging at your heartstrings?

If you said yes to either, hold your horses! Give some serious thought to whether a PhD is really your destiny. I’ve got friends who ditched their PhD programs to start businesses, and now they’re swimming in millions!

On the flip side, I know folks who chased a PhD just to immigrate to the US for a better life. But listen, don’t just follow the crowd. Committing to a PhD is a massive deal and can change your life in a big way.

This is further highlighted by the low number of U.S. students going for a PhD in engineering each year. The data below, from ASEE , includes all engineering fields combined.

Important Note: The number of awarded engineering doctorate degrees is increasing. But the U.S. population is also increasing, and more foreign students are immigrating to the U.S. to pursue a PhD. 

11 Pointers to consider in pursuing a PhD in engineering

Now, here are 11 pointers I’ve gathered from my pals and relatives who’ve gone down the PhD-in-engineering rabbit hole:

#1 Choose a research topic with real-world oomph

Picking the perfect research topic is the key to unlocking your PhD’s potential. Focus on fields that are shining bright, like:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Renewable energy

These areas tend to reel in more funding and have a higher demand in both academia and industry. After all, you still gotta pay the bills and keep a roof over your head.

#2 A PhD hones your thinking skills, not just your specialization

In the real world, you might not use all that fancy research know-how from your PhD. Instead, you’ll rely on your shiny new way of thinking to tackle problems.

So, a PhD isn’t just about becoming the go-to person in a super-niche field. It’s also about learning how to think and tackle the tough stuff.

And, hey, you can pick up these skills outside the hallowed halls of academia too.

#3 Don’t expect a PhD to put you on a pedestal

Sure, a PhD might make some folks go “ooh” and “aah,” but at the end of the day, it’s all about delivering the goods. Your skills and passion for the job are what really count, not the alphabet soup trailing your name.

I’m all about treating everyone equally, regardless of their academic fanfare.

Of course, a PhD can give you a credibility boost when making first impressions. But remember, it’s what you do next that really matters.

#4 A PhD can open doors, but it might close some too

A PhD can help you score high-level gigs at big-shot companies with in-house research and development. But beware – it might also slam some doors shut if you’re deemed overqualified for certain roles.

Choose your career path wisely and take time to think through your future pragmatically.

#5 Dive into a PhD in a subject that ignites your passion

Being passionate about your subject is the secret sauce to staying motivated during your PhD journey. Surround yourself with amazing people who share your interests, or you’ll struggle through the tough times – and trust me, there’ll be plenty.

#6 Don’t chase a PhD for the wrong reasons

Don’t go after a PhD just because “it’s what smart people do” or because you want to add some extra letters to your name.

Let’s get real here: a PhD doesn’t magically transform you into a genius. Heck, some of the brightest minds out there never even set foot in a college classroom!

If you were a regular Joe or Jane before diving into a PhD program, chances are you’ll still be one when you’re done. But hey, you don’t need to be a mega-brainiac to tackle a PhD. If you can snag a spot in a program, you’ve definitely got what it takes to see it through.

#7 Fear not the PhD pursuit

Some folks are scared stiff of the grueling trek to PhD-land. It’s like climbing a never-ending mountain, right?

Well, anything worth chasing is gonna be tough. If it were a piece of cake, everybody and their dog would be doing it!

#8 A PhD isn’t for everyone

To nail that PhD, you need a killer work ethic and a fierce dedication to your field. That’s what’ll help you conquer those hurdles and push through the lonely stretches.

Let’s face it: the PhD life isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Just look at the small number of doctorates awarded each year in the U.S., as reported by ASEE. The data below covers all engineering fields combined:

And if you’re bold enough to take on a PhD, you’re probably an ambitious go-getter. So you’ll no doubt find some other epic challenge to sink your teeth into.

#9 Pick your program and advisor like a pro

The right program and advisor can make or break your PhD ride.

Seriously, you’ll be bending over backward for your advisor for years. They’ve got the power to make your life a living nightmare. Keep your eyes peeled for these red flags:

A bad advisor:

• Is a grade-A jerk
• Makes everything about them
• Squeezes you for free labor and grinds you down
• Fills you with guilt and doubt

A good advisor:

• Is super nice and supportive
• Turns you into a top-notch researcher
• Dishes out awesome life advice
• Hooks you up with conferences and fellowships
• Lets you visit other labs

So do your homework and pick your program and advisor with care.

#10 Weigh the impact on your loved ones

I’ve known people who juggled family life and a PhD. Sure, it was a bumpy road, but they made it work.

Keep in mind that a PhD can take ages, and your biological clock won’t wait around for you to finish.

#11 Industry jobs for PhD grads

Dreaming of a PhD to score an industry job? From what I’ve seen, here are a couple of paths for PhD graduates:

• Work in well-funded government labs, doing the research thing.
• Join big-league companies like Google, Apple, or IBM that can afford to splash cash on research.

If that doesn’t float your boat, a Master’s degree might be all you need for other engineering gigs in the industry.

Important Note: During recessions, R&D departments usually hold steady. R&D is a long-haul investment for a company, after all.

If an R&D project kicks off during a slump, it’ll wrap up just as the economy bounces back. That way, the company comes out stronger on the other side.

“Should engineers get a PhD” wrap up

Deciding to pursue a PhD is a deeply personal choice that deserves some serious soul-searching.

Don’t let peer pressure sway you. Take a good, hard look at the pros and cons, and make the call that’s right for you.

Now, I’ve met engineers who’d never trade their PhD experience for the world. But others reckon it was the worst decision they ever made.

At the end of the day, a PhD is all about the journey, not just the fancy certificate and those three little letters you get to tack onto your name.

Do you think a PhD in engineering is worthwhile? Will it be even more valuable down the road?

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Author Bio: Koosha started Engineer Calcs in 2019 to help people better understand the engineering and construction industry, and to discuss various science and engineering-related topics to make people think. He has been working in the engineering and tech industry in California for well over 15 years now and is a licensed professional electrical engineer, and also has various entrepreneurial pursuits.

Koosha has an extensive background in the design and specification of electrical systems with areas of expertise including power generation, transmission, distribution, instrumentation and controls, and water distribution and pumping as well as alternative energy (wind, solar, geothermal, and storage).

Koosha is most interested in engineering innovations, the cosmos, sports, fitness, and our history and future.

6 thoughts on “Should Engineers Get a PHD? 11 Truths!”

The most insightful comparison I’ve found on this topic so far. Thank you.

Glad you found the article helpful 🙂

Thanks for that nicely summed up article – not too long and covers the important points on everybody’s mind! 🙂

Glad you enjoyed the read 🙂

Thank you, I have just been searching for info about this subject for ages and yours is the best I have found out till now. However, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you positive about the source?

I tried to capture all angles of the experience, so do your best to apply the lessons to your personality and reasons for pursuing the degree.

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Grad School Guide

• Why Choose Grad School in STEM?

Master’s vs. PhD

• Research Experiences
• Other General Advice

There are a two types of Master’s degree programs:

• Degree requirements: 9-12 courses, typically with certain distribution of requirements (e.g., math courses, depth courses in your specialized area, etc.)
• It typically takes 1.5 years
• Can sometimes be done part-time through online programs
• Requirements: 6-8 courses plus multi-semester research project
• Typically takes 1.5-2 years

If you want to spend more time doing research (e.g., to train to become a research scientist or professor), you can complete a doctoral degree:

• Typical requirements: equivalent of coursework master’s, plus additional courses, qualifying exam, long research dissertation (100-250 pages), thesis defense
• Typically takes 4-6 years

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Types of Engineering Degrees: Your Guide

There are many different types of engineering degrees available today. Which one is right for you? Read on to find out more about them.

If you're creative yet analytical, you might enjoy studying for an engineering degree. Engineers design all kinds of things that benefit users: bridges, buildings, cars, planes, rockets, satellites, computers, robots, medical devices, and more. Then, they build and test their designs.

"Engineering degree" is an umbrella term that covers several different types of degrees. Some standard degree programs in engineering include:

Electrical engineering

Chemical engineering

Civil engineering

Mechanical engineering

Engineering management

Geotechnical Engineering

You may also find more specific degrees within these larger fields of engineering. In this article, we'll outline some of these fields you might choose to explore through a degree and the different levels of engineering degree you might choose to pursue.

6 types of engineering degrees

While engineering is a broad field, it can be loosely divided into six subcategories. While not every school offers a degree in these types of engineering, they tend to be common.

1. Electrical engineering degree

If you enjoy math and physics, you may want to consider an electrical engineering degree. Electrical engineering (EE) involves designing, creating, testing, and installing electrical equipment. Electrical engineers work for manufacturing and telecommunication companies and sometimes for the federal government. Other types of EE degrees include:

Computer engineering

Electronics engineering

Robotics engineering

2. Chemical engineering

Chemical engineering deals with converting materials into products through chemical processes. Earning a degree in chemical engineering could lead to a career in medicine, energy, manufacturing, biotechnology, or environmental sustainability, among others. Niche degrees in chemical engineering include:

Environmental engineering

Agricultural engineering

Materials engineering

Biomedical engineering

3. Civil engineering

This degree program is a step toward becoming a civil engineer , where you'll design things that involve infrastructures like roads, bridges, and water systems and ensure they're safe for public use. You can work for governments, private companies, or non-profit companies in this position. Other fields of civil engineering you might study include: 

Structural engineering

Architectural engineering

Marine engineering

Transportation engineering

Construction engineering

4. Mechanical engineering

In a mechanical engineering degree program, you'll learn how to design and build machines–everything from generators and engines to elevators and air conditioners. It's a broad field with job opportunities across a variety of industries. More specialized types of mechanical engineering degrees include:

Aerospace engineering

Biomechanical engineering

Automotive engineering

Mechatronics engineering

5. Engineering management degree

If you're interested in pursuing a leadership role in the world of technology, it may be worth pursuing an engineering management degree. This multidisciplinary degree combines engineering science, business administration, and organizational management coursework. Related multidisciplinary degrees include:

Industrial engineering

Systems engineering

6. Geotechnical Engineering 

Geotechnical engineering is sometimes considered a branch of civil engineering that focuses on the mechanics and properties of soil, rocks, and groundwater (and their interaction with human-made structures and materials). Some subfields of geotechnical engineering include:

Petroleum engineering

Nuclear engineering

Mining engineering

Ceramics engineering

Geomatics engineering

Geological engineering

Why study engineering?

If you enjoy problem-solving and want to have a positive impact on the lives of others, a career in engineering can be rewarding. As an engineer, you'll get to think creatively to solve real-world problems and, in doing so, make the world a better place. Engineers typically enjoy high starting salaries and levels of job satisfaction, low unemployment rates, and the ability to specialize in various fascinating fields. 

Engineering degrees by level

It's possible to earn an engineering degree at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, depending on your career goals. Let's take a closer look at why you might pursue each type:

Associate degree: Many engineering positions require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, but you could transition into a bachelor's program with your associate degree . An associate degree allows you to complete general education requirements and take some engineering courses to prepare for the next step in your education. 

Bachelor's degree: Most engineering positions require at least a bachelor's degree and passage of a licensing exam. Licensing requirements vary from state to state. Check to make sure the school you attend meets the requirements for your state. This is especially important if you attend a school in a state different then where you'll be licensed. 

Master's degree: If you're hoping to advance your career, a master’s degree can help. Many universities offer master’s degree programs online, so you can continue to work while earning a graduate degree. While a master's degree is not typically required to sit for an engineering licensure exam, earning one could enhance your resume and expertise.

Master of Engineering vs. Master of Science in Engineering

Depending on the college or university you’re interested in attending, you may have a choice between earning your Master of Engineering (MEng) or your Master of Science (MS) in Engineering. Both degrees emphasize advanced technical training in the field, but the difference largely depends on what you’d like to do after graduation. 

If you’re interested in pursuing your PhD or a career in engineering research, then a Master of Science in Engineering is likely the better option. However, if you are interested in an engineering career and want to develop your leadership and project management skills, then a Master of Engineering degree is likely the better option. 

An MS in Engineering will involve more research-based coursework, as well as a thesis and/or comprehensive exam, and will take around two years to complete. An MEng will involve more practical coursework, likely will not require you to complete a thesis, and generally will take less time to finish than an MS degree.

Doctoral degree: The field of engineering offers two types of doctoral degrees . If your career goal is to teach engineering, you may need a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in engineering to qualify for higher education positions. This degree typically takes about five years to complete. With a Doctor of Science in Engineering (EngScD), you can prepare for career advancement and leadership roles in engineering. This degree typically takes three years.

Get started

Earn your Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder on Coursera. Admission is performance-based, meaning there's no application required. Try a non-credit course today in a subject like optical engineering or power electronics . If you like the curriculum, you can upgrade and enroll in an engineering certificate or the full degree program.  

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• Applying to graduate school
• Master’s vs PhD | A Complete Guide to the Differences

Master's vs PhD | A Complete Guide to the Differences

Published on November 27, 2020 by Lauren Thomas . Revised on June 1, 2023.

The two most common types of graduate degrees are master’s and doctoral degrees:

• A master’s is a 1–2 year degree that can prepare you for a multitude of careers.
• A PhD, or doctoral degree, takes 3–7 years to complete (depending on the country) and prepares you for a career in academic research.

A master’s is also the necessary first step to a PhD. In the US, the master’s is built into PhD programs, while in most other countries, a separate master’s degree is required before applying for PhDs.

Master’s are far more common than PhDs. In the US, 24 million people have master’s or professional degrees, whereas only 4.5 million have doctorates.

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Master’s vs phd at a glance, which is right for you, length of time required, career prospects, costs and salaries, application process, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about master's and phd degrees.

The table below shows the key differences between the two.

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A PhD is right for you if:

• Your goal is to become a professor at a university or some other type of professional researcher.
• You love research and are passionate about discovering the answer to a particular question.
• You are willing to spend years pursuing your research even if you have to put up with a lot of dead ends and roadblocks.

A master’s degree is the better choice if any of the following apply:

• You want to continue studies in your field, but you’re not committed to a career as a professional researcher.
• You want to develop professional skills for a specific career.
• You are willing to pay a higher upfront cost if it means finishing with your degree (and thus being able to work) much faster.
• You want the option to study part-time while working.

The length of time required to complete a PhD or master’s degree varies. Unsurprisingly, PhDs take much longer, usually between 3–7 years. Master’s degrees are usually only 1–2 years.

Length of a master’s

Master’s degrees are usually 2 years, although 1-year master’s degrees also exist, mainly in the UK.

Most of the degree consists of classes and coursework, although many master’s programs include an intensive, semester-long master’s thesis or capstone project in which students bring together all they’ve learned to produce an original piece of work.

Length of a PhD

In the US, a PhD usually takes between 5 and 7 years to complete. The first 2 years are spent on coursework. Students, even those who choose to leave without finishing the program, usually receive a master’s degree at this point.

The next 3–5 years are spent preparing a dissertation —a lengthy piece of writing based on independent research, which aims to make a significant original contribution to one’s field.

Master’s degrees tend to prepare you for a career outside of academia, while PhDs are designed to lead to a career in research.

Careers for master’s graduates

There are two types of master’s degrees: terminal and research-intensive. The career prospects are different for each.

Terminal master’s degrees are intended to prepare students for careers outside of academia. Some degrees, known as professional degrees, specifically prepare students for particular professions; these include the Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees.

Other master’s degrees, usually Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Sciences (MS or MSc) degrees, do not necessarily lead to a specific career, but are intended to be a final degree. Examples include an MS in Communications or MS in Data Analytics.

In research-intensive master’s programs, students take coursework intended to prepare them for writing an original piece of research known as the master’s thesis . Such programs are usually intended to prepare for further study in a doctoral program.

Careers for PhD graduates

As research degrees, PhDs are usually intended to lead to an academic career. A PhD can be thought of like an apprenticeship, where students learn from professional researchers (academics) how to produce their own research.

Most students aspire to become a university professor upon the completion of their degree. However, careers in academia are highly competitive, and the skills learned in a doctoral program often lend themselves well to other types of careers.

Some graduates who find they prefer teaching to producing research go on to be teachers at liberal arts colleges or even secondary schools. Others work in research-intensive careers in the government, private sector, or at think tanks.

Below are a few examples of specific fields and non-academic careers that are common destinations of graduates of those fields.

• Computer Science
• Lab Sciences

Many government jobs, including economists at a country’s central bank, are research-intensive and require a PhD. Think tanks also hire economists to carry out independent research.

In the private sector, economic consulting and technology firms frequently hire PhDs to solve real-world problems that require complex mathematical modeling.

Graduate students from the humanities are sometimes hired by museums, who can make use of their research and writing skills to curate exhibits and run public outreach.

Humanities PhDs are often well-suited to research and grant-writing roles at nonprofits. Since so much of research is funded by grants, PhD students often gain a lot of experience applying for them, which is a useful skill in the nonprofit sector.

There are a wide range of non-academic research jobs for lab scientists with doctorates in subjects like chemistry, biology, ecology and physics.

Many PhD graduates are hired by pharmaceutical companies that need to perform research to create and test their products. Government agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), also hire lab scientists to work on research projects.

Job prospects after graduation vary widely based on the field. In fields like management, computer science, statistics, and economics, there’s little underemployment—even graduates from less well-known programs can easily find jobs that pay well and use the skills they’ve gained from the PhD.

However, in other fields, particularly in the humanities, many PhD graduates have difficulty in the job market. Unfortunately, there are far more PhD graduates than assistant professor roles, so many instead take on part-time and low-paid roles as adjunct instructors. Even non-academic careers can sometimes be difficult for PhDs to move into, as they may be seen as “overqualified”  or as lacking in relevant professional experience.

Because career options post-PhD vary so much, you should take the time to figure out what the career prospects are in your field. Doctoral programs often have detailed “placement” records online in which they list the career outcomes of their graduates immediately upon leaving the program. If you can’t find these records, contact the program and ask for them—placement information should play an important role in your choice of PhD program.

Although PhDs take far longer to complete, students often receive a living stipend in exchange for being a teaching or research assistant. Master’s degrees are shorter but less likely to be funded.

Both master’s degrees and PhDs lead to increased salaries upon graduation. While PhDs usually earn a bit more than those with a master’s degree, in some fields, the wages are identical, meaning that no financial benefit is gained from going on to a PhD.

Cost of a master’s

The upfront cost of a master’s degree is usually higher than a doctoral degree due to the lower amount of financial aid available. However, increased salaries also arrive faster than with a doctoral degree, because people graduate much earlier from a master’s program.

Some master’s students do receive stipends for their degrees, usually as compensation for being a teaching or research assistant. In addition, many people complete master’s degrees part time while working full-time, which allows them to fund their living costs as well as tuition.

The cost varies significantly by school and program. Public schools are usually cheaper than private ones. Some master’s degrees, such as MBAs, are notoriously expensive, but also result in much higher wages afterwards that make up for the high cost.

The master’s wage premium , or the extra amount that someone with a master’s degree makes than someone with just a high school diploma, is 23% on average. Many universities provide detailed statistics on the career and salary outcomes of their students. If they do not have this online, you should feel free to contact an administrator of the program and ask.

Cost of a PhD

PhDs, particularly outside the humanities, are usually (though not always) funded, meaning that tuition fees are fully waived and students receive a small living stipend. During the last 3–5 years of a PhD, after finishing their coursework (and sometimes before), students are usually expected to work as graduate instructors or research assistants in exchange for the stipend.

Sometimes students can apply for a fellowship (such as the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Program in the United States) that relieves them of any obligations to be a teaching or research assistant. Doctoral programs in the US tend to be better funded than in the rest of the world.

Sometimes, PhD degrees can be completed part-time, but this is rare. Students are usually expected to devote at least 40 hours a week to their research and work as teaching or research assistants.

The main cost of doctoral programs comes in the form of opportunity cost—all the years that students could be working a regular, full-time job, which usually pays much better than a graduate school stipend.

The average wage premium for PhDs is 26%, which is not much higher than the master’s degree premium.

In the US, the application process is similar for master’s and PhD programs. Both will generally ask for:

• At least one application essay, often called a personal statement or statement of purpose .
• Letters of recommendation .
• A resume or CV .
• Transcripts.
• Writing samples.

Applications for both types of programs also often require a standardized test. PhDs usually require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which tries to measure verbal reasoning, quantitative, critical thinking , and analytical writing skills. Many master’s programs require this test as well.

Applying for a master’s

Master’s degrees programs will often ask you to respond to specific essay prompts that may ask you to reflect upon not just your academic background, but also your personal character and future career ambitions.

Northwestern University’s Kellogg Business School requires Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) applicants write two essays, one about a recent time they demonstrated leadership and the second about their personal values.

Who you should ask for your letters of recommendation varies by program. If you are applying to a research-intensive master’s program, then you should choose former professors or research supervisors. For other programs, particularly business school, current work supervisors may be a better choice.

Some professional master’s programs require a specific test. For example, to apply to law school, you must take the Law School Admissions Test, or LSAT. For business school, you must take either the GRE or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT).

Applying for a PhD

When applying for a PhD, your resume should focus more on your research background—you should especially emphasize any publications you’ve authored or presentations that you’ve given.

Similarly, your statement of purpose should discuss research that you’ve participated in, whether as an assistant or the lead author. You should detail what exactly you did in projects you’ve contributed to, whether that’s conducting a literature review, coding regressions, or writing an entire article.

Your letters of recommendations should be from former professors or supervisors who can speak to your abilities and potential as a researcher. A good rule of thumb is to avoid asking for recommendations from anyone who does not themselves have a PhD.

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A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

This depends on the country. In the United States, you can generally go directly to a PhD  with only a bachelor’s degree, as a master’s program is included as part of the doctoral program.

Elsewhere, you generally need to graduate from a research-intensive master’s degree before continuing to the PhD.

This varies by country. In the United States, PhDs usually take between 5–7 years: 2 years of coursework followed by 3–5 years of independent research work to produce a dissertation.

In the rest of the world, students normally have a master’s degree before beginning the PhD, so they proceed directly to the research stage and complete a PhD in 3–5 years.

A master’s degree usually has a higher upfront cost, but it also allows you to start earning a higher salary more quickly. The exact cost depends on the country and the school: private universities usually cost more than public ones, and European degrees usually cost less than North American ones. There are limited possibilities for financial aid.

PhDs often waive tuition fees and offer a living stipend in exchange for a teaching or research assistantship. However, they take many years to complete, during which time you earn very little.

In the US, the graduate school application process is similar whether you’re applying for a master’s or a PhD . Both require letters of recommendation , a statement of purpose or personal statement , a resume or CV , and transcripts. Programs in the US and Canada usually also require a certain type of standardized test—often the GRE.

Outside the US, PhD programs usually also require applicants to write a research proposal , because students are expected to begin dissertation research in the first year of their PhD.

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PhD Admissions

Earn your doctorate at duke.

Completing a PhD program in engineering is hard. Really hard. But after years of preparation, frustration and celebration, a Duke doctorate stands out from the crowd.

Between field-defining faculty and a web of industrial, entrepreneurial and public-policy connections, with a Duke Engineering PhD, you can just about go anywhere and do just about anything your heart desires.

And with Duke’s comprehensive financial and professional support, you won’t take that journey alone.

Duke: The Path to a High-Impact Career

Wherever your path leads you, a Duke PhD will ensure you’ll arrive prepared to make a difference.

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Guaranteed funding.

Duke provides significant financial support. And that’s just the beginning. There’s mentorship and career exploration support, too.

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Diversity Makes Better Engineers

An optimist sees the glass as half full. A pessimist? Half empty. An engineer sees a glass that’s twice as big as it needs to be. Point is, engineers see things differently. Duke engineers see things very differently. Why use glass at all? Can we create a more efficient material? Ooh, should we include a water quality sensor? Here, we value different backgrounds and ways of thinking—because new approaches generate new solutions.

PhD students

Phd students per tenure-track faculty member, of our phd students received an nsf or other prestigious fellowship, in new research awards won in fy22, best graduate biomedical engineering program.

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Lower cost of living in Durham vs. Boston

Facilities: welcome to wilkinson.

The newest of our buildings is 81,000 square feet of transformational design. Inside Wilkinson are research neighborhoods focused on advances in health, computing and the environment.

Dedicated workspaces for doctoral students feature natural light and campus views.

Durham and Beyond

Location. location. location..

At the north vertex of North Carolina’s famed Research Triangle, the city of Durham is essential to the Duke Engineering experience. Among our neighbors are hundreds of startups and standard bearers both private and public, a growing collection of James Beard Award-winning chefs, and a quickly growing community and skyline. River rafting, trail hiking, mountain climbing and sandy beaches are all just a couple hours’ drive away.

It doesn’t take an advanced degree to see why Durham is the #3 best place to live in America according to U.S. News and World Report, but come get one here anyway.

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EngD and the differences with a PhD

Engineering doctorate .

An EngD (Engineering Doctorate) programme is a 2-year post-master design programme focussing on the direct needs of the industry.

All EngD programmes are tailor-made in close cooperation with an industry partner. You will learn to design high-level, creative and innovative designs for complex issues, within a multidisciplinary team.

The University of Twente offers a diversity of Post-Master EngD programmes:

• Business & IT
• Civil Engineering
• Energy & Process Technology
• Maintenance

What can I expect from an EngD programme?

By combining an educational part at the University (~60 EC) and a practical design part at an organization (~60 EC), the programme offers academic research in a professional context.

• The courses in the educational part help you to further your professional development by providing the necessary (non)technological background to evaluate the effects of technology in the industrial context.
• During the practical part of the programme, you will spend time working in the industry on a challenging and innovative technological design project – a real problem that needs to be solved. You will be supervised by both engineers from the industry as well as by university staff. This ensures support in the areas of scientific knowledge, practical design experience and project management expertise.

EngD is open for a wide range of technically educated Master graduates, even if you're not graduated in one of the aforementioned specific fields. What matters is a perfect match between the specific design project and your MSc programme, your affinity with technological designs and your intrinsic motivation.

Difference between EngD and PhD

EngD is a practical-oriented professional doctorate in engineering which is better suited to the direct needs of industry, whereas a PhD track focuses on scientific research. The three most noticeable differences between a PhD and an EngD programme are:

• A PhD programme has a duration of 4 years, whereas an EngD programme takes 2 years to complete
• A PhD candidate focuses on research at the University, whereas an EngD trainee focuses on technological designs in the industry
• A PhD can be done in any research area represented by a full professor at the University and leads to the title “Doctor” (Dr., equivalent to a PhD). An EngD leads to an “Engineering Doctorate” (EngD) and can be taken at the University of Twente in 5 areas of expertise:

Is getting a PhD in science or engineering right for me?

If you are excited about a PhD because you were a good undergrad student and aren’t sure what you want to do next, think carefully about whether a PhD is right for you. While you (may) find the jobs you are qualified for after a PhD more satisfying, and they may be better compensated, remember that you will first spend 4-5 years (or more, if you choose to pursue a postdoc!) making a stipend that covers the cost of living, but not much else. For context, PhD candidates’ salaries are typically in the high $20K to low $30K range per year, depending on if you’re in science (lower) or engineering (higher) and the cost of living where your school is located.

Now, if you’re still thinking about it, here are a few reasons pursuing a PhD might be a great fit for you:

You enjoy working independently on problems that nobody has solved before

In graduate school, you are, by definition, working on problems that nobody has solved before. That means that you’re responsible for both thinking about your work at a high level (how is this work interesting and important? What is the motivation for what I’m doing?) as well as proposing and developing solutions to technical challenges. NOBODY will give you a detailed description of exactly what you should be developing: YOU are in charge of both setting the goalposts appropriately AND reaching those goals. You will get feedback, advice, resources, and mentorship from many people along the way…. But, at the end of the day, the thesis is YOUR work. This is a tremendous change from the problem sets and exams of an undergraduate degree!

You want to eventually work at a company doing research and development at a high level

In many companies, only so much technical progression along a research and development path is available to people without a PhD. I have had several friends and colleagues who returned to graduate school after several years of working because they found they weren’t happy with the work they were doing, and there were no opportunities for the career advancement they wanted without a PhD.

You hope to pursue a career as a researcher employed at a government laboratory (NIH, one of the national labs or defense labs)

Many of these researcher positions are available only to people with PhDs, and the kinds of projects they work on range from basic science to applied research and engineering.

You want to be a professor

Some people think the only career option open to PhD graduates is to become a professor, which is not true! However, a PhD IS needed to become a professor. Some people choose to work at an undergraduate-only institution, where they can be more focused on teaching students, while others go to big research universities where they are expected to write grants to bring in funding for research, conduct research alongside graduate students and postdocs, as well as teach undergraduate and graduate-level courses.

You want to work as a consultant or technical consultant

Many firms such as McKinsey & Co. and the Boston Consulting Group (business consulting) and Exponent (technical consulting) recruit disproportionately among people with science and engineering PhDs.

You hope to pursue a scientific writing/communications-based career

Careers in technical writing for companies, as editors for scientific journals, and working with patent lawyers and intellectual property, all require a level of scientific literacy that is acquired during a PhD.

You are excited about producing new technology and launching a startup

Some schools have programs, competitions, and incubators to help PhD students interested in entrepreneurship turn their ideas and technologies into a company. Programs such as dual PhD/MBA programs even exist.

If one or more of these paths sounds exciting to you, applying to, and pursuing, a PhD in science and engineering might be a good choice. Depending on what career path you are interested in, you will want to find a school, program, and professor that matches your interests. For example, if you’re interested in eventually starting a company, joining a research group that has done this before at a school with entrepreneurship programs is a good idea. Looking up prior graduates from groups that you join and seeing what they end up doing is a good way to see if the experience you would have in that group will prepare you for your long-term goals.

Related Content

Difference between EngD and PhD

The EngD programme ‘Design for AgriFood and Ecological Systems’ is focused on practice and on the needs of the industry and society, and less on gaining new scientific knowledge, such as for a PhD.

The objective of the programme for the Engineering Doctorate is to obtain knowledge about scientific ideas and methods and then apply this in a design. The study programme is therefore not focused on learning to develop new fundamental scientific knowledge (i.e. curiosity-driven research such as for a PhD), but on combining new and existing scientific knowledge from a variety of knowledge domains, with a focus on applying it in innovative designs and prototypes through the use of design methodologies.

The three most noticeable differences between a PhD and an EngD are:

• A PhD candidate focuses on research at the university, whereas an EngD candidate focuses on technological designs in industry and society
• A PhD programme has a duration of four years whereas the EngD takes two years to complete
• A PhD leads to the title “Doctor” (Dr., equivalent to PhD). The designer programme leads to an “Engineering Doctorate” (EngD).

Types of Engineering Doctoral Degrees in the United States

A layperson might assume that engineering degrees are a simple tiered system where a student goes from associate to bachelor’s to master’s degree to, finally, a doctorate, perhaps with some branching academic career paths for engineering specialists . In truth, it’s a little more nuanced than that. For instance, if you were to look up doctor of engineering vs phd 210, you would find that they are two different degrees. They represent a similar level of academic achievement, but the benefits of a phd in engineering and the type of work that you will be able to claim with such a degree are going to differ from those of someone who has attained a doctor of engineering degree, even though your academic career paths, knowledge, and skills will have quite a bit of overlap.

So what’s the key difference between doctor of engineering vs phd? In some circles the two are referred to interchangeably, and various academic cultures around the world may not differentiate between the two at all. But in Western engineering, a phd is going to be more academic while a doctor of engineering is going to be more practical. A doctor of engineering may write research papers just like an engineering phd, but the doctor of engineering is going to be writing papers addressing specific problems that must be solved. A phd may be more concerned with theoretical and academic research, where a doctor of engineering’s work may point specifically towards, for instance, how to improve fuel economy in the trucking industry.

As you may have already guessed, a doctor of engineering salary may be a bit higher than a phd’s salary, and they will have a broader range of career options before them. A doctor of engineering may be contracted for research and design work by automotive and tech companies , they may be enlisted as a consultant by government agencies. The benefits of a phd in engineering 40 are nothing to sneeze at, of course, but benefits of a phd in engineering generally relate to academic areas. That is to say that a phd can write their own ticket at universities around the world, becoming a tenured and well-regarded professor with their work being cited in countless books and studies. But, their career path will generally be limited to the world of academics. Not every doctor of engineering salary​ is going to be in the six figure range, but where a phd can look for work at other universities, a doctor can look for work in any field where engineering skills are valued.

In terms of study, in a phd program, a student’s training will culminate in the writing of a thesis addressing a common challenge faced by practicing engineers. A doctor of engineering’s research is towards applied engineering, addressing specific problems rather than basic or general concerns and theories.

It is not hard to find worthwhile online doctor of engineering programs or more specific programs like training for a doctorate in engineering management distance learning. Online phd programs, being more academically oriented than online doctor of engineering programs 40 or a doctorate in engineering management distance learning 50 program, tend to be less comprehensive than you might want for a career that will largely be oriented around the university life.

If any of this sounds a little too broad, think of it this way: A phd in engineering is like a degree in literature. Becoming a doctor of engineering is like learning how to write novels. Each profession will draw on the work of the other, but the former is primarily oriented around theory, while the latter is oriented around practice.

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PhD vs. Industry

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Operations Research and Analytics

Operations research and analytics program area.

This program area covers advanced methods for describing, predicting, and optimizing decision-making to improve system performance. Discover how to leverage techniques at the intersection of math, statistics, and computation to build data-driven models fundamental to decision-making in many contexts. Apply mathematical and algorithmic techniques and principles to improve decision-making in a wide range of industries.

Key Topics: Algorithm Design, Computational Modeling, Decision Analysis, Optimization, Queueing Theory, Simulation, Stochastic Systems.

Area Lead: Jon Lee

Foundation Courses

 IOE 510 Linear Programming

Advisory prerequisites: Math 217, Math 417, or Math 419. (3 credits)

Formulation of problems from the private and public sectors using the mathematical model of linear programming. Development of the simplex algorithm; duality theory and economic interpretations. Post optimality (sensitivity) analysis application and interpretations. Introduction to transportation and assignment problems; special purpose algorithms and advanced computational techniques. Students have opportunities to formulate and solve models developed from more complex case studies and to use various computer programs.

  IOE 515 Stochastic Processes

Advisory prerequisites: IOE 316 or Stats 310. (3 credits)

Introduction to non-measure theoretic stochastic processes. Poisson processes, renewal processes, and discrete-time Markov chains. Applications in queueing systems, reliability, and inventory control.

IOE 591 Introduction to Data Analytics

Advisory prerequisites: Math 214 or IOE 366. (3 credits)

This course is an introductory graduate course on data analytics. The course introduces fundamental theories and methods for regression analysis and applications. Topics include multiple regression models, generalized linear models, and nonparametric regression models. Concepts of estimation, inference, diagnostics, transformation, regularization, variable selection, and cross-validation are studied. Students have opportunities to formulate statistical models developed from case studies and to use various computer programs.

IOE 500 IOE Master’s Seminar

Advisory prerequisites: IOE master’s student or permission of instructor. (1 credit)

Seminars presented by academic speakers and industry leaders to describe contemporary applications of industrial and operations engineering models and techniques to master’s students in IOE. The focus is on applications but research challenges are addressed as needed. Many speakers also address potential career opportunities for MS students in IOE.

Suggested courses to learn more about the operations research and analytics program area

Optimization

IOE 410 Advanced Optimization and Computational Methods

IOE 511 Continuous Optimization Methods

IOE 512 Dynamic Programming

IOE 614 Integer Programming

IOE 611 Nonlinear Programming

IOE 612 Network Flows

IOE 618 Stochastic Optimization

Stochastic systems

IOE 516 Stochastic Processes II

IOE 545 Stochastic Networks and Operations

IOE 574 Simulation

Data analytics

IOE 465 Design of Experiments

IOE 466 Statistical Quality Control

IOE 473 Advanced Data Analytics

IOE 561 Risk Analysis I

IOE 568 Statistical Learning & Applications in Quality Engineering

IOE 565 Time Series Modeling, Analysis, Forecasting

IOE 691 Bayesian Optimization

Applications-oriented classes

IOE 413 Optimization Modeling in Healthcare

IOE 513 Healthcare Operations Research: Theory and Applications

IOE 517 Game Theory and Operations Applications

IOE 541 Optimization Methods in Supply Chain

IOE 543 Scheduling

IOE552 Financial Engineering I

IOE553 Financial Engineering II

U.S. News & World Report Ranks UH Graduate Programs Among Nation’s Best in 2024

Four UH Graduate Programs Rank in Top 10, 17 in Top 50

By Shawn Lindsey — 713-743-5725

• Student, Faculty and Staff Success
• University and Campus

The University of Houston is once again proving that it is a powerhouse in graduate education, with 13 of its programs securing spots among the top 50 nationwide in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report graduate program rankings, released today. Three engineering programs maintain their top 50 rank pending the release of 2024 engineering rankings, which have been delayed. In total, UH has 17 programs in the top 50.

A total of four UH graduate programs rank in the top 10 nationwide, including three from the UH Law Center: Health Care Law (No. 7), Part-Time Law (No. 8) and Intellectual Property Law (No. 8). The Petroleum Engineering program in the Cullen College of Engineering maintains its No. 9 ranking pending forthcoming rankings in the discipline. Since 2020, UH has seen a 70% increase in the number of graduate programs earning a top 50 ranking.

“Being acknowledged among the nation's top performers in these vital fields is truly gratifying and affirms the national prestige of these programs and the caliber of faculty, staff and students,” said Diane Z. Chase, UH senior vice president for academic affairs and provost.  “Delivering top-tier professional and graduate programs and positioning students for success in their respective fields of graduate study is integral to our vision of ascending as a top 50 public university.”

This year, nine UH Law Center specialty programs are ranked among the Top 50 in the country, with three ranked No. 1 in the state of Texas.

Top 50 Ranked UH Graduate Programs Nationwide:

• Health Care Law (No. 7)
• Part-Time Law (No. 8)
• Intellectual Property Law (No. 8)
• Petroleum Engineering (No. 9)*
• Trial Advocacy (No. 13)
• Online Overall Graduate Education Program (No. 14)
• Legal Writing (No. 16)
• Environmental Law (No. 30)
• Tax Law (No. 32)
• Chemical Engineering (No. 34)*
• International Law (No. 38)
• Pharmacy (No. 41)
• Dispute Resolution Law (No. 42)
• Business Part-Time MBA (No. 45)
• Speech-Language Pathology (No. 44)
• Industrial Manufacturing (No. 50)*
• Political Science (No. 50)**

*2023 ranking; U.S. News has delayed 2024 engineering program rankings

**discipline not ranked in 2024 but maintains a previous top 50 ranking

Each year, U.S. News ranks professional school programs in business, education, engineering, law, medicine, and nursing, including specialties in each area. The rankings are based on enrollment numbers, job placement rates, faculty statistics, and other essential quality indicators designed to help prospective students make informed decisions.

“Deciding where to attend graduate school can be formidable, considering the wealth of schools with distinctive and quality programs,” said LaMont Jones, Ed.D., managing editor for Education at U.S. News. “The Best Graduate Schools rankings and related content empower prospective students to choose the best fi t for their educational needs and ultimately achieve career success.”

The top programs in the nation earn “best of” recognition by U.S. News. UH made the following 2024 graduate program lists:

• Best Business Schools
• Best Health Schools
• Best Public Affairs Schools
• Best Science Schools
• Best Law Schools
• Best Education Schools

To see all of the graduate program rankings, or to learn more about the ranking methodology, visit the  U.S. News & World Report website .

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April 11, 2024

University of Houston Lands 18 Programs in Latest QS World University Rankings

The University of Houston is, once again, demonstrating its strength as a global leader. UH has 18 programs ranked among the top in the world according to the 2024 edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject, released today by QS Quacquarelli Symonds.

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Three Renowned Argonne Scientists Accept Joint Appointments at the University of Houston

Three top researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory have accepted joint appointments in various capacities at the University of Houston. This strategic collaboration furthers critical research efforts, public-private partnerships and educational opportunities for students.

• Science, Energy and Innovation

These are the best graduate school programs in Wisconsin, according to U.S. News & World

Top graduate schools in Wisconsin landed on the latest U.S. News & World Report list ranking more than 2,000 programs across the country. U.S. News & World Report published its 2024-'25 report in April, ranking graduate programs in business, education, law and nursing, among other fields.

University of Wisconsin-Madison's the School of Education tied for first overall with Teacher's College, Columbia University, according the report. That's up from third overall and second among public universities last year.

Several of Marquette University's graduate programs moved up on the list, including the master's program in the College of Nursing, which moved up from 66 to 58.

Schools were evaluated based on expert opinion and statistical data measuring the quality of the school's faculty, research and post-graduate outcomes. You can find the full list on the U.S. News website for graduate rankings on their website www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools .

Top business graduate programs in Wisconsin:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison: #43

Top law graduate programs in Wisconsin:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison: #36 (tie)
• Marquette University: #68 (tie)

Top nursing graduate programs in Wisconsin:

• Marquette University: #58 (tie)
• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: #82 (tie)
• University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire: #107 (tie)
• University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh: #118
• Alverno College: #119 (tie)
• Milwaukee School of Engineering: #153-169

Top medical graduate programs in Wisconsin:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison: #35 (tie)

Top education graduate programs in Wisconsin:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison: #1 (tie)
• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: #169 (tie)
• Marquette University: #192

Top Engineering graduate programs in Wisconsin:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison: #27 (tie)
• Marquette University: #142 (tie)
• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: #177 (tie)

RELATED: Here's how Wisconsin universities ranked in the 2024 Best Colleges list

• Equity & Inclusion

U.S. News & World Report ranks UC Berkeley computer science graduate program No. 1

UC Berkeley’s computer science graduate program was ranked first in the nation for the second year in a row by U.S. News & World Report , according to 2024 rankings  released April 8.

Berkeley’s program in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences shared the top spot with computer science programs at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University and Carnegie Mellon University. 

Several other Berkeley graduate programs in business, public health, public affairs and more were listed in the top 20 for their disciplines. These rankings are based on a survey of academics at peer institutions, according to U.S. News .

Berkeley’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences is shared by the College of Computing, Data Science, and Society and the College of Engineering. Learn more about Berkeley’s computer science graduate program.

Wesley Michaels (PhD ‘22) | Alumni Spotlight

Wesley Michaels

Ph.D. ‘22 Chemical Engineering Academic advisor: Professor   Jian Qin

What have you been up to since Stanford?

I’ve been working at Mitra Chem, a battery materials company in Mountain View co-founded by Prof. Will Chueh of Stanford’s Materials Science and Engineering Department. We are working to manufacture iron-rich cathodes, servicing the increasing demand for clean energy storage in the United States. I started at Mitra doing data science, focusing on accelerating lifetime testing of batteries. Lately, I’ve been the technical lead on a collaboration to produce and scale a next-generation cathode chemistry called lithium iron manganese phosphate. Outside work I try to take in all the Bay Area has to offer and to pet my dog who, it turns out, is extremely cute.

What’s your fondest memory about your time at Stanford?

The Chemical Engineering community broadly was one of the defining aspects of my time at Stanford. The individualized nature of graduate research can be isolating, and during those times the warm, welcoming ChemE community was the perfect antidote. Joining ski trips, happy hours, intramural sports, and more helped me to feel at home and to make lifelong friends in our department. I got involved in tutoring and volunteering programs through the encouragement of my peers, as well, and I thoroughly enjoyed working to strengthen our department’s community through the Graduate Student Action Committee. Our Chemical Engineering department had a special culture that I still cherish today.

Can you share any advice with our current students or postdocs?

Your time in academia is primarily about your training as a scholar, not just about the research you produce. As such, my advice would be that the direction you take your research ought not to be motivated only by the scientific results, but also by what you want to learn and grow into. What role would you like to have after you finish your program? What skills do you enjoy using? What kinds of challenges do you want to contribute to solving? There are many such questions to ask about what work you want to do, just as there are numerous decision points in any research project: What system are we studying? What questions are we asking about this system? How do we go about answering them? These questions about personal goals and scientific direction ought to be considered together. There are often constraints on these decisions, many outside our direct control. Nonetheless, I think prioritizing your personal preferences will increase the chances that you spend your time on ideas you find compelling, in a way you hopefully find fulfilling and enjoyable.

This article is part of the Department of Chemical Engineering Alumni Spotlight series designed to highlight the impact and trajectory of the work of our alumni. Stanford University does not endorse any non-Stanford entities, programs, products, or services listed in the article.

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Several UMass Amherst Graduate Programs Earn National Recognition in 2024 US News & World Report Rankings

Graduate programs in several disciplines at the University of Massachusetts Amherst rank among the best in the country as reported in the 2024 edition of  U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools .

Each year, U.S. News ranks more than 800 institutions with a variety of graduate programs in six prominent fields: business, nursing, education, engineering, law and medicine. This year, the engineering, clinical psychology and medical program rankings will be published at a later date. 

In addition, rankings are published periodically for a selection of other disciplines; this year, new updated rankings were published for graduate programs in public affairs, computer science and health fields, including speech-language pathology, public health and clinical psychology. 

The UMass Amherst rankings for 2024 include: 

• The Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences  ranks the same as last year at No. 24 and also ranks in most of the sub-specialties: artificial intelligence at No. 16, programming language at No. 23 and systems at No. 23. 
• The  School of Public Health and Health Sciences  climbed 14 spots from last year to No. 29, and it also ranks No. 44 in speech-language pathology. 
• The  School of Public Policy  ranks No. 52 in public affairs programs. 
• The  College of Education  ranks No. 79, up from No. 83 last year. 
• The  Isenberg School of Management’s full-time MBA program moved up 14 spots to No. 72 in the Best Business Schools rankings and the part-time MBA program is ranked No. 45, up two spots from last year.  This year’s methodology placed more emphasis on earnings, facilitated by a new ranking factor that assessed how each school’s post-graduate salaries across different professions compared with other schools’ post-graduate salaries in those professions.

Rankings of other graduate programs were not updated this year, but they were republished in the new guide. They include: 

• In the  natural sciences —chemistry at No. 51; geology/earth sciences: No. 47; mathematics: No. 55; and physics: No. 55. 
• In the  natural and life sciences —biological sciences at No. 74, biostatistics at No. 31, psychology at No. 51 and statistics at No. 51. 
• Fine arts  at No. 89. 
• In the  social sciences and humanities —English at No. 41, history at No. 48, political science at No. 56, economics at No. 79, and sociology at No. 29, with the sex and gender studies program ranked No. 8.