A master’s degree in engineering is not always required to work in a specific engineering specialty, but most experts agree that an advanced degree provides graduates with additional leverage in salary negotiations and opens the door to many more job opportunities than a bachelor’s degree alone.

The decision to pursue a Master of Engineering degree — which can take up to two years and requires a major investment of your time, finances, and stamina — should be based on your individual goals, interests, and career aspirations. Take a minute now to explore the possible benefits of obtaining an advanced engineering degree as you ponder your future educational pursuits.

#1: Career advancement and job security

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in careers requiring a master’s degree is expected to increase 17% by 2026. Historical data shows that prospective employees who hold a master’s degree are more likely to find and maintain employment in uncertain economic periods.

Increasingly, a Master of Engineering degree has become more important for career advancement. Certain positions, such as roles in research and development, management and leadership, and academia, often require an advanced degree. It provides individuals with a competitive edge and opens doors to higher-level positions with increased responsibilities and, in most cases, better salary prospects.

#2: Advancing your technical skills and expertise

An engineering master's program provides advanced coursework and research opportunities that allow graduate students to develop a deeper understanding of complex engineering concepts. That, in turn, increases their technical skills set and helps them become more proficient in their chosen engineering field.

Many Master of Engineering programs often involve projects in which students work closely with faculty members and industry professionals to conduct research, develop new technologies, and contribute to transforming lives through scientific discoveries. This experience is not only intellectually stimulating, but it also creates a platform for innovation.

The Master of Engineering degree allows students to specialize in a specific area of engineering in their particular field of interest in order to gain advanced knowledge and skills. This specialization allows those who obtain a Master of Engineering degree to explore additional career opportunities and remain more competitive in the job market for years to come.

#3: Personal growth and connections

Pursuing a graduate engineering degree is personally fulfilling and intellectually challenging. It allows students to push their boundaries, engage in critical thinking, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their field. It can also provide a sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction.

Throughout the Master of Engineering course of study, there will be numerous opportunities for interacting and connecting with new and varied audiences. Taking advantage of opportunities to work with industry professionals, researchers, and fellow students who share similar interests provides a foundation for a lifetime of connectivity. These new connections with experts and practitioners in the field create the opportunity for collaboration, future employment, and access to a broader professional network. This connectivity is a key to future success; according to data provided by LinkedIn, 85% of open jobs are filled via direct referrals from the job seeker’s network.

The decision to pursue a Master of Engineering degree is ultimately about what is best for you and your future. It doesn’t matter if you are an undergraduate engineering student who is deciding what to do after graduation, or a working professional who is contemplating the next step in your career.

Pursuing an advanced degree is a personal decision that must align with your goals and aspirations and requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for reaching new heights. The rewards of pursuing a Master of Engineering degree range from career advancement to personal fulfillment and the chance to unlock a world of opportunities.