Online masters program launched to answer demand for materials engineers

Online masters program launched to answer demand for materials engineers

In response to its composite research partners' need for highly qualified professionals, the University of Southern Mississippi has created an online degree program in polymer science engineering, Composite World reports.

The masters degree program, which is slated to begin in the fall, will require students to complete a science-based curriculum that focuses on composites engineering. Online courses will target professionals who are currently employed by the polymer composites industry, including engineers and technical staff members.

School officials designed the program to meet the workforce needs of some of its partner companies, including Boeing, Northrop Grumman, ATK, GE Aviation, AFOSR and ONR. As a result, individuals who complete the program may have better chances of landing highly coveted jobs with these organizations.

In fact, career prospects for materials engineers who have completed similar campus-based or online masters programs are expected to be favorable in the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for these professionals is slated to increase by 8 percent over the next eight years.

By Stefanie Hughes