Texas University adds two online masters degree programs

Texas University adds two online masters degree programs

Professionals who work in engineering hold more than 1.6 million jobs, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports. These individuals earn some of the highest average starting salaries among all bachelors degree holders. Over the next eight years, engineering employment is expected to grow by 11 percent.

In order to meet the demands of this growing industry, many American colleges and universities are expanding their engineering degree programs. For example, the University of Texas (UT) at Tyler's Longview University Center recently announced that it will offer two new online engineering masters degree programs by next fall, according to News-Journal.com.

Students now have the option of earning an online masters of science degree in electrical engineering or mechanical engineering. Coursework for the electrical engineering program will focus on electric motors, machinery controls, lighting, and wiring in buildings, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, as well as power generation. The mechanical engineering curriculum is centered around the research, design, development and manufacture of tools, machines and other mechanical devices.

"We are expanding our offerings to meet the needs of students and bring more prospective [engineers] to UT Tyler," Peter Fos, UT Tyler provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, told the news source.

Through this and similar online programs, a working professional could complete a masters degree in less than three years as a part-time student.

The BLS reports that the average annual income for engineers was between $43,150 and $166,400 during the 2008-2009 fiscal year.

By Mark Danson