Master Degree: Material Engineering Degree and Programs

Materials engineers develop, process, and test the material that are used to make a huge variety of products, including computer chips, aircraft, skis, and clothing. Some even study materials at the atomic level and can recreate them with computers.

Unfortunately, only 4% employment growth is expected in material engineering in the near future, which could create intense competition for jobs. Those who specialize on nanomaterials and biomaterials should have the best career prospects, and that level of specialization typically requires a master's degree. Some employment growth may also occur in the professional, scientific, and technical services industries, yet those jobs, again, require a higher level of education.

A master's degree is also necessary to work in most research and development programs, to get a faculty position, and it's the best way to learn new technology. Some on-campus and online education programs offer a 5-year master's degree option, essentially combining a bachelor's and master's degree education into one continuous curriculum.